Semi-OT: Reports on Outlaw, Webster

[BrianFromWA]

Travis looks to be a starter, but...

(coach Avery) Johnson told the Star-Ledger's Dave D'Alessandro that Outlaw will have a fairly specific offensive role -- corner three-pointers and some post-ups. The Nets' best player, center Brook Lopez, sees Outlaw as being able to provide some clutch plays down the stretch, as he did at times in Portland.

Travis can pull that off, but I wonder if he'll chafe at not having a freer rein to go off like Carmelo?

The Timberwolves had a public scrimmage Wednesday (much like the Blazers Fan Fest that will be held Friday), and Webster had 12 points. Chad Courrier of the Mankato Free Press writes that Webster is still learning coach Kurt Rambis' triangle-style offense. "He’s struggling to learn the way we play," Rambis said.

Courrier writes that while Webster is expected to be a three-point threat, he also will be expected to run the pick-and-roll and be aggressive in driving to the basket.
"I’m not comfortable, but I am confident," Webster tells Courrier.

Sounds like they might trying to get him into the "K*be" role of the triangle. Interesting.

 

[andalusian]

Good luck to both of these guys. I have had great memories from both of them during their Blazers tenure and will remain a fan.

 

[HailBlazers]

Cool Thanks.

Hope Trout becomes a consistent go-to player. Maybe going East will be the trick.

No doubt Tell will figure it out. He needed a change of scenery as well.

 

[THE HCP]

I wish them both luck. They should both get plenty of PT!

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Thanks for the updates. A couple of my favorite players.

 

[mook]

They plan on Webster running the pick and roll? WTF? I don't think I ever remember seeing him do that.

Well, I guess when you have a 15 win season you can experiment with Webster running a pick and roll.

For all people bitch about Portland, I'm glad that's not the new wrinkle we're trying to bring in this season.

 

[Ed O]

"He’s struggling to learn the way we play," Rambis said.

I think that makes Webster one of the least remarkable players in the league in at least one respect: EVERYONE seems to struggle to learn the way Rambis wants them to play.

Ed O.

 

[andalusian]

I do not think Marty has the handle to run the pick-and-roll, but - if he works on it and they can pull it off - that would be great.

 

[BrianFromWA]

I think it's less his handle and more that his brain and body go into hyper-spazz mode the minute he tries to attack the hoop with the ball in his hands. Maybe some reps will cure him of that.

 

[BGrantFan]

Sounds like they might trying to get him into the "K*be" role of the triangle. Interesting.

Sounds more like the Artest/Fox/Ariza role, frankly. Nowhere does Rambis talk about ballhandling responsibilities or initiating the offense.

 

[jlprk]

I think that makes Webster one of the least remarkable players in the league in at least one respect: EVERYONE seems to struggle to learn the way Rambis wants them to play.

Down South, Blake has already learned the triangle. He's ahead of Artest, despite the 1-year head start.

 

[BrianFromWA]

Sounds more like the Artest/Fox/Ariza role, frankly. Nowhere does Rambis talk about ballhandling responsibilities or initiating the offense.

Could be. But Ridnour/Telfair (both of whom are ahead of Flynn right now, it sounds like) aren't going to do it, and I think Brewer's role is the Artest/Ariza one. He's not being asked to run pick-and-rolls, his handle is worse than Webster's (and probably worse than yours). But you're right in one respect...I don't know how to decipher Kurt Rambis.