NBA Summer League Kickoff

Can you smell it in the air? Might wanna crack a window.

The NBA Summer League is starting today (schedule). The turnovers, the lack of organization, and the bricks, oh the bricks. This can make the action difficult to watch.

Even with this in mind, I still get excited. Maybe I'm a basketball masochist.

Or maybe its still fun to see how the draft picks look. Also, you can't be mad at the fringe-NBA Players giving it everything they've got in an attempt to beat the odds and secure a spot on a team's final roster. Plus I'm not that into baseball.

As a Portland fan, I've came up with a few things I hope to keep tabs on during my team's Vegas run:

• Oden: Everything Oden.

• Joel Freeland:How can you not be curious about the white Keon Clarke? Blazers drafted the mostly unknown young Englishman in 2006. He played ball in one of the top Euro-leagues last season (Spain's ACB League) and averaged 15 and 7 in 26 minutes per. Oh ya, and he's still new to the game.

• The Oden/Aldridge dynamic in the post (oh my god!)

• Spanish Chocolate

• Terrance Green. A recent addition to the roster. Terrance Green is a Portland product who played college ball at Nevada and then for The Guangdong Southern Tigers in China with Yi Jianliang. There's a big shortage in roster spots this year, but I'm really hoping he will have an opportunity to show himself enough to catch on with someone.

• Martell Webster. Does he get it yet?

• Josh McRoberts. His plummeting stock in the draft was a popular joke at the local sportsbar. I had a big hand in that, but I'm glad he dropped low enough for Portland to pick him up. He reportedly is best as a complimentary player (which is how he got famous in highschool-playing with Greg Oden), he always will be that in Portland.

• Petteri Koponen. The work-out wonder from Finland that we know so little about. He'll probably stay in Europe for a while, so this is a rare opportunity to get a good look. I want to nickname him "The Finnish Finagler," but Casey Holdahl of the Blazer's Blog told me its "The Finnisher." I'm not sure if he's badass enough for that nickname yet, but we'll see.

Spencer Hawes: More than just a bust

It is one of my personal favorite lines from the instantly-classic Stephen A. Smith Heckling Video from the 2007 Draft: after the sock-puppet version of Stephen A. is passed over by Spencer Hawes he (it?) looks at the camera and deadpans as only a sock impersonator can:

"Spencer Hawes is gonna be a bust."

Indeed, a sentiment echoed by many. It came from stats gurus (sorry no link, they like to make you pay for their truly divine insight), sportswriters, and bloggers alike. No doubt, the signs are there. He didn't rebound much (6.4 per) for a star 7-footer at the college level, which is scary. His athleticism is another thing viewed as an obstacle he must overcome. And lets face it, a lot of us are still skeptical of white guys, especially American white guys, when it comes to playing at a high level in the NBA.

I watched him play a few times last season, and beyond the high offensive skills (one of two positives everyone seems to agree on) and height (the other one), I believe I saw a mental toughness there that would seem to help young Hawes succeed in the NBA. Only time will tell.

In the public relations realm however, Hawes is quickly working to surpass the spectacle that even the most Tskitishvilian of busts could create on the basketball court. Its pretty common knowledge that Hawes loves George W. Bush, and isn't afraid to tell you that. Many people who support Bush these days seem to not really pay attention to his little mishaps, but there are many very smart Republicans out there who back themselves up with intelligence. I figured Hawes was admirable for not being afraid to voice his opinion, and that maybe his security even came from an intelligent mind that supported his beliefs. As I learned today, I think I gave the man a little too much credit:

Hawes Debunks Global Warming, Takes on Al Gore

Oh god. This is going to be bad.

A brief quote from his case against "An Inconvenient Truth" in a debate class:

"It's one big lie. I talked about that in my opening speech -- it's the media's liberal overexaggeration of just about everything."

I knew those thousands of liberal-ass scientists were up to no good. I guess he just flung my whole intelligence assumption right out the window. His thoughts make him seem like an idiot, no doubt. I should stop, because he isn't working for NASA, he is a basketball player. Just because he's high profile doesn't mean we should expect him (or anyone else) to be well versed on current issues. These expectations are unfair, but they exist.

And a shitstorm is going to come down on this man. Maybe not for this comment, for this he might just get ridiculed for being a jackass, which is really the best case scenario at this point. But eventually, he'll say something that will cause big-time PR damage. Regardless of his lack of athleticism, his upside for public humiliation is up there with the all-time greats.

If he becomes a good player much of what he says (unless he goes Michael Richards on us) may be ignored to a degree, as in "thats just Spence bein Spence." America is usually willing to forgive a winner. But not a bust. Play hard Spencer.

Greg Oden: Man of the People

I wasn't there for Oden's rally at Pioneer Courthouse Square. This was a little heartbreaking to me, but was due directly to an excellent 2007 Draft. I got home relatively late from the sportsbar by my work that night, and had to get my blog on when I got home. Then I had to all this draft analysis to read. The result was me oversleepling Friday morning, which meant I was also late getting back to the infamous cubicle, which meant I was unable to take the needed lunch break to go stand in the rain, scream, and jump up and down at the sight of Oden. Sad.

Even more sad because the Blazers can throw a rally. I went to the press conference announcing Nate McMillan's hire. They had free hotdogs, icecream, pop, live music, and hope. With the recent trades and the draft, I'm pretty much full on hope, but a hotdog would have hit the spot.

Anyways, I read on the OregonLive Blazers Blog that Greg Oden arrived via the MAX Lightrail (no word on if there was free food). I'm not sure who had the idea for the new stud to slide up via Portland's renowned public transportation system, but its pretty cool that he did it. You can feel the city fall more in love with the #1 pick every day. Welcome to Portland Mr. Oden.

What a night, 2007 NBA Draft

Fun times. I was a little miffed since I could only follow the first few picks of the night online. I can only ninja out of my cubicle and appear at the nearest sportsbar so fast. Once I got situated, the good times rolled.

First of all, I ended up sitting next to the perfect kind of people at the sportsbar: the old hoopheads. This was not Rip City HQ, this was a corny sportsbar in a westside suburban business park. And still, there was a decent turnout of enthusiastic folks. The plummeting Josh McRoberts became a running joke, and I think I even impressed with my Tiago Splitter knowledge. Good people.

The reaction to the big Zach Randolph trade was priceless. When it flashed on the screen the roof came off the place. An old lady playing video poker went into convulsions. The old hoopheads were excited because Zach was gone and salary space was saved. They said Francis won't play a game for Portland, so no need to worry about him. Who needs ESPN analysis when you got these guys?

Then I noticed all the Knicks fans going crazy, and I couldn't stop the laughter. You guys have no idea what's in store for you. Your frontcourt now consists of Eddy Curry and Z-Bo, if you think thats something to give a standing ovation then you don't know Zach. Don't let the numbers fool you. PS, this is a guy that can't stay out of trouble in Portland.

The draft was awesome, I learned that Kevin Pritchard is still made of magic. McRoberts was a steal since he is a very good complimentary player and supposedly Greg Oden's semi-buddy. Taurean Green with the #52 pick? I'll take that all day. Koponen the workout wonder is worth the low risk, especially since he can develop over in Europe for a while. Rudy Fernandez? I don't know much, but I read good things. As for everyone else? Kevin Pritchard drafted them, so they must be awesome. Now its time to look forward to free agent season, summer league, more trades, and a dynasty. I love being a Blazer fan.

They're saying its Oden, Seattle Still Sucks

It came all over local news and ESPN earlier this evening. Awesome. If thats K-Pizl & Crew's choice, its probably the best one. Roy, Aldridge, and Oden is quite a young core (not to mention those other guys, yay!). Even with the main suspense likely gone, the draft is still gonna be great fun to watch play out.

I assume this means Durant is going to Seattle, although I am hoping they pick Jianliang and maintain their hilarious draft strategy of using high picks on unproven 7-footers (shout out to Robert Swift and Sene!). Forget your future Seattle, you know with your ownership its probably a wrap anyways, so keep the comedy going!

Durant is an incredibly gifted, hardworking, and lucky person overall. That said, how thrilled can he really be going to Seattle when the organization is so bad that Detlef Schrempf doesn't even want to be there? That organization is apparently in terrible condition all around (save for the incredible #2 pick this year), which could be bad news for Durant, and the league. Maybe he should pull a Kobe and try to force a trade before he even suits up. Hey, K-Pizl has a niiiiiiice young 20 and 10 low post player available, lets do lunch!

Its like Christmas Eve right now

Actually comparing the 2007 Draft Eve to Christmas Eve is a bit of a stretch. First of all, my family always opens presents on Christmas Eve as opposed to the next morning (old pagan ritual), so for me its more like Christmas Eve-Eve. Plus usually the presents suck, at least compared to your home team getting the #1 pick. Still, Blazer fans have to be feeling pumped and anxious as the draft inches nearer.

I'll be happy with Oden or Durant (sorry, I know I said no more waffling, but its hard), and watching the rest of the draft shake out is always fun. I can't wait to watch Kevin Pritchard and crew like an M. Night Shyamalan movie (one that doesn't suck, maybe Sixth Sense. I liked Unbreakable too, but anyways...), sitting back and eagerly awaiting all the unexpected twists. I mean seriously, 4 Second Round Picks? Just what are you up to, K-Pizl?

More than the future, this draft can help Rip City heal some old wounds. I'm not just talking about the "Jailblazers" garbage, I'm talking about something far worse. The 1984 Draft. I don't even like typing it. Who really wants to revisit Portland selecting Sam Bowie over Jordan? I doubt I'm the only one (Clyde still defends the pick) who has spent many half-hearted conversations trying to get people to understand the circumstances:

"Of course that doesn't mean they were right, but how could anyone know Jordan would be the greatest ever? Portland already had a perimeter star in Clyde, and really needed a quality big guy. I mean it turned out bad, but it wasn't dumb at the time, it made sense."

God I'm tired of being that guy. If Portland picks Oden (or Durant!) and goes on to win multiple titles and all that loveliness, I don't think I'll have to be that guy anymore.

"Yeah that was dumb back in 84, but how about that dynasty team 25 years later?"

Much better.

Its official: Draft Kevin Durant

I've been waffling. Through the workouts, through the youtube and google "research," through all the blogs and articles and talking heads making a case for one camp or another. I was all Oden, then Durant, then back to Oden before finally deciding to sit on the sidelines, throw my hands in the air and issue the defeated cop-out line, "In Kevin Pritchard We Trust." Hey, he's the one with magic powers.

I'm done with it. I've had a revealation of sorts and am ready to plant myself firmly on one side: draft Kevin Durant. Not because of the recent workouts. Not because of Oden's health or Durant's "killer instinct," I'm basing this on something more solid, my mistrust of the majority.

This is where I tried to link to DraftTheStache.com, only to find the url expired 6/3/07. I had very low confidence in the team management just a year ago, and rightfully so. I feared they would heed those fans outside the practice facility and actually draft Adam Morrison. Very Scary.

So unnerving, I vowed to never trust the popular opinion of Blazer fans. Your past yearning for the Great White Mope has made you forever invalid. With this in mind, a poll in the Oregonian shows fans want Oden over Durant.

You've given me direction, Rip City. A new heading for my blog. I have no choice but to oppose you: Draft Kevin Durant.

The Z-Bo Question

Winning the number 1 pick in the draft did big things for the Trade Zach Movement (I've spent a lot of time trying to convince people that this is in fact a movement, people seem to like joining movements). Finally, more fans seem in favor of sending Zach somewhere else and allowing our young core to develop. So the question is, whats the best option?

Some speculate a trade to Chicago, some hope for a kind of deal for Rashard Lewis. Rashard would probably come with a contract similar to Zach’s (very long, very expensive), I’m not really sure Portland tying up that much cash long term would be wise when they will have to re-sign these young stars in a couple years.

I’m for using Zach as a means to increase financial flexibility in the future. After all, when Portland is fighting to get over the hump and become a real championship level team (wow, I’m all giddy now), wouldn’t it be nice to have that leeway to sign a good complimentary free agent?

Also, with Oden or Durant on the way, Portland doesn’t really need Zach’s talent anymore, in fact Zach’s offensive style (holding the ball until it becomes flat, then shooting) could stifle the development of such players.

Which is why I’m in the camp of trading Zach for some expiring contracts. You could get some vets that are good character guys and hardworkers who could come off the books soon. It might sound odd, and Portland would very likely be giving up the best player in the deal. I think its worth it. Also, Zach is good enough to warrant an overpaid vet and a decent draft pick(s!), either this year or in the future.

You can bet I was pumped for the latest rumor I saw pop on hoopshype.com, Z-Bo for Theo Ratliff and Boston's number five pick (that pick speculated to be in order to secure Conley, I'm not so sure). Theo probably wouldn't be too happy, but he would be a professional (like he was during his first stint in Portland) who sets an example for the younger guys. Not only does Ratfliff makes slightly less than Randolph on a yearly basis, he only has two seasons remaining as opposed to Zach's five. Its also very possible that Danny Ainge is a very desperate man at this point, and might be looking to bite on a big deal. Zach and Pierce could theoretically be pretty lethal, maybe even enough to overlook what the tandem could accomplish off the court.

Of course this is all speculation, but its the kind that sounds very, very good. Will it happen? Will something better come along? Would this deal just be carried out in order to set up another crazy Pritchardizing of the league?

In Kevin Pritchard we trust.

In Kevin Pritchard We Trust

Oden....or Durant....or Oden...or Durant

Unlike some people I've talked to, I don't view Oden as the automatic pick. Conventional thinking may have you take the big guy, but there's also mounting evidence that Kevin Durant is one of those guys that is wired to dominate. At this point, we've all heard rational reasons to pick either one.

I've also noticed a lot of folks summing up the dilemma by saying something along the lines of "I trust Kevin Pritchard with the decision." I was one of these folks.

After all, Kevin Pritchard is our new can't-miss GM. He hoodwinked the league in last year's draft and ended up with Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. That Spanish Chocolate pickup wasn't so bad either. He must have a superior eye for talent. Whatever the mystical statistical and scouting system is that he uses, it works. If you picked up a paper lately, you would know this is all common knowledge.

Let's take a step back. The man was promoted to GM on March 29, 2007. We certainly have signs that he is very good at his job, but he hasn't even had his 90 day performance review. Are we basing our unquestioned faith on one draft? I think I was. I took the promotion of Kevin Pritchard as another sign that the Blazers are moving in the right direction and (finally) making the right decisions.

There was a team of Blazer's management (and as much as I hate to say it, an owner) that made the decisions last draft day. When did we decide to heap all the credit on Kevin Pritchard?

My theory for the KP Love? Two names: Bob Whitsitt, Steve Patterson. The last two GM's of the Portland Trailblazers. Not the most popular guys in Portland. Although one can certainly make the argument that these two did some positive things while on the job, you will never here any of that come up in a sportsbar. Neither one ever had the fan support of Pritchard, we're not even sure if they thought that was important.

They were tough guys to relate to. Whitsitt was like a corporate CEO nobody is ever able to see or talk to, but is definitely afraid of. Steve Patterson always struck me as having a politician-like phony way of trying to connect, which got painful to watch at times.

Enter Kevin Pritchard. A personable guy that has been around the team for a while and (as far as we know) performed his duties well. This may not sound like much of a compliment, but when I see him in an interview he seems like a "person." Patterson seemed more like somebody trying to be a "person," and I'm not sure Whitsitt was ever seen enough to formulate an opinion one way or another.

Could our love and devotion for Kevin Pritchard be due to the unpopularity of his predecessors? I think we can say that at least partially, yes. Deciding to give him a bulk of the credit for last year's draft certainly didn't hurt (and could very well be deserved) things either. Whatever all the reasons are, he has an aura right now that he can do no wrong.

So, Oden or Durant?

In Kevin Pritchard we trust.