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><channel><title>PROTECT THE PAINT &#187; Portland Trail Blazers</title> <atom:link href="http://protectthepaint.com/tag/portland-trail-blazers/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><link>http://protectthepaint.com</link> <description>A BLOG SOLELY ABOUT NBA BASKETBALL</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:59:04 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1</generator> <item><title>Gerald Wallace joins Portland Trail Blazers</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2011/02/25/gerald-wallace-joins-portland-trail-blazers/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2011/02/25/gerald-wallace-joins-portland-trail-blazers/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:29:03 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trades]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transactions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charlotte Bobcats]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gerald Wallace]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=4856</guid> <description><![CDATA[Gerald Wallace was been traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and is bound to inject some infectious defensive prowess while pumping some life into a depleted and oft-injury-riddled lineup. In this season that has marred by an absurd quantity of injuries, Blazers fans have something to get excited about as the Blazers are in position [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2011%2F02%2F25%2Fgerald-wallace-joins-portland-trail-blazers%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2011%2F02%2F25%2Fgerald-wallace-joins-portland-trail-blazers%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="Gerald Wallace joins Portland Trail Blazers" alt=" Gerald Wallace joins Portland Trail Blazers" /><br /> </a></div><p>Gerald Wallace was been traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and is bound to inject some infectious defensive prowess while pumping some life into a depleted and oft-injury-riddled lineup. In this season that has marred by an absurd quantity of injuries, Blazers fans have something to get excited about as the Blazers are in position now for a playoff run.</p><p>Portland gets kudos for giving up next to nothing to acquire <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6155334">Gerald Wallace </a>: Joel Pryzbilla, Dante Cunningham, Sean Marks, and future first round draft picks. This move clears roster room, and allows for some interesting waiver wire acquisitions.</p><p><a href="http://protectthepaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Screen-shot-2011-02-26-at-10.26.11-AM.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4869" title="Screen shot 2011-02-26 at 10.26.11 AM" src="http://protectthepaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Screen-shot-2011-02-26-at-10.26.11-AM.png" alt="Screen shot 2011 02 26 at 10.26.11 AM Gerald Wallace joins Portland Trail Blazers" width="529" height="353" /></a></p><p>The question remains how efficient Wallace can be when installed into Nate McMillon&#8217;s slowed down offensive scheme. Wallace has grown accustomed to running and gunning as a Bobcat, so it will be interesting to see how his offensive game will translate when slowed down by Nate McMillan.</p><p>Regardless of how the Blazers operate offensively, Wallace is an enigmatic defensive presence, and should solidify the Blazers frontcourt. Wallace will also allow the Blazers to forge a new lineup that can compensate for a meniscus-less Brandon Roy.</p><p>A new starting five featuring Andre Miller, Wes Mathews, Wallace, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marcus Camby will provide the Blazers flexibility in easing Roy back into the rotation.</p><p>The Blazers can remain extremely competitive, and if Roy can regain anything near 75% of his former All Star self on the floor, the Blazers bench will look good.</p><p>Seems like GM Rich Cho is making his mark in his first season with the Blazers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2011/02/25/gerald-wallace-joins-portland-trail-blazers/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Greg Oden: What&#8217;s up with Blazers Medical Staff?</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/11/18/greg-oden-whats-up-with-blazers-medical-staff/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/11/18/greg-oden-whats-up-with-blazers-medical-staff/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:35:49 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brandon Roy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Greg Oden]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=4684</guid> <description><![CDATA[Reality check: Greg Oden will not play a single game this season for the Portland Trailblazers. His contract was not extended, and ESPN&#8217;s J.J. Adande wrote about about the magnitude of his loss. The sad news reinforces the theory that Oden might be the next Sam Bowie. No longer can the Bowie theory be considered [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F11%2F18%2Fgreg-oden-whats-up-with-blazers-medical-staff%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F11%2F18%2Fgreg-oden-whats-up-with-blazers-medical-staff%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="Greg Oden: Whats up with Blazers Medical Staff?" alt=" Greg Oden: Whats up with Blazers Medical Staff?" /><br /> </a></div><p>Reality check: Greg Oden will not play a single game this season for the Portland Trailblazers. His contract was not extended, and <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&amp;page=Oden-101118" target="_blank">ESPN&#8217;s J.J. Adande wrote about about the magnitude of his loss</a>. The sad news reinforces the theory that Oden might be the next Sam Bowie. No longer can the Bowie theory be considered a hasty, jump-to-conclusions theory: Oden now faces his second microfracture surgery in 3 years.</p><p>The Portland organization and fans must actualize the cold and sobering thought that Oden might not ever play another game as a Blazer.</p><p>This news makes way into the public eye before the dust could settle from the announcement that Brandon Roy no longer has any cartilage remaining in either knee. Brandon Roy, All Star, max contract, heart and soul of the team.</p><p>Oden and Blazer have both had at least two knee surgeries apiece as Blazers. Hmm. Am I sensing a trend here?</p><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/sports/nba-trailblazers-kings-oct/image/2233051?term=greg+oden" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" title="NBA: Trailblazers vs Kings OCT 20" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/2233051/nba-trailblazers-kings-oct/nba-trailblazers-kings-oct.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=2233051" border="0" alt=" Greg Oden: Whats up with Blazers Medical Staff?" width="450" height="315" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">What&#39;s up with my medical staff????</p></div><p style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p>The more I think about this, the more I have to ask: What the hell is wrong with the Blazers medical staff? Seriously, how do you invest $80-something-million on a player without performing your due medical diligence? How could you not know that Roy&#8217;s knees might never hold up through a max deal?</p><p>I guess Portland dodged a similar fiscal bullet with Oden.</p><p>Oden is the former #1 overall draft pick of the 2007 NBA draft. How could you not know, until now, that he would need another microfracture surgery? This is unforgivable and horrible mistake by the Blazers medical staff is as dodgy as the staff that was involved with Grant Hill during his Orlando Magic days.</p><p>Note to Paul Allen: if you can fire Kevin Pritchard, you can definitely fire your medical staff and hire a new one.</p><p>In Greg Oden&#8217;s case, perhaps the medical staff was just crossing their fingers, eyes closed, whispering to themselves repeatedly, in a panicked tone, pleading with the injury gods &#8220;Please, please, please let this all go away&#8230;..&#8221; Or maybe they were shaking a Magic Eight Ball and asking it for the answers.</p><p>The doctors knew he had one successful microfracture procedure, so why waste all this time? Why not just get it over with it? How much time did the Blazers and Oden lose by pushing this off until now?</p><p>I hope for his sake Oden makes a comeback and flourishes with the next team willing to gamble on a 7-foot center with massive upside. Oden is still young enough to bounce back from this devastating start to his career, but hopefully he will do so with a team equipped with a stellar medical staff along with a fan base patient enough to allow Oden the time to grow and dust off the cobwebs to his game.</p><p>I hope that Oden ends up with the Golden State Warriors. New ownership, new look, same old bay area, and some of the most loyal and understanding fans in the all the world. Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, and David Lee coudl benefit with someone like Oden patrolling the paint.</p><p>Disclaimer: I am a die hard Warriors fan, and we could use someone like Greg Oden to restore the winning ways in the bay.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/11/18/greg-oden-whats-up-with-blazers-medical-staff/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Brandon Roy&#8217;s Knee Bad for the Blazers Future</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/11/15/brandon-roys-knee-bad-for-the-blazers-future/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/11/15/brandon-roys-knee-bad-for-the-blazers-future/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 07:13:57 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Injuries]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rumors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brandon Roy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=4662</guid> <description><![CDATA[Brandon Roy informed the media recently that he no longer has any meniscus remaining in either of his knees. This came after the Blazers played the Lakers and Ron Artest decreed to the media after the game: &#8220;I&#8217;ve played against Brandon Roy a lot of times. He wasn&#8217;t himself.&#8221; After reading this, I immediately asked [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F11%2F15%2Fbrandon-roys-knee-bad-for-the-blazers-future%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F11%2F15%2Fbrandon-roys-knee-bad-for-the-blazers-future%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="Brandon Roys Knee Bad for the Blazers Future" alt=" Brandon Roys Knee Bad for the Blazers Future" /><br /> </a></div><p>Brandon Roy informed the media recently that he no longer has any meniscus remaining in either of his knees. This came after the Blazers played the Lakers and Ron Artest decreed to the media after the game: <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Lakers-Artest-Brandon-Roy-injured?urn=nba-283291" target="_blank">&#8220;I&#8217;ve played against Brandon Roy a lot of times. He wasn&#8217;t himself.&#8221;</a></p><p>After reading this, I immediately asked myself: Does this mean Roy has any game left in his knees? He has already had his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2010/11/brandon_roy_leaves_game_in_new.html" target="_blank">knee drained multiple times this year</a>, and countless other times during his career.</p><p>In total Roy has had 4 knee surgeries during his career, with two per knee. Two of his surgeries occurred as a Blazer; one procedure in 2008 and another procedure in 2010. That is a lot of surgery to have done at the age of 26. The</p><p>Roy missed significant time last year, and forced his way back into the playoffs, where he was blatantly not at his regular level of play, and the Blazers were ineffective and not long for the playoffs.</p><p>My primary concern now is Brandon Roy might not be long for the NBA. This is devastating news considering the failure of Greg Oden and the fact that Roy has a max deal contract and might not be able to play it out.</p><p>If Roy&#8217;s injury gets any worse the Blazers roster and cap room might crippled equivocally as Roy&#8217;s knee.</p><p>Roy will have to take medicine for the remainder of his career in order to reduce and monitor the swelling in his knees. In the short term of his life, he might be able to play, but the side effects of these anti inflammatory medicines force Roy into being monitored by doctors to insure his liver and kidney functions are not damaged.</p><div id="attachment_4676" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://protectthepaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/large_roy-driving-080509.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4676" title="large_roy-driving-080509" src="http://protectthepaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/large_roy-driving-080509-300x217.jpg" alt="large roy driving 080509 300x217 Brandon Roys Knee Bad for the Blazers Future" width="300" height="217" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Roy has had 2 prodedures on each of his knees.</p></div><p>I have pondered what a meniscus injury might mean to a player’s career regarding <a target="_blank" title="Chris Paul" href="../tag/chris-paul/">Chris Paul</a>’s  knee, and the same applies now to Roy, but even Roy’s scenario is  worse as his knee has zero meniscus remaining. There is no  existence of a degenerative condition that will gradually lead to bone  on bone <a target="_blank" title="contact" href="../contact-us/">contact</a> in Roy’s knee. Roy’s knee is currently bone on bone. Oh yeah, and let  me reiterate that Roy has had 4 surgical procedures to his knees. Bad situation.</p><p>The former <a target="_blank" title="Rookie of the Year" href="../tag/rookie-of-the-year/">Rookie of the Year</a> and three time <a target="_blank" title="NBA All Star" href="../tag/nba-all-star/">NBA All Star</a> whom the Blazers have relied heavily on during offense sets, designed  strictly for Roy to capitalize on his ability to go one-on-one, will  have to reinvent his game to remain effective for a legitimate chance at  a prolonged NBA career.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/11/15/brandon-roys-knee-bad-for-the-blazers-future/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Chris Paul wants Out of New Orleans</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/07/22/chris-paul-wants-out-of-new-orleans/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/07/22/chris-paul-wants-out-of-new-orleans/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:25:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trades]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transactions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dallas Mavericks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[New York Knicks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orlando Magic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=4501</guid> <description><![CDATA[Chris Paul is unhappy in New Orleans. Over the past three years the Hornets have fired the coach CP3 loves and traded away his good friend Tyson Chandler. They are in complete dissaray. and based on the way the Hornets management has made their moves, who can blame CP3 for wanting to leave? In light [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F07%2F22%2Fchris-paul-wants-out-of-new-orleans%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F07%2F22%2Fchris-paul-wants-out-of-new-orleans%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="Chris Paul wants Out of New Orleans" alt=" Chris Paul wants Out of New Orleans" /><br /> </a></div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/18494/the-hornets-feel-the-pressure" target="_blank">Chris Paul is unhappy in New Orleans</a>. Over the past three years the Hornets have fired the coach CP3 loves and traded away his good friend Tyson Chandler. They are in complete dissaray. and based on the way the Hornets management has made their moves, who can blame CP3 for wanting to leave?</p><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/nba-hornets-mavericks-feb/image/8146149?term=chris+paul+hornets" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0px;" title="NBA: Hornets vs Mavericks FEB 28" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8146149/nba-hornets-mavericks-feb/nba-hornets-mavericks-feb.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=8146149" border="0" alt=" Chris Paul wants Out of New Orleans" width="450" height="315" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">You can only take so much James.......</p></div><p style="text-align: left;"><script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /> In light of what has been happening in Miami, <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5401230" target="_blank">CP3 is now letting it known he wants out of New Orleans.</a> It is fair to say he was patient, and gave them plenty of opportunities to make something happen with the franchise, but it is quite clear that the Hornets failed to deliver.</p><p>Now the Hornets face the sad reality that Paul wants to be sent to a team with a future. He wants the New York Knicks, and has a short list of other teams he will play for that includes Orlando, Dallas, and Portland.</p><p><strong>New York Knicks</strong></p><p>Oddly enough, if the Knicks could make the play for Paul, they could have quite a turnaround season. Paul would fit well into an uptempo system with Amare Stoudemire. Young gun Danilo Galinari is like Peja on steroids, but unlike Peja, he also rebounds and plays defense a ton better.</p><p>Newly acquired Anthony Randolph could represent CP3s new alley oop partner, and that combo has thepotential to give birth to a new brand of basketball in Madison Square Garden.</p><p><strong>Orlando Magic</strong></p><p>CP3 could join Dwight Howard to be the best big man and little man combination in the league. Hard to see this happening though, unless the Magic can convince the Hornets to take on some more bad contracts in exchange for CP3. See: Emeka Okafur.</p><p>Who in their rightful mind woudl want Rashard Lewis or Vince Carter at this point in either of their careers? Odds are one of these guys, if not both, would be packaged into the deal to make this happen. Can&#8217;t see the Hornets allowing that to happen.</p><p><strong>Dallas Mavericks</strong></p><p>Look for Mark Cuban to do everything in his power to make this happen. Paul is the caliber of player Cuban needs to put around Dirk Nowitski in order to give the Mavericks a chance to make something happen in the west this season.</p><p>Can you imagine the damage CP3 could cause as a Maverick. The tutelage he would recieve from Jason Kidd, and having Kidd as a backup gives Dallas a disctinct advantage at the PG position. Kidd as areserve would create the most dangerous second unit in all the NBA.</p><p><strong>Portland Trail Blazers</strong></p><p>There have been murmurs of CP3 being coveted by Portland for years now. Out of all the teams on Paul&#8217;s list, the Blazers have enough desirable assets to help facilitate this trade.</p><p>Rudy Fernandez, fan favorite and oft under-used, is unhappy in Portland. The Blazers have 3 starter-caliber centers in Greg Oden, Marcus Camby, and Joel Przybilla. All three have great trade value.</p><p>They also have PG Andre Miller.</p><p>A package with Andre Miller, Przybilla, Rudy Fernandez and could very easily work in matching the numbers. Portland would also be willing to take a bad salary back like that of none other than: Emeka Okafur. Sorry, it&#8217;s just too hard not to pick on that contract.</p><p>At the end of the day, when you look at all of these teams, Portland seems to be the best fit for making CP3&#8242;s desire for immediate title contention into a reality.</p><p>Pairing  Chris Paul with Brandon Roy, Lamarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, and Marcus Camby gives the Blazers the best squad to contend for a title. The Blazers are also the only team with enough quality assets to have the largest potential impact after a trade.</p><p>Orlando, Dallas, and New York would all have to give up too much talent to get Cp3, inevitably thinning their roster to their own detriment.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/07/22/chris-paul-wants-out-of-new-orleans/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Examining Blazers Game 1 Win in Phoenix</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/04/19/examining-blazers-game-1-win-in-phoenix/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/04/19/examining-blazers-game-1-win-in-phoenix/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:41:16 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[NBA Playoffs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Amare Stoudemire]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Andre Miller]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brandon Roy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jerryd Bayless]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marcus Camby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Phoenix Suns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=4249</guid> <description><![CDATA[Expectations that the Portland Trail Blazers would have any chance in the playoffs after Brandon Roy was sidelined with microscopic surgery on a torn meniscus were slim to none. However, in game 1 Andre Miller matched Steve Nash nearly point for point and assist for assist, giving Blazer Nation hope while leading a Portland attack [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F04%2F19%2Fexamining-blazers-game-1-win-in-phoenix%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F04%2F19%2Fexamining-blazers-game-1-win-in-phoenix%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="Examining Blazers Game 1 Win in Phoenix" alt=" Examining Blazers Game 1 Win in Phoenix" /><br /> </a></div><p>Expectations that the Portland Trail Blazers would have any chance in the playoffs after Brandon Roy was sidelined with microscopic surgery on a torn meniscus were slim to none.</p><p>However, in game 1 Andre Miller matched Steve Nash nearly point for point and assist for assist, giving Blazer Nation hope while leading a Portland attack exposing a monumental weakness in Phoenix&#8217;s armor.</p><p>It is safe to say that Portland fans have all but forgotten the growing pains the team experienced after Miller signed a 3-year deal last summer.</p><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=andre miller&amp;iid=8569067" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/6/b/d/b/Portland_Trail_Blazers_22c0.jpg?adImageId=12551602&amp;imageId=8569067" border="0" alt=" Examining Blazers Game 1 Win in Phoenix" width="450" height="428" title="Examining Blazers Game 1 Win in Phoenix" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Miller is making Portland fans forget the growing pains.</p></div><p style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p>It always pains me when a team cannot live up to the namesake of this blog, but I must point out how poorly Phoenix failed at protecting the paint, which is the cardinal sin to this blogger.</p><p>If Phoenix cannot immediately reverse things and adhere to a drastic change in defensive mentality things could be real bad, real quick, for the Suns.</p><p>Amare Stoudemire is the Suns only hope of stopping anything in the middle, but he has been historically inadequate in this capacity.</p><p>Robin Lopez, who I liken to Sideshow Bob after eating angry pills, was the Suns heart and soul of enforcing defense in the post.</p><p>Unfortunately for Phoenix, Lopez is out indefinitely after sustaining a back injury during the end of regular season and is not returning in any foreseeable time frame.</p><p>After Stoudemire and Lopez the Suns depth chart are left with only two options: Channing Frye and Jarron Collins.</p><p>Collins is so limited offensively that it cripples the Suns. Ironically, Frye&#8217;s best defense is to try to combat the Blazers by chucking up loads of 3 point attempts. Both are tragic options.</p><p>The Suns allowed Andre Miller and Jerryd Bayless to combine for 49 points on 16 of 27 field goals and 16 of 19 free throws.</p><p>Bayless was crucial for the Blazers, supplying direly needed offense to offset the absent Brandon Roy, and his play will be pivotal in Portland surviving long enough in the playoffs to allow Roy to return.</p><p>Marcus Camby owned the boards for Portland, snaring 17. This should be a consistent trend during this first round of the Western Conference playoffs. If the Suns cannot find away to rebound (no pun intended) from this glaring weakness, Steve Nash and company might be watching the playoffs at home fairly soon.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/04/19/examining-blazers-game-1-win-in-phoenix/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>NBA NEWS: Marcus Camby Sprains Ankle</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/23/nba-news-marcus-camby-sprains-ankle/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/23/nba-news-marcus-camby-sprains-ankle/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:42:47 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Injuries]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marcus Camby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=4079</guid> <description><![CDATA[Marcus Camby became the latest casualty to join the Portland Trail Blazers walking wounded, spraining his ankle after playing 5:13 minutes of the first quarter. Camby now joins Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla as the latest Blazers center to succumb to an injury. Perhaps there&#8217;s a curse against the Blazers center position? Did Greg Oden&#8217;s [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F02%2F23%2Fnba-news-marcus-camby-sprains-ankle%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F02%2F23%2Fnba-news-marcus-camby-sprains-ankle%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="NBA NEWS: Marcus Camby Sprains Ankle" alt=" NBA NEWS: Marcus Camby Sprains Ankle" /><br /> </a></div><p>Marcus Camby became the latest casualty to join the Portland Trail Blazers walking wounded, spraining his ankle after playing 5:13 minutes of the first quarter.</p><p>Camby now joins Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla as the latest Blazers center to succumb to an injury. Perhaps there&#8217;s a curse against the Blazers center position? Did Greg Oden&#8217;s nude photos cast some sort of karmic spell against them?</p><p>The Blazers have had incurred more injuries this year than (roughly) the majority of the league combined.</p><div id="attachment_4080" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 484px"><a href="http://protectthepaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/CAMBY_GRIMACEjpg.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-4080 " title="CAMBY_GRIMACE,jpg" src="http://protectthepaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/CAMBY_GRIMACEjpg.jpg" alt="CAMBY GRIMACEjpg NBA NEWS: Marcus Camby Sprains Ankle" width="474" height="496" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Portland&#39;s playoff chances ride on Camby&#39;s recovery (Credit:Yahoo Sports)</p></div><p><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p>Fortunately Portland was playing against the atrocious New Jersey Nets, and could have won the game regardless if they had a center on the floor or not. No seriously, Brandon Roy and 4 NBA D League players could potentially overthrow New Jersey.</p><p>The 37-year-old Juwan Howard was again summoned back into the middle, and finished the game with 9 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes.</p><p>There are pressing issues Portland now faces. They looked to secure a playoff spot with the acquisition of Camby. The trade was made to fill the middle knowing Howard can&#8217;t last 25-30 minutes on a nightly basis at age 37.</p><p>The good thing the Blazers can hope for is Camby living up to his reputation for being a warrior and battling through injuries and continuing to play. Depending on the severity of the injury, Camby should return to the lineup earlier than predicted.</p><p>He will likely strap on the tape, and grind out some tough, much needed minutes to help the Blazers. After having suffered on the Clippers for the past two years, any hint at a playoff birth is motivation to fight past a gimpy ankle endure.</p><p>Ultimately, the Blazers season now rides on Camby&#8217;s resilience.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/23/nba-news-marcus-camby-sprains-ankle/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Brandon Roy Will Play, But Should He?</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/17/brandon-roy-will-play-but-should-he/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/17/brandon-roy-will-play-but-should-he/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:50:37 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Injuries]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rumors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brandon Roy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=3920</guid> <description><![CDATA[Brandon Roy re-aggravated his hamstring injury during his return from a 12 game absence. After the Blazers acquired Marcus Camby to replenish their depleted frontcourt, things were starting to look good for salvaging the season, and making a push at deeper run in the playoffs. Roy has stated today he will play on Friday, but [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fbrandon-roy-will-play-but-should-he%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fbrandon-roy-will-play-but-should-he%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="Brandon Roy Will Play, But Should He?" alt=" Brandon Roy Will Play, But Should He?" /><br /> </a></div><p>Brandon Roy re-aggravated his hamstring injury during his return from a 12 game absence. After the Blazers acquired Marcus Camby to replenish their depleted frontcourt, things were starting to look good for salvaging the season, and making a push at deeper run in the playoffs.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/17/1314700/quick-roy-wants-to-play" target="_blank">Roy has stated today he will play on Friday</a>, but should he?</p><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=brandon roy&amp;iid=4120405" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/c/e/e/7/PicImg_SPURS_TRAILBLAZERS_ROY_4d80.JPG?adImageId=10421005&amp;imageId=4120405" border="0" alt=" Brandon Roy Will Play, But Should He?" width="450" height="644" title="Brandon Roy Will Play, But Should He?" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Roy can play through pain, but rest is the only way to heal a hamstring. (Credit: picapp.com)</p></div><p><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p>Now that Brandon Roy, the team&#8217;s heart and soul, faces the possibility of an extended absence, the Trail Blazers must have concerns about their chances finishing the season strong.</p><p>Roy didn&#8217;t sound optimistic (perhaps he was simply frustrated) regarding his injury, according to his statements available on<a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank"> blazersedge.com</a>:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank"><strong>Do you feel like this could be with you for the rest of the season?</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank">I think if this [pain] is with me the whole season then I don&#8217;t really have a shot at playing. This is bad. I don&#8217;t know. It&#8217;s something I have to talk to coach about. It&#8217;s to the point where I can&#8217;t play because it hurts too bad.</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank"><strong>Do you feel your season is in jeopardy?</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank">Yeah, I feel like that. I felt like that last night after practice, being on the bench. I talked to LaMarcus and he&#8217;s like &#8216;What do you do next?&#8217; Me, I don&#8217;t know. I don&#8217;t know where to go. Two week stretches isn&#8217;t doing it. We don&#8217;t have that much longer in the season. I definitely feel like my season has been pretty messed up by this.</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank"><strong>Do you feel like this could be with you for the rest of the season?</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank">I think if this [pain] is with me the whole season then I don&#8217;t really have a shot at playing. This is bad. I don&#8217;t know. It&#8217;s something I have to talk to coach about. It&#8217;s to the point where I can&#8217;t play because it hurts too bad.</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank"><strong>Do you feel like things are set up now with Camby and you&#8217;re missing out?</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/16/1313942/2010/2/16/1313942/brandon-roy-i-dont-know-where-to-go" target="_blank">Yeah that&#8217;s something I definitely think about. We&#8217;ve got Camby. People expect me to play and I&#8217;m not able to. We still have a good team. With Marcus being able to come to this team we feel like we have a chance to make the playoffs. It&#8217;s tough for me, I&#8217;d like to be a part of it.</a></li></ul><p>These are extremely alarming statements for Blazer fans. Apparently, Roy has contemplated shutting it down for as long as it takes to fully recover. Which can be a long period of time, I have discovered.</p><p>The bad news is that hamstring injuries, in general, take a longer time for the body to recover from. I decided to investigate this and found the following discouraging factors for Roy, courtesy of the University of Michigan and University of Iowa Health Care sites.</p><p><strong>From the University of Michigan</strong>:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_hamstrin_sma.htm" target="_blank"><strong>How long will the effects  last? </strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_hamstrin_sma.htm" target="_blank">The length of recovery depends on many factors such as  your age,  health, and if you have had a previous hamstring injury. Recovery  time also depends on the severity of the injury. A mild hamstring  strain may recover within a few weeks, whereas a severe injury may  take 6 weeks or longer to recover. You need to stop doing the  activities that cause pain until the muscle has healed. If you  continue doing activities that cause pain, your symptoms will  return and it will take longer to recover.</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_hamstrin_sma.htm" target="_blank"><strong>When can I return to my  normal activities? </strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_hamstrin_sma.htm" target="_blank">Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate.  Return to  your activities will be determined by how soon your hamstring  recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your  injury has occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms  before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better.  The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your normal  activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon  you may worsen your injury.</a></li></ul><p><strong>From The University of Iowa Health Care</strong>:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/sportsmedicine/spor3336.html" target="_blank">There are 3 degrees of strains:<br /> 1.    A slight strain or pull results in a sore muscle the next day. Walking or slow jogging is not inhibited and recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks.<br /> 2.    A hard strain or pull occurs while exercising, as in sprinting. The exercise must be stopped right away. The muscle is tender and aches, and bruises may develop 3 to 6 days later. Bending the knee, walking, and jogging are difficult and recovery takes 3 to 4 weeks.<br /> 3.    The most serious hamstring strain produces such severe pain that the person may collapse. Walking is impossible. Severe bruising occurs in 3 to 4 days. Crutches may be needed for a week or two and recovery can take as much as 10 weeks. Seek medical care for severe strains.</a></li></ul><p>Based on how Brandon Roy has missed 12 games over the period of a month, it is a safe assumption that Roy&#8217;s injury is not a Grade 1 strain.</p><p>Since Roy played 15 minutes last night against the Clippers, it rules out the severity level of a Grade 3 strain. So lets assume Roy is back to square one, with a Grade 2 strain.</p><p>According to the University of Iowa, the estimated recovery time for a Grade 2 strain is approximately 3-4 weeks, which is the exact amount of time Roy previously sat out.</p><p>However, the University of Michigan states that if you had previously injured the hamstring, and be it somewhat severe in nature (I consider a grade 2 strain somewhat severe), it can take up to &#8220;6 weeks or longer to recover.&#8221;</p><p>This means his injury and aggravation compounds his recovery time. Not good.</p><p>A six-week absence, or longer, would render Brandon Roy out of action until early April, or later. With Marcus Camby aboard, the Blazers might be able to make the playoff push.</p><p>After all, the Blazers have been resilient in pushing through countless injuries this season, so to their credit, this is somewhat realistic.</p><p>They currently rank 8th with New Orleans, Memphis, and Houston trailing 3-4 games behind. The bad news (yes, there is more)? Portland is 5-7 during the 12 games without Roy.</p><p>Hopefully Marcus Camby will make a difference, and the Blazers hold off for the 8th playoff spot until Roy recovers.</p><p>That is of course, if they can find a way to be more optimistic than Roy was last night.</p><p>Lets just hope that Roy decision to play Friday doesn&#8217;t send him down the path of nagging and recurring hamstring injuries that last longer than this year.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/17/brandon-roy-will-play-but-should-he/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Clippers trade Marcus Camby to Portland</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/15/nba-trade-rumor-marcus-camby-for-steve-blake/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/15/nba-trade-rumor-marcus-camby-for-steve-blake/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:07:08 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rumors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trades]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transactions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jerryd Bayless]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Clippers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marcus Camby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Blake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travis Outlaw]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=3870</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Portland Trail Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard pulled off another masterminded trade, sending Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Marcus Camby. After injuries to both of Portland&#8217;s centers Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla, the Trail Blazers have been staying afloat with the elder statesman Juwan Howard. Howard turned [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F02%2F15%2Fnba-trade-rumor-marcus-camby-for-steve-blake%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F02%2F15%2Fnba-trade-rumor-marcus-camby-for-steve-blake%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="Clippers trade Marcus Camby to Portland" alt=" Clippers trade Marcus Camby to Portland" /><br /> </a></div><p>The Portland Trail Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard pulled off another masterminded trade, sending Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Marcus Camby.</p><p style="text-align: left;">After injuries to both of Portland&#8217;s centers Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla, the Trail Blazers have been staying afloat with the elder statesman Juwan Howard. Howard turned 37 earlier this month. It was obvious a move would be made, but this move is a potential season-saver, and will benefit both franchises.</p><div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="text-align: left;"><dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=marcus camby&amp;iid=7874808" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/d/c/d/1/Sports__February_7acb.jpg?adImageId=10345588&amp;imageId=7874808" border="0" alt=" Clippers trade Marcus Camby to Portland" width="450" height="657" title="Clippers trade Marcus Camby to Portland" /></a></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">Thumbs down to the Clippers this year. (Credit: picapp.com)</dd></dl></div><p style="text-align: left;"><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /> What this trade represents for the Clippers is the opportunity to capitalize and get some talent before Camby skips town.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Outlaw and Blake fill needs left vacant by the injuries to Sebastian Telfair and Blake Griffin, but are by no means capable of helping the Clippers reverse the course of this travesty of a season. It does give GM Mike Dunleavy more pieces to further perplex his long term puzzle.</p><p style="text-align: left;">For Portland the move opens up minutes for Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez while stabilizing the middle with a strong defender, Marcus Camby.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Camby will undoubtedly accelerate for a playoff team and with stars like Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, likely making the Blazers improved and tougher defensively.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Clippers can afford to trade Camby as they have depth at center with All Star Chris Kaman and young and athletic DeAndre Jordan.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I can&#8217;t see this trade hurting either team in the short or long term.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/15/nba-trade-rumor-marcus-camby-for-steve-blake/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Juwan Howard is 37 and the Trail Blazers Starting Center</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/09/juwan-howard-is-37-and-the-trail-blazers-starting-center/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/09/juwan-howard-is-37-and-the-trail-blazers-starting-center/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:04:59 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chris Webber]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jalen Rose]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Juwan Howard]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=3811</guid> <description><![CDATA[Juwan Howard turned 37 a couple of days ago. At 37 years old, and by default, due to season ending injuries to Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla, Howard is the starting center for the ailing Portland Trail Blazers. Howard is the last man standing from the famous freshman &#8220;Fab 5&#8243; from the 1992-93 University of [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Fjuwan-howard-is-37-and-the-trail-blazers-starting-center%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Fjuwan-howard-is-37-and-the-trail-blazers-starting-center%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="Juwan Howard is 37 and the Trail Blazers Starting Center" alt=" Juwan Howard is 37 and the Trail Blazers Starting Center" /><br /> </a></div><p>Juwan Howard turned 37 a couple of days ago. At 37 years old, and by default, due to season ending injuries to Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla, Howard is the starting center for the ailing Portland Trail Blazers.</p><p>Howard is the last man standing from the famous freshman &#8220;Fab 5&#8243; from the 1992-93 University of Michigan days.</p><div id="attachment_3812" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://protectthepaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/JUWAn.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3812" title="JUWAn" src="http://protectthepaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/JUWAn.jpg" alt="JUWAn Juwan Howard is 37 and the Trail Blazers Starting Center" width="480" height="340" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A youthful smile on an old man&#39;s body.</p></div><p>Former &#8220;fab 5&#8243; teammates Jalen Rose (ESPN) and Chris Webber (TNT/NBATV) are currently NBA analysts, using their knowledge and experience to explain the game and make it more entertaining for us.</p><p>Howard has put up decent numbers, and is considered by many to be a pro&#8217;s pro. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/9/17/1035743/your-newest-blazer" target="_blank">Portland originally acquired Howard to add a veteran in the locker room</a>. A good guy who is the antithesis of the old &#8220;Jail Blazers&#8221; reputation, someone who can influence and teach the young core on how to be a solid professional in the NBA.</p><p>It is unbelievable that Howard has been thrust into the starting lineup, and is performing well. He is averaging almost 8 points and 8 rebounds a game on 32 minutes a night. Considering he is age 37, it is uncanny to imagine how anyone who not in some <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geriatrics" target="_blank">geriatrics</a>-only adult league can post nearly a double double per night. Dude is doing it in the NBA. Crazy.</p><p>That being said, it appears Howard has tapped into the proverbial &#8220;fountain of youth.&#8221;</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/WriteJC" target="_blank"><strong>The Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano</strong></a> has a great piece to celebrate this supernatural feat that Juwan Howard is accomplishing in the City of Roses. Check it out:</p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="center"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="480" height="385" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lqpItnBx5so&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lqpItnBx5so&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></td></tr></tbody></table> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/09/juwan-howard-is-37-and-the-trail-blazers-starting-center/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!</title><link>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/01/13/nba-trade-talk-chris-bosh-andrew-bynum-tracy-mcgrady-and-more/</link> <comments>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/01/13/nba-trade-talk-chris-bosh-andrew-bynum-tracy-mcgrady-and-more/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:09:05 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Sedie</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rumors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trades]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transactions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Aaron Brooks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Andre Iguodala]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Andrew Bynum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brandon Roy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carl Landry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chicago Bulls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chris Bosh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Derrick Rose]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Houston Rockets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joakim Noah]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kevin Martin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kirk Hinrich]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sacramento Kings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Samuel Dalembert]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toronto Raptors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tracy McGrady]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tyreke Evans]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://protectthepaint.com/?p=3561</guid> <description><![CDATA[We are now only weeks away from the NBA trade deadline. Rumors are circulating, and the buzzing trade chatter is heavily amassing. Some teams will be mortgaging young talent in order to take on expiring contracts in hopes of clearing cap space for the free agency fiasco in 2010. Other teams will be looking to [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 10px;"> <a target="_blank" href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fnba-trade-talk-chris-bosh-andrew-bynum-tracy-mcgrady-and-more%2F"><br /> <img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprotectthepaint.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fnba-trade-talk-chris-bosh-andrew-bynum-tracy-mcgrady-and-more%2F&amp;source=tweetmeme_urlhttpprotectthepaintcom&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" title="NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" alt=" NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" /><br /> </a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We are now only weeks away from the NBA trade deadline. Rumors are circulating, and the buzzing trade chatter is heavily amassing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Some teams will be mortgaging young talent in order to take on expiring contracts in hopes of clearing cap space for the free agency fiasco in 2010.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Other teams will be looking to capitalize, and claim talent while dumping salaries. Other teams, realizing that their season is all but lost, will break up rosters that have not been able to achieve what management had originally envisioned.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Here are the teams with the most to lose/gain from the fiasco.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Portland Trail Blazers</h2><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=brandon roy&amp;iid=2232880" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/8/1/c/e/a6.JPG?adImageId=8966688&amp;imageId=2232880" border="0" alt=" NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" width="450" height="360" title="NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Who can fill in for Oden/Pryzbilla for Portland? (Credit:picapp.com)</p></div><p style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p>The Trail Blazers obviously need help in the paint. They have had the fortune of Brandon Roy willing his team to wins, but it is unlikely he can carry them all year. Juwan Howard&#8217;s body, at age 37, will likely not be able to secure the center position for the rest of the year before wear and tear takes its toll.  The saying “You can’t teach height” must be racing through Kevin Pritchard’s head as he diligently investigates potential acquisitions to help the Blazers in the middle.</p><p>The Blazers have a wealth of depth in the backcourt, and a plethora of athletic, defensive-minded young forwards. The issue is Joel Pryzbilla and Greg Oden have contracts running past next season, so the Blazers brass must consider the adverse effects of another long term contract vs. salary cap space.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Sacramento Kings</h2><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=kevin martin kings&amp;iid=2461176" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/6/0/6/2/a4.JPG?adImageId=8966584&amp;imageId=2461176" border="0" alt=" NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" width="500" height="412" title="NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Will Martin mesh with Tyreke? (Credit: picapp.com)</p></div><p><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p>Kevin Martin might return to the floor as early as Friday after missing the last 32 games after suffering a fractured left wrist. He has been practicing, and now coach Paul Westphal has a blessing of a dilemma in discovering if Martin and super rookie Tyreke Evans will be able to coexist in the backcourt.</p><p>There is zero chance Tyreke Evans is dealt anywhere. If there are any hiccups between the two stars having any negative impact upon team chemistry, look for Martin to be shipped out immediately.  Look for Martin to be sought after by teams with inadequacies at the shooting guard position. Phoenix and Dallas immediately come to mind. Both teams are looking for a chance at contention this season, and would be willing to trade prospects and draft picks in order to land Martin&#8217;s scoring skills.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Toronto Raptors</h2><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=chris bosh&amp;iid=7391689" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/5/9/e/5/Heat_vs_Raptors_ceb1.JPG?adImageId=8966595&amp;imageId=7391689" border="0" alt=" NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" width="450" height="297" title="NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">I hear the weather is always nice in Los Angeles. (Credit:picapp.com)</p></div><p><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> Chris Bosh rumors are surfacing aplenty, with recent chatter mentioning Bosh heading to Los Angeles in exchange for Andrew Bynum. This deal would be a huge gamble for the Lakers, but Bosh puts L.A. over the top in the Western Conference.</p><p>It is hard to imagine Bosh signing elsewhere after winning an NBA Championship and tasting the Los Angeles lifestyle. He might even put his All Star promotional video production skills to use and land himself work during the off season.</p><p>Bynum would find himself in Toronto as a focal point of a rebuilding franchise with Hedo Turkoglu, Andrea Bargnani, and Jose Calderon. Bosh is a weak interior defender, so adding Bynum would give the Raptors a long-term defensive solution.  Bynum tends to disappear when Pau Gasol is playing, so in terms of his career thriving, this could be a dream come true.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Chicago Bulls</h2><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=kirk hinrich&amp;iid=7424857" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/8/2/5/6/New_York_Knicks_0860.JPG?adImageId=8966601&amp;imageId=7424857" border="0" alt=" NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" width="450" height="310" title="NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Does anyone want Hinrich? (Credit: picapp.com)</p></div><p><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p>You would have to be living under a rock to not know the Bulls are trying to unload Kirk Hinrich. Everyone and anyone knows this, to the point of detriment to his trade value. Hinrich is a solid defender, outside shooter, and an all around decent NBA player.  The problem is Hinrich has 2 years remaining on his contract after this season, worth $17 million.</p><p>Also not boding well on his value is the fact that he is shooting a career-low 37% from the field and 71% from the line this season. When your specialty is shooting, and you are not shooting well, it is hard to retain trade value.  The Bulls have indicated that everyone on the roster except Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to be available, as long as Hinrich’s name is included potential deals.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Houston Rockets</h2><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a target="_blank" href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=andre iguodala&amp;iid=7362381" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/d/e/6/7/Rockets_vs_76ers_1a13.JPG?adImageId=8966609&amp;imageId=7362381" border="0" alt=" NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" width="450" height="358" title="NBA  Trade Talk: Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, Tracy McGrady and more!" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Iggy could do this for the Rockets, instead of against them. (Credit: picapp.com)</p></div><p><script src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Tracy McGrady saga is difficult as he has the largest contract in the league ($23,239,561). This is the ultimate situation for teams looking to dump contracts and create salary cap space for the free agency fiasco of July 2010.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The teams falling into this category are: the Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Chicago Bulls. Of these teams, Philadelphia has the best package to offer Houston in terms of immediate roster help.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Philadelphia could package Andre Iguodala with Samuel Dalembert in exchange for McGrady. This is the most logical deal for the Rockets who are without Yao Ming for the season (if not longer) and in need of a center who can rebound and block shots.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Iguodala is an immediate impact player for the Rockets. This deal could put the Rockets into contention this season. The Rockets can assign Ariza, Battier, or Iggy on any teams top offensive threat. Adding Iggy to the offensive attack of Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry will make life hell for opponents during the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://protectthepaint.com/2010/01/13/nba-trade-talk-chris-bosh-andrew-bynum-tracy-mcgrady-and-more/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>
