Travis Outlaw Doesn’t Get It
Travis OutlawIn this morning’s Smack, we quoted the Blazers’ Travis Outlaw in the Oregonian about what is sure to be diminished tick - and shots - for him this upcoming season due to the arrival of Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez, among others. “Shots are going to go down somewhere,” Outlaw told the paper. “And I feel I’m the lowest guy on the totem pole, so it may be me.”
Astute observation, Travis. There’s going to be an odd man out in Portland, and it’s either going to be Outlaw or Martell Webster - two guys who have both shown flashes of brilliance, but neither has been able to put it all together on anything that resembles a consistent basis.
With all the new young guys in the mix - Bayless, Fernandez, Greg Oden, Sergio Rodriguez and eventually Nicholas Batum - they don’t have time to wait for Outlaw and Webster any more. Outlaw has been in the mix since 2003 and is amazingly the longest-tenured Blazer. At the start of every season, it seems like he’s one of the guys we’re looking at to truly have a breakout year, and while he has clearly improved each season, it’s tough to label anything as a “breakout.” Travis has had his chance to show what he can do and it’s just not good enough to keep up with this new movement. And for Outlaw’s part, while his first quote seems to show that he understands the spot he’s in, his other quotes show that he doesn’t really have a great grasp on reality:
Outlaw averaged 11.8 shots per game last season — third highest on the Blazers behind Roy and Aldridge — and he was given free rein to create his own shot, particularly in the fourth quarter. But he says he would like to average 15 shots this season — the amount Roy and Aldridge averaged last season — and disputes the notion that he had the green light with the Blazers.
“Noooo. Noooo,” Outlaw says about the green light, prompting his imitation of Blazers coach Nate McMillan. “‘Now Travis, that shot, you can get something better than that.’”
John, his brother, agrees with McMillan’s theory, that Outlaw could drive more and get more dunks or free throw attempts instead of settling for the jumper. But Outlaw doesn’t want to hear any of it.
“Now, Carmelo, he’s doing 360 (degree) fades, and George Karl is over there (he claps his hands) ‘That’s all right,’” Outlaw says. “Let me get a light like that. I be trying some stuff.”
He has, in essence, fallen in love with his jumper, and is not shy about admitting it. He calls his jumpers “wet” because they splash through the net.
“I shoot jumpers like layups,” Outlaw says. “Sometimes I get on a fast break and I want to pull up.”
Outlaw has a ton of talent, there is no doubt about that. There is also no doubt that he is definitely NOT Carmelo Anthony. But he is 6-9, can run and jump and he showed last year that he can get his own shot, which is all great. But that last quote from him pretty much says it all, doesn’t it? If Outlaw wants to stay in Portland and be a part of a team that looks like it could eventually be great, a good spot to start would seem to be listening to his coach and adapting his game. But if Travis wants to be dealt to a team like the Nuggets or the Clippers or some other team where he can get his numbers in obscurity, he’s on the right path. He’s probably not going to even see the same minutes he did last year (26.7 mpg), let alone get anywhere close to the number of shots that Roy or Aldridge will see. That’s just a pipe dream. I have no problem with a guy being supremely confident in his abilities, but this is a great way to punch his plane ticket out of town. Throw in the fact that he could be a free agent at the end of the season and he is clearly a prime candidate to be traded at the first opportunity.
Source: The Oregonian
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
steven says:
I like Outlaw and I think he’s better than Webster right now, but Webster is a better 3pt shooter, and Outlaw doesn’t understand that Webster is better in the first unit because he spreads the floor.
Melo actually had his best year when Karl did not let him shoot whatever shot he wanted, and it’s too bad that Outlaw doesn’t realize that once Melo got green-lighted his game and the Nuggets have suffered, and George Karl is definitely a coach in the hot seat.
Yeah jumpers are a thing of beauty, but look at Dirk another player who’s in love with a jumper- dude’s not a champion and won’t be because he doesn’t play to his strengths consistently. Does Outlaw want to be a champion or just a jacker? Nate is definitely a coach he should listen to intently. Shit he should be taking notes! But I hope Outlaw has an even better year this year. Which might be hard since he doesn’t grasp the complexities of the game but still
Go Blazers!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:40 am
Coop says:
Nothing like earning your burn. Well done.
Doesnt really matter; If Portland can’t land a top end pg with all that money next year, a top sf is going to shove Outlaw right out of the door before he can say ‘pull-up’.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
goonther says:
@ DIME-
What happened to the reader comment/ post of the day?!?!? you started that like 2 weeks ago and are fallin off already with that ish
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 am
loganlight says:
Word up Steven… you hit it on the head.
Outlaw is a good player. Solid. And no doubt that he’s heard his name in some trade rumors, but dude needs to just chill. This path that he MIGHT be headed down (seeing as this is the first I’ve heard of these rumblings), is the same as Corey Maggette and Ricky Davis. Both guys have game, but they’re more concerned about where and when they get to shoot the ball rather than the flow of the offense.
I wish more players with talent would THINK about their career. It’s no secret that you can spend your early years slashing to the rim and using the jumper to get you easier layup opportunities… then you get a little older and you start living off of the fade away - a la MJ.
In regard to this team. I hope Travis gets with it. He could be a part of something really special…
LL
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Michorizo says:
Outlaws are always trying to start trouble
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
BALLZ says:
Damn, hate to see this happening already to this promising young team. Reminds me of the original 7 seconds or less Suns wit Nash, Joe Johnson, Marion, Stat, QRich, Barbosa, etc. JJ & Matrix decided they’d rather jack shots for a loser than be a key guy on a potential dynasty. Imagine what that Suns team could’ve been. Hope things work out better for the Blazers.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
BxBaller says:
HAHA @ Michorizo.
Outlaw is a clown, dude is alright, but nothing that the Blazers need. He’s definitely feeling himself after having a solid year last season. This is a perfect example of “fuck ya’ll, I’m getting mine”.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
dagwaller says:
Hmmm…SF 6th man that thinks he deserves a bigger role on his team - a rising team with seemingly no problems…
“Ladies and gentleman, your starting frontcourt for Olympiakos - Josh CHIIIIILdress and TraVIIIIIS OUTllllaaaaw!”
It actually also reminds me of the Marcus Williams (GS) situation. I remember Dime having an article with the headline, “Will Marcus Williams ever start?” Because he was behind Kidd, then he was behind Devin Harris…but then they traded him to the Warriors, and it seems like it’s going to work out well for him. Partly because Monta Ellis got hurt, but still: as far as I know, he didn’t whine or complain, and he ended up in a good position. Why would a team want you if you complain? Why not just earn your PT? McMillan doesn’t want you taking crazy shots…so…don’t take them?
Of course, the bizarro version of this was when Duhon got suspended for a game because he was absent from a shootaround (or something very close to that), then said “I never play”, and then Hinrich and Gordon got in early foul trouble, and even Thabo Sefolosha (another guy that could have handled the ball) was injured. In other words, Duhon completely missed his opportunity because he’s an idiot…and then he got paid by the Knicks.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
control says:
What is the over/under of nba.com and the rest of the internet even getting a picture of his face on game break downs, instead of Bo Outlaw’s 20 year old pic?
This guy is like the second coming of Antoine Walker, but in better shape. I’ll have to make sure I don’t roll w/ any guys rockin an Outlaw jersey in pickups.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
QueSt??? says:
@goonther the comment of the day was just like pass the mic, it lasted 2 days and then it was gone like the wind
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Dime Magazine says:
We’re definitely still open to more Pass the Mic submissions - who wants to step up? We asked a few people and they didn’t want to write anything. Let us know and we’ll make it happen.
- PC
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
J says:
Im a blazer season ticket holder and not a big fan of outlaw cause he is so 1 dimensional, all he can do is lean right, then take one of two dribbles and jump over anybody to get his shot off. he shoots it well but thats really all he does. i dont think he is in portlands long term plans but the article all this stuff came from was just terrible. the quotes they took and you guys are using does not describe outlaw at all. the portland media loves outlaw but this article seemed to make him look like a selfish clown that wants out. i think outlaw does get it, and he has great coaches to work with like montey williams. last year his numbers would have been better if he came into shape, just look at him in november he was terrible but if you take off that month i think he average 16 the rest of the year. this was just a bad article and now your blowing it out of proportion dime
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
QueSt??? says:
i could write some stuff if u need ppl, ive got time, just ask me whatever you want you want me to write about and i will. i think yungfed also wanted to write.
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I Hustle says:
Someone seems like they smoking that piff. Outlaw is a decent pro. When you improve every year statistically, that shows a team that you still have room to grow. Outlaw apparently doesn’t want to play for the Blazers anymore, so he’s expandable. I don’t know what dude makes next year but I guarantee his trigger happy ass won’t be on the Blazers that long. The Blazers aren’t letting that shit fly after seeing Roy and Aldridge look so good, Oden, Fernandez and Bayless waiting to play they’re rookie seasons. Thats three rookies that have legits shot at making all-rookie first team. So once again Outlaw is expandable.
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
David Brandon says:
DIME, let me know whenever you want me to do the Pass the Mic. I’m there…
Travis Outlaw will be a New York Knick in a New York Minute…
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:25 am
jason says:
Ok Patrick…let’s not misrepresent what Outlaw said. Why didn’t you mention the context of his comments? Here is the context of those comments…
“On cue, Outlaw in the eatery begins to shed the bashful, quiet persona he carries in Portland. He morphs into his comfort zone, his Mississippi self, where he trash talks with his older brother, John Jr., and his cousin, Kenny, a lieutenant with the MSU police force, and makes jokes about how his dad critiques his game.”
Later in the article he refers to his comments he made while trash talking with his family while at the restaurant…
“Later, back at his home and away from the slangy, bravado that went on at the eatery, Outlaw admits he was playing.”
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Alan says:
Before everyone condemns Outlaw, read all of the articles on Outlaw this week from the Oregonian and watch all the video too. Then read this post from Blazersedge:
http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/9/1/605867/reaction-to-the-outlaw-art
As much as i love my blazers getting some national attention, i hate it when people take quotes out of context without understanding the whole scenario. It would be easier if you all were just Blazer fans for life.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I.P. Freely says:
Nice scrape, dudes.
Nice to see new media taking lessons from dead tree media on stealing content.
September 4th, 2008 at 1:25 am
david1978pdx says:
Outlaw’s name has been floated in alot of trade rumours in the last six months… Some more truthful than others. But, one thing is for sure, that if the Blazers trade him they are going too get the better end of the deal.
September 4th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Blazer Fan says:
This is an excellent review of that article… your comments were exactly what many Blazers fans were saying after reading this. Outlaw is a decent player with big holes in his game. Hopefully, this was just a bad portrayal of how Outlaw feels. I was certainly hoping that Outlaw was working on going to the hoop, his dribble… etc and not just his Jump shot all summer. Nate McMillan was probably a bit disapointed after reading this article too… Outlaw better come into camp with open ears… I would like to see a season where Trout is dunking the ball every game.