Roy Leads Blazers Past Wolves
posted: 7/10/2006 at 6:11 AM
Portland 78 Minnesota 65The Trail Blazers improved to 2 and 1 in the Toshiba Vegas Summer League last night, as they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves summer league team 78-65. The Blazers got off to a rough offensive start, as they have in all three games, and the solution in all three games has been Brandon Roy.
For highlights of last night's game, and for exclusive one-on-one interviews, click on "Summer League Central" on the front page of trailblazers.com, by the way. I had a fan e-mail me and ask about highlights, and I probably haven't been mentioning often enough that we've got them for you. Master Blazers photographer Jeff Curtin has been busting his tail, as always, down here in Vegas and has been shooting just about everything. A lot of his work is availble at Summer League Central. I should also mention that the executive producer of Blazers Broadcasting, Scott Zachry, has also been a huge help to everything we're doing down here and is a major help for me in putting together this blog and all the highlights and interviews we've been giving you. Our days have been extremely packed, and it's been very fun putting all of this stuff together. It's certainly a team effort, as always. I appreciate the notes I've been getting from many of you fans who have accurately pointed out that no other team in the NBA has been as committed to giving you this kind of coverage in what is considered the "off season." There is no off season for us.
Now, back to Roy. I've been raving about him so much some of you have called me a homer and perhaps think I've been exaggerating a bit. You've probably got a point about me being a homer, and that's fine with me. Oregonlive's Eric Marentette is now down here blogging, and for another perspective check out his game story from last night.
Click here for that. You'll find I'm not the only one who's seeing Roy this way. The Oregonian's Mike Tokito is also doing a great job down here, and I encourage you to check out
his thoughts on last night's game.
When Roy checked into the game last night the Blazers were down 14 to 10. Portland then went on a 14-4 run and led at the half 37-32. They led by as many as 23 in the second half, and even led by 20 in the fourth quarter before Minnesota closed it to 13 by the end.
I talked yesterday about the scrimmage that had the number-one pick in the draft Andrea Bargnani taking on the number-two pick, LaMarcus Aldridge. Last night we had the 6th pick, Roy, up against Randy Foye, the 7th pick. The Trail Blazers, on draft night, traded Foye for Roy. Foye started the game strong for Minnesota, but was held in check once Roy was inserted and got that defensive assignment. Foye ended the game with 24 points, but had just 12 going into the fourth quarter. Roy ended with 17 points and 4 assists. Brandon was also 7 for 9 from the free-throw line and again showed the ability to get to the hoop just about anytime he wants. Minnesota was double-teaming him, trying to get the ball out of his hands, and it didn't really seem to bother him.
Foye is going to be a solid player for Minnesota, and showed why he was a top-10 pick last night. He is definitely a shoot-first point guard, and has the ability to put up big numbers. I do think the Timberwolves will face some challenges with Foye, and will have to turn him into more of a distributor. KG and Ricky Davis both enjoy shooting, and I'm just not sure if there will be enough shots to go around if Foye has his heart set on being a scoring point guard.
Here's one stat for you that I found interesting when comparing Roy with Foye (something everyone seems to be doing). Foye has 77 points so far in the summer league, but has only 2 assists. Roy has 42 points and 16 assists. The interesting note is, again, Roy is not a point guard and never has been. He has certainly shown he has that ability if the team needs that from him. I interviewed Nate McMillan about this last night (an interview you can view at
Summer League Central).
Portland's Hector Romero, from Venezuela, had a very nice game last night. He had a couple of very impressive dunks and has incredible energy on the floor. He ended with 14 points on 4 of 4 shooting.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. He wasn't happy with his offensive production, but he did get some good looks and he'll put those shots down given the opportunity again. He's a great presence inside for Portland and has been much more physical than I expected. He and Minnesota's J.P. Batista, out of Gonzaga, were banging around pretty good last night.
Martell Webster had a rough shooting night for Portland, and was frustrated he couldn't get his perimeter game going. He did play very solid defense and hit the defense glass hard. Webster had 12 points on just 5 of 14 shooting.
There are two games left for the Trail Blazers here in Vegas. This afternoon at 4 o'clock they take on the Washington Wizards. Brian Wheeler and Antonio Harvey will have the call of the game tonight on KXL-750 am at 9pm, on the tape delay.
Being the Trail Blazers play today, our
Courtside Monday Night radio show will be tomorrow night. We'll be broadcasting live from the ESPNZone, inside New York New York. We'll have a great lineup of guests, and that can be heard tomorrow night from 6pm to 8 on KXL, and kxl.com if you're outside the Portland area. We plan to have Aldridge, Roy, and Kevin Pritchard, among others, live on the show.
I'll have a recap of tonight's game against Washington, later on this evening.
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Hey mike! Im a homer too and im very proud of it. the fans i dont care for are the ones who say "yeah im a blazer fan when there winning". much respect to all you blazer homers out there!!
Your title says it all. The point gaurd running the show that everyone has a key role in. Looking at Roy's vs Foy's numbers looks more like Foy was a 2. Too many times we have seen "scoring" point gaurds (including one homegrown rookie of the year) do wonderfull jobs at scoring while playing point just to see the opposing team win. Roy's ability and intelligence to quickly adapt his game to bring what portland needed to WIN has me giddy over the possibility that portland might (cross my fingers) have actually started making winning descisions.
brandon roy in my opinion is the most complete player in the 2006 draft . he can pass, shoot , dribble, rebound, and is agrressive and this is only the start because he will keeping getting BETTTER and BETTER
I agree with you happycamper. I do think Randy Foye is a great player. But, as I mentioned, with Garnett and Ricky Davis the Wolves need a floor general (not that Foye doesn't have this ability). He's got 77 points now in the summer league and just 2 assists. And, I've read this morning that some people believe Foye got the better of Roy in the game last night. I don't know how anyone who watched that game could honestly think that. Foye had 24 points, but 12 of them came in garbage time when Portland was well in control. Roy held Foye in check in the first half when Portland built its lead, and was able to go by Foye just about anytime he wanted to on the offensive end. When Roy didn't get a lay up, he drew fouls, often times on the help defenders. He shot 9 free throws in the game. And, again, Roy is not going to be playing point guard much for Portland, so we won't see this Foye-Roy head-to-head matchup in the regular season much. And, I've also heard some national writers saying Foye is their favorite to win Rookie of the Year. I just don't see how he's going to get enough shots in that Minnesota offense to consistently post big numbers. I don't think it would be a good thing for them if he is. I'd rather see KG and Davis get the bulk of the shots if I'm them. This is nothing against Foye, but I just disagree with some of the things that were said, and written, after last night's game.
Hey I have noticed that Hector Romero has been very solid in the past 2 games. I know that the blazers dont want to sign another contract and save that 15th roster spot but if he has a few spectacular games do you think they could sign him? (he is a forward, it could help)
Hey I have noticed that Hector Romero has been very solid in the past 2 games. I know that the blazers dont want to sign another contract and save that 15th roster spot but if he has a few spectacular games do you think they could sign him? (he is a forward, it could help)
Mike,
In college Roy was explosive and had those 35 point games back to back that made everyone go "wow." Hopefully he can do that this year for us. But I think Martell is going to have the best season or at least best-improved season out of our young bunch of players. With regards to Roy, what about him ever playing point during the regular season? With his success so far (although it is only summer league) do you think he'll ever see time there? Already we have 2, and 3 with Sergio. If only we were so stacked at all positions we would be in great shape!
thanks mike
i missed the radio of this game but i wont miss todays!
Oh i have my own summer league squas and i will send it to csmn!
pg: antonio harvey
sg: nate mcmillian
sf: mike barrett
pf: mike rice
c: brian wheeler
yep I know all the hype around Roy and all the new guys, but if there's a guy you really have to keep an eye on its Hector Romero. maybe he wasn't drafted, but this guy has PROVED himself on the profesional basketball. he was an all star on his college years in New Orleans and its the captain of the Venezuelan national team (which by the way its going to the world champ. in Japan this summer) he has played in europe and againts others though national teams such as team USA and argentina, overshadowing Manu ginobli. If I was part of the Trailblazer management I will definetely add this guy to the roster. Romero has the potential of not only being a reserve..but a regular.
whatever happen till the season starts, i do beleive that the portland management have something in their hats when they do the overtime works in the draft day. I;m sure,Roy, Aldridge and the new guys are capable of bringing back the glory what the portland had few years ago. The Old guys well we are looking for them as good mentors for these rookies. GOOD LUCK to you all
All i can say is that the new guys do have a lot of potential. They got the skills, height, touch, etc. All they need is a few games to get their acts in harmony. With the oLD GUYS in their side, I,m crossing my fingers playoffs is in our sight. The portlad management, of course, has a reason when they work overtime in the draft day. I'm in their side... i've seen them play, ang i can't wait to see them banging against the greatest players in the world..... GOOD LUCK PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
You can't make too much out of Summer League, but the new Blazers are already showing me why I'll be by their side. This is a group to root for. They are positive, hard working individuals. Give them some time and they could be scary in a few years. Patience......
Mike, thanks for the great blog and keeping us diehard fans hungry all summer long.
Simply said, Roy is the bestof the 06 draft. I'm so grateful for the pick of Brandon. When the Blazers picked Foye my heart dropped, to rise again when the trade was announced. The pain of the last seasons are leaving with much anticipation with the future. It will be fun watching the youth get up to speed win or whatever. COME BACK FANS!! The future is now, & don't forget to vote.
I'm loving brandon roy...my deal is...lets throw him at the 2 or 3... i want to see just how many this kid can put up...this is where he's gonna be playing anyways right...just one night thats all i ask...its all it will take
Coming to Vegas and seeing the players up close has been awesome. I can personally say that Roy, Webster and all of the players and those who are associated with the Blazer organization have been wonderful and very personable. Portland Roy, Aldridge are the real deal. Webster has been a leader out on the floor on offense and especially on defence. Tonight against the Wizards he was talking and explaining to Aldridge about defending the post and why he was (Aldridge) called for the foul. Also tonight in the fourth quarter when the game was close Roy, Webster, Aldridge and Outlaw showed great confidence in themselves and each other and hustled till the final whistle.
Portland get ready, because I think Rip City is coming back. We as fans have been pleading with management for a team to stand behind again. I feel they have really laid down a solid foundation with this draft, now it is our turn to step up.
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