| Summer League Analysis: Game 2, Vs. Dallas Authored by J.T. Magee - July 11, 2007 - 6:57 pm
Although the team played poorly considering the expectations going into the Las Vegas Summer League, some of Portland’s prospects showed a lot of glimpses indicating they’re worth keeping on the roster and in the rotation. Portland looked more aggressive at the beginning against Dallas but weren’t able to pull out the win.
LaMarcus Aldridge
Once again, Aldridge was Portland’s best player. He was active on the boards, working for every rebound. He was running the court like a swingman and finishing strong. He was getting as many touches against Dallas like he was in the first game because Sergio Rodriguez started off aggressive. Aldridge was still shooting perimeter shots more than working in the post, but his shot was not falling like it was in the first game. Aldridge is showing rapid improvement and is hands down the best player so far in the Las Vegas Summer League. I want to see how he works in the post a little more, especially with the ball on the left block. Great game from Aldridge.
Greg Oden
If the first five minutes were any indication on how Oden will do this season, then watch out. He was aggressive on defense, active on both ends of the floor and played like he was the #1 pick. Although he ended up struggling overall, that stretch of play sparked a lot of buzz in the arena. Although I wasn’t there, I was feeling the exact same thing everyone in the arena felt: this kid could become great. He had the presence on defense to dominate and he was more direct in his offensive approach.
He ended up fouling a little too much, but he looked really tired in the second half. There is talk he has tonsillitis, so that means there’s no way he’s properly breathing. This means he wasn’t properly breathing after that stretch in the first quarter. The stretch is what we have to base his game on, not the rest of it. Yeah, he struggled overall, but that stretch says to me that I have to be in Portland for his first game as a Blazer in the Rose Garden.
Sergio Rodriguez
Rodriguez was more aggressive in this game, shooting and driving with confidence. He was running the offense better and playing better defense. The Blazers were playing great as a team and Rodriguez was a big part of it. He was making correct passes and kicking out to guards on the 3-point line. What was good to see was Rodriguez drive in, then pass it right to his teammate’s hip on the 3-point line with accuracy each time. His defense was better, but it still sucked. He has to much potential to no figure out how to properly play defense. I hate seeing him try to pressure the point guard full court. It isn’t working. For all the amount of knowledge and second nature instincts he has on offense, it hurts to see him play so poorly on defense. His team defense is exceptional, but it’s his one-on-one D that needs improvement. That, and his lack of using his potent left hand, is holding him back. He’d play three times better if he’d just wait around the 3-point line for the point guard to come into the half court. I love his potential, but his struggles are disappointing.
Martell Webster
Once again, he struggled to get going offensively early on. He wasn’t finding his shot. He was moving the ball within the offense, but he wasn’t trying to create for himself. When he was trying to, he picked the wrong times to do so. They weren’t in the flow of the offense. Portland wants to see him become the #2 option behind Aldridge and he’s not playing like he is. Offensively, he struggled. Defensively, it was a different story.
It was his best game in a long time. He was reading the offense and playing the passing lanes perfectly. He was constantly trying to hound his opponent and moving his feet. Compared to what I’ve seen in the past from him, he’s starting to understand how his size can help him on the defensive end. His nose for rebounding the ball was shocking. He was grabbing the rock out of mid-air almost at its peak. For his size, it was an average day rebounding, numbers-wise. For his position, it was above par. For him, it was great. If he can translate that over to the offensive end of the floor and bring a little confidence and handle, he’ll become a go-to option off the bench for the Blazers this season. I’m still waiting for him to piece it all together in the LVSL.
Stefano Mancinelli
Mancinelli started out as a role player and ended up as a role player who needs attention. He was playing scrappy defense but was effective with his decisions in the team defense as well as in one-on-one situations. He wasn’t able to control his opponents with strength so he used good timing and angle playing to help himself out of situations. He was picking up loose balls and taking good shots. He knows he’s not on here to force his offense or become a defensive stopper and he’s playing within those limitations successfully. I would like to see what he can do offensively. I feel he has the potential to create off the dribble and help Webster get into good offensive situations. Good but quiet game for Mancinelli.
Joel Freeland
Freeland is slowly starting to look fitted on the floor. He’s still lost in a lot of sets and situations, but his main instincts (block shots, post play, jump shot from perimeter) are blooming into a standout post player. If he cannot find a situation overseas that benefits him in regards to playing time in actual games, he would be best crossing the pond and playing in the NBDL. Freeland had trouble defending in the post on certain possessions, but was effective by using his body to box out Dallas’ bigs and contest shots, regardless is he altered the shot or fouled the Maverick taking the shot. He’s a project but one worth investing coaching and time into.
Peterri Koponen
Koponen is clearly a couple of years away from being a player because of his body, not because of his basketball IQ. Koponen had difficulty bodying up on the perimeter and had a tough time fighting around screens. He would see them coming and try to avoid them, but would still take an extra second to go around it after the contact. Offensively, it was fun to see him and Rodriguez on the court because they can facilitate quick ball movement. His court vision for a guard his age is outstanding. He can deliver the orange (I’m starting a new slang for the rock) in the perfect spot for his teammate to make a good play or the right play. Although he could benefit playing in the NBDL, it would benefit his game if he were to play for a middle of the pack team in the Euroleague or a top team in a country like Spain or Italy, where some of the better players from around the world are more abundant.
Josh McRoberts
This game provided some insight as to why McRoberts was a second round pick. He simply has not asserted himself and his abilities into Portland’s offense, instead taking a backseat to the rest of the team. His passing is evident, but we all want to see him assert himself into the game. Right now, he’s playing himself out of a spot on the team in favor of Freeland. He has to want it and it’s not looking like that right now. With Oden likely not playing the rest of the season, McRoberts will see more touches and opportunities to flourish.
Taurean Green
If he’s being used as the off-guard in the offense, then it’s almost written in stone Green will likely be on someone else’s team at the start of the season. He is not playing his game. He’s been alright defensively, but even though I watched him as closely as I watched the rest of the team, there isn’t much to write about. He’s not running the team and by taking a player out of his element, he’s not able to fully help the team.
Overall View
Portland is getting solid production from its big men, but the guards and wing players have to step up their game. The team started off aggressive but cooled off in the second half. They must keep that aggression throughout the entire game if want to win. |
