Designated scapegoat?

[BBert]

We all know there is a segment of Blazer "fans", who demand a scapegoat. Somebody on the team must be the antichrist and take the blame for everything that goes wrong.

It used to be Sheed, then Zach. Last season, Jack auditioned for the part - but he was traded. So who is the new victim? Will it be Nate, or a player? If a player, which one do you think it will be?

My prediction is Bayless. On the one hand, he is one of the more talented players on the team, and he will likely get significant playing time. OTOH, he is young and adjusting to a new role....which means there are bound to be rough patches. I would say the next most likely is LMA. I can easily see people resurrecting the Sheed argument - ie "He could be as good as Duncan or KG if he just worked harder!"

Hey now. I personally never ragged on Sheed or Zach, although I did recognize Zach's strengths and weaknesses. But I was all over Jarrett Jack. I'm so glad he was traded: The Blazers are soooo much better with Bayless, Rudy, and an improved Sergio (yes, I think Sergio will be much better than last year -- although he may not sniff the court).

I don't think Bayless will be scape-goated. Too young. Blake is steady and I don't think he'll underperform from people's expectations. Probably Martell or Travis if either falters. I hope it isn't anyone. We have enough good players now that someone who shouldn't be on the court (aka Jack), won't be.

Go Blazers.

 

[oldguy]

I"m betting Joel. I think we'll hear a lot of bullcrap about him not being a scorer, and makes SOOOOO much money.

 

[Tortimer]

It looks like Outlaw and Bayless our the scapegoats this year. I can see why with how Outlaw has started out playing these first couple games but I think Bayless didn't play that bad with trying to learn the PG position. I have a feeling unless one or both start having big games soon these are going to be this years scapegoats.

 

[BrianFromWA]

they also, coincidentally, are the two "available" names that all the GMs are starting to know. Of course we're not trading the Big Three (though LMA+ for Lebron...nevermind), but everyone gets that Travis was a clutch scorer last year, and Bayless couldn't be stopped at SL.

Would you rather have Bayless or, say, Nash or Billups? Would you rather have Outlaw or, say, Prince or Battier or Adam Morrison (j/k, threw that out there to see who's paying attention) Gerald Wallace?

 

[Ed O]

they also, coincidentally, are the two "available" names that all the GMs are starting to know. Of course we're not trading the Big Three (though LMA+ for Lebron...nevermind), but everyone gets that Travis was a clutch scorer last year, and Bayless couldn't be stopped at SL.

Would you rather have Bayless or, say, Nash or Billups? Would you rather have Outlaw or, say, Prince or Battier or Adam Morrison (j/k, threw that out there to see who's paying attention) Gerald Wallace?

Gerald Wallace would be a fascinating addition to this team... he doesn't bring the perimeter shooting we'd all love but he's strong and athletic and might develop into a ridiculous defensive player. Plus he makes a ton of money on a bad team, and Portland's a franchise that can afford to take on his contract while sending value back to Charlotte.

Ed O.

 

[andalusian]

Gerald Wallace would be a fascinating addition to this team... he doesn't bring the perimeter shooting we'd all love but he's strong and athletic and might develop into a ridiculous defensive player. Plus he makes a ton of money on a bad team, and Portland's a franchise that can afford to take on his contract while sending value back to Charlotte.

He also brings the kind of injury history we have come to appreciate on this team

But I agree, he sure is an interesting prospect for this team.

 

[TradeNurkicNow]

Given the Outlaw hate already cropping up on the forum, I'm guessing it will be him.

Runners up include Bayless, Nate and Sergio.

 

[Natebishop3]

Gerald Wallace would be a fascinating addition to this team... he doesn't bring the perimeter shooting we'd all love but he's strong and athletic and might develop into a ridiculous defensive player. Plus he makes a ton of money on a bad team, and Portland's a franchise that can afford to take on his contract while sending value back to Charlotte.

Ed O.

I would love to get Wallace.

 

[Draco]

Afflalo

 

[BlazerCaravan]

2008-2009 - Outlaw
2009-2010 - LaMarcus
2011-2012 - Felton
2012-2013 - Hickson
2013-2014 - Leonard
2014-2015 - Afflalo
2015-2016 - LeBron