I just got back from the Blazers FanFest where they had a scrimmage. Rudy was amazing. He was knocking down 3s like crazy, and making some of the most amazing passes I've ever seen. Oden didn't get a ton of playing time, and he didn't score a lot, but that was because the other Blazer team triple teamed him whenever he got the ball. Przybilla would bear hug him to stop him from dunking, and I've never seen Przybilla resort to a defensive tactic that made him look so helpless before. Bayless was also just as good as he was in summer league, but also showed more of his passing skills. Aldridge won MVP of the scrimmage, but Rudy would have easily if his squad won.
Originally posted by wuTa
Just out of curiousity, what are Blazers fans expectations this year? Do they expect them to make the playoffs and be around a 5 or 6 seed, or do they expect them to fight for a playoff spot and just get in.
Most expect playoffs as a 7-8 seed, some are hoping to see 5 or 6, but I'm happy just being in and 5 or 6 would just be icing on the cake for me.
CelestialDemon - I know it wasn't quite against team USA, but Rudy was more impressive in the scrimmage than I've ever seen him before. He started out the game with 3 straight threes (so glad it doesn't look like he has to adjust to the NBA 3). Then here was one of his passes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKnr1Ieu4z0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2RapxV-8_I
And then there was a pass that I can't find video of, but he passed it between the legs of a defender for an Outlaw lay-up.
Originally posted by Myth
I think he came out and said he was sticking with his core, which was code for "I couldn't get what I wanted."
Pretty much, but I think he could have got what he wanted, he wanted to shake up the lineup and insert a superstar from what he was saying after the season, and he was in talks for T-Mac. Maybe he had to give up too much for him, or atleast thats what he thought. He can still make a huge deal during the season at the trading deadline, thats what I'm hoping for atleast.
Oh my God! I am in love with Oden and Rudy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWqSjBYqZio
That was one of the most highlight filled games I have ever seen. If you don't watch all of it, at least start at 4:10.
Originally posted by wuTa
Pretty much, but I think he could have got what he wanted, he wanted to shake up the lineup and insert a superstar from what he was saying after the season, and he was in talks for T-Mac. Maybe he had to give up too much for him, or atleast thats what he thought. He can still make a huge deal during the season at the trading deadline, thats what I'm hoping for atleast.
Lamar's big expiring contract will look really good in the middle of the season. Prince for Odom!
Prince for LaFrentz! LaFrentz has a bigger expiring contract, and after 41 missed games, 80% of his salary is paid for by insurance. LaFrentz is expected to miss the entire season, so that is pretty much a team paying $8M for a $13M expirer if a trade for LaFrentz happens now, or about $2M for a $13M expirer happens at the trade deadline.
I'm hoping we can get some really really nice piece at SF for that.
Originally posted by Myth
Prince for LaFrentz! LaFrentz has a bigger expiring contract, and after 41 missed games, 80% of his salary is paid for by insurance. LaFrentz is expected to miss the entire season, so that is pretty much a team paying $8M for a $13M expirer if a trade for LaFrentz happens now, or about $2M for a $13M expirer happens at the trade deadline.I'm hoping we can get some really really nice piece at SF for that.
😆
Originally posted by DanZeke25
I thought you were naming a ridiculous fantasy trade to be funny because IMO Odom for Prince is ridiculous.
How would that be ridiculous? Odom is clearly the better overall player. Odom is better on offense, Prince is better on defense. But Odom plays better defensively at the 4, than he does at the 3. Unfortunately, Odom is just not suited to play the SF position with Bynum and Gasol playing the 4 and the 5. Prince is a true Small Forward, Odom is a Power Forward. If he's not coming off the bench, I want him traded. Prince is exactly what we need in a Small Forward.
Odom would provide the needed offensive boost that Detroit needs...I think. Prince would definitely provide some defense in one of our weak spots last season, though a helathy Ariza is one of the best defenders in the league, I just hope he gets the start.
Originally posted by DanZeke25
I thought you were naming a ridiculous fantasy trade to be funny because IMO Odom for Prince is ridiculous.
Nope, I was being semi-serious. I don't know if Detroit is looking for expiring contracts, but some teams do and will give up really talented players to get them.