Rip City Revival |2-1| Hinrich's 3s save Blazers

[john26]

Hi and welcome to my current Portland Trail Blazers association. In this association, I will be:
1. General Manager Kevin Pritchard
2. Blazers coaching staff
3. A recently hired sports writer for the oregonlive.com, John Collins

[john26]

**reserved

[john26]

**reserved

[john26]

Recaps for Nov
Game 1: @ Nets(W)

[john26]

2008-09 Season - A Summary

Record: 28-30, 9th place in West, 3rd in Northwest Division, tied with Clippers on W-L record - Did not qualify for playoffs

Transactions:

Traded Steve Blake and Channing Frye to Chicago for Kirk Hinrich before the trade deadline
Traded a 2010 1st round pick to Boston for Shelden Williams (via Sacramento) and a 2010 2nd round pick (three-team trade between Blazers, Celtics, and Kings)
Traded Raef LaFrentz (expiring contract), Shavlik Randolph (expiring contract) and a first round pick for '09 to New Orleans for Tyson Chandler on 23 Jan
Fired head coach Nate McMillan and replaced him with former Jazz all-star playmaker John Stockton
Complete League Transactions...

All-Star Weekend: Click here for complete info...

Player Grades:
Brandon Roy - A+
Was solid in every way but still could not take Blazers to the playoffs

Travis Outlaw - B+
Has his best games when he's coming off the bench

LaMarcus Aldridge - A-
Looking like an all-star despite being a poor rebounder

Greg Oden - C+
Did not live up to the expectations of a top pick

Nicolas Batum - B+
Was a surprise from the 2008 Rookie Class

Rudy Fernandez - C+
Looked solid early in the season but went to mail-it-in mode when he got lesser minutes

Jerryd Bayless - B-
Did what he could, probably won't be staying for long

Steve Blake - B
Over-carefulness doesn't lead to wins

Kirk Hinrich - B+
Wasn't a bad acquisition at all, leading the Blazers to separate winning streaks

Summary:

The NBA season started off with a bad news for fans and team financiers and good news for players, as David Stern announced the next 5 seasons will be shortened to 58 games, which meant more off days for players while lesser NBA action for fans and team financiers. Injuries to all-star swingman Brandon Roy and versatile combo forward Travis Outlaw sent the Blazers to a 3-8 start. The top pick of the 2007 NBA draft, Greg Oden, did not live up to the expectations, only posting 8.7 ppg, and 7.6 rpg. Rudy Fernandez was offended with how the Blazers used him, sparingly and only seeing double-digit minutes in blowout games, because the Blazers already had an All-Star playing his position. Nate McMillan was blamed for stunting Oden's and Fernandez's growth, and he was fired mid-January and replaced by former all-star Jazz point guard John Stockton. Still, it wasn't much improvement overall, as the rookie coach struggled to find his mojo in Rip City. Joel Przybilla was fined $5,000 after his actions in an altercation with Hornets' center Tyson Chandler (who was suspended for one game without pay), when Przybilla swung his forearm to Chandler's chest in a game in January between the Blazers and the Hornets at the Rose Garden. Pritchard made matters worse by Pritch-slapping the Hornets GM and acquiring Chandler in a January 23 trade for super expiring contract Raef LaFrentz, Shavlik Randolph and a first round pick for 2009, although they still meshed together well as teammates and all that was bad was left behind.

The Blazers still struggled without a veteran point guard. The low-mistake, high percentage point guard Steve Blake who basically brings the ball up and waits at the 3-point line because he has no explosive quickness for a dribble-drive game or possess the ability to create his own shot and played just average defense was not who Stockton wanted, so just before the trade deadline, Kevin Pritchard acquired Kirk Hinrich in exchange for Steve Blake and Channing Frye. The Blazers came 'oh so close' to a post-season spot with the acquisition of Hinrich (they went to separate 5 game winning streaks) and finished with a 28-30 record.

Derrick Rose won ROY, Jamal Crawford was "Sixth Man of the Year" and Kevin Garnett was the season's MVP. Nicolas Batum and Greg Oden were the only Blazers to put Rip City's name on the all-NBA teams. Batum made all-Rookie first, while Oden was in the all-Rookie second. The Boston Celtics won the NBA championship after downing the San Antonio Spurs in 6 games, in what was one of the greatest Finals series of all-time.

[john26]

Pre-draft Workout:


Results:
Terrence Williams can play point-forward with outstanding court vision.

Brandon Jennings possesses rare quickness and leaping ability, good in traffic.

DeMar DeRozan is a swingman with top-flight athleticism and a high motor.

Stephen Curry is a terrific off-balance shooter with a tremendous range.

Ricky Rubio processes the game a step ahead of everybody else.

Victor Claver is athletic and runs the floor well, possesses a good basketball IQ.

Christian Eyenga is an athletic guard that shows a quick first step.

DeMarre Carroll is a tenacious interior player with terrific physical ability.

Danny Green is a versatile wing performer with a nice feel for the game.

Eric Maynor gets into the lane easily and makes excellent decisions.

Taylor Griffin has a chance to break out of his brother Blake's shadow.

Seth Curry is a scoring guard with a nice range, basketball IQ and good instincts.

Jeff Pendergraph is active and efficient around the basket.

Jonas Jerebko is a solid athlete with great height at the forward spot.

Jerel McNeal has the potential to be an all-around scorer.

Jodie Meeks shoots well standing still and coming off screens.

Draft Lottery:
The lottery selection to determine the order of the top fourteen picks in the 2009 NBA Draft occurred on May 19, 2009.

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Draft:
The 2009 NBA Draft was held on June 25, 2009, at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting amateur college basketball players and other first-time eligible players, including international players from non-North American professional leagues. The draft was televised in the United States on ESPN.

Congo's Christian Eyenga was selected first overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the third international player to be selected first overall in an NBA Draft, behind Raptors' Andrea Bargnani in 2006 and Rockets' Yao Ming in 2002.

The 2009 NBA draft marked the first time two sets of brothers were drafted in the same draft, Blake Griffin and Taylor Griffin both of Oklahoma and Stephen Curry of Davidson and Seth Curry of Liberty were taken. The 2009 NBA Draft marked the first time three sons of former NBA player were selected in the top 15 picks of the draft. Stephen Curry, son of Dell Curry; Gerald Henderson, Jr., son of Gerald Henderson; Austin Daye, son of Darren Daye.

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Pre-Draft and Draft Day Trades:
a. Bulls acquire 36th pick from Thunder for Thabo Sefolosha
b. Hornets acquire 12th pick, Shavlik Randolph, Raef LaFrentz from Blazers for Tyson Chandler.
c. Bulls acquire 39th pick, Anthony Roberson, Jerome James, Tim Thomas from Knicks for Larry Hughes.
d. Blazers acquire 35th pick from Kings for Ike Diogu.
e. Blazers acquire 19th pick, Rashard Lewis from Magic for Martell Webster, Jerryd Bayless, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden.
f. Blazers acquire 40th pick from Clippers for Sergio Rodriguez. Previously, this pick was already acquired by the Blazers from 2008 NBA Draft for Mike Taylor but Mike Dunleavy put so much protection on it, the pick didn't change hands.

2010 Outstanding Draft Trades:
a. Celtics acquire 2nd round pick for 2010 draft from Blazers for Shelden Williams and a 1st round pick for 2010.
b. Blazers acquire 2nd round pick for 2010 draft, Kirk Hinrich from Bulls for Steve Blake and Channing Frye.

[Martti.]

Looking great so far. Your Raptors was great and I'm sure this will be also. The draft looks fair, apart from the first pick, obviously.

[Alejandrov011]

Christian Eyenga 1st? WTF!!!

[kibaxx7]

Christian Eyenga 1st? WTF!!!

That's what I was going to say! What the hell happened?

The draft board says "LA Fakers"

[john26]

Martti., Alejandrov011, I don't know what happened with that. Mock draft says Terrence Williams going first.

thierryhenry50, typo

[Clutch]

thierryhenry50, typo

just say "intentional" 'cause it's true and if they prove me wrong and win back-to-back this season i will buy a Kobe jersey and rock it like a SoCal poser at Oracle arena during every Warriors home game i attend no matter who's playing that night

btw, your dynasty's looking solid

[Its_asdf]

Nice to see you back on the association circuit. I've always liked the Blazers as a team, and I really like the young pieces that they have going long-term.

Make Martell Webster a star, that's all I ask!

[john26]

Clutch, thanks man. This might be delayed a bit.

Its_asdf, I don't think you'll be pleased, because I'm planning to trade him later..

[john26]

BLOCKBUSTER PRE-DRAFT TRADE BETWEEN BLAZERS AND MAGIC GETS APPROVED BY NBA
June 24, 2009 12:14 PM EST



The Orlando Magic and the Portland Trail Blazers have agreed in a trade that will send Rashard Lewis, a 2010 first round pick and the 19th pick of this upcoming draft of the Magic to the Blazers for LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, Martell Webster, and Jerryd Bayless, according to John Canzano of The Oregonian.

"This gives us the opportunity to acquire better talent in this year's draft and not to lose ground. I think we got the better end of this deal," said General Manager Kevin Pritchard in a latest interview when asked to confirm Canzano's statement. "This will give us added flexibility for the future."

Now that LaMarcus Aldridge is no longer on the team, the Blazers can focus themselves to Brandon Roy for a contract extension.

Via The Oregonian
Portland Trail Blazers

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BLAZERS HIRE FILIPINO COACH TO BE STOCKTON"S ASSISTANT
July 3, 2009 12:14 PM EST



The Trail Blazers are revamping their coaching staff with the recent hirings.

After firing Nate McMillan mid-season, the Portland Trail Blazers have announced that they have reached a deal with Filipino coach Joseller "Yeng" Guiao, the Blazers announced yesterday at their latest press conference.

Guiao, who was the head coach of the National Team and the Burger King Whoopers of the PBA, has stepped down from his current duties and come to the NBA to assist head coach John Stockton of the Portland Trail Blazers.

"It's a great opportunity for me. It was a hard decision for me, with several duties in the Philippines tasked to me. But I think this is going to be a great experience," Guiao said in the press conference when he was named assistant coach by the Blazers.

Guiao also stepped down as the Vice Governor of Pampanga. He will be the second Filipino to be part of an NBA coaching staff behind Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat, the first full Filipino to do so.

Via Press Release
Portland Trail Blazers

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BLAZERS WASTE NO TIME, SIGN FREE AGENT BIG MEN
July 18, 2009 12:14 PM EST



The Portland Trail Blazers introduced their latest free agent acquisitions in Marcus Haislip and Joel Freeland, the Blazers 30th pick of the 2006 draft. It was announced in Saturday's press conference by General Manager Kevin Pritchard.

Saturday's signing was crucial for the Blazers, who last season thrust themselves into talk of becoming a championship contender after winning 28 games with the NBA's second youngest roster.

After making runs, but failing, at a scorer (Hedo Turkoglu) and a tough point guard (Ramon Sessions), the Blazers opted for Haislip and Freeland, who both did not play in the NBA last year.

In the coming years, the team figures to give lucrative, long-term contract extensions to its young core -- Brandon Roy, Travis Outlaw and Nicolas Batum -- so this figures to be the best chance for the Blazers to lure a high-profile free agent to Portland.

With Portland still one player short of a point guard, the Blazers are expected to make another run for former Milwaukee guard Ramon Sessions, who is still a free agent. The sophomore guard has offers from Blazers, Clippers and Bobcats, but is still unsure of what team to sign. The Bucks are not expected to match any offer for Sessions.



Via Press Release
Portland Trail Blazers

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BLAZERS SIGN FOUR DRAFT PICKS TO ROOKIE SCALE CONTRACTS
Aug 21, 2009 12:14 PM EST



The Portland Trail Blazers have announced that they have signed draft picks Victor Claver of Spain, Jeff Pendergraph of Arizona State, Danny Green of North Carolina and Seth Curry of Liberty to multi-year rookie scale contracts.

"We are really excited about the addition of these four versatile players in our team. They can bring a lot to our game and can replace the assets that we have lost," General Manager said in a press conference.

"I am so grateful and happy to be a Trail Blazer," said Pendergraph. "This is a dream come true and I can't wait to get to work with my teammates. I'm looking forward to moving to Portland and helping this team in any way that I can."

The signing of these players boosts the Trail Blazers' current roster to 14 players.

Via Press Release
Portland Trail Blazers

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BLAZERS GO WITH NEW LOOK JUST BEFORE THE SEASON
Aug 28, 2009 12:14 PM EST


The Blazers are ditching the pinwheel logo after almost 40 years in the NBA.

The Portland Trail Blazers are ditching the old, pinwheel logo and are now going with their new one.

A recent statement from Team Owner Paul Allen confirms this, as he introduced the team's new logo, jerseys and a snapshot of the current Blazers' court.


The new Blazers logo, the former alternate added with Blazers script in a new font.


The big change in the Rose Garden is the logo in the middle.


Travis Outlaw and Brandon Roy don the new Blazers home and away jerseys in the latest press conference.

"A different logo, a coaching change, a more delightful flavor," said Allen. " We want to forget those Jail Blazer days, days with Zach, Darius, Qyntel, Bonzi, Rasheed, Damon, and Jermaine. We want a new beginning, a different direction."

Via Press Release
Portland Trail Blazers




>Rockets boost frontcourt with the addition of David Andersen
>Raptors' backcourt getting stronger, sign McCants and Ariza, retain sharpshooting Parker
>Sixers sign Mourning to 1-year deal
>Thunder sign veterans Crawford, Kidd and Marion
>Millsap headed to Detroit after Jazz fail to match offer
>Artest to be a Warrior; heads to Golden State
>Lakers add Gooden to frontcourt lineup
>Clippers add Lee, Wells and a new coach for the upcoming season
>Sessions agrees to 5-year deal with Bobcats
>Charlie Villanueva inks deal from Bulls
>Pacers sign Miller to 1-year deal
>Bobcats add Marquis Daniels to backcourt mix
>Magic sign Marbury to 4 yr/$25m deal
>Knicks add Dixon to 1-year deal
>Frye accepts offer from Oklahoma City
>Boozer signs $71m contract with Sacramento
>Varejao to head to Minnesota after reaching agreement
>Memphis adds high-octane guard Felton
>Heat sign athletic Gerald Green for upcoming season
Click here for a complete list of transactions for the 2009 offseason

[Clutch]

holy crap blockbuster is almost an understatement. those roster moves were ATOMIC

kinda hoped you'd have kept the team mainly intact (especially Aldridge & Oden) to reach their potentials together but i guess if you're gonna mix it up, might as well go big

Lewis/Roy combo seems interesting but are you concerned his presence might stunt Batum/Outlaw's development? there's only one ball to go around afterall...

also, nice touch with coach/court/uni updates

[john26]

^^no i'm into the Batum/Outlaw/Fernandez/Roy core, I'd never really liked Aldridge as a player because of his rebounds, and same for Oden after he got torched by Durant in their first meeting

you'll see later why I wanted to get Lewis

[Martti.]

Lewis can do wonders. Nice move. Really like the team logos and jerseys change. Don't see that often.

[john26]

^^Thanks man

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DANIEL GREEN
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6-6
Weight: 210
College: North Carolina
Class: Senior
Birthdate: 6/22/87
Birthplace: North Babylon, New York

Scouting Report
Pros: A solid all around player...Someone who does a little bit of everything...A jack of all trades and almost a master in 3-point shooting...Can be a big time player, and bring it in clutch time (evidence of this vs Clemson)...Shows great vision finding open areas in the court...Great in catch-and-shoot situations...Doesn't have that explosive quickness to get by his defender but he's got good basketball IQ...Shows good shooting mechanics and fundamentals...Has the ability to contest/alter/block shots down the post or pressure the ball up the perimeter...Excels in half-court game where his shooting and passing skills are noticeable...Just average in the transition game, with his passing as his only advantage...Knows how to gain position for a rebound

Cons: A bit heavy and slow for his position...A tweener, lacks speed for 2, lacks speed and height for 3 and lacks height and bulk for 4...Can become the next Quentin Richardson, as he struggles to finish around the basket after drawing contact...His ball-handling is inconsistent...Not great at creating his own shot, but can improve with his abilities...Doesn't like shooting with defenders over him, and this could be a problem going to the NBA...Isn't quick enough to defend the weak side, only great at help defenses

NBA Comparison: Anthony Parker/Shane Battier/Raja Bell - Green can be a solid role player heading to the league, but with just average athleticism, it could be worse. Given his abilities, he could be the sleeper in this year's class.

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JEFF PENDERGRAPH
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6-9
Weight: 240
College: Arizona State
Class: Senior
Birthdate: 4/29/87
Birthplace: Etiwanda, CA

Scouting Report
Pros: Efficient scorer down low...He can give you lots of offense as he attacks the rim constantly...Shoots a high percentage on close range...Is a very coachable player, earns coaching praises for doing what is told to be done in the game, crash for boards, contest shots, etc...Old-school player who has all the fundamentals up his sleeve...Great rebounder thanks to his leaping ability...High release almost reminds us of LaMarcus Aldridge...Isn't too bad at the line...Quick player running up and down the court

Cons: Foul prone and although he plays good, passable defense, he doesn't look like he'll phase out as a defensive stalwart in the NBA as his man-on-man defense isn't on par...Undersized for the PF position...His offense down the post is too predictable, and a 15-17 foot jumper would certainly help...Being undersized doesn't help the fact that he isn't dominant against larger defenders in college

NBA Comparison: Mikki Moore/Udonis Haslem - Pendergraph is deadly in the post, but I doubt he can take on the big men of the NBA.

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VICTOR CLAVER
Position: Small Forward/Power Forward
Height: 6-9
Weight: 235
College: Spain
Class: International
Birthdate: 8/30/88
Birthplace: Spain

Scouting Report
Pros: Great leaping ability...Excellent offensive player, has many ways to get his points...Solid shot blocker in Europe...He's got the skill to score inside and outside, even beyond the arc...Shows great basketball IQ and passing ability...Soft touch for a forward

Cons: Slow and not strong enough according to NBA standards...Rebounding is one area he can improve...His defense is soft...A tweener, slow for 3, not strong enough and undersized for 4...His shooting is still inconsistent

NBA Comparison: Hedo Turkoglu - Claver can pass, shoot and play passable defense. Can he bring it into the NBA?

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SETH CURRY
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6-3
Weight: 170
College: Liberty
Class: International
Birthdate: 8/30/88
Birthplace: Spain

Scouting Report
Pros: Shows beautiful stroke, a low release on his shot, similar to his brother's...Has good instincts for the position...Plays with great basketball IQ and makes great decisions on-court...Playing at a nice little Division I School in Liberty, his all-around game is exposed and he fills the statline almost every night, being the only dependable player...Shows great ability to move off the ball and find himself open for catch-and-shoot situatuons...He puts a lot of effort on the defensive end and has the ability to pressure the ball...Excellent at creating his own shot, using shot fakes and very crafty in transition...Looks like he can excel at any pace/speed of game, whether it's run and gun or halfcourt set

Cons: Can get into times where he plays little or no defense, despite his abilities, because he knows he does a lot of work on offense already...His shot is similar to brother Stephen, but isn't as good...Ballhandling is above average, but still needs improvement...Needs to add a dribble-drive game, too dependent on his shot...Strength is one of his weaknesses..Isn't a great finisher...Depends on the pull-up jumpshot too much...Doesn't show great playmaking ability unlike his brother Stephen

NBA Comparison: Jannero Pargo/Calvin Murphy - A great point guard that can bring offense, the other Curry kid can be the best surprise of this year's class if he establishes himself behind Kirk Hinrich.

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MARCUS HAISLIP
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6-10
Weight: 230
College: Tennessee
Birthdate: December 22, 1980
Birthplace: Lewisburg, Tennessee

Scouting Report
Pros: Excellent athleticism makes him qualify as an NBA player...Not a great ballhandler but can still take it to the hoop...Has an outside shot...Improved on decision making greatly since cutting ties with the NBA...His length lets him get blocks...Has disciplined himself on fouling other players...Looks like he can create his own shot on one-on-one matchups

Cons: Poor rebounder for his size...Still a bit raw offensively...His shot mechanics are not polished...Though with his size he should defend the post, he is weak and disinterested in that area and therefore is better at the perimeter where he can use his length well with trapping defenses

NBA Comparison: Al Harrington - We hope Haislip will play defense now that he's back in the NBA, because if not, he is wasting a lot of his athleticism.

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JOEL FREELAND
Position: Power Forward/Center
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
College: England
Birthdate: February 7, 1987
Birthplace: England

Scouting Report
Pros: Solid athleticism, possesses great quickness, leaping ability and coordination...Great shooting mechanics...Has been good denying shots, thanks to his timing...A smart player on both ends of the floor...A low cost, high reward player...At the age of 22, has tons of potential

Cons: Still needs to give it all on boxing out...His shot is inconsistent, but can still improve...His game is raw, and he is still inexperienced...Foul prone and can be a turnover machine at times...His range is limited, and still needs to expand

NBA Comparison: Keon Clark - It was great that Mr Pritchard brought in Joel Freeland from Spain for the rookie scale contract, which is only part of what he was earning previously. But I am pretty sure he'd like it in the NBA.

[john26]

[Clutch]

some good stuff going on here well... despite that pitiful asskicking of a season opener lol

might've been different if you hadn't traded half your team for an over-paid SF

[Its_asdf]

I'm not a fan of the major overhaul considering I was a pretty big fan of the Blazers' current roster.... But I do like the fact that you managed to get Marcus Haislip in there. I also picked him up in one of my dynasties before and he's a rebounding machine that can give you a lot of second chance points with his athleticism.

[john26]

Clutch, thanks for the comment

Its_asdf, yeah I like his game too

[john26]

[cavs4872]

Nice job winning your first two games. Rashard Lewis is a great addition to your squad.