Petteri Koponen Watch: The NBA Awaits Edition

Pay attention to this one, because Koponen-Blazer things could be happening. Koponen, still just 21, has established himself as one of the better combo-guards in Serie A. However, his future with the Blazers isn't clear and we could be seeing the beginnings of Koponen seeking to change that. There haven't been any "let me know when you're bringing me over or cut me loose" demands yet, but it appears that talks between the two parties are happening more frequently. Hippo fills us in:

Almost a month has passed since the last Petteri Koponen Watch. Of course, the internet skeptics would like to say this means that P.K. has been mediocre in the last few games and there is nothing to brag about, but luckily, things aren't like that.

It is true that just two weeks ago, Virtus got absolutely destroyed by league-leading Montepaschi Siena (70-100), and after that they lost a 16-point halftime lead on the road against Sigmacoatings Montegranaro. However, yesterday Virtus got back on track, whopping Jonas Jerebko's former club Angelico Biella 79-66 with Koponen being Virtus' leading scorer with 15.

After the return of point guard Andre Collins, Koponen has truly settled into his guard role. Koponen still averages 7.4 fg attempts a game, but he has taken a step back and concentrated on orchestrating team offense instead of taking own shots. Alongside Collins, Koponen has also cut down his turnovers dramatically. Here's a statistical recap of Koponen alongside Collins:

29.3 Points—12.3 Assists—1.9 Steals—1.6 Turnovers—1.3 2pt fg's

85.7 percent (18/21) 3pt fg's—41.9 percent (13/31) free throws—64.7 percent (11/17)

We will most likely see Koponen continue averaging around 12, three, and two with a turnover a game throughout the season. The team's roster is full now and Koponen is a crucial part of team's offense, but not a "lone star"—Virtus has eight players capable of scoring 15 points every game. Yes, Petteri Koponen has shown that he's one of the elite guards in Serie A, but you won't see him among league's leading scorers.

But what's more interesting is this .

Like the story tells, Koponen's Honka Playboys coach Mihailo Pavicevic spent two whole weeks in Portland, talking with team executives about Koponen's development and performances. But what should the Blazers faithful think about this comment by Mr. Pavicevic:

"Petteri will play in the NBA next season, whether in Portland or not."

What is happening behind the scenes? Petteri Koponen is signed with Virtus Bologna throughout 2012, although it is said that the deal includes reasonable buyout opinion. Koponen has also said that "several" NBA teams have contacted his agent and are willing to trade for him.

Pavicevic seems to have traveled to Portland to tell the team executives that the clock is ticking and that Blazers will have to bring Koponen over in 2010/11, if they consider Koponen as part of their future. It will be interesting.

How does Koponen fit in Portland's point guard plans? Andre Miller is signed through 2012, Steve Blake will be a free agent in 2010 and Jerryd Bayless will be under rookie contract until 2011.

Bayless hasn't been happy with his playing time and he has shown glimpses of brilliance in limited minutes and Miller is still puzzling Blazers fans, who don't yet know whether he is a good fit alongside Brandon Roy. If Bayless or Blake leaves, Koponen certainly has a spot on the roster, but the question is: Do the Blazers already trust the 21-year old Finn enough?

This might not be an answer to the question, but we could always provoke some conversation by looking at the stats. Here are the numbers by Brandon Jennings and Jonas Jerebko in Italy compared to their rookie year in the NBA, and a speculation what might Koponen's rookie stats look like with Blazers in 2010/11:

BRANDON JENNINGS

Italy 08/09

Min 17.0, Pts 5.5, Reb 1.6, As 2.3, St 2.1, TO 1.5, 2pt 47.9 percent, 3pt 20.7 percent, Ft 64.5 percent

Milwaukee 09/10

Min 34.1, Pts 17.1, Reb 3.5, As 6.3, St 1.2, To 2.5, Fg 37.7 percent, 3pt 38.3 percent, Ft 80.9 percent

JONAS JEREBKO

Italy 08/09

Min 27.0, Pts 9.9, Reb 5.3, St 1.1, TO 0.8, 2pt 51.2 percent, 3pt 37.5 percent, FT 71.4 percent

Detroit 09/10

Min 27.2, Pts 8.6, Reb 5.5, As 0.7, St 0.6, Fg 47.5 percent, 3pt 28.0 percent, Ft 69.2 percent

PETTERI KOPONEN

Italy 09/10

Min 27.4, Pts 11.0, Reb 2.1, As 1.6, St 1.5, TO 1.7, 2pt 65.2 percent, 3pt 43.3 percent, FT 74.5 percent

Portland 10/11 (estimated?)

Min 18.3, Pts 7.1, Reb 0.9, As 1.8, St 1.0, TO 1.2, Fg 45.2 percent, 3pt 39.9 percent, FT 81.0 percent