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Jason Quick Hits Nail On The Head
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  1. ClydeFrog
    ClydeFrog
    Posts: 975

    Posted 03/28/2012 2:57 PM


    Photo via Bruce Ely

    Blazer Inside: It's Time To Shed Hopes, Get A Look At The Future
    For every day this team convinces itself it can make the playoffs, it cheats itself of a day to gather information to make this franchise better down the road. Because every day this franchise believes it has a shot in the next 17 games to overtake Minnesota, Phoenix, Denver and Houston, it means it will continue to play Raymond Felton at point guard, thwarting the chance to chase something real: clues about what youngsters Nolan Smith and Jonny Flynn have to offer long term. 
    Buchanan said that unless the Blazers do go on that miracle run down the stretch and really get in this playoff picture, there's a good chance Smith and Flynn could get their shot.

    "Let's say we get out of the playoff hunt, there might be games where we play Jonny or Nolan 35 minutes," Buchanan said. "But we are not ready to go there yet. We still want to hang in this thing as long as we can." 
    That's why Sunday's victory was so painful from a development standpoint. With a loss to Golden State, the Blazers would have fell behind the Warriors in the standings by virtue of a tie-breaker, making it a virtually impossible five-team hurdle to make the playoffs. As early as Tuesday against Oklahoma City we could be seeing Smith go against Russell Westbrook, and Flynn flying by Derek Fisher.

    Instead, we will get more Felton, of whom I've seen enough.  
    But right now, the focus should be internally, and on the decisions they can control. That means taking a look at Flynn, and giving Smith more extended playing time. The Blazers like to use the slogan "Make It Better" to reflect their community relations mission. It's time that slogan extends to the basketball court. 
    Link: http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i..._look.html

    Obviously this was posted after the Golden State win and we did in fact get to see Smith and Flynn play all of the point guard minutes against OKC but that was only because Felton had to handle a family issues in South Carolina. But whenever Ray returns, it's his job to lose. But why? It makes ZERO sense. We aren't making the playoffs and even if we do, we want NO part of the Thunder. Felton is a free agent at the end of the season and I see no way this franchise brings him back. So why not just see what Jonny and Nolan can do? We know Nolan will at least be back, barring a trade, but this is the only time we get to audition Flynn before we have to make a decision on his contract to bring him back or not. The objective for this season needs to be one of development, not clawing for meaningless wins that are taking precious ping pong balls away from our draft lottery chances. And if you think we don't have a chance to win the lotto, just ask the Bulls in 2008 who won it with having the eighth worst record. I also believe the Nets won it in 2000 having the ninth worst odds. Right now we are tenth in terms of odds, so slipping down a few spots is worth is for long-term success. The same above alos goes for Hasheem Thabeet. Kurt Thomas is 39 years old. He was a great pickup when we thought we had a chance to take a deep run in the playoffs but why not give Hasheem a CHANCE? I mean, if we aren't playing them then why in the world did we trade Camby for? A second round pick? C'mon Man!



    I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!
  1. freddead
    freddead
    Posts: 321

    Posted 03/28/2012 3:44 PM

    flynn looked good to me he penetrates at will and gets contact and he naturally knows hot to get fouls called and he didnt seem to struggle finishing or dishing
    I am a fan of
  1. Tobyus Sanchezo
    Tobyus Sanchezo
    Posts: 1599

    Posted 03/28/2012 4:27 PM

    What are you talkin' about? We're smack dab in the thick of the playoff hunt. A few more good games outta these Blazers, and it's playoff time baby! Even if we don't make the playoffs, we have such a talented and thrilling roster, just a couple tweaks during the offseason should propel us towards this franchise's 2nd NBA Title. (at least that's what we're supposed to be writing, blind faith over factual reality is key)

    Jason Quick looks depressed. All these Blazer beatdowns have taken their toll on the Oregonian's sideline reporter. Normally we're jealous of him, for getting to watch all the Blazers basketball a man could ever hope for. But not this year, I feel kinda bad for the big guy. He's been a Blazers guy up in the stands with a "kick me!" sign taped to his back.
    I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three
  1. ClydeFrog
    ClydeFrog
    Posts: 975

    Posted 03/29/2012 2:13 PM

    Posted By Tobyus Sanchezo on 03/28/2012 4:27 PM
    What are you talkin' about? We're smack dab in the thick of the playoff hunt. A few more good games outta these Blazers, and it's playoff time baby!
    You did see how the Thunder toyed with us last Tuesday, right? Think of that and multiple it by 10 because that's what they would do in a 1/8 matchup. Personally, I'll pass on another first-round exit. I've had my fair share of those in my lifetime. It's time to suck it up and get bad...so we can become good once again. But if we stay in this state of mediocrity, we may never get out of the first round again.
    I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!
  1. BDawg
    BDawg
    Posts: 1455

    Posted 03/30/2012 7:17 AM

    I have never before found myself in complete agreement with Quick.  Worst place to be in professional sports is mediocrity...always a bridesmaid never a bride.  Two lottery picks is the equivalent of catching the bride's bouquet.
    I am a fan of players that play with PASSION and PRIDE
  1. mbmurr1
    mbmurr1
    Posts: 530

    Posted 03/30/2012 11:40 AM

    I agree...... Play Flynn, Thabeet, Smith, Babbitt, Smith, and the rest of the bench so we can have an honest opinion of our team moving forward. I think Felton will not be with Portland next season. We have too much cap space not to get a great player. We also have 2 first and 2 second round picks. I think with a trade of matthews and a second round pick we could get the Wizards or New Orleans first rounder. This would give us 3 top ten picks in a deep draft. This is the way to rebuild quickly. First thing sign Batum, then keep Aldridge, Flynn, Hickson, Przybilla, Smith, Smith, Thabeet, Babbitt, and E. Williams. Trade Matthews, Crawford, S. Williams, Thomas and let Felton go.
    I am a fan of
  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6475

    Posted 03/30/2012 12:48 PM

    I don't think Wesley + a 2nd Rounder will net us a Top 3 pick from New Orleans or Washington. And I believe we have three second round picks this draft (Ours, Houston, Minnesota). I have liked what I've seen from Hickson, Flynn, and Babbitt, but I'm still intrigued by Thabeet. You can't teach size and 7'3" goes a long way.
    I am a fan of
  1. CarlJ1
    CarlJ1
    Posts: 398

    Posted 03/31/2012 2:02 AM

    I think with Thabeet he needs someone to take him under their wing like Olajuwon, Ewing, Walton or some other big man because right now he's a blank canvis and I believe with the right person he will be a solid big man the highest I think he could reach is he could be a Roy Hibbert type player but, the question I have is he willing to put in the work.
    I am a fan of Respect, Loyalty, Honor & Pride the same thing the Blazer & their true fans are made of RIP CITY STAND UP!
  1. jonthorpe
    jonthorpe
    Posts: 125

    Posted 04/01/2012 12:19 AM

    Coming out of UCONN, Thabeet looked like he could be an all-star. Back in 2009 I wished the Blazers had drafted him. Three years later, he has done nothing but get worse. Someone that athletic with that size should be working hard and thriving. Instead, I've heard Thabeet has terrible work ethic and just doesnt work hard enough to improve drastically (Source: Unmentioned GM, probably Memhis'). I wish he could be great, I honestly do. But three seasons of experience and he looks clueless out there, even in crunch time. His demeanor supports the claim that he doesnt try very hard. Sad, but I think its reality. Keep in mind his basketball experience and knowledge for the game is very limited. He doesnt have the feel for basketball the same way guys like Love and Gasol do.



    If I were Buchanan, I would sit down with Hasheem and tell him to play like his career depends on it, because if portland doesnt resign him, it does. no winning team will sign him and he will probably become a d-league player like he has already been demoted to, and as a second round pick, thats pretty bad.

    I am a fan of DEFENSE CREATES OFFENSE
  1. jonthorpe
    jonthorpe
    Posts: 125

    Posted 04/01/2012 12:20 AM

    1st round pick, 2nd overall. My mistake
    I am a fan of DEFENSE CREATES OFFENSE
  1. freddead
    freddead
    Posts: 321

    Posted 04/01/2012 1:35 AM

    i think thabeet will get better being behind pryz an kurt thomas then he did anywhere else i hope they teach him a thing or to before the season over but hes still to aggressive he needs to learn when to not foul
    I am a fan of
  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6475

    Posted 04/02/2012 2:55 PM

    I'd still like to get more of a peek at Hasheem. He showed some nice athleticism on that alley-oop against the Clippers.
    I am a fan of
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