Where have you gone, Buck Williams?
Nice interview in the Times yesterday with former Blazer great Buck Williams. The basic question posed was why Buck doesn't have a good front-office job in the pro basketball league somewhere, instead of working for a construction supply company. The race theme is played, of course, as it always is in discussions of pro sports manager demographics, but there are also some basic human questions, such as why an incompetent creep like Isiah Thomas can run the Knicks while great people like Buck aren't offered positions of any significance by any professional team in this country.
The acquisition of Williams -- from New Jersey, as I recall -- was the key moment in the great Blazer runs of the early '90s. His addition took Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter to the NBA Finals. It didn't matter that two of the Portland starters were regular guys like Kevin Duckworth and Jerome Kersey -- Buck, Glide, and T.P. were enough for greatness. Had the Iron Curtain not held Arvydas Sabonis back, there would be at least a couple of world championship banners hanging in the Bank of America Rose Garden.
Today's Blazers are nowhere near that potential, but sometime soon -- maybe right at the end of this season -- the Blazers ought to try to bring a Buck-type veteran into the mix and see what he can do to enhance the talent they have. Maybe not a strong forward, but either that or a shooter.
Except for Roy, Aldridge, and Oden, everybody else -- including the European phenom and the upcoming lottery pick -- ought to be on the table. A wise veteran could take the team to new heights, as Buck did. Nate is only going to be able to take these kids so far without some grownups on the plane and in the locker room. The extremely soft play that they've mustered in recent games (especially when they have the ball) indicates that it's time for a wakeup call from a big, tough somebody, still in a uniform, who's been around for a while.
| Posted at 6:27 AM | Permalink |
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Comments (10)
Buck may have been a star, but he was a regular guy, too. I remember being on an airplane with him back then. He was a very nice and courteous fellow off the court. As for that other "regular guy," Jerome Kersey, the Blazers could use another one of him as well. He never gave up on a game, no matter what the score, and his hustle was contagious. He remains my favorite all-time Blazer.
As for untouchables with this team, I'd go along with Roy and Oden, but Aldridge is pretty inconsistent. And there are always power forwards. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to trade Travis Outlaw (up until this year, I thought he was worthless). Outlaw can get his shot off any time he wants it, and unlike a lot of Blazers, he wants to take the shot. And he's still learning how to play the game.
But really, the Blazers need a point guard. Specifically, they need to go after Chris Paul next year when he's available for free agency.
Posted by Gil Johnson | March 5, 2008 8:28 AM
Kobe said Friday ago he wouldn't change anything with the Blazers. I think Kobe was sincere. A healthy Oden backed by Prizbylla (however, you spell it) should make the Blazers a contender for the Western Conference title next year.
Posted by Bob Clark | March 5, 2008 8:53 AM
Aldredge is 'untouchable' in my book. He is inconsistent because he is young and this is only his 2nd year in the league. He is THE focus of opposing teams interior defense this season yet he still manages to to (inconsistently) put up 20 pt games. Give him another couple years and throw in Oden to take some of the defensive focus off of him and Aldredge is going to be a NICE fit for this team.
Posted by butch | March 5, 2008 10:24 AM
Other than Oden and Roy, everyone is touchable. Aldredge has his moments and he is young but there is times where he needs to be physical and assertive and just doesn't do it.
Another year may help him with a big man around but if not, Blazers should not sign him long term.
Posted by Steve Morey | March 5, 2008 11:09 PM
Buck, Oh Buck! Mr. Class! I only wish I could send you an email to tell you how much you are respected and remembered! I
We love you, your play, your personality. I met you as a member of the Blazer Booster Club and you are total class.
I hope all the best for you and your family and I wish I could send you this to your email.
You and 'our Blazers' made us proud and gave us moment to moment excitement every game. I hope you know that. You made our city soar!
Debbie
Posted by Debbie | March 6, 2008 1:10 AM
Gone are the days of the TRUE Basketball players like Buck, Terry Porter, Jerome and alias...Our Clyde!!! Blazers have never been the same! These Men played for the love of the Sport. Not the GREED we see today! They played not only for themselves, but for the Fans and always maintain the level of RESPECT that they deserved!
Posted by Kathie | March 6, 2008 6:02 AM
Buck truly had more class in his dirty socks than guys like Bonzi, Rasheed or J.R. Rider could ever dream of having.
They truly don't make 'em like Buck anymore. All the narcissism, greed, and BS you see nowdays was just completely devoid in him.
Give this guy a job, Kevin Pritchard!
Posted by lyle | March 6, 2008 12:17 PM
I think he probably would like Pritchard's job, eventually.
Posted by Jack Bog | March 6, 2008 3:43 PM
why would they want to bring a veteran into the mix when those type's of veterans aren't available? trade deadline was last month and we already have 15 guys on the team so which guy do you want to release? the next "buck williams" is alread on the team. we just need the next jason kidd.
Posted by geoff | March 6, 2008 3:54 PM
Was Buck the union rep when he was on the Blazers payroll? Would that block him from a job with the organization? Agreed, Buck's a classy guy.
Posted by paul | March 7, 2008 6:07 PM