Another New Era?
sandcrabs July 2nd, 2009
As the NBA free agent period begins, many rumors have swirled around my beloved Portland Trailblazers. The one with the most teeth is the courting of Hedo Turkoglu. There are reports that he is currently in Portland having discussions with Kevin Pritchard (of the Pritch-slap fame) and Blazer management about signing a free agent contract. Of course nothing can be finalized until the free agent signing moratorium is lifted on July 8. However, with almost $10mil to spend in cap room there’s a very realistic chance Hedo will become a Trailblazer. While this may not be a huge splash it does upgrade a serious need the Blazers have for an outside shooter. Not really worth it? Well, I have two words for that: Robert Horry.
By most statistics one could term Horry a journeyman. His career stats aren’t that impressive. He’s averaged 7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 42.5% shooting and 72.6% free throws. I think another term is more appropriate: assassin. How often did we see Horry make that last second 3-point shot that won playoff games? After all, isn’t it all about the playoffs? Does anybody know who holds the record for the NBA player with the most championships? Okay, it’s Bill Russell with 11, but Robert Horry is tied for 7th all time with 7 championships. Names like Jordan, Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson are all behind him. Horry is one of only two players who have won a championship for 3 different teams. Extra credit if you can name the other player. Hint: his nickname is Spider.
Hedo Turkoglu I believe is a better overall player than Horry so he will certainly help during the regular season which, by the way, the Blazers won 54 games. However, his value this past post season was evident in his improvement during the finals. His scoring increased by more than 6 points per game and his 3 point shooting percentage increased an amazing 10% from the first round to the finals. He shot a blistering 43.8% from 3 point range in the finals. He may not be the best player in the league but he’s the best option in free agency for a team that sorely needs that outside touch.
Another rumor is that the Blazers may go after Steve Nash. One scenario has them trading Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw and Jarryd Bayless for Nash. I know that all the Rudy fans would become crazed lunatics at the thought of losing their hero, but think with your heads for one moment. There are rumors that Fernandez is upset that Turkoglu may be coming to Portland, assumedly because that would mean fewer shots for Rudy. If Hedo is signed, and the Nash trade becomes reality the window for a championship becomes immediate. Think of a line-up with Nash and Roy as the guards, Aldridge and Turkoglo at forwards and Greg Oden in the middle. We all know that Nash can pop the 3 pointer as well. With the exception of Oden, the starting line-up is now deadly from the outside which will only open up the middle for Oden. Note to all the Oden haters: Get the F off the kids back. He’s only 21 and will be staring what is essentially his second NBA season.
How good was Kobe or Garnett in their second seasons? They both are tremendous talents….now. Being that he’s a 7-footer, Oden’s body is still trying to adjust to what he puts it through in an NBA season. Do you want another Yao Ming? Somebody with a career hanging by a thread because his body can’t keep up with the pounding it’s taken over the years? Too much, too hard, too fast will destroy the kid. He’s a good person with a lot of talent. Put in the right situations and Oden is going to flourish. If you have a problem with that then go root for the Warriors.
Now, back to the Nash/Turkoglu factor. Outside shooting has been a problem for the Blazers for some time now. Until he can prove he’s the answer, Martell Webster can not be anointed the savior. Oh, he can sit in a chair 20 feet out and nail shots, but it’s obviously much more difficult with a defender running at your face. Both Nash and Turkoglu can nail that outside shot with ease. Also, the toughness factor. Many times we’ve seen Nash’s face busted up and the guy just keeps coming back. He may not be the biggest out on the floor, but nobody can question his heart.
Moves such as these makes me get even more excited about the upcoming season. It remains to be seen as to what will actually happen, but it’s nice to be speculating on those things rather than placing bets on who will be the next Blazer busted for pot. Yes, there are exciting times to be a Blazers’ fan and we should all roll around naked in it. Well, maybe not naked, but let’s have some fun with it as we it may not last.
