Outlaw a Power Forward?
posted: 9/20/2006 at 10:32 PM
It is certainly not his natural position, but if it'll help his team, and get him playing time, Travis Outlaw says he'll be more than happy to slide into the power forward position for the Trail Blazers from time to time.
"I'm feeling more comfortable all the time, and am finding out new things about my game and my potential," Outlaw told me on Wednesday at the Trail Blazers' practice facility in Tualatin. "If I would have gone to college I'd just be heading into my senior season, so I know I'm still pretty young in this process."
During the pick-up games on Wednesday, Outlaw did end up guarding Joel Przybilla a lot of the time, and also spent time on perimeter players. Travis, who turned 22 years old on Monday, looks to be carrying himself with a greater confidence heading into camp, and appears to be getting a better feel for his game.
"This will be a big season for me," Outlaw says. "I'm just trying to improve my outside shot, put on weight, and get into the best shape I can heading into training camp."
Outlaw has the size, and more importantly, the length, to defend bigger players. We've always talked about his athleticism, and that's never been a question. And, it appears, at least in these informal games, that his jump shot is greatly improved. But, is he really capable of playing effectively at the four?
"He's going to have to be," says Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams. "I would love to see Travis develop into an assassin that we bring off the bench to kick up the pace of play. He runs like a deer, and you all know how he can finish in the open floor. We just want to use his athletic ability, and if that's at the power forward spot, so be it."
Outlaw was taken with the 23rd overall pick in the 2003 draft, and is heading into his fourth NBA season. Last season with the Blazers he averaged 6 points in 17 minutes per game. He's hoping both of those numbers go up this season. Where he sits on the team's depth chart heading into camp is unknown, but he says go ahead and pencil him into the power forward
and small forward positions.
"The days of the Charles Oakley-type power forwards are gone," says Williams. "Travis can absolutely play bigger, and have an increased role, but that's up to him. I can think of several teams in the west who would love to have a player like Travis flying up and down the court from the four spot, doing what he does best."
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We certainly do need someone to guard Shawn Marion, Lamar Odom and Boris Diaw. The way Tim Thomas and Vlad Radmanovic were snatched up the lighter, better perimater shooting 4's will need Travis to run with them. It seems key that Travis can be aggressive and hit the outside shot well.
Outlaw may be a little lithe to survive over extended periods of time at the PF position but because of the necessary need to be active, physical gifted and passionate enough to carsh the glass, he will thrive. In actuality, his ball skills may be to weak to stay at the 3 maybe facilitating a permanent position change as well as mindset change to the 4 position. Agreed?
Let's go Blazers.....I'm rooting for you all the way from VA.
We currently have 5 players (who are expecting time) and about 42 million devoted to the 4 and 5 spots. I'm not sure what the motive is here, but i'm reasonably sure that talk of Outlaw at PF is just smoke. However, i suppose they could be talking about after the trade deadline when Zach and one of the other four are gone. To be honest, i was hoping Travis would be somewhere else by that time, too.
BTW, Mike, there has been a link to Nate's interview with Quick on the home page for days now that isn't there. I decided i would tell you on trailblazer.com.
Hey Barrett, why don't you comment on the Zach Randolpg situation? Did you see the DA's report? Why don't you blog about what really matters with the team right now?
Hey Barrett, why don't you comment on the Zach Randolpg situation? Did you see the DA's report? Why don't you blog about what really matters with the team right now?
Hey leave Mike alone. Mike is here to report on how the team is gonna play next year...Not on all of the drama that is happening outside of it all.
So much for keeping it real. Ya, Outlaw's the best. He'll make a wonderful PF. I'm sure he's going to beat out Zach, Mags, Raef and Aldridge to play at least 40 minutes a game. Go TO.
dang...Travis as PF? Never thought I would hear talk like that, but considering our options, if we rid ourselves of our current PF due to character problems...to uphold the 25 point pledge, he's a good candidate. I agree with cornelius thomas's comments but suspect that Outlaw has the work ethic to be able to bulk up, (a bit) to handle the pounding and double teaming, while retaining his athletisism.
common now guys...adult level. Mike... i think you're great and you do a great job of running this blog. in terms of who will play and who won't, i guess we won't konw till the start of the season, although i do think we're getting a little clogged in parts.
Outlaw is still young, but the only way that he will get better and prove to people that he has game is if you give him the opportunity to PLAY. Its all about minutes and numbers. Give him a chance and let him prove himself as a player.
The move to make Outlaw a PF this coming season will be a good one in the long run. If it pans out then it's something that can revolutionize the game, if not, it could be a learning process. Marion, Odom and Diaw might be the trailblazers in the position and outlaw can be a forerunner...
Look for the blazers to keep an eye on this move...
If Travis wants to be a power forward he needs to be better at rebounding. I think the Trail Blazers should let him play a little more.
I think surrounding him with some good new players is going to step up his game.I hope Travis Outlaw has a better season than last year.
Me being a SUPREME fan of Travis, I am happy on this report of Travis and the potential he has and the abilities he has being realized. By the success of this report (Thanks MB!) I don't think anybody will be saying "Travis who?" anymore (in some time). Let's go Travis! Let's go Blazers!
super_nick9's mom and brother comment....we are Travis's biggest fan's
.. Outlaw is taking over the Rose
Garden...Travis Rocks!!
Outlaw has always impressed me, but the big question is when are we going to let him play. Zach Randolph will take a majority of the minutes at the 4 position. Possible trades? I would love to see the blazers develope into more of a run and gun team. Outlaw in the open court is simply amazing and would fit in nicely to this offense.
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