Next seasons starting 3

[THE HCP]

Who is it? Nic or Martel? I like the thought of keeping Nic with the starters. Playing the defensive stopper roll. Can you imagine the offensive firepower we are going to have coming off the bench next year? It will be a tough training camp between the 2!

 

[Nikolokolus]

I've never been a big Martell believer, but for some reason I think his outside shooting and what was becoming decent perimeter defense the year before are going to be enough to fend off Nicolas, especially the ability to spread out a defense and create more driving lanes for Roy and room for Greg to operate on the block. However, I'm somewhat dubious that Travis, Martell and Nicolas will all be with this team next year.

 

[GoBlazersGo]

The NBA's reducing the amount of players that can be on the court, for each team, to three? Damn, I don't think Shavlik and "Ruffles" are gonna be too entirely pleased about being "5th-string"!

 

[Minstrel]

I'm not a Webster fan (that is to say, I'd love for him to succeed, but at this point I am dubious that he'll be anything more than a reserve level player). I like Outlaw's burst-scoring ability, but that's best utilized as a bench weapon. A Vinny the Microwave type.

So, it's Batum as the starter next year, to me. He's already decent. With another month-plus of regular season/playoff play and an off-season to get stronger and work on weaknesses, I think he'll be more than solid next year.

I'd love to be able to deal Webster (perhaps as part of a package) for a decent young point guard. Like maybe try to tempt Milwaukee into a sign-and-trade for Sessions. I think the optimal arrangement going forward is Batum as the starter and Outlaw off the bench. No real role for Webster.

 

[oldmangrouch]

I'm not a Webster fan (that is to say, I'd love for him to succeed, but at this point I am dubious that he'll be anything more than a reserve level player). I like Outlaw's burst-scoring ability, but that's best utilized as a bench weapon. A Vinny the Microwave type.

So, it's Batum as the starter next year, to me. He's already decent. With another month-plus of regular season/playoff play and an off-season to get stronger and work on weaknesses, I think he'll be more than solid next year.

I'd love to be able to deal Webster (perhaps as part of a package) for a decent young point guard. Like maybe try to tempt Milwaukee into a sign-and-trade for Sessions. I think the optimal arrangement going forward is Batum as the starter and Outlaw off the bench. No real role for Webster.

Excellent summation. I agree completely.

I guess that means you better rethink your position!

 

[MickZagger]

I have no clue on Webster.

He showed great progress during the preseason, then he got injured. He comes off to me as the type of player who will take a long time to shake the rust off. I'm content with Batum as the starter and Outlaw coming off the bench. In the offseason I think were going to unload Webster, Sergio and Frye.

 

[LameR]

Depends on how he progresses. I wouldn't mind the combo of him and Rudy though.

 

[ABM]

What's to say KP doesn't trade for, or sign, one? I mean, all we heard about were 3's (Wallace, Carter, and Jefferson) potentially coming in pre-deadline.

Right?

 

[<-=*PdX*=->]

My buddy was at 24 hour fitness downtown two nights ago and Martell was there shooting. He said that Webs was shooting half court shots like jumpers and making about 80% of them. I guess he was money from the side for 3 also. His shot will probably be pretty good once he gets back.

 

[STOMP]

I'm not a Webster fan (that is to say, I'd love for him to succeed, but at this point I am dubious that he'll be anything more than a reserve level player). I like Outlaw's burst-scoring ability, but that's best utilized as a bench weapon. A Vinny the Microwave type.

So, it's Batum as the starter next year, to me. He's already decent. With another month-plus of regular season/playoff play and an off-season to get stronger and work on weaknesses, I think he'll be more than solid next year.

I'd love to be able to deal Webster (perhaps as part of a package) for a decent young point guard. Like maybe try to tempt Milwaukee into a sign-and-trade for Sessions. I think the optimal arrangement going forward is Batum as the starter and Outlaw off the bench. No real role for Webster.

yup on all counts. Batum is probably the best right now despite being the youngest/least experienced in the league so he's the main guy. I don't think there is minutes for all three. I could back trading Outlaw or Martell, but I value Travis more and think he brings a better fit of skills to the lineup. All things being equal, I'd much rather move Martell

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

This is what I think too. Although with his contract and foot injury, I don't think it will be easy to move him. At least not if we expect to get anything of value back.

his contract is below MLE level and is a plus if anything and his foot isn't thought to be a chronic problem. I doubt teams will be lining up with great trade offers for him, but I also don't think either issue you listed is much of one.

I'm much less convinced that next years starting PG is on the roster

STOMP

 

[LittleAlex]

Batum unless Martell can prove otherwise.

 

[LittleAlex]

his contract is below MLE level and is a plus if anything and his foot isn't thought to be a chronic problem. I doubt teams will be lining up with great trade offers for him, but I also don't think either issue you listed is much of one.

I'm much less convinced that next years starting PG is on the roster

STOMP

He is on the roster. I am sad to report that next years starter will be this years starter. Blake may not be great, but he is a damn sight better then any other option. I have my doubts that Portland will do anything this summer.

 

[mook]

Which seems more likely:
1. Batum develops a more reliable perimeter shot than he had in his first season.
2. Webster recovers fully from missing an entire season. In the meantime, he becomes a much better defender, slasher and rebounder than he ever was in his first two seasons.

Pretty obvious who looks like the odds on favorite to win that battle.

 

[STOMP]

Which seems more likely:
1. Batum develops a more reliable perimeter shot than he had in his first season.
2. Webster recovers fully from missing an entire season. In the meantime, he becomes a much better defender, slasher and rebounder than he ever was in his first three seasons.

Pretty obvious who looks like the odds on favorite to win that battle.

fixed

STOMP

 

[Sinobas]

The NBA's reducing the amount of players that can be on the court, for each team, to three? Damn, I don't think Shavlik and "Ruffles" are gonna be too entirely pleased about being "5th-string"!

I think Nic will continue to start because of his defense. Our pathetic bench could use a Martell Webster(an aggressive Martell). Outlaw will most likely be the backup PF.

Barring trade:
Blake/Bayless
Roy/Rudy
Oden/Pryzbilla
Batum/Webster
Aldridge/Outlaw

Sergio and Freeland a draft pick will be our 3rd stringers. On the other hand, you could argue that our bench needs the defense more than the starting unit.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I really see Outlaw being moved to primary backup PF.

Batum is our starter with Martell as the primary backup.

 

[Masbee]

I think Nic will continue to start because of his defense. Our pathetic bench could use a Martell Webster(an aggressive Martell). Outlaw will most likely be the backup PF.

Barring trade:
Blake/Bayless
Roy/Rudy
Oden/Pryzbilla
Batum/Webster
Aldridge/Outlaw

Sergio and Freeland a draft pick will be our 3rd stringers. On the other hand, you could argue that our bench needs the defense more than the starting unit.

That is my thinking on the roster as well. "Barring Trades". Of course, there WILL be trades. But we don't know what those will be yet. If there weren't any significant trades, I agree that:

Batum would continue to start.
Blake would not be cut (TO) and would continue to start.
Outlaw would not be cut (TO) and would be the backup 4.
Webster would be the backup 3.
Frye would be cut.

 

[anonymous gambler]

Between Webster and Batum, I think Webster will win out the spot. He looked on his way to having a good year before the injury and his shooting will work well with a healthy Oden. Batum shows flashes of being brilliant, but is still too limited offensively.

I still hold out some hope that we go after Butler or Wallace at the 3 spot, though.

 

[GrandpaBlaze]

What if we don't play Martell as a 3?

I'm wondering about Batum as the starting 3 with Outlaw backing him up and having Martell as Roy's backup at the 2 (and trading Rudy as part of a Spanish Armada trade).

Gramps...

 

[oldmangrouch]

What if we don't play Martell as a 3?

I'm wondering about Batum as the starting 3 with Outlaw backing him up and having Martell as Roy's backup at the 2 (and trading Rudy as part of a Spanish Armada trade).

Gramps...

Better grab your asbestos underwear!

Actually, I half-way agree with you. My variation: package Sergio and Rudy for an upgrade at PG, and move Bayless to the back-up SG. While Webster has soom value as a designated 3-point shooter, his handles scare me.

 

[MARIS61]

We start 5 players, not 3.

 

[mook]

fixed

STOMP

Well, seeing as how his third season consisted of five minutes and 17 seconds, I wasn't willing to include it.

 

[STOMP]

Well, seeing as how his third season consisted of five minutes and 17 seconds, I wasn't willing to include it.

2008-9 is Martell's 4th season

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/martell_webster/career_stats.html

STOMP

 

[azsun67]

That is my thinking on the roster as well. "Barring Trades". Of course, there WILL be trades. But we don't know what those will be yet. If there weren't any significant trades, I agree that:

Batum would continue to start.
Blake would not be cut (TO) and would continue to start.
Outlaw would not be cut (TO) and would be the backup 4.
Webster would be the backup 3.
Frye would be cut.

I can't get into this thread since we all know their will be a trade or a signing. We still have cap space, just not as much as we had hoped. KP with draft picks, salary cap space and young assets should make draft day interesting. I think we will not keep anybody we draft this year and end up with a vet.

 

[Sinobas]

What if we don't play Martell as a 3?

I'm wondering about Batum as the starting 3 with Outlaw backing him up and having Martell as Roy's backup at the 2 (and trading Rudy as part of a Spanish Armada trade).

Gramps...

What do you mean? Trade Sergio and Rudy for Jose Calderon?

 

[Draco]

At the forward spots we have Batum, Travis, Martell and LMA. If all are healthy I think we see more of Batum and Travis at the 4 next year. But the chance of one guy among the 4 being injured is more likely than not, and in that case we would have a good rotation.

But if all 4 guys are healthy I expect to see Travis's role reduced next year. This year he has been a nice option to create when the team is depleted and the team needs offense. But next season I'd expect Oden and LMA to take more shots, as well as Rudy/Bayless. Having a complementary player who can play off the ball and space the floor could be more beneficial then having a player who needs the ball in his hands.

So perhaps Batum starts next year and Martell takes some of Travis' minutes.

 

[MrJayremmie]

Barring trade:
Blake/Bayless
Roy/Rudy
Oden/Pryzbilla
Batum/Webster
Aldridge/Outlaw

This is how I see it as well. For some reason though, I'm pretty confident there will be a trade or two this off-season that will affect our rotation.