Is there any doubt that Matthews was a steal?

[Draco]

Kind of makes you wonder if Pritchard had a hand in identifying Mattews as a top free agent target and drafting the front loaded contract that got him here. Obviously, before the draft (and Pritchard's bizarre firing), KP would have known who the upcoming free agents were going to be and how much they could offer. Possible free agent signings could have also impacted who they would draft. Pritchard was the master of analyzing all possible scenarios. So, was Martell traded for the rights to Babbitt done because he thought the Blazers had a good chance to land Mattews to replace Webster? Seems rather likely to me.

It kind of makes me wonder if KP actually did anything KP took credit for.

 

[illmatic99]

It kind of makes me wonder if KP actually did anything KP took credit for.

He didn't actually "take" credit for much. He always cited his management/scouting team along with PA. It's just fans/media that tend to single out someone and give them all the credit or blame.

 

[MickZagger]

It's early in the season but watching him he really reminds me A LOT of Jimmy Jackson.

Thats a good comparison. I think Jackson might of had a little bit better all around game though. Very similar style wise and production though. I remember Jackson having a lot more hype.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

Interesting. You think most players that receive the MLE perform at the level Wes is currently performing? I'd have to disagree with that.

I would also disagree with Wes playing at the level that most MLE players perform. However, I think the MLE is a horribly inefficient tool and it would take Wes making the All-Star team to make me think he was a steal for what he is getting paid. Milsap is putting up stats that could possibly put him there.

 

[jlprk]

Pritchard was the master of analyzing all possible scenarios.

There's no evidence for that statement. He missed at least one scenario--the current one that he got us into.

 

[handiman]

Anyone know what the knock was on Matthews coming out of college? Gotta figure he had the same intensity and defensive effort - those are "intangibles" that don't tend to change much, if at all. Was he even more of a chucker back then, minus the ability to finish? Is it just that his shooting touch has improved to the point that his ball-hogging mentality is now a good thing?

I can see the Jimmy Jackson comparison, but my favorite is still Ron Artest minus the baggage.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

I heard he was targeted by KP.

Funny to hear from others when they say he was overpriced, it was Miller's decision. I think only Paul Allen knows for sure, just like the whole Patterson/KP draft debate.

 

[barfo]

There's no evidence for that statement. He missed at least one scenario--the current one that he got us into.

And the current one that he got himself into.

barfo

 

[Draco]

Anyone know what the knock was on Matthews coming out of college? Gotta figure he had the same intensity and defensive effort - those are "intangibles" that don't tend to change much, if at all. Was he even more of a chucker back then, minus the ability to finish? Is it just that his shooting touch has improved to the point that his ball-hogging mentality is now a good thing?

I can see the Jimmy Jackson comparison, but my favorite is still Ron Artest minus the baggage.

Here is his draft profile from NBAdraft.net and draftexpress.com

NBA Comparison: Damien Wilkins

Strengths: Powerful shooting guard with relentless/fearless nature ... Consistently attacks the paint seeking out contact ... Finishes strong and absorbs a bump ... Uses his left hand well to finish ... Makes a living at the free throw stripe attempting over 7 per game as a Senior ... Extremely efficient at the line as well converting 83% ... FG% increased in each of his four years ... Has demonstrated solid fundamentals on his jump shot with significant range ... Shot 37% from three last season ... Appears fairly comfortable in the post, taking advantage of his size and strength ... Dedicated worker on the defensive end ... Showed his ability to defend the ball in Marquette's pressure man to man scheme ... Excellent rebounder for a guard (5 per game for his career). Always around the ball on the offensive glass.

Weaknesses: His athletic ability will come into question for the next level ... Lack of explosion off the floor and elevation on his jumper are serious detriments to his game ... Ball handling must improve, especially when dribbling left ... Can be turnover prone at times, in large part to over-aggression and dribbling into waiting traffic ... Often attacks with his head down, perhaps as a result of lack of comfort with his handle ... Quickness is only adequate ... Has difficulty beating his man off the dribble- Relied on his power to get by defenders at the collegiate level.

 

[jlprk]

It criticizes his leaping, quickness, speed, and dribbling (3 times).

Weaknesses: His athletic ability will come into question for the next level ... Lack of explosion off the floor and elevation on his jumper are serious detriments to his game [leaping] ... Ball handling must improve, especially when dribbling left [dribbling] ... Can be turnover prone at times, in large part to over-aggression and dribbling into waiting traffic [dribbling]... Often attacks with his head down, perhaps as a result of lack of comfort with his handle [dribbling]... Quickness is only adequate [quickness]... Has difficulty beating his man off the dribble- Relied on his power to get by defenders at the collegiate level. [speed]

 

[handiman]

Here is his draft profile from NBAdraft.net and draftexpress.com

Thanks. Sounds like a pretty accurate summary, only his quickness was either underrated or he's improved tremendously in that area. Lack of explosion brings me back to the Ron Artest comparison. Scouts should have known that's not a deal killer for a strong player like that. I guess being compared to Damien Wilkins is the kiss of death for a draft prospect.

 

[Webster's Dictionary]

He still seems like a chucker, but I am giving him the benefit of the doubt because our offense is so pathetic.

I'll take a "chucker" that shoots .463. I hope he continues to improve, but I don't see him as a chucker at all. He is not as talented as a fully healthy Roy, for sure, but he's solid and will hopefully continue to improve.

 

[STOMP]

I can see the Jimmy Jackson comparison, but my favorite is still Ron Artest minus the baggage.

how does a young Mario Elie suit you?

STOMP

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

how does a young Mario Elie suit you?

STOMP

I like the Elie comparison but think Wes is just a notch better. Jackson was never the scrapper that Wes is and more of a prima donna. Think Artest without the baggage is giving entirely too much credit for his defense.

What about a Nick Anderson?

 

[Boob-No-More]

There's no evidence for that statement. He missed at least one scenario--the current one that he got us into.

Sorry, Nate was hired before Pritchard was GM. Can't blame him for that.

BNM

 

[Nate Dogg]

Without Wesley Matthews this team would suck so much worse than it already does.

I agree, W.Matthews is worth A.Johnson and Babbitt at this point with heart towards this team. I would trade both of them at this point for another PG type player. Matthew was a good investment.

 

[MickZagger]

how does a young Mario Elie suit you?

STOMP

I was young when Elie was a Blazer. But, my memories of him are mainly of nailing corner 3's.

 

[MickZagger]

I like the Elie comparison but think Wes is just a notch better. Jackson was never the scrapper that Wes is and more of a prima donna. Think Artest without the baggage is giving entirely too much credit for his defense.

What about a Nick Anderson?

He actually reminds me more of Anderson's college teammate. Kendall Gill.

 

[Natebishop3]

I was young when Elie was a Blazer. But, my memories of him are mainly of nailing corner 3's.

Yeah, I don't really see him as Elie.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

He actually reminds me more of Anderson's college teammate. Kendall Gill.

Kendall never shot the ball well from 3 and was a better distributor though.

Every white player that comes out seems to get the "poor man's" Larry Bird comparison.

How about a "rich man's" Damien Wilkens?

 

[STOMP]

I was young when Elie was a Blazer. But, my memories of him are mainly of nailing corner 3's.

he was a stout solid defender and just all around smart player too

http://www.basketball-reference.com...um=1&p1=eliema01&y1=2001&p2=matthwe02&y2=2011

STOMP

 

[handiman]

how does a young Mario Elie suit you?

STOMP

I see it physically, but not really in style of play. Elie was more finesse, less power.

 

[handiman]

Think Artest without the baggage is giving entirely too much credit for his defense.

Guys like Artest and Bowen weren't considered the best perimeter defender in the league early in their respective careers... It takes time to develop from a good defender to a great one. Matthews has the tools to be as good as Artest there. And they have extremely similar games elsewhere.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

Guys like Artest and Bowen weren't considered the best perimeter defender in the league early in their respective careers... It takes time to develop from a good defender to a great one. Matthews has the tools to be as good as Artest there. And they have extremely similar games elsewhere.

Ron was averaging twice as many steals the first two years of his career and could be put on just about anyone. He was an absolute terror. His defense was the only reason Pacer fans still miss him. The guy cracked Michael Jordan's ribs in a pick up game because MJ was trying to show him up. I will give Wes credit for getting to Ron's level when he gets there and not until then. Never think Wes will be able to be put on a PF though.

Offensively, I do see some similarities. They like the 3 and have some ability to get to the basket. Neither I would want to rely on consistently to close out ballgames. The huge differences there I see are that Artest is much better at posting up and Wes is far above Ron in the open court.

 

[mook]

I can see the Jimmy Jackson comparison, but my favorite is still Ron Artest minus the baggage.

Artest is about two inches taller and about 30-40lbs heavier. But they have somewhat similar games.

Because he's smaller, he seems a lot quicker than Artest, though.

 

[mook]

Of players in recent memory, he reminds me of Ruben Patterson with a brain, a conscience, and a high quality three point shot. That's a pretty damned nice player to have.

 

[barfo]

Of players in recent memory, he reminds me of Ruben Patterson with a brain, a conscience, and a high quality three point shot. That's a pretty damned nice player to have.

Ruben after he visited the Wizard of Oz.

Just he better watch out for the flying monkeys.

barfo

 

[oldguy]

His game reminds me of JR Rider, with defense, and without the nipple flashing.

Go Blazers