player rankings v 0.50
What players are most important to the team? Who provides the intangibles that make this team a team? This isn’t a contest of who is best, but rather who is most important and influential for the teams success.
1) Brandon Roy (Previously 1)
No one can underestimate what Roy means to this team. He leads the Blazers down the stretch and hits big shots when he needs to (just ask Houston). He is also still very young and makes mistakes that any young player will make (just ask Houston). The key for Roy is growth, and he has made strides this year.
2) LaMarcus Aldridge, PF (Previously 2)
His play has been shaky since Oden reentered the lineup, but he is the undisputed offensive big man for the Blazers. Expect him to get more comfortable with Oden as the season goes on, say All Star break?
3) Rudy Fernandez (Previously NA)
Many “experts” are picking the Spanish Sensation (nick name anyone?) to be the Rookie of the Year. He might lose the award to a player who scores more, but he is definitely the rookie making the biggest impact in the league.
4) Steve Blake, PG (Previously 5)
Steve Blake has played so-so over this young season, but he has played well and hit big shots at times. He may not be the point guard of the future, and may not keep his starting job through the season, but for my money, right now, he brings much needed experience to this young team.
5) Greg Oden, C (Previously 3)
He’s back, but not better then ever. Oden has improved since his 13 minute experiment against the Lakers on opening night. He is back from the foot injury and has played well in that time. Keep him off the bench for now, but he is playing well in the crucial fourth quarter minutes.
6) Travis Outlaw, SF (Previously 4)
What do you get when you combine explosiveness, amazing springs and a huge lack of fundamentals? Travis Outlaw. I’d be shocked if he finished the season in Portland, but with that said, he does provide a scoring option for the second unit.
7) Joel Przybilla, C (Previously 9)
How good has Joel Przybilla been playing? Really good. He, of course, is an offensive liability, but he can d-up against the best and puts forth more hustle then anyone else on the court.
8 ) Nicolas Batum, GF (Previously 13)
The D-League hopeful turned NBA starter. It’s a story you hear very rarely. He plays limited minutes, but holds his own for his run in the first quarter. Once Webster comes back he might be at the end of the bench, but I hope not.
9) Sergio Rodriguez (Previously 10)
There have been many calling for Sergio to be traded (including Sergio according to some sources), but he throws lobs to Rudy that give me chills.
10) Channing Frye, PF (Previously 7)
There were high hopes for Channing. He is one of the most likable players in the NBA, but he lacks a back to the basket game. Maybe he can stay happy with limited minutes off the bench, I hope so, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is shopped around by KP.
11) Martell Webster, SF (Previously 6)
Word is he will be back near the first week of December. So the log-jam will begin about the first week of December. The Blazers can use Webster’s shooting and fundamentals (see Outlaw), but I hate to see Batum lose minutes.
12) Jerryd Bayless, PG (Previously 8 )
The Summer League MVP has yet to be given a real chance. His time will come and I think he will be ready.
13) Ike Diogu, PF (Previously 12)
A likable guy who plays a few garbage minutes when players get in foul trouble.
14) Raef LaFrentz
Trade Bait, pure and simple.
