http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/1144475962309520.xml&coll=7&thispage=1"One thing I have seen out of the kid is he is confident and he has a heart," McMillan said. "He has a passion about this game, and I think he has improved. I feel comfortable with him running the team. The only thing that has been a problem is matching him up with guards defensively, especially without Theo (Ratliff) being out there."
Along the way, Telfair has shown two traits that have endeared him to McMillan: leadership and a desire to stay in Portland next season.
Telfair adamantly says that the Blazers are the perfect fit for him. And while teammates have plodded through the final month, taking losses as if they were expected, Telfair has been a constant energizer both on and off the court, pleading for effort and encouraging his teammates.
"I have seen it all season long, throughout training camp," McMillan said of Telfair's attitude. "And with Sebastian, even though he is not a captain, I knew he would do things a captain would do. He speaks up every day. Every day. . . . He is very competitive, and he has been that way from day one, just very consistent with it."
Telfair has emerged as one of the brightest figures in the Blazers' otherwise dismal season with a strong finish that has included a reduction in turnovers, better shot selection and improved on-the-ball defense, all of which has complemented his growing leadership skills.
"It looks like he is in control of the team out there," McMillan said.
McMillan said Telfair has earned the late-game minutes and the title of an improving player because of his decision making. In his first 30 games this season, Telfair went one game without a turnover; in his next 30, Telfair had 13 without a miscue.
"I think he fought it early on, but now he is really working to be that point guard who can set up, deliver, but at the same time score," McMillan said. "I think what we are seeing now is a guard who at times is not scoring, but you don't see the frustration that you saw earlier. Things are not forced. He's trying to run the offense."
Yet, there was Telfair, always up on the bench cheering his teammates, particularly Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack, his competition at point guard.
"To me, that said a lot about the guy," McMillan said.
I don't know i thought he was being serious about being there if he wasnt here.SMiLE said:he didn't say he wanted to play in NJ (or New York) but that it's a dream of his. Doesn't mean he doesn't want to play here.
Zidane said:I don't know i thought he was being serious about being there if he wasnt here.
I don't consider calling someone a thug a bad thing.Just like pimp was a bad thing in earlier generations its a good thing now.And how ****** was a bad thing now alot of kids say it to each other.SMiLE said:it was a meaningless comment, that no one needs to take as proof of anything bad.
it doesn't mean he doesn't want to be here, or is a "NY thug" (or any of the other typical derogatory comments people make about telfair, when they know little about him).
cept that those who say it about him, aren't saying it in an endearing manner. They're saying it to berate him, or show that they're "right about him".Zidane said:I don't consider calling someone a thug a bad thing.Just like pimp was a bad thing in earlier generations its a good thing now.And how ****** was a bad thing now alot of kids say it to each other.
Oh i didn't know that.SMiLE said:cept that those who say it about him, aren't saying it in an endearing manner. They're saying it to berate him, or show that they're "right about him".
You don't have to defend Telfair every time someone says something about him.SMiLE said:it was a meaningless comment, that no one needs to take as proof of anything bad.
What I've been seeing lately is he takes his man off the dribble and then passes when he gets past. Great to see.the article said:Early in the season, McMillan would often pull Telfair for quick shots, or for an insistence on driving to the basket for a shot instead of looking to get his teammates involved. Now, Telfair is more apt to pass the ball to Zach Randolph before looking to take his man off the dribble.
and you don't have to stroll that crap out everytime I say something correcting what someone says wrong about him (or another player).Backboard Cam said:You don't have to defend Telfair every time someone says something about him
wtf are you talking about?SMiLE said:and you don't have to stroll that crap out everytime I say something correcting what someone says wrong about him (or another player).
one good hyperbole deserved another one, BC.Backboard Cam said:wtf are you talking about?
I take it personal (just like stomp and ed do) when someone missrepresents facts or truth.Backboard Cam said:mine wasn't a hyperbole.
btw- in case you were wondering, I'm a big Telfair fan and I've been very patient with him this season. It just seems like any time anyone says something less than glowing about him, you need to shoot them down. Even if someone says something good about Blake, you seem to take that as a personal insult to you and Telfair.
:yes: you're not the only one that's noticed this. it's kind of annoying.Backboard Cam said:mine wasn't a hyperbole.
btw- in case you were wondering, I'm a big Telfair fan and I've been very patient with him this season. It just seems like any time anyone says something less than glowing about him, you need to shoot them down. Even if someone says something good about Blake, you seem to take that as a personal insult to you and Telfair.