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zagsfan20 · 02-26-2005, 06:10 PM

Quote:

SO then you think somewhere a Damonstoudamire calibre playher and a Kevin Johnson Calibre player then?

Except with a lot better play making ability then Stoudamire and a lot better knees then Kevin Johnson....

Ed O · 02-26-2005, 08:06 PM

The Kevin Johnson comparison is an interesting one. Johnson was 21 when he entered the NBA (2 years older than Sebastian) and he had similar quickness to Telfair, I think, and they both can get to the free throw line.

Johnson had an explosiveness--an ability to finish at the rim--that I don't think Telfair will ever have. But Telfair's got a chance to develop a 3 point shot, which is something Johnson never figured out (160 for 524 in his career for 30.5% and not many attempts).

I'm hoping that Telfair will rely on his quickness and penetration to get other shots, rather than trying to develop (or maintain at his high school level) his own scoring.

I'm worried that Telfair's not going to hang together physically. He is willing to take the ball to the rim and absorb contact, which are great things for getting to the free throw line but bad things when you're as small as Sebastian is and you want to stay healthy.

As for his role on the franchise: it's set in stone as long as Nash is in charge, at least. He reached for Telfair (flame shield is up; don't even bother) and I'd be shocked if we took another PG in the next few drafts, even with a potentially great PG prospect class this season.

Ed O.

**Storyteller** · 02-26-2005, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crandc

There is some feeling that Damon Stoudamire might re-sign with Portland, albeit for a much reduced amount.

Please, no.....

If the Blazers want to spend a few million on a veteran PG, I sincerely hope they look in a different direction. We've seen what Damon brings and we've seen the Blazers suffer as a result.

Remember at the beginning of the season when Damon told us that his goal was to score 15 PPG? I, and several others on this board, lamented that this meant that Damon's focus was on shooting more. Others stood up for Damon, saying that all he meant was that he wanted to take the same amount of shots but shoot a higher percentage. Get to the FT line more.

Here we are at the end of February, and Damon is - surprise - averaging 15 PPG. But not because he's increased his FG% to the 44% that he "promised" to shoot. Not because he's increased his FTA's like he "promised". No, it's all because he's shooting the ball more than 30% more than he did last year. 30% more.

His assists are no higher. His steals are no higher. His rebounds are no higher. Yes, he's increased his 3-P%, I'll give him that. But he simply shoots a lot more than he should.

Take last night for example. Patterson was having a great shooting night (9-15). Randolph was shooting great (13-17). Miles shot well (6-11). SAR and NVE shot a decent percentage. And then there was Damon, taking 17 shots - as many as Zach. And making less than half as many of them.

Meanwhile, he gets 14 assists. Imagine how many he could have had if he had focused more on getting the offense flowing and less on getting his shots.

What's good for Damon is bad for the Blazers. I've said it before and until he changes his colors, it will always be true. Let him walk. Please.

Kmurph · 02-26-2005, 11:13 PM

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One mistake I do think that Nash made was the trade for Van Exel.

That is yet to be determined. This whole issue of NVE contract being non-guaranteed is potentially a plus for POR, given that NAsh can trade him, and all are indications are he is going to try. I emailed Nash, and he had some interesting replies, namely regarding NVE (or I should say his contract) having very good value via trade in the offseason...I hope he is correct in his assessment.

He also mentioned that the chances SAR and Damon work out S & T (should POR not opt to resign them

would be very probable, and with seeing what the new CBA may look like with a split of the MLE into 2 non -combinable parts, I am inclined to believe that as well.

BTW, Nash thinks the 2005 draft will be as strong as the 2004, HS calss rather weak, and SG (should they choose to look that way...in his words) is pretty good talent wise......

I don't see POR drafting another PG this year, for sure with their 1st round pick, although I wouldn't mind seeing them take a flyer on Chris Thomas, Travis Diener or maybe take a chance on a guy like Marcelo Huertas.

There will be some other intriguing 2nd round PG prospect IMO as well in Aaron Miles & Anthony Roberson....and if Julius Hodge or Nate Robinson (both unlikely IMO) were there......I don't see how you don't take them.

zagsfan20 · 02-26-2005, 11:17 PM

Kmurph,

Is there any way you could post the entire email....I like reading what Nash has to say....

Kmurph · 02-26-2005, 11:57 PM

A couple of excerpts from his response...very cool that he responded, and a rather long response as well. Kudos to him for that, I doubt many GM's would even bother to give the fans this type ofattention.

Quote:

you are very perceptive to analyze the situation as you have. We
believe it will be in the best interest of both Shareef and Damon to participate
in a "sign and trade" scenario if we agree not to enter into extensions. That
way would be best for both to achieve the level of compensation that they will be seeking. There is a school of thought that "sign and trade" opportunities will be prohibited in the next CBA. If so, that's where NVE's contract becomes valuable to us.

Not sure about the S&T thing, I had not heard\read that anywhere....

about the draft

Quote:

I think the 2005 draft is just as deep as 2004 and I also think there are several SGs that we will be able to select from, if we choose to take a player at that position.

I am guessing here...Rashad McCants....Antoine Wright...Kennedy Winston...Gerald Green (HS)....Adam Morrison...Rudy Fernandez...Rodney Carney....

I think you would have to list Malik Hairston....JR Giddens....and Marko Tomas on this list if they declared as well.

On a side note....Would anyone here like to see POR take Malik Hairston if he declared? I would...extremely young...just turned 18...but he will be agood one IMO....Nice all around game.

zagsfan20 · 02-27-2005, 01:31 AM

Quote:

On a side note....Would anyone here like to see POR take Malik Hairston if he declared? I would...extremely young...just turned 18...but he will be agood one IMO....Nice all around game.

In a couple of years, a lot of aspects of his game still need work....

Thanks for posting the email....

kaydow · 02-27-2005, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed O

But Telfair's got a chance to develop a 3 point shot, which is something Johnson never figured out (160 for 524 in his career for 30.5% and not many attempts).
Ed O.

Kevin Johnson might not have been great from 3 point range, but he was devestating from about 18-20 ft. If Telfair can harness that medium range shot the way KJ did, I'll take it. What's everybody's fascination with the 3 anyways? Look at D. Wade. He makes a living off the 18 ft "J", and taking it to the rim. I don't think Telfair needs to be a good 3 point shooter to be an effective NBA PG. He does, however, need a medium range game.

Ed O · 02-27-2005, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaydow

Kevin Johnson might not have been great from 3 point range, but he was devestating from about 18-20 ft. If Telfair can harness that medium range shot the way KJ did, I'll take it. What's everybody's fascination with the 3 anyways?

The 3 pointer is worth 50% more than the 2 pointer. It deserves a lot of fascination.

I agree that Johnson was a good mid-range jumpshooter, but if he had extended his range a bit more it would have spread the floor more and he would have been a much better player.

Ed O.

bigmo24 · 02-27-2005, 01:21 PM

That is interesting that Nash actually responded to your email. I wonder if ANY other GMs in the league do that. I also wonder if he actually responded or one of his cronies did...i'm assuming it was a cronie.

**gatorpops** · 02-27-2005, 02:32 PM

Guys, this is the best Thread that I have read in quite some time. All poster added greatly to it. It had the bonus of the Nash e-mail but the discussion was great.

KJ was, as I remembered him, probably faster end to end than Telfair but Teltair may have him beat on the cross-over move. kJ could also finish extreamly well for a little guy. I just want to see Telfair get some playing time so I can see what I think he has. Come on Cheeks, give him some run time.

gatorpops

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