It's Clear, This Team Needs A....

[ABM]

2nd go-to guy. Roy is all we have during late-game situations

LMA doesn't have that mentality

Miller doesn't have the offensive tools

Bayless isn't ready for prime-time

Oden isn't ready for prime-time

Outlaw is too schizo - plus, relatively one-dimensional

Martell doesn't have the mentality - plus, relatively one-dimensional

Rudy is too one-dimensional

Blake is too one-dimensional

Batum isn't a scorer

Howard is spare parts


Have I missed anybody??

KP is gonna have his hands full this summer, if not sooner.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Last season and two seasons ago, Outlaw did fine as the 2nd go-to guy in the fourth quarter. I'm not sure if we've all just forgotten this or if his absence has simply made disregarding him easier.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I agree. Since his rookie year I've said LaMarcus is a third option. You have a killer instinct or you don't. LMA doesn't.

This is why I've always liked the Amare rumors. He's the perfect threat next to Roy.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Go to go guys don't exactly grow on trees, but I do agree to a certain extent. Right now the only player we have who really excels in end of game situations where you have to get a score is Roy. Jerryd has great potential but still doesn't recognize situations well enough to be a consistent closer (and the hot or cold nature of his jumper doesn't help.)

 

[ABM]

Last season and two seasons ago, Outlaw did fine as the 2nd go-to guy in the fourth quarter. I'm not sure if we've all just forgotten this or if his absence has simply made disregarding him easier.

Personally, I think he's too streaky. He's shot us out of games, as well.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Outlaw is a spark off the bench.

We need a legit second option.

 

[Luther]

Miller has been pretty consistent as a 2nd go to guy. He can't shoot from the outside but his ability to get to the line has been just as valuable.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Miller has been pretty consistent as a 2nd go to guy. He can't shoot from the outside but his ability to get to the line has been just as valuable.

He's too similar to Roy in that he needs the ball. He's a drive and kick guard.

LaMarcus is best suited as a pick-and-pop guy. When he creates for himself it's not pretty. He rarely draws fouls and always ends up fading away from the hoop rather than attacking.

 

[Natebishop3]

If Jerryd were a dead-eye shooter, I would say he could easily be our second guy.

 

[EGame]

I think Jerryd can eventually come into this role. His jumper is either on or off, but when it is on like the recent Philly game then he is a Roy-lite. I think he will grow into a player who can get a consistent shot (not necessairly great, but decent and consistent) and hopefully turn it on in the fourth and become near automatic. This is only his second year (and really his first year actually getting a chance to play). Another player is Oden, his offense/hook shot isn't exactly automatic yet so he isn't quite the feed him player on every possession, however, he showed a lot of promise before he got injured.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Oden is a ways away from being go-to caliber.

 

[STOMP]

Last season and two seasons ago, Outlaw did fine as the 2nd go-to guy in the fourth quarter. I'm not sure if we've all just forgotten this or if his absence has simply made disregarding him easier.

boy they could have used Outlaw or Bayless at the end of last nights game. I'm fine with Portland's overall stock of guys who can separate for a good look, it's just that they're all currently out.

STOMP

 

[RoyToy]

You guys are over thinking it. The team is fine on offense. It wasn't too long ago there weren't enough touches to go around. Remember that Outlaw guy? As up and down as he is, he can still create his own offense, just like Miller/Oden/Aldridge and of course Roy.

What's clear is this team needs to stay healthy. That's the main thing holding them back.

 

[EGame]

You guys are over thinking it. The team is fine on offense. It wasn't too long ago there weren't enough touches to go around. Remember that Outlaw guy? As up and down as he is, he can still create his own offense, just like Miller/Oden/Aldridge and of course Roy.

What's clear is this team needs to stay healthy. That's the main thing holding them back.

And Bayless...

 

[BrianFromWA]

You guys are over thinking it. The team is fine on offense. It wasn't too long ago there weren't enough touches to go around. Remember that Outlaw guy? As up and down as he is, he can still create his own offense, just like Miller/Oden/Aldridge and of course Roy.

What's clear is this team needs to stay healthy. That's the main thing holding them back.

Disagree. For 52 minutes and 20 seconds yesterday, they were fine. The "main thing holding them back" over the last few weeks has been their fascinating ability to choke away leads in the 4th quarter and overtime. You know, what used to be one of Nate's strengths.

 

[KingSpeed]

ABM, as was already said-

Travis Outlaw.

Before he went down, he was a VERY effective go to guy in the 4th quarter, having hit many game winning shots over the last several seasons.

 

[Rhal]

ABM, as was already said-

Travis Outlaw.

Before he went down, he was a VERY effective go to guy in the 4th quarter, having hit many game winning shots over the last several seasons.

Last year we were so deadly in the fourth because of how much Outlaw/Roy scored in the fourth. Definatly agree with you that it seems like were missing both of those guys (especially outlaw since he has been out since the 8th game) in the fourth no matter how hot miller/webster/aldridge get at the end of the game.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Disagree. For 52 minutes and 20 seconds yesterday, they were fine. The "main thing holding them back" over the last few weeks has been their fascinating ability to choke away leads in the 4th quarter and overtime. You know, what used to be one of Nate's strengths.

Yes, let's blame Nate.

 

[BrianFromWA]

Wait, was it or was it not supposed to be one of Nate's strengths our record in close games and scoring out of timeouts? I must be confused. We HAVE choked away games recently. We're blaming Monty now?

 

[LameR]

If he was healthy, it would definitely be Outlaw. We need someone else to emerge, I'm betting a combo of Miller, Bayless (attacking the rim), Aldridge and Webster (when they're hot) depending on the day.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Wait, was it or was it not supposed to be one of Nate's strengths our record in close games and scoring out of timeouts? I must be confused. We HAVE choked away games recently. We're blaming Monty now?

I think we're choking leads late because we're tied and depleted. Or that teams don't scout us well but adjust in the second half. Or that opponents don't take our MASH unit seriously until the end when they exert just enough effort to win.

I think it's not really fair to blame Nate for not having the tools he had when he was getting great post-timeout and late game performance.

The best part of this, I'm realizing, is that, despite all the complaining, your complaints won't change a thing. You wail and bitch and moan about Nate, but (a) we're still winning and (b) he won't be fired. I love it. I fucking love that you're completely impotent in this situation, but still whining about it. It gives me a small shiver of joy to see you effectively helpless, twisting in frustration and anger over something so far out of your control. If you had tears, I'd collect them and use the salt as a seasoning. I enjoy Nate-hater pain that much.

 

[PHXBlazer1]

Outlaw, Bayless, Rudy, Miller, Aldridge and Webster have all made clutch shots and/or FT's in end-of-game situations. If Oden(healthy) gets deep post position he will score or get fouled. You could argue that we have more 2nd "go-to-guys" than any other team in the league (when healthy).

 

[ABM]

Miller was in (put into) that situation last night. He took command of the situation, drew the foul, then calmly nailed both free throws.

That was nice to see.

 

[BenDavis503]

I think Miller is a perfectly capable 2nd option. What, he is averaging 20 a game this month? He can score. And knows how.

Bayless is also a close to 2nd option. More so than Aldridge. IMO

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Since Roy was out Aldridge still blended rather than becoming a force. When he's not popping or rolling he's ineffective.

 

[STOMP]

Since Roy was out Aldridge still blended rather than becoming a force. When he's not popping or rolling he's ineffective.

except of course when he's poking away entry passes to seal a victory... right?

Dude isn't setting the world on fire, but this month playing through injury he's posted 16 points on 50% with 8 boards while guarding the other team's top post player. They've been winning games too... seems an odd thing for a fan to be upset about.

STOMP

 

[LittleAlex]

It seems like they just need the 3 or 4 guys who trade off as the second go to guy need to all be willing to take a big shot. Actually, there shouldn't be a player out there who isn't willing to take such a shot.

I think they watched the tape of the end of the Boston game and realized if someone had been willing to shoot they would have won. It didn't seem like it was a problem against Detroit. Maybe it's a lesson they took to heart?

 

[Shooter]

I am thoroughly disgusted with Aldridge's game. I had high hopes for him originally, but it's clear that he has no real passion to win--and would rather just hoist up jump shots all day long. He's basically the second coming of Rashweed Wallace, and I'm ready to see him traded for the first good offer.

 

[MickZagger]

I am thoroughly disgusted with Aldridge's game. I had high hopes for him originally, but it's clear that he has no real passion to win--and would rather just hoist up jump shots all day long. He's basically the second coming of Rashweed Wallace, and I'm ready to see him traded for the first good offer.

Except Rasheed was leaned on to be the go-to scorer on the Blazers year in and year out. Aldridge has the advantage of playing second (or even third) fiddle on offense and its all we need. You don't need a 20-10 PF to win an NBA title.

 

[BrianFromWA]

I think we're choking leads late because we're tied and depleted. Or that teams don't scout us well but adjust in the second half. Or that opponents don't take our MASH unit seriously until the end when they exert just enough effort to win.

I think it's not really fair to blame Nate for not having the tools he had when he was getting great post-timeout and late game performance.

The best part of this, I'm realizing, is that, despite all the complaining, your complaints won't change a thing. You wail and bitch and moan about Nate, but (a) we're still winning and (b) he won't be fired. I love it. I fucking love that you're completely impotent in this situation, but still whining about it. It gives me a small shiver of joy to see you effectively helpless, twisting in frustration and anger over something so far out of your control. If you had tears, I'd collect them and use the salt as a seasoning. I enjoy Nate-hater pain that much.

I'm glad you get joy from it. Somewhere an angel got a wing or something.

I "wail, bitch and moan about Nate", am proven correct, you don't get it, so let's just move on, ok? Your reach-arounds to Nate don't bother me, it increases board clicks...everyone's a winner. Except season-ticket holders who spend thousands watching a team choke away games that will lead to a) lower playoff seeding (if any), b) an inability to create an offensive scheme that can be effective and repeatable (since "Injury" and "tools" are now your crutches) and a young team not growing in experience, except maybe bad ones.

to your salt.