Obviously We Need a Shorter Shot Clock

Vince Carter scored 26 points and the Nets held the Portland Trail Blazers to a team record-low five points in the fourth quarter of a 78-65 victory Wednesday night. The five points was the second lowest in a fourth quarter since the 24-second shot clock was instituted for the 1954-55 season.

Some guy called into the postgame show tonight on KXL, and said that the pieces are in place for this team to be successful, but they just need time to grow.

I think he's half right. The team needs time to grow mentally. Some of 'em need to build endurance. But I don't see the teensy-weensy backcourt growing much more vertically, and that's going to be a problem, especially on the defensive end.

I am not sure what John Nash was thinking about when he picked Telfair. He is basically Moochie Norris on Broadway. I don't care how many points you can drop on kiddies from Hurble Duh High in Harlem--like big scorers at the college level, it's not necessarily indicative of NBA potential. You can't be that damn small and make a difference unless you have the will and fury of an Allen Iverson. Bassy's too cool, cats.

Dixon has been a surprise this year and would make a great sixth man. Instant offense, just add Dixon--think Bobby Jackson or Eddie House. Bring him off the bench for 20 minutes a night and give him the green light to chuck bombers. He's a winner, but he's a shooter and not much else.

But other than that...

Miles is still a conundrum wrapped in bacon. As much as I'd like for him to dunk over hell of bigs every time up the court, it seems he just isn't interested.

Ghostface 'Billa and Ratliff aren't really suited to Coach's offense. They both move like wind-up Mothra toys. They do a good job guarding the post, but from the stat you saw above, it should be obvious this team just cannot score enough points.

Steve Blake could be very good in this league. I've heard some comparing him favorably to a poor man's Steve Nash, which is pretty astute. Look for his shot a bit more, run it and gun it like Nate's Sonics used to do.

Love how Randolph's been playing. Soon he'll be knocking down that three like Sheed. Khryapa seems like he could become a Tayshaun Prince. I dig on Martell, he'll be a star. Ha might be a good backup in a couple seasons. Travis Outlaw won't get a chance to play.

Go smaller and quicker up front, get bigger in the backcourt, get some scorers. Then you will own. Me and my Blazermaniacs, brother. Say yr prayers and take yr vitamins. WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN BLAZERMANIA DESTROYS YOU???