FanNation - The Republic of Sport

First, a rant:

   Greg Oden played in a pickup game at 24 Hour fitness earlier this week... Now, I realize that coach Nate McMillain, 90% of the media, and probably his grandmother have already scolded Greg for this, but just in case the big guy ever reads this- I just want Greg to realize that RIP City has been holding it's collective breath since draft day 2007 for one reason, and one reason only- we want nothing more than to cheer a healthy, dominant G.O. as he leads our beloved Blazers to glory. Greg, your time to dominate on the court and prove your abilities is getting closer with each day. PLEASE, don't even take the chance of injuring yourself again until the Blazers' wise training staff clears you. I know it has to be frustrating not being able to play while your teammates play the rest of the season out, but please don't forget that the whole "Rise With Us" slogan is so much inspired by our hope to see you healthy and dominant next season. Your time will come, and hopefully it will be your time for a very long and prosperous career. We're being patient, so please, for the moment, just rest and "Wait With Us"... I know that when you take the Rose Garden floor in uniform, it will be well worth the wait.

Next up, the point guard situation:

    Seeing the way Brandon Roy has run the team at times this year, it is natural to ask "do we really need another point guard?". The answer though, is still yes. Brandon's job description in the coming years is going to be that of "go to scorer, primary defender, and emotional leader". His plate is already pretty full, and asking him to be the primary playmaker in addition to all of that- while I certainly believe he is capable- is probably not fair. This team needs a point guard who's primary focus is setting up teammates and running plays while being able to hit a jumper when it is needed... I still think it is possible that Steve Blake's continuing growth and evolution as a player could expand to this level, but with point guard being Portland's only real weakness going in to next season, it is only fair to begin pondering option B or C. Jarret Jack is proving to be a good energy guy and shot maker off the bench, but his resume as a set up point man is still shaky, at best... I think Jack is definitely the kind of guy every team needs- coming off the bench. But for the moment, it would appear he is not the long term solution at point guard. So what is the solution? I know the team is pretty high on Rudy Fernandez, but Fernandez himself has expressed some doubt as to whether he wants to play the Blazers next year. What I do see, according to some NBA rumor mills, is that Toronto Raptors point guard T.J. Ford may soon become available... if this actually proves to be true, I think Portland should make a pitch for him... I'm not sure what pieces they are willing to give up, but I think T.J. would fit in well with a Blazers' squad bolstered by the addition of Greg Oden next fall. He's a good playmaker and an aggessive scorer, and by all accounts I've heard, he has excellent character. His injury history is a bit of a concern, but I'm not really sure there will actually be a better point guard within the Blazers' (or anyone else's) grasp in the near future... does anyone really expect Chris Paul or Deron Williams to leave their current teams? Why would they? The Hornets and Jazz are already contenders, and the way NBA free agency works, no other team could offer these guys more money than their current teams anyway (and I SERIOUSLY doubt that either team is going to low ball either of those guys when it comes time to negotiate). Anyway, it's just a thought... I think T.J. Ford would be a good fit here in Portland. What say you?