How about some love for Outlaw!?!

[BoomChakaLaka]

I completely understand many of the frustrations shared about Travis' game. But in all truth (ok, MY truth) he's our third best player on the team;


I'm speaking of intangibles -

Besides Roy, I think Travis is our only other go-to guy! He made some great shots with under a minute to play in many games.

He is one player who always leaves his heart out on the floor.

Yes, he's been a little like that TV commercial of the brown dog chasing the ball in the kitchen (I know!), but damn, the guy leaves it out there.

Best grin on the team! You all have to agree on that!

After Roy...best post-game interview! (ok, maybe I'm pushing it a bit - but who's any better?)

Got a vote for defensive player of the year..or was it sixth man of the year? I don't know...but the guy got a vote! Only Roy got votes!

Listen to me, Travis is on the team! He didn't get traded over the summer. He WON'T be getting traded anytime soon.


So let's throw out a little love for T.O.!!!!!

He's a BLAZER!

 

[Ed O]

He has a lot of holes in his game. He is about the only player on the team that consistently takes bad shots. He makes some of them, no doubt, but he doesn't create for others and he doesn't get to the free throw line.

If he is really the team's third-best player, and remains so, this team is in trouble.

Ed O.

 

[LameR]

I can't bring myself to do it.

I think he can help the team if he plays a fairly minor role, but he needs to understand that.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Third best scorer I can maybe see, but that changed the moment Andre Miller signed on the dotted line ... third best player? Uh, no. I'm not going to sit here and bash on the guy, he's a very productive player given his very modest salary and he has turned himself into quite the matchup problem for other power forwards, but that still doesn't change the fact that he's a tweener (too slow laterally to guard small forwards all game long and too skinny and undersized to hang with power forwards all game long). Hopefully he can give us some efficient production on this year's team and doesn't become a contract year distraction looking to get his versus trying to fit his game into a large team concept.

 

[BlazersBlood]

Sorry, not much love for Outlaw from here either. He's a great person, but that doesn't make him a better player.

The only thing he has going for him is his pull up jumper that is almost impossible to block. If that is not falling, he's a detriment to the team while he's on the floor.

 

[Wheels]

As long as Outlaw is on this team, I will root for him to succeed. I am one of the more patient fans (on here at least ) and Outlaw's decision making can downright irritate me most of the time. But when he takes those ill-advised fadeaways I dont think "what a dumbass" I hope that it goes in. Any Blazer that is here, I will always root to succeed because it the team. Hell I even got out of my seat once when Vladamir Stepania took a breakaway fast break dunk

 

[BlazerCaravan]

He has a lot of holes in his game. He is about the only player on the team that consistently takes bad shots. He makes some of them, no doubt, but he doesn't create for others and he doesn't get to the free throw line.

If he is really the team's third-best player, and remains so, this team is in trouble.

Ed O.

Thankfully, he's really about the 6th best player last year, behind Roy, LMA, Greg, Rudy, and Joel in PER with a 15.1 (among players who played more than 100 minutes). He's average. In fact, he's the everyman player. Takes some good shots, some bad ones. He's 6th on the team in win shares (5.0), 7th on the team in True Shooting % (.541... above LMA because Travis can shoot the 3).

He's not a hindrance to the team, but he's barely an asset. Which is just fine if (a) he's fine with coming off the bench and (b) doesn't demand fat sacks of cash come contract time.

We'll see how this goes in 09-10. Point B might spell trouble for Outlaw.

 

[Further]

(b) doesn't demand fat sacks of cash come contract time.

We'll see how this goes in 09-10. Point B might spell trouble for Outlaw.

No trouble. he is not central to the future, so if his demands are too high, let him go. If his demands are appropriate, he is a decent bench player. Or if some other team overvalues him, do a sign and trade.

I like Outlaw, but not as a key to the future. He is a good bench player with a ton of holes.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

No trouble. he is not central to the future, so if his demands are too high, let him go. If his demands are appropriate, he is a decent bench player. Or if some other team overvalues him, do a sign and trade.

I like Outlaw, but not as a key to the future. He is a good bench player with a ton of holes.

That why I meant it'd be trouble for Outlaw; we'll drop him if he asks for too much. Heck, we might drop him anyway if Martell or Cunningham turn out to be good to go off the bench.

 

[Jayps15]

Outlaw was the 3rd best player on the Trailblazers last year?

In terms of winshares produced per minute of playing time for players that played at least 1000 minutes, Outlaw was second to last on the list only beating Sergio, 8th overall on the team.

His offensive rating was again the worst of any player not named Sergio to play over 1000 minutes, and his defensive rating was tied for 2nd to last with the only person he outright beat being Blake.

And then there's 82games.com's Roland rating, where again Travis is 2nd to last(and actually has a -1.6) only beating out Sergio.

Andre Miller is better in all of those metrics except defensive rating, where he's 1 point per 100 possessions worse than Outlaw.

So with Sergio gone and Andre Miller added Outlaw is about 9th on the team, and the worst of any player to get over 1000 minutes of playing time.

 

[ODENISGOD]

Seriously this why I can't stand a lot of fans. I'm going to print this out and post it on my fridge to remind me about the kind of people that are actually arguing with me about blazer issues. You do know there is more to the game then scoring average right? You do know defense is 50% of the game right? You do know making teammates better is also important right? But your right he does have a great GRIN.???????? LOL, woooooow

 

[Sug]

We know what Outlaw is going to be for the majority of his career. He is a guy that can score, play below average defense, and jump out of the gym. He has added the 3-ball to his game which makes him a little more dangerous. He is not a starter, and seems to want to be better than he can be. If he plays well, we can trade him. If he does not workout then we don't re-sign him. At the end of the day, he is not an essential part of the team.

 

[Minstrel]

Outlaw is a nice luxury to have off the bench. He's not a strength as a starter, but he's a very nice weapon to have lurking on the bench. If Portland can trade him (perhaps in a package) for a really good player, great. If not, I'd be perfectly happy for Portland to keep him long-term as a reserve. Every championship team can use a pure scorer to come in and contribute energy and points when starters are getting rest. He's not quite as good as a prime Vinnie Johnson, but not far off that.

He definitely isn't Portland's third-best player, though. Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Przybilla and Fernandez are all more valuable. In future, Pryzbilla may not remain better than Outlaw, but Batum will likely surpass Outlaw and Bayless well could as he develops.

 

[Tyler_Hansbrough]

LMA isn't another go to guy?

I would rather play DC all of Outlaws minutes.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

LMA isn't another go to guy?

I would rather play DC all of Outlaws minutes.

By February, I'm sure either Pendergraph or Cunningham will be playing all of Outlaw's minutes, because Outlaw will be playing a bunch of minute in Memphis or something.

My bet is that all that's waiting on that trade is whether to send Martell with him for a SF, or to let Outlaw go it alone for a draft pick.

To be sure, I enjoyed Outlaw's game quite a bit, but his playoff performance problems really soured me on him.

 

[BenDavis503]

I like Outlaw and all, but he just messes up too much. We need to get serious.

 

[hasoos]

My guess is Outlaw will eventually lose his job due to the fact that unless he is scoring on the court, he is a total detriment. It will only take one of the other guys coming in and defending, rebounding and scrapping will endear themselves to Nate, and the coaching staff will never look in the rear view mirror again.

 

[RoyIsClutch07]

I completely understand many of the frustrations shared about Travis' game. But in all truth (ok, MY truth) he's our third best player on the team;


I'm speaking of intangibles -

Besides Roy, I think Travis is our only other go-to guy! He made some great shots with under a minute to play in many games.

He is one player who always leaves his heart out on the floor.

Yes, he's been a little like that TV commercial of the brown dog chasing the ball in the kitchen (I know!), but damn, the guy leaves it out there.

Best grin on the team! You all have to agree on that!

After Roy...best post-game interview! (ok, maybe I'm pushing it a bit - but who's any better?)

Got a vote for defensive player of the year..or was it sixth man of the year? I don't know...but the guy got a vote! Only Roy got votes!

Listen to me, Travis is on the team! He didn't get traded over the summer. He WON'T be getting traded anytime soon.


So let's throw out a little love for T.O.!!!!!

He's a BLAZER!

Travis ain't going anywhere. Unless he asks for a lot more than what he is worth for next year. I expect him to be a blazer 4 life.

 

[Eastoff]

no




i have wasted too much of my love on him!

 

[tlongII]

I like Travis, but he's not the 3rd best player on the team. Maybe 5th or 6th though.

 

[RISE WITH IT]

Trout baby!

 

[ebott]

As a big time Martell Webster honk I have no choice but to be anti-Outlaw.

 

[PapaG]

Who is Outlaw? I've never seen a thread dedicated to this mystery man prior to today.

 

[Samuel]

Most teams have guys like these. The top 10 guys on each team are pretty talented and capable of dropping 20-25 points if given enough shots. What separates the wheat from the chaff is some players' ability to do it every single night.

Outlaw is the former. He can blow up at any given moment, but can't do it consistently. This is why he's average and no more than a sparkplug player off the bench. At his current price he's totally worth it--but if he and his agent push for the next tier of contract, I can't see how Pritchard could justify the additional spend --especially given the slew of young Blazers about to get paid.

 

[STOMP]

warts and all, I like having Travis on the club. He excels in his role of spreading the court with solid 3 point shooting and being a go option for the 2nd unit. He also gets to the line as well as Aldridge and much more then any other Blazer forward. If his D was better he'd be a starter, but it's not so he's not... but he is dirt cheap.

If I've grown accustom to anything here it's the boards need to have a scapegoat to bag on, but heres to him having another solid season

STOMP

 

[SheedSoNasty]

I DO love how he was able to hit some really clutch shots down the stretch and even win a few for us. However, I also wonder about how much he may have hurt us because of some of his decision making.

As a glue guy and a human being, I have nothing but love for Travis. He's a great guy that deserves to be happy in life. However, I'm not sure how he'll fit here long term unless he can find a way to start rebounding at a higher clip and defending stronger players.

 

[STOMP]

I DO love how he was able to hit some really clutch shots down the stretch and even win a few for us. However, I also wonder about how much he may have hurt us because of some of his decision making.

I know that turnovers aren't a direct reflection of all the decisions that a player makes, but Travis averaged only 1.5 per 36 minutes last season. Thats a pretty low rate... in fact of the guys in the rotation only Batum and Joel averaged fewer.

STOMP

 

[BoomChakaLaka]

Seriously this why I can't stand a lot of fans. I'm going to print this out and post it on my fridge to remind me about the kind of people that are actually arguing with me about blazer issues. You do know there is more to the game then scoring average right? You do know defense is 50% of the game right? You do know making teammates better is also important right? But your right he does have a great GRIN.???????? LOL, woooooow

I did not reference his scoring average. If I emphasized anything (besides his grin, LOL) was his heart and hustle.

Sometimes a "team" needs such a player. The Birdman in Denver brings this to his team, for example. No, I'm not comparing the two players! Just comparing what each brings when they step onto the hardwood.

My point to my thread was a simple one: Blazer fans - cheer on our players and show them some love. Travis brings certain qualities to the team that are valuable.

He was 5-5 on game winning shots in 08-09. That equates to 5 wins. If the ball is not in Roy's hands - I'd still give it to Outlaw over LMA, Rudy, Pryz, Oden, Blake...or Miller. I'm hoping that LMA will soon be the number 2 go-to guy, but Travis has a jumper that cannot be contested.

I realize Travis will not be a starter on the Blazers - barrng injury - but I, for one, will be cheering him on for as long as he wears black and red.

PS: As of today, I'd take Travis over Webster. Both have much to prove - and Webster very well may have the bigger upside - but this is to be seen.

In summation:

Go Travis!

Go Blazers!

It is going to be a fun 09-10 season!

I predict 58 wins.

 

[BrianFromWA]

I did not reference his scoring average. If I emphasized anything (besides his grin, LOL) was his heart and hustle.

Sometimes a "team" needs such a player. The Birdman in Denver brings this to his team, for example. No, I'm not comparing the two players! Just comparing what each brings when they step onto the hardwood.

My point to my thread was a simple one: Blazer fans - cheer on our players and show them some love. Travis brings certain qualities to the team that are valuable.

He was 5-5 on game winning shots in 08-09. That equates to 5 wins. If the ball is not in Roy's hands - I'd still give it to Outlaw over LMA, Rudy, Pryz, Oden, Blake...or Miller. I'm hoping that LMA will soon be the number 2 go-to guy, but Travis has a jumper that cannot be contested.

I realize Travis will not be a starter on the Blazers - barrng injury - but I, for one, will be cheering him on for as long as he wears black and red.

PS: As of today, I'd take Travis over Webster. Both have much to prove - and Webster very well may have the bigger upside - but this is to be seen.

In summation:

Go Travis!

Go Blazers!

It is going to be a fun 09-10 season!

I predict 58 wins.

I'm the heartless Outlaw hater, and as such can't just let some of these claims go by. That said, I would be ecstatic if Travis showed he cared about anything on the floor more than his "wet" jumper, or shooting enough to be an All-Star. I haven't seen that "heart and hustle" yet. If I did we probably wouldn't be having this conversation. Webs at least redefined his game from his own expectations to what Nate wanted, whether you think he sucks at those redefinitions or not.

Based on 82games.com, the 5-5 was in 07-08, not last year. Here's what Hollinger says about that season:

Outlaw relied on the J as much as any player in basketball, with nearly half his attempts on the season being long two-pointers. In fact, the only players to attempt more midrange jumpers than Outlaw were Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady (see Marvin Williams' comment). That's the entire list. And as a proportion of total shot attempts, Outlaw blew those two guys away.

The benefit to this approach was it allowed Outlaw to create shots without turning the ball over -- he was sixth among small forwards in usage rate and 14th in turnover ratio. The drawbacks, however, were twofold. First, those aren't high-percentage looks, as his TS% of 49.9 reveals. Second, he wasn't creating shots for anybody else, finishing with the fifth worst assist ratio at his position.

Then his assist rate went down another 10% last year, while his turnover ratio held steady and his true FG% went up to 54%.
The other 5 years of his career he's a combined 1-2 in game winners. That's not to discount the 5-5, but I'd submit that it's a small sample size--look at his "clutch play" as a better metric (for instance, other "clutch" players by this stat include Flip Murray (4-4), David Lee (4-5) and Eddy Curry (5-7)). In the 82games.com definition:

4th quarter or overtime, less than 5 minutes left, neither team ahead by more than 5 points

his FG% goes from 45% to 39%, his 3pt % goes from 37% to 20%, his FT% goes from 72% to 66%, his turnovers go up by 50% (from 1.2 to 1.8 TO/48) and he didn't have a single assist in 139 minutes.

As far as a "jumper that cannot be contested", whether it's blocked or not it goes in 41% of the time.

When he's on the floor, I cheer for him unless he does something really dumb. But my hope is that he isn't on the floor 28mpg again this year. And the only things stopping these guys from over 60 wins are injuries or poor gameplanning.

 

[BoomChakaLaka]

I'm the heartless Outlaw hater, and as such can't just let some of these claims go by. That said, I would be ecstatic if Travis showed he cared about anything on the floor more than his "wet" jumper, or shooting enough to be an All-Star. I haven't seen that "heart and hustle" yet. If I did we probably wouldn't be having this conversation. Webs at least redefined his game from his own expectations to what Nate wanted, whether you think he sucks at those redefinitions or not.

Based on 82games.com, the 5-5 was in 07-08, not last year. Here's what Hollinger says about that season: Then his assist rate went down another 10% last year, while his turnover ratio held steady and his true FG% went up to 54%.
The other 5 years of his career he's a combined 1-2 in game winners. That's not to discount the 5-5, but I'd submit that it's a small sample size--look at his "clutch play" as a better metric (for instance, other "clutch" players by this stat include Flip Murray (4-4), David Lee (4-5) and Eddy Curry (5-7)). In the 82games.com definition: his FG% goes from 45% to 39%, his 3pt % goes from 37% to 20%, his FT% goes from 72% to 66%, his turnovers go up by 50% (from 1.2 to 1.8 TO/48) and he didn't have a single assist in 139 minutes.

As far as a "jumper that cannot be contested", whether it's blocked or not it goes in 41% of the time.

When he's on the floor, I cheer for him unless he does something really dumb. But my hope is that he isn't on the floor 28mpg again this year. And the only things stopping these guys from over 60 wins are injuries or poor gameplanning.

Really, I don't disagree with your points - only your sentiment! I have similar points to make about Webster's play - but can't wait to cheer him on!


Truth is, by the trade deadline, I hope that Travis, Webs and Batum have all improved their games - and that (in a package deal with PlayLess - oops, Bayless) can land us a premier SF!

Until then!