Shabazz this year

[TheGrey08]

So what do you think his ceiling is?

Ceiling : Michael Redd

Did Michael Redd have the post game/physical presence Bazz does? I don't recall him having those.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

As a ceiling for Shabazz, maybe he improves his game enough and becomes Wes Matthews? That's not a knock at all. Matthews is a very good NBA player.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I was not a Shabazz Muhammad fan, especially after seeing him for most of last season. He (was/is) a tweener. A 6'6" guy who plays more of a power game.

More often than not, tweeners, even talented tweeners, face a limited ceiling. Sometimes, it's because they can score on one end and can't defend on the other. Other times, their games just don't quite mesh with other talent and they are productive in only specific situations and matchups.

I've been largely impressed with Muhammad because there was one thing I didn't count on... his proverbial motor. That's been impressive. He's worked/forced his way into being a rotation guy. But can he expand his game to shed more of that tweener tag so he's a starter on a good team in this league? Or, will he always be a matchup guy on good teams?

[TheGrey08]

I was not a Shabazz Muhammad fan, especially after seeing him for most of last season. He (was/is) a tweener. A 6'6" guy who plays more of a power game.

More often than not, tweeners, even talented tweeners, face a limited ceiling. Sometimes, it's because they can score on one end and can't defend on the other. Other times, their games just don't quite mesh with other talent and they are productive in only specific situations and matchups.

I've been largely impressed with Muhammad because there was one thing I didn't count on... his proverbial motor. That's been impressive. He's worked/forced his way into being a rotation guy. But can he expand his game to shed more of that tweener tag so he's a starter on a good team in this league? Or, will he always be a matchup guy on good teams?

How is he a tweener? He's a 6'6 SF and has even been in at SG a bit earlier this year. I really don't get the "tweener tag" and I don't think I've really heard him called that at all this season. He definitely has to keep expanding his game tough (using his right hand, improving his D, shooting, etc)

[AbeVigodaLive]

I was not a Shabazz Muhammad fan, especially after seeing him for most of last season. He (was/is) a tweener. A 6'6" guy who plays more of a power game.

More often than not, tweeners, even talented tweeners, face a limited ceiling. Sometimes, it's because they can score on one end and can't defend on the other. Other times, their games just don't quite mesh with other talent and they are productive in only specific situations and matchups.

I've been largely impressed with Muhammad because there was one thing I didn't count on... his proverbial motor. That's been impressive. He's worked/forced his way into being a rotation guy. But can he expand his game to shed more of that tweener tag so he's a starter on a good team in this league? Or, will he always be a matchup guy on good teams?

How is he a tweener? He's a 6'6 SF and has even been in at SG a bit earlier this year. I really don't get the "tweener tag" and I don't think I've really heard him called that at all this season. He definitely has to keep expanding his game tough (using his right hand, improving his D, shooting, etc)

You kind of nail it. He can't pass as well as most guards or 3s who aren't just spot up shooters. His handle is adequate. His range still has question marks despite a good 3 point percentage in somewhat limited attempts. At the very least, it seems as though he prefers to shoot closer to the hoop. In fact, that little half-hook/fling thing he has is pretty nice. He rebounds (especially offensively) better than most guards or 3s.

So he has the size of any SG or SF, but he doesn't necessarily play like it. That's not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself. But, it can create problems with certain personnel, which makes him more of a situational guy to me in the long run.

[slimcalhoun27 [enjin:6640095]]

I can't say with absolutely certainty, but I can't remember anyone on this board doubting his talent. I remember people (myself at the top of this list) concerned about his integrity and decision making due to the age-lying thing. I don't know if "Slim Calhoun" still contributes to this board, but he said he lives in Portland, met Hersey Hawkins, who had a role with the Blazers at the time in the "Mentoring" department, who said they would not be drafting him AT ALL because of that. And Shabazz has been quite frank that his turnaround has been related to improved diet, so there's that.

Long story short: The concerns were fair, and he has done a good job to this point of overcoming those. And Flip moving down when knowing he would still be there was possibly his best move as GM.

One last thing: Don't forget that Shabazz is BDA.

Great memory Jason. I am pretty fortunate to be around the Blazers and the button pushers in the head office quite often. And Hersey plus most others have a legit ear to the ground when it comes to talent. Hersey mentioned numerous time that he was in hopes Shabazz would drop the ego and actually reflect upon what's important to him and his career. Shavazz was put on a pedestal as a kid, his dad was a punk, and he was told he could have anything at any time....which once he hit the NBA....that all changed and having Rick Adelman as his coach could not have been a better situation IMO

I actually had Coach in the store last week since him and his wife live in Portland, I asked him subtlety about the Wolves and he said he was really pleased with how they as a whole changed from boys club to a man up mentality.

It seems Shabazz did just that and realized he needed to really dedicate himself, not all NBA teams can say that for youth development. Flip may not make all the right decisions....but he does get his players to play hard and grow up. I'm stoked to see what Payne can do and one more draft would do for this team. Let's all pray the Basketball Gods we have plenty of talent to select from this Summer.

[Coolbreeze44]

Slim, I'd like to meet you sometime. You referenced the store in your post above. What store is it? I'd like to stop by and gain an intro sometime.

[slimcalhoun27 [enjin:6640095]]

Cool....I have worked with a company called Mario's (high end mens furnishings) here in lake Oswego. Now I'm with a interior design store called Key Home. I'm literally around the corner from the training facility for the Blazers. Made some good friendships with the guys. Jarret Jack, Steve Blake,
Patty Mills, LaMarcus, Joel, coaches too. Even see Kahn quite a bit still.

Absolutely...hit me up, Portland is fantastic place to be. I'm not too proud to say I root for the Blazers too....but I'm all Minnesota till I die.

[Coolbreeze44]

Cool....I have worked with a company called Mario's (high end mens furnishings) here in lake Oswego. Now I'm with a interior design store called Key Home. I'm literally around the corner from the training facility for the Blazers. Made some good friendships with the guys. Jarret Jack, Steve Blake,
Patty Mills, LaMarcus, Joel, coaches too. Even see Kahn quite a bit still.

I belong to ClubSport and have for over 15 years. I bet I've seen you many times.

[slimcalhoun27 [enjin:6640095]]

Cool....I have worked with a company called Mario's (high end mens furnishings) here in lake Oswego. Now I'm with a interior design store called Key Home. I'm literally around the corner from the training facility for the Blazers. Made some good friendships with the guys. Jarret Jack, Steve Blake,
Patty Mills, LaMarcus, Joel, coaches too. Even see Kahn quite a bit still.

I belong to ClubSport and have for over 15 years. I bet I've seen you many times.

I'm sure you have...worked at Bridgeport village for 7 years before this new move up the road. Fricking awesome man!