Gay outshines Morrison at Blazers workout

[Caleb Cattivera]

By looking through the blinds in the media room Thursday, I got a chance to see a large chunk of the Blazers workout featuring Adam Morrison, Rudy Gay, Brandon Roy and Hassan Adams.

My opinion, and granted, I'm just a beat reporter and not a talent evaluator: Rudy Gay outplayed Morrison.

The most striking facet of the workout was Gay's ability to drive past Morrison. Twice this resulted in thunderous dunks by Gay. Morrison also had his shot blocked multiple times by Gay.

All of this was witnessed by owner Paul Allen, who sat courtside between team president Steve Patterson and director of player personnel Kevin Pritchard.

Everybody knows that Morrison's defense will be a concern, and I think today's workout confirmed those questions. Morrison always appeared a step slow. That being said, I thought Morrison - and everyone for that matter - competed at a very high level. It wasn't like any one of the four was scoring at will. In fact, there was a time when Morrison cut off Gay's baseline drive, after which Gay hit the side of the backboard with his shot.

Afterward, Morrison said he did not perform as well as he did in his first workout in Charlotte.

"I didn't shoot or play as well as I would have liked,'' Morrison said. "But I felt good about how I worked out.''

Regarding his head-to-head play against Gay, Morrison said "I did all right against him", while complimenting Gay's length and athletic ability.

"He's got tremendous ability,'' Morrison said of Gay.

Gay meanwhile said he felt he "did pretty good'' and made a point to take Morrison off the dribble and take it to the basket.

"That's something that a lot of people think I can't do,'' Gay said. "In these workouts I think it's a great time to show things you didn't do in the season.''

After the large media horde - the largest I can ever remember for a workout - was let into the gym, the quartet did shooting drills. When it came time for Morrison to shoot from three point range, Blazers coach Nate McMillan made a point to stop the drill and had the players and coaches on the floor clear to the side.

"Let these guys see this,'' McMillan said playfully.

Morrison then proceeded to shoot okay, hitting about 4 of 10 shots, after which he clapped his hands together in disappointment. Still, what a pretty shot. Former Blazers center Chris Dudley was on hand, and remarked that Morrison's game will translate well to the NBA because of his high release point.

Brandon Roy in these drills showed great accuracy from 15 feet, hitting about 8 of 10 shots. Again, very pretty shot. During the competitive portion of the workout, I noticed that Roy had trouble finishing at the rim, but he also had some nice passes to Morrison after penetrating.

Afterward, McMillan refused to talk about individual players. saying that it was "pretty much what we expected. They did what they could, and the guys who were scorers and shooters ... what I saw on tape, I saw here.''

In summary: I thought Gay outplayed Morrison, and that Roy was as advertised - not great at anything, but solid at everything.

I'm not sure how much this workout will go in determining the Blazers draft decision. I think they are high on Morrison, but I think they are unsure if he will be there at No. 4. I know this, however: Gay had to improve his standing on the Blazers' draft board.

[mat1419]

The problem with Gay isn't his ability, it's his competitiveness. He takes plays and games off...he always has. It looks awful when he doesn't show up. Morrison is always in the game and giving 110%. That's the X factor that should put him way ahead of Gay.

[Caleb Cattivera]

The problem with Gay isn't his ability, it's his competitiveness. He takes plays and games off...he always has. It looks awful when he doesn't show up. Morrison is always in the game and giving 110%. That's the X factor that should put him way ahead of Gay.

i think gay will be twice the pro that morrison is.

[Clarett'sGreyGoose]

i think gay will be twice the pro that morrison is.
He will be. If he shows up to play every night.

[Caleb Cattivera]

He will be. If he shows up to play every night.

yeah, i think he'll be just fine in the nba. people are believing the hype about morrison, larry bird, blah blah. he's the next wally szczerbiak at best.

[bjam12]

I'm hoping the Bulls surprise some people and take Roy at #2. Then draft big with their second pick in the first round.

[Chriz2z]

By looking through the blinds in the media room Thursday, I got a chance to see a large chunk of the Blazers workout featuring Adam Morrison, Rudy Gay, Brandon Roy and Hassan Adams.

I don't know why, but that made me laugh. I think Morrison will never be a great player, but Gay will be a perennial all-star.

[thejetstolehome]

I'm hoping the Bulls surprise some people and take Roy at #2. Then draft big with their second pick in the first round.

that would be so unbelievably sexy.

[fire on my lips]

Hey Caleb, I was wondering who wrote this or where it's from? ESPN insider?

[Caleb Cattivera]

Hey Caleb, I was wondering who wrote this or where it's from? ESPN insider?

sports write for a paper in portland.

[Scott Weber]

I think if Rudy Gay gets hurt just once in his rookie year he may be a bust forever. The guy has no motivation or enthusiasm, and if he has to play hurt it just seems like he's going to go half-ass. And make no mistake, Roy has NO trouble finishing at the rack, at least he never did in college. He was one of the best finishers in the pac-10 - and Roy has 3-pt range as well, though I can't see him taking a lot of 3s in the NBA.

[Clarett'sGreyGoose]

I think if Rudy Gay gets hurt just once in his rookie year he may be a bust forever. The guy has no motivation or enthusiasm, and if he has to play hurt it just seems like he's going to go half-ass. And make no mistake, Roy has NO trouble finishing at the rack, at least he never did in college. He was one of the best finishers in the pac-10 - and Roy has 3-pt range as well, though I can't see him taking a lot of 3s in the NBA.
Weebs, how did you get the cool thing in your sig that shows your top 5?

EDIT: Nevermind.

[LeftWideOpen]

The problem with Gay isn't his ability, it's his competitiveness. He takes plays and games off...he always has. It looks awful when he doesn't show up. Morrison is always in the game and giving 110%. That's the X factor that should put him way ahead of Gay.

I pretty much agree ...Gay has all the physical tools but I've yet to see him put them all together.

yeah, i think he'll be just fine in the nba. people are believing the hype about morrison, larry bird, blah blah. he's the next wally szczerbiak at best.

Toronto is seriously considering him at #1, last time I checked. While I don't think thats the right pick ...he's a definite possibility. If he doesnt go #1, I'd expect the Bobcats pick him up at #3. I don't think Portland will have a chance at him and this could just be a beat writer trying to talk up a guy who the Blazers have a much more realistic chance at picking.

I think if Rudy Gay gets hurt just once in his rookie year he may be a bust forever. The guy has no motivation or enthusiasm, and if he has to play hurt it just seems like he's going to go half-ass. And make no mistake, Roy has NO trouble finishing at the rack, at least he never did in college. He was one of the best finishers in the pac-10 - and Roy has 3-pt range as well, though I can't see him taking a lot of 3s in the NBA.

I don't even think Gay has to be hurt to lose his motivation ..it could happen as early as soon as he signs on the dotted line. Once this guy gets a decent contract, it could be trouble from that point forward. I'd steer clear of Gay, and Aldridge for that matter, because I'd question their work ethic. Considering nobody really stands out in this draft, I think it'd be much smarter to go after Thomas, Roy, Morrison or Bargnani. There won't be any question about desire or work ethic with those guys. It's risk management, basically.

[xbrokendownx]

gay is ghey

[FOBPrettyNPunk]

I'm hoping the Bulls surprise some people and take Roy at #2. Then draft big with their second pick in the first round.
Ditto, I'm hoping the Bulls go for either Roy or Aldridge.

[bjam12]

Ditto, I'm hoping the Bulls go for either Roy or Aldridge.

Whatever they decide, I trust Pax and his decisions.

[1moreandimfree]

jason quick is a fucking moron. don't listen to a damn thing he says. because of him media is no longer givin permission to attend any of portlands workouts.

[preppyak]

I'm hoping the Bulls surprise some people and take Roy at #2. Then draft big with their second pick in the first round.
They won't have that pick most likely...the possibility of trading for Jermaine O'neal is sounding more likely.

That said, if Roy can play the 3, yeah, add him in, otherwise we really don't need him. The 1,2, and 3 spots are solid for them with Gordon/Hinrich/Nocioni already...they need a solid 4 and a scoring 5, since Chandler puts up 2 pts a game.

Ditto, I'm hoping the Bulls go for either Roy or Aldridge.
Aldridge, to me, is their perfect pick...I've gotten off any Thomas bandwagon. He can score 15-20 a game no problem, he has a nasty outside shot (15-20 feet), and with some bulk, he can hold his own inside. He did a good job in the Big 12, which was fairly tough inside this year...more so than previous years at least.

He will be. If he shows up to play every night. exactly...he didn't at UConn

[lilRIPsta]

I think Morrison will be great in the NBA. i dont think he'll become the superstar like Larry Bird, but could be the best "other guy" in the draft. Kinda like a Jeff Hornacek or a rich man's keith Van Horn. Im not sure about gay tho. He's got an on and off J but theres no doubts about his athleticism. I think Lamarcus Aldridge will be the best pro outta them all. And Tyrus Thomas will be better than Gay.

[hockey0001]

fuck yea he did. Everyone is saying the same things about Gay this year that they said about Villanueva last year. A lot of criticism about Gay taking plays off and whatnot is partly a result of being on such a balanced team last year, he didnt need to stand out for Uconn to win.

[Scott Weber]

rudy gay = the next clubhouse marbury.

[AshesAshes]

Im a roy fan.

[preppyak]

fuck yea he did. Everyone is saying the same things about Gay this year that they said about Villanueva last year. A lot of criticism about Gay taking plays off and whatnot is partly a result of being on such a balanced team last year, he didnt need to stand out for Uconn to win. I see that...but the same could be said for a KU team 2 years ago with Wayne Simien, they were very balanced, and Simien put up 20-25 every game basically. Even on a balanced team, he still shined above the rest. Marcus Williams seemed like the best player on that team, and Rashaad Anderson made the 2nd biggest name with his clutch shooting...Gay probably came 3rd in terms of being noticed.

For a person people are saying potential All-star about...not good.

In the 2nd Nova game, he disappeared...even though they won. He did play well in the first though.

He didn't play well in their Big East tourney loss...and the only time he really had a "breakout" game in the NCAA tourney was in their loss to George Mason.

I didn't watch him in every game, but in the maybe 10 games I saw him in, he did not impress me...not that he won't be a good pro, but great may be too much at this point

rudy gay = the next clubhouse marbury.
I disagree...he won't disrupt a team by playing uninspired, he will just not help them like he should. Marbury on the other hand, nicknamed himself and is a stupid fuck

[Scott Weber]

gay = jerome james attitude with skills

[Split2nd]

Why do people want the Bulls to draft Roy? They've already got Hinrich, Gordon, and Duhon for the guard spots. Right there are 3 guys worthy of starting spots. Add in yet another? You've already got Nocioni and Deng for the 3. I just don't think it'd be a smart move. If they do draft Roy, I think it'll definitely be because a trade has already been agreed upon.

[preppyak]

Why do people want the Bulls to draft Roy? They've already got Hinrich, Gordon, and Duhon for the guard spots. Right there are 3 guys worthy of starting spots. Add in yet another? You've already got Nocioni and Deng for the 3. I just don't think it'd be a smart move. If they do draft Roy, I think it'll definitely be because a trade has already been agreed upon.
Bingo...thus why I am now pushing for Aldridge. If they trade Hinrich away, there goes my loyalty to the team

[bjam12]

Why do people want the Bulls to draft Roy?

Because I'm not sold on either of the big guys - Aldridge and Thomas. I think they can get big via free-agency. Roy will be a star in the NBA.

[Drew Beringer]

Roy will be the best pro out of all the draftees.

[Caleb Cattivera]

Roy will be the best pro out of all the draftees.

i agree totally. two years in a row ive liked a player that comes out of washington. i think wherever he goes he'll have an immediate impact and help that team out tremendously(sp).

[bigmike]

Roy will be the best pro out of all the draftees.
agreed.

[preppyak]

Roy will be the best pro out of all the draftees.
Because I'm not sold on either of the big guys - Aldridge and Thomas. I think they can get big via free-agency. Roy will be a star in the NBA.
So, he'd be a great pick up...but are you not sold on Gordon/Hinrich/Nocioni...because they were the only reason the Heat had to play 6 games in that series. We don't need another guard, we have 3 guards and a SF who are all like 25 and under...

We need a bigger force...either via draft (Oden next year?) or trade

[Caleb Cattivera]

So, he'd be a great pick up...but are you not sold on Gordon/Hinrich/Nocioni...because they were the only reason the Heat had to play 6 games in that series. We don't need another guard, we have 3 guards and a SF who are all like 25 and under...

We need a bigger force...either via draft (Oden next year?) or trade

ben gordon wont be in chi town much longer.

[xbrokendownx]

Randy Foye is the next Dwayne Wade





you heard it here first.

[preppyak]

ben gordon wont be in chi town much longer.
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/twentieth_century_fox/star_wars__episode_iii___revenge_of _the_sith/hayden_christensen/sith4.jpgNooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooo!!!!

Well then, either this draft (Roy maybe) or next we need a replacement

[sweethypocrisy]

Randy Foye is the next Dwayne Wade





you heard it here first.
and last.

[xbrokendownx]

and last.




alright, be negative if you want.

i realize its silly to compare anyone to wade because hes a top 5-10 player inthe league, but im just saying. ive watched a lot of Wade and watched pretty much every game Foye's ever played. their games are SO similar that its crazy.

[Caleb Cattivera]

Randy Foye is the next Dwayne Wade





you heard it here first.

dude, april fools was like two months ago. he'll be lucky to get half of wade's averages.

[Drew Beringer]

I hope Redick falls to the Pacers.

[xbrokendownx]

People have been saying Foye is a poor man's Dwyane Wade. How does the tale of the tape between the two compare athletically? Here's a look at Foye compared to Wade's 2003 testing:


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j179/devilelias26/foye-wade.jpg



Wade is considerably bigger when you add wingspan and standing reach to the equation. Foye jumps higher and is stronger. Both have similar lateral quickness, but where Wade really shines is in the sprint. That score would've been good for third place in this draft class.




...from ESPN.com, just to strenthen my point

[bigmike]

People have been saying Foye is a poor man's Dwyane Wade. How does the tale of the tape between the two compare athletically? Here's a look at Foye compared to Wade's 2003 testing:


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j179/devilelias26/foye-wade.jpg



Wade is considerably bigger when you add wingspan and standing reach to the equation. Foye jumps higher and is stronger. Both have similar lateral quickness, but where Wade really shines is in the sprint. That score would've been good for third place in this draft class.




...from ESPN.com, just to strenthen my point
Yes. foye is a poor man's wade. meaning. half as good as wade. if he's lucky.

[xbrokendownx]

Yes. foye is a poor man's wade. meaning. half as good as wade. if he's lucky.





like i said, i dont expect anyone to believe me.




yet.

[bigmike]

he's smaller and slower than wade. he will not be dwyane wade. just because they're of kind of smiliar size and both happen to play basketball doesn't mean one will be just as good as the other. Please, let's take off the nova blinders and be realistic.

I mean, if that's the case then Paul Davis will be the next Rik Smit, just a little smaller.

[Caleb Cattivera]

dee brown is the next jason kidd.

you heard it here first.

[Drew Beringer]

dee brown is the next jason kidd.

you heard it here first.
With or without bias? :P

[Caleb Cattivera]

With or without bias? :P

hahahaha. tons of it. dee brown is the next...uhhh...doug overton.

[FondestMemory]

hahahaha. tons of it. dee brown is the next...uhhh...doug overton.

dee brown is the next mike hall.

[Caleb Cattivera]

dee brown is the next mike hall.

haha the point guard from BYU?

[xbrokendownx]

wasnt mike hall the dude that won that sporscaster shit on ESPN? did either of those winners ever do one show?

[FondestMemory]

wasnt mike hall the dude that won that sporscaster shit on ESPN? did either of those winners ever do one show?

mike hall won season one of dream job. he's on espnews all the time.

dee brown won season two of dream job. he does nba analysis on espnews all the time.

[Caleb Cattivera]

Randy Foye is the next Dwayne Wade





you heard it here first.

noooo, espn insider had it first. ive decided you read that, then came to that conclusion.

[Caleb Cattivera]

not saying anything bad by this, but morrison was next to last for worst athlete in the combines.

[xbrokendownx]

mike hall won season one of dream job. he's on espnews all the time.

dee brown won season two of dream job. he does nba analysis on espnews all the time.



see, i never watch ESPNews.

and i didnt realize the 2nd one was with atheletes


noooo, espn insider had it first. ive decided you read that, then came to that conclusion.



bulllllllshit! me watching every one of Foye's games led me to taht conclusion


not saying anything bad by this, but morrison was next to last for worst athlete in the combines



andddd guess who was last? the laptop thief!

[FondestMemory]

not saying anything bad by this, but morrison was next to last for worst athlete in the combines.

i don't see him ever being any better than keith van horn. actually, i don't even see him being as good as keith van horn. i just don't think his game will carry over very well.

[bigmike]

i don't see him ever being any better than keith van horn. actually, i don't even see him being as good as keith van horn. i just don't think his game will carry over very well.
agreed.

caleb, how do you think shannon brown and mo ager do in the NBA? i don't give a fuck about Paul(a) Davis. what a big 6'11" pussy. god i wish he hadn't graduated as now we've got Goran Sutan a worse version of Paul Davis at center. ugh.

[Scott Weber]

dee brown is the next jason kidd.

you heard it here first.
hahahaha bull fucking shit. dee brown will NEVER be able to rebound like Kidd, and he's too turnover prone to be as good of a floor general.

edit: haha i just realized you were kidding.

[hockey0001]

andddd guess who was last? the laptop thief!

who's that?

[FOBPrettyNPunk]

who's that?
Marcus Williams.

[Caleb Cattivera]

hahahaha bull fucking shit. dee brown will NEVER be able to rebound like Kidd, and he's too turnover prone to be as good of a floor general.

edit: haha i just realized you were kidding.

hahahaha.

dee brown...isnt even the next dee brown from the early 90s.

[bjam12]

So, he'd be a great pick up...but are you not sold on Gordon/Hinrich/Nocioni...because they were the only reason the Heat had to play 6 games in that series. We don't need another guard, we have 3 guards and a SF who are all like 25 and under...

We need a bigger force...either via draft (Oden next year?) or trade

You're right. But I'm assuming Hinrich or Gordon will be traded. Most likely Gordon who has a lot of trade value right now.

And, hopefully the Knicks suck again next year. The Bulls get their pick and would have a shot at Oden! haha.

[preppyak]

You're right. But I'm assuming Hinrich or Gordon will be traded. Most likely Gordon who has a lot of trade value right now.

And, hopefully the Knicks suck again next year. The Bulls get their pick and would have a shot at Oden! haha.
Yeah...I thought, since they have the cap room and the ability to resign them, they would, but if they can pick up Jermaine O'neal or a player like that in a trade, I'm all for it.

Plus, I wouldn;'t mind having Roy, since he is fucking nasty

[bjam12]

if they can pick up Jermaine O'neal or a player like that in a trade, I'm all for it.


My thoughts exactly.

[PowderedMilkMan]

I predict Thomas will be better than both Gay and Aldridge. He can rebound and block shots already and isn't soft like the other two. He also has a high motor and seems like a guy who will give an effort every night. Aldridge seems to dissapear sometimes. Thomas doesn't have skills on offense yet, but he's still young and will get better.

[hockey0001]

Marcus Williams.

he didnt steal laptops

[xbrokendownx]

he didnt steal laptops




really?

then wtf was he suspended for?....

[hockey0001]

really?

then wtf was he suspended for?....

trying to sell them. It was one of Price's friends from California that actually stole them.

[xbrokendownx]

trying to sell them. It was one of Price's friends from California that actually stole them.



sorry, my mistake.

they were both in on it though, so same difference to me.

and williams should have been suspended for more time IMO

[preppyak]

and williams should have been suspended for more time IMO
possibly...but you know anyone with his talent was only getting a minor hit compared to others in on it...actually, that Price took all the fall basically suprised me, I figured they'd both only get half a season

[hockey0001]

possibly...but you know anyone with his talent was only getting a minor hit compared to others in on it...actually, that Price took all the fall basically suprised me, I figured they'd both only get half a season

Price got more because he lied to the police, and Williams' punishment was harsher than many students charged for similar actions, the guy from CA never got charged with anything

[preppyak]

Price got more because he lied to the police, and Williams' punishment was harsher than many students charged for similar actions, the guy from CA never got charged with anything
ahh...that would do it.

[hockey0001]

"At UConn, there were 52 cases in the past two years in which sanctions were levied against students found responsible for theft, attempted theft and/or possession of stolen property. They resulted in two expulsions, two suspensions of more than two semesters, eight suspensions for two semesters, 11 suspensions held in abeyance, 24 probations and five warnings, according to university records."


williams was suspended for 2 semesters held in abeyance