I was at the game on January 2nd against the Hornets. I saw Tyson Chandler take a cheap shot on Joel’s injured wrist, then Joel push Chandler off, followed by Chandler throwing his elbow at Joel (essentially throwing a punch, but with his elbow). I thought the officials did a great job, took their time and watched the replay. In the end, I felt the right call was made, Joel deserved a technical, but Chandler deserved a flagrant two and an ejection.
Then, I read this on ESPN (from the AP):
Przybilla shoved Chandler with a forearm in the abdomen, which caused Chandler to lunge forward and smack Przybilla with a harder, more blatant forearm. Officials Sean Corbin and Gary Zielinski, working as a two-man crew with Jack Nies missing the game due to injury, watched the replay screen before deciding to eject Chandler for a flagrant-2 foul. It was the third time that seven-year veteran has been ejected in Portland.
So, “Przybilla shoved Chandler?” That’s how this started? I’m pretty sure that Chandler took a complete cheap shot on Joel’s injured wrist/hand. This makes me fully believe that the author of the ariticle that ESPN is using (from the AP), didn’t likely watch the game. I don’t deny that Joel did shove Chandler, but get it right, that’s not what started this little tussle.
This was the turning point in the game, and of course, not in a good way for the Blazers. Also, New Orleans plays Denver next, so Chandler getting a suspension would almost be worse for the Blazers… What a crazy world we live.
I’ve been saying this since the opener, someone on the Blazers will win Rookie of the Year Honors. I don’t know who it is, I don’t know if Oden will fulfill his prophecy, if Bayless will break out of his shell, the micro-chance the Batum-Raider has to win it or if Rudy will come out on top as a Dark Horse but I just know someone will win ROY for Portland.
That aside ESPN is so far favoring one-half of the Spanish Connection with Rudy Fernandez coming in at #1 on their Rookie watch, beating out the #1 and #2 picks of Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley. Here’s what they have to say:
We knew he was an excellent perimeter shooter. And his energy in games is a difference-maker. But I didn’t know he was such an excellent shot-maker.
Anyone who saw his one-legged jumper and his below-the-rim, left-handed lob finish against the Suns knows exactly what I mean. Fernandez looks to be in my top five all season.
It’s nice to see Rudy come out as the bright spot so far on this Portland team. Everyone knew that he had the skills to be successful in the NBA, but he is showing it off in spades. He is fearless, knows how to handle the ball and shares the rock. Don’t be surprised if Rudy becomes the next Manu.
These came out last night I know but I was very tired so I’m posting them now. If you want to know the spoiler, the Blazers are ranked 13th. Once again, people seem to love the 76ers and Marc Stein has placed them 8th. Really? 8th? The 8th best team in the NBA is the Philadelphia 76ers? REALLY? A team that got into the playoffs in 7th position in a embarrasingly poor Eastern Conference with a record two games under .500? Come on. I know they got a huge boost after they acquired Elton Brand, but 8th best in the league? I’m not buying.
ESPN’s Chad Ford has just posted an article detailing the ever-so-talked about free agency class of Summer ‘09. The article divides the class into three separate portions: contracts with player options, restricted free agents and unrestricted free agents. If you head down to the restricted free agent portion of the article and look at the number eight spot you’ll see this:
Channing Frye, Blazers. After his first season with the Knicks, Frye looked like a star in the making, but his last two seasons have been much less impressive. Still, Frye is big, has some offensive skills facing the basket and is a decent rebounder. If he ever started playing defense, he’d certainly be considered a capable big man. The Blazers are looking for cap room next summer and Frye isn’t part of their core group, which means he’s also a good candidate to change teams next summer.
That little blurb is extremely intriguing. Chad Ford seems convinced that Channing Frye does not have a spot on the Blazers’ roster next year, which many have speculated for some time now. It just seems more…believable with a big outlet like ESPN saying this. Will it happen? I have no idea.
We’ve all read the reports of Channing’s off-season workout regiments and how he’s develop a three point shot. At the same time, we have to remember that Channing is smart, he knows that this is an upcoming contract year. He knows that with all the additions that the Blazers have acquired, he may have limited time to showcase his talents to both the Blazers organization and to other teams. He has to make the most of the time that Nate McMillan gives him off the bench if he wants to get the contract that he thinks he is worth.
Anyways, Channing aside, it’s a fun article to read through and imagine what kinds of moves and signings the Blazers could make next Summer. Personally, I’d like to see ‘Sheed come back to the Blazers as the grizzled veteran who can lead this team to a title. Ahh yes, I can both hear and feel the hatred of the people reading this post right now. I’m just sayin’, Ball Don’t Lie.
So what do you think readers? Tell us your most fantasized (but still within reality) free agent signings you would like the Blazers to make next Summer.
There will be a memorial service held in Portland this weekend, taken from Blazersedge.com:
WHATThe Trail Blazers, along with the Duckworth family, will be holding a memorial service for Kevin Duckworth, who passed away suddenly Monday evening in Gleneden Beach, Ore., at the age of 44.WHERE
The celebration of Kevin’s life will be held at the Memorial Coliseum, a place he called home, on the floor where Duck and his teammates left an indelible mark on our hearts and our history. The Memorial Coliseum is located adjacent to the Rose Garden Arena, at 300 N. Winning Way in Portland.WHO
All fans are invited to join Kevin’s family, friends, current and former Trail Blazers personnel, as well as several of Duck’s former teammates, to pay their respects.WHENSaturday, August 30, at 11 a.m.REMEMBRANCESWays to honor Kevin Duckworth will be announced shortly.PARKINGDue to another event taking place at the Rose Garden, we strongly encourage the use of public transportation.
Also here’s a video with ESPN’s Ric Bucher who remembers Duck fondly.
This is sort of bad news for the Blazers. ESPN is reporting that the Boston Celtics are signing Darius Miles. He will have to sit out 10-games due to suspension.
Now, the contract terms have not been released, but the word around the NBA is that it is a non-guaranteed contract. That means he gets a ticket to training camp, but has not made the roster. If he does make the regular season roster, then his salary issue comes into play for Portland. We shall wait and see.
