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Will the Blazers trade SAR?

There is a lot of talk lately about PDX trading SAR. The most recent being a trade for Jason Kidd. This trade is one I am adamently opposed to.

Jason Kidd is damaged goods, has a bad character history, a bum knee, a wife with a negative
attitude, she thought San Antonio wasn't "glitzy" enough for her.
(she better look long and hard at Portland).

Worst of all, Jason has a monstrous contract that will cripple the Blazers financially for several years. This is a bad deal no matter what way you look at it. Word is that Nash wants Kidd to metor Sebastion Telfair. This is a very high price to pay for a "teacher".

Names like Eddie Jones and Wally Szczerbiak have surfaced as well.

There seems to be an assumption that Blazer fans prefer Zach Randolph to Shareef Abdur Rahim. It appears that Zach will agree to a 6 year, 75 mil. contract.

Zach and SAR have created what we call the "battle at the 4". There are arguments for both players. What has been really unfair to SAR is forcing him to play out of position. There are arguments as to which player is actually best at the 4. The organization seems to prefer Zach, yet they see value in SAR.

I am sure that a few fans, who have valid arguments for both players, may express their takes on this, and I hope they do!

Only the season will tell how this opera ends.

Sources: CBS Sportsline.com, thesmokinggun.com, usatoday.com, bizjournals.com, hoopshype.com, oregonlive.com

Will there be an NBA player's strike?

According to an article in today's Oregonian there is a possibility that the players will strike. Theo Ratliff, center for the Portland Trailblazers, is on the board. His words sound to me to be hopeful, yet cautious:

"...The players certainly are looking for a better deal. Many players think that the union caved in during the 1999 negotiations and are advocating a tougher position this time.

"We're willing to negotiate anything, but there has to be some give and take on both sides," said Portland Trail Blazers center Theo Ratliff, a member of the union's executive board. "It can't be just a give, give on one side -- which is what we end up doing most of the time."

The two sides have been talking since last season, which everyone agrees is a good sign. Still, Ratliff and the players union have been suggesting that union members start saving money in case negotiations drag out, eventually stall and the players are locked out again.

"Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. But at the same time, we have to ready," Ratliff said. "So we've been advising everybody to make sure they know what's going on, save their money and be ready for whatever happens...."
LINK

Jermaine O'Neal to start season on IR

"I expect to open on the injured list," O'Neal said. "After a couple more days of practice we'll see where I'm at. I know for sure I won't play next week at all and there's a huge possibility I will be out for a couple of weeks. So we'll see what happens." Pacers.com

Hey-once a Blazer, always a Blazer ;)

Get well soon Jerm and hopefully we will see you on the court soon!

Q suspended by league

Qyntel Woods has been suspended by the league for drug violations.

This won't hurt the Blazers in that Q is already suspended indefinitely over allegations he is facing for illegal dog fighting.

This just isn't good for Qyntel or the team. Q has been generally liked by Blazer fans. For a few years now we have all been looking forward to "Q's breakout season". I don't think thtta will be happening. Hopefully he can get through all of this and find a fresh start on a new team. I think it is fairly safe to say that Portland fans have had enough. I'm fairly certain that Q has too.

LINK

Preseason: Blazers vs Sonics

The Blazers were without some key players tonight. We didn't get the win.

Ruben Patterson-as always-poured his heart out on the court. 22-6. We NEED this sparkplug.

Darius Miles is irritating me. He has some fancy moves but he is missing his finishes too much. It seems to be a bit of "Kobe" syndrome. Hey D, it's a t-e-a-m sport. 7 of 22? No no no.

Ray Allen? Sheesh-what do you say? 32 points. When he's hot-he's hot.

Game Box Score (NBA.com)

The Date That Basketball Fans Are Waiting For!

As a Blazer fan I can say that I am very pleased that Shaq and Kobe are splitsville. Blazer fans have HATED the Lakers and Shaq-Kobe for YEARS! ESPECIALLY since 2000!

It's painful-let's not go there.

Anyway...here is the date that I know nearly all basketball fans are waiting for:

Shaq and Miami Heat vs Kobe and LA Lakers
Christmas Day

ABC tips off its NBA game coverage with a Christmas Day match featuring Shaquille O'Neal's highly anticipated return to Los Angeles as the Heat visit the Lakers at 3 p.m. ET.n ABC Source NBA.COM

My question for Blazer fans: Who will you root for and why?

My choice is Miami! There is no arrogant equivalent to Kobe Bryant! I want to see him squashed by Shaq!