If you guys get the chance today, make sure to check out SI.com – where Brian Hendrickson gets comfy in his new digs by breaking down a quick list of the “NBA’s potential secret weapons.”

Hendrickson has Portland’s own Martell Webster at the top of that list believe it or not. Here’s a bit of the take on why Webster made the “secret” cut.

“The 22-year-old adds the outside shooting threat the Blazers were pursuing in their courtship of Hedo Turkoglu, which they hope will pull defenses off Brandon Roy. Webster is also a solid wing defender and has steadily improved each year. If that continues, his return could be the piece needed to push the Blazers near the top of the Western Conference.”

Keep in mind Martell’s role in with the Blazers depends much on Nicolas Batum’s starting job, Travis Outlaw embracing life as a reserve and if Webster can stay health.

Martell belongs on the list, but I’m more interested how he’ll look once on the floor in live action and how his three-point shooting fits into the offense among the likes of Steve Blake and Rudy Fernandez. One thing is for sure, Portland - one of the leagues best three-pointing teams last season - are ready for Webster's return. 

That's no secret.

pic via: sports grumbling

Comments (3)

The Big Tease...
written by Can't Jump, September 17, 2009

Last year I couldn't wait for the season to start to see if all the hype about Martell's offseason was going to translate into a breakout year. He reminded me of a more athletic Nick Anderson from the early Orlando Magic teams. I think Martell & Nic make a great one-two punch at the three spot. Batum being the long, rangy defensive stopper, while Webster has a big body to bang against the stronger 3's but with a sweet, sweet stroke. My hope is that he plays well enough that Rudy, Outlaw & Miller can be traded mid-season to the Nets for Devin Harris!

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When you meet someone
written by ucatchtrout, September 24, 2009

When you meet someone, like an athlete or a celeb, sometimes things change. I've always fancied Martell Websters game. After I saw him play against Utah last year during preseason I could hardly wait to see what kind of year he would have. It was dissapointing when he got hurt, but I still had high hopes for him.

Then last spring I had an opportunity to meet Martell and his fiancee, and their new baby. They are wonderful people, and I left their home thinking that Martell would now have to be my favorite player.

Simply put....he is a solid human being. And I wish for and expect nothing but the best from this young man this year and in the future.

I don't have any statistics to back this up. Just the feeling I had when he looked me straight in the eye and calmly told me he would be back.

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one more thing....
written by wmaxeyjr, September 25, 2009

thanks for those two takes.....much appreciated.

guess what we have to remember here is martell is not only coming off an injury riddled season that cost him all of last year, but he also had perhaps his best offseason the last summer and planned on coming into the season with a "no excuses" mentality.

now he has to apply that to this season and not worry about the injury, or the minutes or getting his touches. he just has to go play - "no excuses" - basketball.

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