Whats up y’all.

As time has gone on, one thing I have noticed about Greg is that he does not have a nickname. I know some of you are saying that we need to wait till he actually plays a game, but we are not going to. The Official Greg Oden Nickname Contest begins NOW!

So here is what you win if we deem your nickname the winner. For local Oregon residents you will receive a pair of 300 level tickets to the game of your choice, and non residents will receive an Official BoomShakalaka shirt!

All nicknames have to be submitted either on the The Official Greg Oden Nickname Contest post on BoomShakalaka.org, or under the post at the Yardbarker. All entries have to be in by the 20th of March 2008.

Here is some inspiration for you all!

This year has had it highs and its lows. We all expected lows, but these guys proved us wrong. Right now we are in a low point, but that does not mean we cannot go without a fight. Lets not play for the lottery, lets not play for business, lets play for the love of this game, and the only thing that matters in this game is WINNING!

Its always easy for a fan to talk this way. None of us really know what are in players hearts and minds, we speculate, we judge, but we never really actually know. People like myself never really know what these guys are like when the cameras are off. I can personally name many players that put on that smiling face just for the camera, and when I have met them in person when a camera is not around they snub me. But it is understandable. They don’t know who I am , I could be some crazy deranged fan looking to stalk them.

But these young players have shown a city hope. A new life, a new breath, everything we have wanted and more, and trust me more good things are to come. Everyone reading this that has a team that are above .600 and are playoff bound are wondering what the hell I am talking about. Everyone looks at our record of 33-31, and they say “what is all the excitement for ?” Well about this time last year we were at about 21 wins.  We are now at 33 and we have now surpassed last years record for wins. If the Blazers can pull off 40 wins without the “Franchise Beast” then I will consider this season a great success.

The 08-09 Season will be a strange season. I still anticipate losses, mainly because none of these guys have played with “The Dude” yet. I also anticipate a lot of movement in the guard positions in the off season. We might drop some folk, and we might pick some up as well. I think Pritch and company will deal their draft pick out with a trade for maybe a veteran guard. I love Jarrett Jack and Blake but we need consistency at that spot. There has been rumors of Brandon Roy moving over to the point when Rudy Fernandez comes along, but no one has staked a claim that “The Natural” will be a PG full time. It makes sense for BRoy to play the point, but with his addiction to injuries I would not think it would be the best place for him. The round mound would be happy as well, because we would no longer have “Midgets” in the back court.

So the lineup of the future is bright. But the big question that I have is the 3 spot. Martell Webster has got to be one of the most streakiest players I have ever witnessed. This guy is so damn good, I just don’t understand why he is so inconsistent. This year he really showed us a lot, but has he shown the Execs enough to hold on to him. Trout is turning into a full fledged baller. This guys game really reminds of Shawn Marion’s game, just a lot more exciting. But I think Pritch sees him as a huge bargaining chip, and that is something I don’t like. This guy could easily be the highest scorer on this team, and their is not doubt in my mind that he should be a starter. The only people I would like to see the Blazers try to pick up in the off season, is a PG, or another 3 guard. Possibly Andre Iguodala who is up for a qualifying offer from the 76ers at the end of this season, which I don’t think he will take. He will shop free agency and see who bites. But my suggestion to Pritch is deal Jack, and find a vet backup for BRoy at the point, and save the cash for the end of 08-09 season and either deal for Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

On that note here is my starting lineup for  the 08-09 season.

P Guard - Brandon Roy

2 Guard - Rudy Fernandez
3  Guard -  Travis Outlaw
PF - Lamarcus Aldridge
C - Greg Oden
So what are your opinions on next year?

So as I was recording the game today and GO was helping out the pregame staff. Caught some pretty damn good footage of GO working it out. This is a must see. You get UP CLOSE and PERSONAL with the big man. Seems like a pretty crazy schedule, from meeting with the First Lady and mean mugging her, then to working it out.

I hope you enjoy this one.

Video: A Day In The Life With Greg Oden

BURN, BURN it all DOWN! What a game, Lakers vs. Blazers! This time it was on our turf up in the Rose City. The Blazers are back running on 100% again. Everyone is back off the injured list. James Jones and BRoy are back, and boy did it help. Words cannot explain this game, but I sure and hell will try to put it down. 

Everyone was just straight killing it tonight. Even then newest edition to the team “Cookie” Von Wafer. BRoy has been nursing an ankle injury since the All Star break and has had no time to rest it. He missed the last two games and decided to make his debut back against the number one team in the West, and he was sensational. The Golden Boy was ‘dipsy doin’ everyone from Walton to the Mamba in the City of Roses tonight. I was told after the game that Walton could no longer have children because of the nasty crossover BRoy threw down on him. On a lighter note the world rejoiced as they heard of the news that finally the Walton finally could no longer produce horse faced athletes.

I thought about not writing about the officiating on this game but I just could not resist. It was by far the worst game of officiating I have ever seen. It honestly looked like they were trying to help the Lakers out. Every call went the way of the Lakers, it was just crazy. But who cares? The Blazers beat the Lakers once again in our fair city. The Lakers just cannot seem to get a win in the Rose Garden. The Blazers record against the Lakers in the Rose Garden is 17-6. The Lakers have the second worst record in the West when they perform in the Rose Garden.

When I say everyone was on fire I mean it. So now the breakdown! (You guys have been asking for it, so now I will give it back to you)

-Steve ‘The Turtle’ Blake was shooting lights out from the three. He went 5-9 behind the arch and finished with 15pts

-BRoy, or what I like to call him ‘The Slo Mo Fo Sho’ busted LA up with 20 points, 12 assists and 5 boards. He looked like a fullback tonight just mowing euro trash down.

-Jarrett Jack, the unibrow has them shook. Not to mention this guy looks like a descendant of ET Cassell. Best game of the year hands down for him. 21 points, 10 assists. 

-The Vanilla Gorilla wants to fight; you can see it in his eyes. Kobe didn’t want any; neither did the spokesman for ‘Soul Glo Euro’ Pau Gasol. The White back had the dodecagon on the boards tonight. 

-LMA was moon raking the hell out of everyone tonight. People started calling him the L-Train, but the L-Train is always parked, so Ill stick to LMA. 22 points, 8 rebounds. Ill say it once again, I would much rather have LMA’s 20 and 8 over Zebo’s 20-10 any day. Thank you Pritch!

-The Definition had a ho hum game, but who cares its Martell Webster, his damn name is ‘The Definition’. Still had good contributions from him with 9 points, and some added energy we needed.

-Trout, he is the future. I don’t think I have ever seen such an oxymoronic style of shooting. The form is so damn ugly but the follow through brings a tear to your eye. Trout is my man; I don’t even think they pay this guy with money. I heard he only plays for pulled pork and bbq spare ribs. I carry around a $100 gift card from Reo’s Ribs in my car hoping I will see Trout one day so I can give it to him. The dude loves his BBQ; I mean he is from the Oktibbeha County. BBQ is a way of life there.

-LLCoolJ, ‘Lakers Loathe Cool James’. He played a pretty darn good game for not playing in four weeks. I’m so glad he is back. The Blazers are 21-8 when he plays.  

-Baron Von Nilla Wafer played some good minutes this game and it looks like The General will be keeping him in rotation.

LA your streak is over. But Kobe still deserves another Championship and an MVP to go with it. No haters here, all respect is due to that guy.

This game in my mind is going to have to be the defining moment in this season turns around. The Playoffs are not out of site quite yet, they are far away, but this team is the only team I believe that could make a run for it, the position they are in is tough, but the West is crazy and anything could happen. 

They have this town on pin cushions every night but little known fact about Portlanders is that we are all masochists so we enjoy it!

More! More! More!

Greg Oden is sporting his new bad ass look. He looks like BA Barackas. He looks tough as hell. Keep that look man, just add the three lines above the ear. Grow it out and it will be crazy. You just need some crazy chains, and maybe you could roll around with some crazy ass white dudes in a bad ass van. Maybe Joel, Serge, and Steve can fight crime with you. Serge could be Face, Steve could be Murdoch, and Joel could be Hannibal.

Anyway man it looks bad ass. Keep it up, and keep pounding those weights.

I pity the fool that tries to dunk on me.

Here is a picture of it in HD

Sorry Greg, I had to do it.

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired guard Von Wafer from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guard Taurean Green, it was announced today by general manager Kevin Pritchard.

Wafer, 22, posted averages of 1.3 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.2 assists and 4.3 minutes in 21 games this season for the Nuggets.

“We want to thank Taurean Green and wish him all the best for the future, which I think will be a bright one in this league,” said Pritchard. “We had a positional need to fill with some of the injuries we’re having to endure and with Von Wafer we think we’re getting a player who can provide us with some offensive firepower.”

A third-year pro out of Florida State, Wafer was originally selected in the second round (39th pick overall) by the L.A. Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft. During 38 career games with the Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets, he averaged 1.2 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.2 assists and 4.3 minutes.

Green, 21, was selected by the Trail Blazers in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft (52nd pick overall) out of Florida. In eight games with the Trail Blazers this season, he averaged 2.1 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 5.5 minutes.

Now on to the good stuff. This is a horrible trade in my mind. Taurean Green never got a chance to prove himself. He led the National Championship team Florida Gators last year in points, and he is a spark plug. He did great in the D-League and summer league. The guy never got a chance to play. I understand that the Blazers do have to many PG’s but what is the point of this trade? I see no gains. Granted the Blazers are thinking that this guy can be developed like Trout, but I honestly cannot say anything about Von Wafer, other then his name is cool.

Taurean was a town favorite, maybe because he was goofy, and he seemed like a stand up guy.  But for some reason this trade actually bothers me, and upsets me. I cant put my finger on it, but it does.

So here is Von Wafer. I know what you are all thinking, he is not white. But with a name like that you would think so. But none the less I welcome him aboard. It has been heard though that he has a good shot, and has springs. He as well did great in the D-League. So this is a “meh” trade for me.

A great article written by Seam Meagher of the Oregonian. He thinks the reason the Blazers are in this losing slump is because James Jones is out injured. I agree with him for the most part, but if one teammate is out then someone else should step up. That is what a team is. Great article.

Original story. 

“How does the 3-point affect the Blazers success? The addition of James Jones (currently No. 2 in the league in 3 point percentage) this season has been huge for the Blazers. His ability to stretch the defense and create space, while hitting threes, and been a critical component of the Blazers offense. While Jones is Portland’s best threat from outside, he’s not the only Blazer that can hit the deep ball. Brandon Roy, Steve Blake, Martell Webster, Jarrett Jack, and now Travis Outlaw have all shown the ability to contribute from beyond the arc.

Portland has been one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the league this year (currently ranked 5th), thanks in large part to the addition of Jones and improved ball movement. One reasons Portland is a better team overall this year is the improved shooting. And when Portland’s offense is rolling, it translates to the defensive side.

With Jones in the lineup, the Blazers attempt, and make, more three pointers. And the news of Jones sitting out three to five more weeks really hurts the Blazers:

“I think it’s a huge loss,” Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. “You talk about the know-how that he brought to this team. He helped our young guys out on the floor, with spacing, and then just with his ability to shoot the ball.”Jones, who was acquired from the Phoenix Suns in the offseason, is averaging 9.1 points and 2.9 rebounds off the bench and developed into a crucial player this season.

In addition to his long-range shooting, Jones has become a valuable locker room leader and calming presence on the floor for the NBA’s youngest team.

He developed into a reliable fourth-quarter performer and played his best basketball when the Blazers were in the middle of their 13-game winning streak.

Let’s compare and contrast ….

During the Blazers’ 13-game win streak:

W vs. Memphis, 12-22 (54 3-pt.%); Jones 4-4
W vs. Miami, 7-17 (41%); Jones 4-6
W vs. Milwaukee, 9-18 (50%); Jones 3-5
W vs. Utah, 8-17 (47%); Jones 0-1, Webster 5-8
W vs. Golden State, 6-18 (33%); Jones 4-6
W vs. Utah 2-11 (18%); Jones 1-2
W vs. Denver, 6-16 (38%); Jones 3-5
W vs. New Orleans, 7-20 (35%); Jones 1-5, Roy 2-4
W vs. Toronto, 10-21 (48%); Jones 0-3, Webster 4-5, Roy 3-5, Blake 2-4
W vs. Denver, 9-25 (36%); Jones 2-5, Webster 4-8
W vs. Seattle, 7-19 (37%); Jones 2-3, Blake 2-4
W vs. Minnesota, 8-19 (42%); Jones 2-4, Blake 4-5
W vs. Philly, 9-20 (45%); Jones 1-2, Blake 3-5

Over the last 10 games (3-7):

L vs. New Orleans, 8-26 (31%); Jones 3-8, Blake 4-9
L vs. Houston, 5-12 (42%); Jones 0-3, Roy 2-3
W vs. Atlanta, 5-16 (31%); Jones 2-4, Outlaw 3-4
L vs. Cleveland, 3-14 (21%); Jones 0-1
W vs. New York, 7-22 (32%); Jones 0-2, Blake 3-4
L vs. Denver, 9-22 (41%); Jones DNP, Webster 3-6, Jack 3-5
W vs. Chicago, 3-17 (18%); Jones DNP, Jack 2-4
L vs. Detroit, 0-8 (0%); Jones DNP
L vs. Indy, 3-13 (23%); Jones DNP, Blake 2-4
L vs. Houston, 2-6 (33%); Jones DNP

Joe Freeman has more on Jones’ importance in The Beat:

He does a lot of the little things that coaches love and fans ignore. He understands the nuances of the game and how he fits into the Blazers’ offense. He talks and directs on the floor and he rarely takes a bad shot. We sometimes wonder aloud at press row why he doesn’t shoot more.Jones provides this almost too-nice team with some attitude and nastiness on the court. And off of it, in the locker room, he’s been a calming veteran presence on the NBA’s youngest team, the guy who downplays big wins and shrugs off lackluster losses.

He may just be the most underrated component of the Blazers’ success this season.”

WOW. That’s all I can say after that game. It was not the best Lakers game I have ever seen, and they did not win by a 30 point margin, but the chemistry I just witnessed between Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant was simply not right. It looked like they have been playing for together for years. They beat New Jersey by 15 points, and they did it with ease. Granted at this point the Nets are just giving up. But none the less it was great for the Lakers. Crazy thing is Kobe only scored 6 points.

It looked like Kobe wanted to see what Pau was all about, and damn did Kobe love it. He had a gigantic grin on his face the entire 3rd and 4th quarter. Pau had a monster of a game on his coming out party. He had 24 points, and 12 rebounds. I still don’t understand how the Lakers got him for practically nothing. But that is another story.

After seeing this game it makes me think that these guys are ready to plow through everyone in the West. Kobe and Pau are the real deal, and when Bynum comes back it will just not be fair.

I am saying this now, the Lakers will make it to the finals this year, and they will win!

Lamar Odom, Kobe, Fish, Pau, Bynum, I would go with that lineup over everyone right now. Bynum, Kobe, and Pau are enough, but then you add that veteran experience of Fish, and Odom. It was almost a thing of beauty to watch. Pau and Kobe look like they were made for each other. It was not forced at all. Pau looks happy, and so do the Lakers. Everyone else in the west is pissed.

Kup must have sold his soul for this deal.

Can’t wait to see more of this team play, and the future matchups in the coming years. I especially can’t wait till Oden comes back to see these two sets of trios face each other. BRoy, LA, Oden vs. Kobe, Pau, Bynum, who would you put the money on?

The NBA is great right now, so many good players, so many good teams. Probably the most exciting season in 5-10 years. 

Well I now know why they call AI the Answer, and I know why they call Carmelo Melo. Because Allen Iverson is the truth. The answer to all puzzles. Defensive puzzles and offensive puzzles. The Answer killed us all tonight in the Rose City. He strolled in with about 17.1 seconds on the clock in OT and then buried it with about 1.1 seconds, leaving the Blazers .9 to shoot.  Melo and AI killed us all night, but it I am making it sound like the Blazers did not put up a fight. Guess what they did. A fight that almost went down into the books. Melo is cool , calm, and collected. He  is truly the definition of a mellow dude.

The Blazers were flat the whole first quarter absolutely played terrible. But the Nuggets were not so hot either. The Nuggets lead 20-14 in the first quarter. At about the 10 minute marker in the second the Blazers made a mind altering push, which in turn made the Rose Garden go nuts. It was like Martell, Brandon, Channing, Joel, Travis, looked all of us in the eyes and said we will not go down without a fight. We all believed, because Martell “The Definition” Webster went off. It seemed like Channing and Marty were dropping everything, which they nearly were. But with about 1.8 left on the clock AI throws a short half court shot to tie it back. We all sigh again is disbelief .

The third starts and it starts well. Both teams are playing incredible basketball. I am in shear awe of AI and Melo. They are truly a dynamic duo that has not even come close to reaching their peak. Melo is the real deal. Words fully cannot be expressed by his stunning ability. He is like an old school big body Benz, but with handling. For a fairly big guy has a great first step, you can just see those twitch muscles balling up and exploding. Something that only comes with a lot of dedication in the Gym. 

Now AI, what can you say about this guy? Not much except legend. He kills us in the 3rd and the 4th. Then he dropped the dagger on us in OT. A dagger that almost killed us all. You could just see the guy rocking out to Thriller in his head after he dropped that oh so beautiful jumper.

Now Blazers fans don’t worry I have not given into the dark side. The Blazers played a great game in terms of personal stats. But team’s stats were just horrible. They had 18 turnovers, they only shot about 41.3% from the field, and a descent 72% from the stripe. But they could not him the free throws in the clutch. Trout had a chance to put it away in the 4th with 2.9 seconds left, he got fouled on a 15 foot corner jumper be Najera.  At this point the Blazers are down by one. He misses the first one and you can here the crowd groan in pain. The he hits the second at ties it up.  Then we head to OT and the hem ridging starts. Turnover, turnover, turnover. The only reason why we stayed in this game is that the Nuggets played just as bad as we did. But stars shine in dark times, and the Nuggets have one more All Star then the Blazers do.

The spread tonight in Vegas was the Blazers by two. After they heard Camby was out the spread changed to 12 favoring the Blazers. I thought it was a done deal with Camby out. But AI and Melo stepped up huge for Denver. 

Brandon looked like he was on track for another triple double, so did Jarrett Jack. They were both so close. Roy had 26 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Jarrett had 17 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds. But Melo was the overall stat leader with a mind numbing 28 points and 15 rebounds, 15 folks. AI dropped 25 points and 8 assists. 

I was 8 rows back tonight, and I could see the pain in Brandon’s face after his missed a jumper with .9 left in OT, It hurt so badly. I stood their stunned. Awe struck. But I felt that the Blazers have been shot out of their slump. Even though they lost they started to really look like that Portland team we saw in December. I think this game was the turning point. But right now they are going to have to play the hardest ball of their lives if they want to get into those playoffs. Which they will, because they have us, and this town supports all of them. They are our team, and we love them win or lose. Now it is a true time to shine, a time now when boys truly become men. Do you pick your asses up and press  on with a  full head of steam, or do you fall in defeat? I choose the first option, and I am quite sure the  team will choose the first as well.

We are fanatical about these guys, they need to know it. Do not doubt these guys; they sure in hell are not out of it. Not even close. Especially if BRoy has anything to say about it. 

 Blazers Nation lives on, now we are pissed!

I will be at the Garden tonight and it will be a ruckus like usual. Melo is back to full form and he is looking to make a strong statement. I always love watching these guys come into town, the Garden goes bananas. The Nuggets are coming off two wins, and they Blazers are coming off a very hard fought game against the Knicks (Which is weird to say).

But the Nuggets hold the second spot in the NW division at 28-18, the Blazers are right behind them at 27-19. So this again would tie them up for the second spot in the NW division. Nene will not be back for some time, but I fear how good this team will be once they get him back. I honestly think this is where the 8th seed fight will be.

But my predictions for this game are high and lofty. I think Melo, and AI will come out guns a blazing, but once again I think the Blazers will stay close and pull it out in the fourth.

Travis Outlaw is playing at his highest level right now, so look for him to get a lot of touches tonight. I dont suspect LA will have a big game against the Camby Man. Look for the “Vanilla Gorilla” (JPryz) to have some good ol Michigan meat and potatoes for the Nuggets. He usually has big games when he presented with large challengers like Camby.

Obviously BRoy will be fantastic no matter what he does. I think he will be that X-Factor we always talk about. After breaking the barrier with his first career triple double we will see some more of that tonight. Im thinking double, double.

So those are my game predictions. This is the first post I have linked to my new site, and I hope you all like it at the Yard!

I wish all the players the best on both teams, I hope they all stay healthy. I just favor the Blazers tonight.  I also wish my man Melo has a good game, it will be nice to see him back,  and he will be fresh to death for the All-Star game.