After Steve Blake officially signed with the Lakers today:
“I love that pickup. I love that pickup. Every time I played against Blake when he was in Portland and when he matched up with me, he obviously gave up a lot in size and weight but he fought me hard every time. And I hit him with some nasty elbows, believe me, but he kept fighting, he kept battling, kept battling and to me, that’s the kind of guy I want on my team so it says a lot about him.”
– Kobe Bryant
The Orange County Register reported today that Steve Blake is in the catbird seat to start at point guard next season in Los Angeles.
Color me skeptical as long as respected veteran and Laker-4-evah Derek Fisher remains on the team’s roster. Yeah, I know he’s in a contract dispute and I know he’s getting old, but it’s still Derek Fisher. But imagine Stevie Blake running the Lake Show to another title. Now that’s spine-tingly-dingling.
(Photo credit: The Mixtape Monster)
Isn’t it great to be back at work?!?! Ahhhh, the smell of the grindstone on my delicate nose skin! I wish every day was the Tuesday after a three-day weekend.
If you’re one of those ne’er-do-wells who didn’t spend the July 4 recess in front of one or more information rectangles, I will now inform you that Maryland alum Steve Blake agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Lakers Friday for a crisp $16 million over four years. This is good for Blake because the Lakers have gained something of a reputation for doing good at basketball. It’s good for the Lakers because he’ll be a rock-solid backup for Derek Fisher and probably spells the end of significant PT for Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic. And if that wasn’t enough, Blake has the Ron Artest Seal of Approval. We all win here.
It’s interesting to look back on how the 2002 Terps have fared at the highest level of hoops. Juan Dixon had his moments in the NBA, but currently is playing overseas — or at least he was until he tested positive for performance enhancers (he’s now awaiting an eligibility ruling). Lonny Baxter played sparingly over four seasons and was out of the league by mid-decade — perhaps the biggest pro disappointment of the group. Byron Mouton, Ryan Randle, Tahj Holden, and Drew Nicholas never broke in. Chris Wilcox, who cut the most tantalizing NBA profile, just exercised a $3 million option to remain with the Detroit Pistons for another season. It’s been a solid run for Wilcox, but his 4.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 34 games last season didn’t exactly light up the phones in Joe Dumars’ office, and represent his lowest and second-lowest averages in those respective categories since his rookie campaign.
For comparison’s sake, here are the career stats of the four players who spent time in the NBA after the Terps’ 2002 championship:
Steve Blake: 499 games, 25.7 mpg, 7.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.46 TOs
Chris Wilcox: 482 games, 21.1 mpg, 9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.24 TOs
Juan Dixon: 436 games, 19.5 mpg, 8.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.27 TOs
Lonny Baxter: 162 games, 11.6 mpg, 3.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.67 TOs
Where Wilcox never quite converted his potential, Blake has developed his niche as a steady floor general who garners respect through good old-fashioned sweat and guts (an image underscored by his penchant for working out with UFC fighters). He had a clean 4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio last year and hits 40 percent from three. If that’s not a championship-caliber backup point guard, then…well, whatever, he’s a championship-caliber backup point guard. Here’s hoping he gets a ring in L.A. He’s earned it.
Well. I was on a break. Until I saw a certain stat line this morning and couldn’t resist. Last night Steve Blake got a 22 and 10 in a victory for the Portland Jail Weed Trailblazers. And if that’s not enough, add four steals and four rebounds in there. That’s a downright Chrispaulian effort…I’m not comparing the two, but hey, it’s a sick game no matter who you are.
Blake goes by many nicknames. Eminem. Gummo. Timothy McVeigh. No matter what you call him, though, Blake is looking pretty daggone strong right now for the 17-10 Blazers. He’s averaging 11.2 points and 4.5 dimes this season as the team’s starting point guard. A couple weeks ago he hit a game-winner, and overall has developed a serious three-point stroke (he’s shooting 42%).
Who would have thought that Steve Blake would become a legit NBA player? I always liked his game as much as anybody, but he seemed destined for backup status. It’s kind of like having a baby, and suddenly realizing that the baby is now running around and building sand castles and such. Slowly but surely, Blake just keeps developing. And he takes it incredibly seriously. Coach Nate McMillan said he’s a team leader and one of its most competitive guys. Blake quit drinking earlier this year, and spent the summer training with UFC fighter Nate Quarry. That can’t be an easy workout.
I always wonder what Eric Hayes thinks about Blake. I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard a broadcaster compare Hayes to Blake, based on little more than physical appearance and perhaps general demeanor. They’re not basing it on ability, that’s for sure. And I’m sure Hayes realizes that every time he, you know, doesn’t play as well as Blake did. Nothing against Hayes at all…I just think the comparison is a little unfair and inaccurate, no matter how much us fans might wish it to be true.
It will be interesting to see what happens in Portland as rookie guard phenom Rudy Fernandez continues to develop (remember, Brandon Roy has the two spot on lock). But for now, Steve Blake is looking very comfortable — surprisingly comfortable — in this prominent role. Goterps.
