May
08
Learning from the Blazers
By Kassandra Posted in: AndreMiller, ArmonJohnson, Blazers, BrandonRoy, ElliotWilliams, geraldwallace, GregOden, LaMarcusAldridge, LukeBabbitt, MarcusCamby, NicolasBatum, PattyMills, RudyFernandez, WesleyMatthews
As we continue to look back over the 2010-11 season, I think each Blazer taught us or showed us a little something, no matter of how long they were on the team and even if they sat out the season. Let's take a look.
Marcus Camby proved a center is never too old to grab 18 rebounds in one game, and nail a three-pointer with one second on the shot clock two games later.
Armon Johnson showed us you need to only play .3 seconds to show up on the stat sheet (with a rebound) in the playoffs.
Earl Barron showed blazers fans that even though he played just two games, how fans support each of their players.
Fabricio Oberto proved that a guy can come in and contribute right away, if it's only for a short tenure.
Wesley Matthews illustrated how to play and compete like a seasoned veteran -- when only in his second year in the league.
Patty Mills showed us that australians make outstanding ambassadors -- for disaster relief and for singing up to twitter accounts.
Jarron Collins showed us how to contribute to a team in any way possible in just 20 days.
Joel Pryzbilla taught us that no matter how few games it's been since coming back from injury, no one -- but no one -- messes with your teammates.
Dante Cunningham proved you don't have to be seven feet tall in order to play like ... you're seven feet tall.
Sean Marks showed us that hard work can make your contribution valuable, if it's only for a few minutes a game.
Elliot Williams reminded us that blazers fans can be patient as we wait to see that athleticism of his at work.
Chris Johnson illustrated that there is no minimum weight limit for a center in order to make a solid contribution to his team.
LaMarcus Aldridge taught us how to become the new number one option on your team, elevate your game and lead your team to the playoffs.
Luke Babbitt proved that you can tear up the D-League -- with or without Justin Bieber's hair cut.
Greg Oden continued to prove that the blazers and fans are still looking forward to seeing him healthy and back in uniform.
Gerald Wallace showed us all how to crash on one coast, then another ... and all the way through the playoffs.
Andre Miller taught us to never start heading to the bench until the referee blows the whistle indicating a timeout -- not before (and he did it twice!).
Nicolas Batum showed us how bring your team from four points down with .9 seconds left, to two points up at the final buzzer.
Rudy Fernandez showed that a little squinting on three-point attempts can evolve into an international basketball craze.
Brandon Roy reminded us that when your team is losing extremely badly at home in the playoffs and you just want to turn off the game by the end of the third quarter -- don't.
A little tongue-in-cheek? Perhaps. This was an interesting season; a lot of interesting guys -- and good guys. When I take a look back at these guys, I will recall each player's contribution. How about you?
~ Kassandra
In Kassandra's Words will feature regular blogs throughout the off-season. Comments and questions are welcome and encouraged. Seasons begin and end, but our Blazers are forever. Please follow on twitter: @Kassandra227