Ed Davis (The fifth annual Luke Walton All-Stars)

[Strenuus]

They've all had girlfriends...we're not signing virgins...this is Ed's 4th team...I've got an ex...yet I've been happily married for 28 years and still going strong. Projecting failure usually ends up with....failure

You missed the complete psychological aspect of that. Damnit, riverman. Dig deeper!

That, and we're not talking about THEM as players, we're talking about US as fans!

GRAAAAH!

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm not pissy at all Nate...I'm just looking ahead and responding to my own observations about exactly what the Blazers are trying to do...let me ask you...do you doubt Lillard's repeated claims that he wants to play his whole career here because basketball is a business? He didn't put any clauses in the contract that would give him an out if he wanted to bail....that's not what a shrewd businessman would do but what a loyal employee might.

I think Dame is a smart guy. I think he watched Aldridge bail, so he signed for the most money he could and said all the right things. That's great, and I hope he does stay here for the rest of his career. I really like Dame as a player and as a person (from what I know of him). With that said, the rubber meets the road in five seasons, after this contract runs out. Will he stay when he's not a restricted free agent or will he go to a bigger market? I guess we shall see.

 

[riverman]

I also have context that most of the people on this board do not. I have interviewed NBA players. I know what it sounds like when they're in "Media mode" and when they're saying the right thing. They all do it. That doesn't mean they're lying all the time, but it's extremely rare to find a player who speaks candidly.

Now we're talking assumptions....it's a long list of players that spent the best years of their careers with one team. I think extremely rare is a bit sensationalized.

 

[Strenuus]

Now we're talking assumptions....it's a long list of players that the best years of their careers with one team. I think extremely rare is a bit sensationalized.

His is more of an educated guess than an assumption.

 

[Strenuus]

I think Dame is a smart guy. I think he watched Aldridge bail, so he signed for the most money he could and said all the right things. That's great, and I hope he does stay here for the rest of his career. I really like Dame as a player and as a person (from what I know of him). With that said, the rubber meets the road in five seasons, after this contract runs out. Will he stay when he's not a restricted free agent or will he go to a bigger market? I guess we shall see.

I agree that in 5 years we'll see. However, I don't agree with the assertion that he signed because of what Aldridge did, or for some PR love.

 

[BlayZa]

Nice read, summed up Phys-Ed perfectly.

and also Meyers.

 

[Natebishop3]

Now we're talking assumptions....it's a long list of players that spent the best years of their careers with one team. I think extremely rare is a bit sensationalized.

Why are you attributing that statement to player longevity? I'm saying it's extremely rare to find a player who speaks candidly to the media, and in all my years covering the team, I only met a handful. Dale Davis was one. Nick Van Exel was another. Theo Ratliff could be candid, but not all the time. Davis was by far the best interview though. He had no filter.

 

[riverman]

His is more of an educated guess than an assumption.

I respect everybody's opinions around here, but being someone who really has bought into what we're doing here, I prefer the optimistic approach. I think we homers too often get cast into this stereotype of fans who just don't see the whole picture. Balance is important. I learn something all the time from you guys and your take on the team but being a fan that prefers positive affirmation is not a character flaw, contrary to a lot of opinions

 

[riverman]

Why are you attributing that statement to player longevity? I'm saying it's extremely rare to find a player who speaks candidly to the media, and in all my years covering the team, I only met a handful. Dale Davis was one. Nick Van Exel was another. Theo Ratliff could be candid, but not all the time. Davis was by far the best interview though. He had no filter.

Nate, I believe what Ed Davis and Damian Lillard say in interviews until I have a reason not to....sorry you had such a bad experience covering the team back then....I can't really comment on that

 

[Natebishop3]

Nate, I believe what Ed Davis and Damian Lillard say in interviews until I have a reason not to....sorry you had such a bad experience covering the team back then....I can't really comment on that

It's not a bad experience. It's just reality. It's an old joke about players giving interviews, and this movie was before twitter, youtube, and the internet.

 

[Strenuus]

I respect everybody's opinions around here, but being someone who really has bought into what we're doing here, I prefer the optimistic approach. I think we homers too often get cast into this stereotype of fans who just don't see the whole picture. Balance is important. I learn something all the time from you guys and your take on the team but being a fan that prefers positive affirmation is not a character flaw, contrary to a lot of opinions

I think everyone sees the whole picture. They just tear off the sides they don't want to see like it's an ex in a picture.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I also have context that most of the people on this board do not. I have interviewed NBA players. I know what it sounds like when they're in "Media mode" and when they're saying the right thing. They all do it. That doesn't mean they're lying all the time, but it's extremely rare to find a player who speaks candidly.

I think it's probably more of the case that that is how Ed felt at the time he was being interviewed - he wanted to be a Blazer for Life. That doesn't mean feelings don't change - I'm sure he wasn't in "media mode", though I'm also sure that you are right that such a thing exists, and is indeed common.

 

[Strenuus]

I think it's probably more of the case that that is how Ed felt at the time he was being interviewed - he wanted to be a Blazer for Life. That doesn't mean feelings don't change - I'm sure he wasn't in "media mode", though I'm also sure that you are right that such a thing exists, and is indeed common.

The norm, I'd say.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I understand that you can't get any time of realistic feel for a player's ability by looking at a youtube video, but I've loved Ed Davis since watching this video:

 

[riverman]

Who said anything about Centers?

maybe I misunderstood "big stars" in your post

 

[Natebishop3]

The norm, I'd say.

I actually saw Derek Anderson snap out of media mode once. It was the last game of the season, and DA was easily one of the most guarded with the media (Jordan Brand). He always had the most vanilla thing to say and would never say anything bad or controversial. He would get this robotic look on his face when he was being interviewed. Anyway, it was the last game of the season, and the players were cleaning out their lockers. I went up to him as he was about to leave and said something like "Good season DA, have a nice break." And he started to mumble something and walk past me, and then he stopped, turned around, his face completely changed and softened, and he said, "thanks man, I appreciate it." He shook my hand and walked out. It was just funny to see the stark contrast.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

That's a pretty big assumption. Maybe we offered the most money? Maybe Neil was his first call? There wasn't any indication that:

A) He approached us.

Or

B) We beat out another team for his services.

Funny, I actually interpreted riverman's post completely differently. I thought he was saying that the article about Davis highlights how the Blazers' organization is doing a good job of identifying where players can be--and putting them in positions to be--successful, and that that would be another thing that might make our organization a more attractive destination. Sure it rains in Portland. Sure our state income tax is high. But if you want an opportunity to maximize your talent, Portland is a great place to sign.

Based on the argument that followed, it appeared that wasn't what riverman was trying to say, but I don't think it's an unreasonable take.

 

[Strenuus]

I actually saw Derek Anderson snap out of media mode once. It was the last game of the season, and DA was easily one of the most guarded with the media (Jordan Brand). He always had the most vanilla thing to say and would never say anything bad or controversial. He would get this robotic look on his face when he was being interviewed. Anyway, it was the last game of the season, and the players were cleaning out their lockers. I went up to him as he was about to leave and said something like "Good season DA, have a nice break." And he started to mumble something and walk past me, and then he stopped, turned around, his face completely changed and softened, and he said, "thanks man, I appreciate it." He shook my hand and walked out. It was just funny to see the stark contrast.

That's actually a cool story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Natebishop3]

Funny, I actually interpreted riverman's post completely differently. I thought he was saying that the article about Davis highlights how the Blazers' organization is doing a good job of identifying where players can be--and putting them in positions to be--successful, and that that would be another thing that might make our organization a more attractive destination. Sure it rains in Portland. Sure our state income tax is high. But if you want an opportunity to maximize your talent, Portland is a great place to sign.

Based on the argument that followed, it appeared that wasn't what riverman was trying to say, but I don't think it's an unreasonable take.

Saying "that might make our organization a more attractive destination," is quite a bit different than saying that it "is a more desirable destination."

 

[riverman]

Funny, I actually interpreted riverman's post completely differently. I thought he was saying that the article about Davis highlights how the Blazers' organization is doing a good job of identifying where players can be--and putting them in positions to be--successful, and that that would be another thing that might make our organization a more attractive destination. Sure it rains in Portland. Sure our state income tax is high. But if you want an opportunity to maximize your talent, Portland is a great place to sign.

Based on the argument that followed, it appeared that wasn't what riverman was trying to say, but I don't think it's an unreasonable take.

actually it was part of what I was trying to say

 

[noknobs]

"...and Davis in turn has streamlined Leonard's addled thought process on defense."

Haha, best part of the article.

 

[Draco]

I hear what you're saying, but you're talking about role players or fringe starters or people on their first contracts (Vonleh for example)

But, the marquee guys ARE going to want things tailored to them... how MSG and that place in Southern california can offer. The marquee guys are looking for money over system until they realize they need to chase the rings if they haven't yet. Unless they have already been with the franchise for years (think the Spurs), They (the marquee players) are either going to go and recruit people to come to a city with them (Ala Miami) or go to the highest bidder that matches their lifestyle (or is close to family), like LMA... even though we did OFFER more (A year and millions), he wanted to be in Texas... his lifestyle and family.

Unless Dame starts recruiting, which I think he can, for that marquee player to come here, I do not know if it's possible. It sucks, but it may be a reality we have to come to grips with, if we haven't already.

Are teams better signing all-star marquee free agents?

LeBron won on the Heat super team, but before that the only team I see winning is Shaq 16 years ago with the Lakers. I just don't see many champs that built a title contender with a stud free agent.

The Knicks will always have a meeting with every free agent; but they haven't won a title since 1974 and often have been the joke of the league.

Chasing all stars in free agency might not be as useful to building a contender as often is assumed.

What we do see a lot of with contenders is smart trades or role playing free agent signings.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Saying "that might make our organization a more attractive destination," is quite a bit different than saying that it "is a more desirable destination."

Way to be pedantic. He also qualified his statement by saying "for emerging players looking to fit in with a style of play that puts them in position to succeed," suggesting that if a player wants that, then Portland is a desirable option.

Context is key. Read the statement in context and it's not hard to figure out what he meant.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

That's a pretty big assumption. Maybe we offered the most money? Maybe Neil was his first call? There wasn't any indication that:

A) He approached us.

Or

B) We beat out another team for his services.

Not sure about A but B is true. So riverman isn't wrong (although he could be embelishing things a little).

Olshey mentioned it in an interview. If I can find it I will post it.

The question came up on why would he (Olshey) sign Ed Davis before knowing whether LMA would be back (Davis was signed a few days or more before LMA finally said no to POR). His answer was a two parter. Basically part one was something along the lines of other teams were pushing hard for Ed to make a decision and so we (POR) couldn't make Ed wait any longer to put off his decision (so we had major competition) and part two was that Davis (like a lot of guys Olshey went for) could play with or without LMA so he went for it and signed him early.

 

[Strenuus]

Are teams better signing all-star marquee free agents?

LeBron won on the Heat super team, but before that the only team I see winning is Shaq 16 years ago with the Lakers. I just don't see many champs that built a title contender with a stud free agent.

The Knicks will always have a meeting with every free agent; but they haven't won a title since 1974 and often have been the joke of the league.

Chasing all stars in free agency might not be as useful to building a contender as often is assumed.

What we do see a lot of with contenders is smart trades or role playing free agent signings.

I am not disagreeing with you on that, I am just talking about the mere prospect of getting a marquee free agent and the process of it.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

What is the point of all you arguing whether players want to sign here or not? Is it fun?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

What is the point of all you arguing whether players want to sign here or not? Is it fun?

For most who love to repeatedly tell us all that we can't/won't get decent free agents, I suspect it's more about being right than having fun.

 

[Natebishop3]

Way to be pedantic. He also qualified his statement by saying "for emerging players looking to fit in with a style of play that puts them in position to succeed," suggesting that if a player wants that, then Portland is a desirable option.

Context is key. Read the statement in context and it's not hard to figure out what he meant.

How is that pedantic? It's not a small detail.

One is a statement that a fan on a message board can easily make. The team might be more attractive to young guys who want to prove themselves based on how well we have done with Davis/Harkless/etc.

The other statement is presented as a fact. Portland IS more desirable to young players who want to prove themselves. How do we know whether it is or is not more desirable? Do you know very many young NBA players who are thinking about signing with Portland because they want a chance to prove themselves? Outside of an interview from Davis, what other evidence is there that his statement is a fact?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

How is that pedantic? It's not a small detail.

One is a statement that a fan on a message board can easily make. The team might be more attractive to young guys who want to prove themselves based on how well we have done with Davis/Harkless/etc.

The other statement is presented as a fact. Portland IS more desirable to young players who want to prove themselves. How do we know whether it is or is not more desirable? Do you know very many young NBA players who are thinking about signing with Portland because they want a chance to prove themselves? Outside of an interview from Davis, what other evidence is there that his statement is a fact?

It's pedantic because it's easy to understand what he was trying to say--that Portland is a good place for players to choose if they want an opportunity to make the most of their opportunity--and you're making it out to be a declarative statement about NBA players' interests based on riverman's usage of the word "is" instead of "should be", or "could be", or "might be".

You accused him of making assumptions regarding Davis' (or other NBA players') view on the desirability of Portland as a free agent destination, but I would posit that your assumptions on riverman's point were equally egregious.

 

[Natebishop3]

It's pedantic because it's easy to understand what he was trying to say--that Portland is a good place for players to choose if they want an opportunity to make the most of their opportunity--and you're making it out to be a declarative statement about NBA players' interests based on riverman's usage of the word "is" instead of "should be", or "could be", or "might be".

You accused him of making assumptions regarding Davis' (or other NBA players') view on the desirability of Portland as a free agent destination, but I would posit that your assumptions on riverman's point were equally egregious.

No, he didn't say that Portland is a good place for players to choose, he said desirable. Using the word desirable assumes that you know what the other people are thinking.

By that rationale, if I think I'm an eligible dude, does that mean that I can say I am desirable to super models? I have a decent job. I'm not a bad looking guy. I would treat them well, therefore I AM desirable to supermodels because my calculations say so.