BBert

Can Blake play defense (better than Telfair)? Doesn't seem like it. (And speaking of too small, no matter how many points Dixon gets, it seems like he gives up at least 10 more.) If you want defense, Jack is obviously the strongest of the three, but I see him as just as much of a "shoot first" PG as Telfair. The only difference is, Telfair likes to break guys' ankles, and look for the layup or dish; while Jack shoots the pull-up or drives hard (at least he can finish).

I'm still not sold that Blake is any better for the team than Telfair, although I would go along with stupendous: Blake right now, Telfair very soon.

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In KP I trust.

gatorpops

Good post. My sentiments exactly.
I would like to see what would happen if Jack started several games with Telfair coming off the bench and then a stretch with Blake coming off the bench. I think those who think Jack is so good would get suprised at his inability to run the offense.

Telfair in my opinion has the most potential, yet it remains to be seen if he can adapt to multiple ways of setting up the offense.
Also Telfair was defending better at times than either Jack or Blake against some players. He will be back soon and this whole disscussion will maybe have some definition.

I hope Telfair can come back and cause us all to hate we ever doubted him. Here's hoping!!

gatorpops

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"Young, old, it doesn't matter. It's all about how you play."

"LaMarcus is a poor man's nothing." (meaning he is the real thing)

"You just got a foretaste of what life is going to be like all the time in a couple of years.

"It was tough when what’s his name got hot"

...they've got to be a pain to prepare for defensively.

Kmurph

too many options Wanker (IMO)

Telfair should start, and should play a majority of the minutes. He isn't going to get any better sitting on the bench...I NEVER have believed that BS that says otherwise...

With Blake's steady but solid play emerging, it gives Nate a good hook to use on Telfair when he is a) struggling b) not following the gameplan

Start the kid and then pull him when you want to send him a message or have him watch what he is\is not doing out there...but let him know that he is going back in..

POR fans need to be more patient with Telfair (and Webster) as they are going to take time to develop...so you play them, suffer the inconsistency that comes along with young players, and then "hope" they evolve into premeir players...

Telfair has shown glimpses of remarkable play already IMO, he just needs to find CONSISTENCY, and Nate needs to find a way to maximize Telfair's strengths into POR gameplan...

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Quit the Webster hate

ABM

To be honest, I'm beginning to think the little "PG experiment" has more to do with who's NOT gonna be the 3rd PG next season

As, most likely, Telfair is the future, Nate's just wanting to see who's a better fit for this team - Blake or Jack.

mook

hey barfo, can you add "Too many options" to my poll?

Redbeard

I agree with using Blake now to set an example and then moving to Telfair when he can control the game in the same manner. Blake has a lot of structured game experience, having won a title in College, but right now doesn't appear to be a future MVP or All-Star. It could happen, look how long it took Steve Nash to prove himself.

Anyway, the mistakes that Telfair has made IMO have more to do with inexperience and his belief that his teammates can catch his passes. It has to be mentioned that he never started with Dixon, who at the time was still trying to find his game. Telfair was paired with Webster and Monia, two rookies one of which isn't a SG. Blake shinned because he knows how to get Dixon going. Telfair should watch closely and really talk to Blake about learning his methods.

IMO Telfair is the future, but we still need to see how Jack does next year to make a decent judgment about who is best option. Definately keep all three since there are other positions that need more help.

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The age of dynasties is upon us.

SolidGuy3

I believe the point guard of our future is not on this team at the moment. We could have had him already with Chris Paul but we can't change the past. If I was GM of the Blazers I would consider drafting Rajon Rondo if he declares, he's going to be an elite PG in this league and someone I think Nate would like.

bballchik

I wouldn't hold your breath for that, Nate has stated several times that he does not want to play Telfair and Dixon together because of their size. I think you're going to see Telfair and Webster, or Blake and Dixon but I don't think we'll see much Telfair and Dixon since Nate is uncomfortable with such a small lineup.

BBert

One thing I'd like to interject concerning the labeling of Telfair as a "shoot first" point guard vs. Blake as a "pass first" point guard. I don't think that is correct, and not just because I don't think Telfair looks to score too much. I would call Blake a "pass first" PG and Telfair a "dribble first" PG, in describing how they are used to setting up the play.

I have to admit, I've always prefered moving the ball through the pass rather than the dribble. Swinging the ball around the court for the best shot is the biggest improvement this team has made this year. If Telfair immulates Blake in that regard, he will hands down be the starter.

__________________
In KP I trust.

mook

holy cow. I just had my evening whiskey, so it may be Mr. Beam messing with my head, but it seems to me we've got a new front runner. Thong Boy is at the top of mind for 222 Blazer fans.

wonder if he can hit the three?

ProZach

Telfair is our PG, both now and later. Blake is doing fine, for a backup. But his defense is no better than telfairs, and unlike some I don't think he is making the offense better. I've seen the Blazers, just as often with Blake, have trouble passing downlow to Zach/Ruben, not be able to complete a play, or dribble for too long up top. Furthermore, while Blake may not turn the ball over very much, he does when the game is on the line. Twice in the past two weeks, we've been down only a couple points in the final minute and he's dribbled into trouble then made a bad pass and turned it over. I think the improved play of Zach and Dixon, and the bench play of Ruben have a lot more to do with the little (and I do mean little) success we may have had since Telfair got injured. I think having a two-gaurd who's at least some-what capable of starting will help Telfair. Smith aint the answer and Webster is just not ready. I'd like to see Dixon and Telfair play together for awhile.

CanJohno

Agreed on every point. Solid post, good observations (they're more or less a carbon copy of the ones that I hadn't had a chance to post, yet... CHEATER!!! ).






EDIT:

And, as Ali G would say:

"Respec to Thong Boy! At this rate hims could become President! Booyakasha!"

Dan

hm...it's like Ive read that somewhere before...

__________________
A Buddhist walks up to a hot dog vendor and says "Make me one with everything".

when will the loss of life end?

The world respects the power of our example, not an example of our power.

I'd like to say I made this, but I didn't

barfo