AK-47 on the Cheap?

by ChrisB803 on Sep 21, 2007 6:08 AM PDT

OK, let me preface this by saying the odds of Utah letting something like this happen are slim to none. Odds are if Andrei Kirilenko wants out of town badly enough they're going to find someone willing to take a risk on someone who's young and allegedly talented... Even a $63 MILLION risk.

But according to an article up this morning on ESPN:

"According to a translation by The Salt Lake Tribune, Kirilenko said in an interview with the Russian newspaper Sport Express that he is prepared to go without the money remaining on his NBA contract to get away from the Jazz."

It's not news, but Kirilenko hates Jerry Sloan. Granted there's probably not a player on the Jazz who loves Jerry, but Andrei seems to really loathe the man. So much that he's willing to forfeit his pay, return to Europe and play for coaches who speak his language (literally and figuratively).

The reasons for Andrei's dissatisfaction have been spoken of already, but the short story is he wants freedom to play his way and feels trapped by Sloan's domineering style.

Now... here's the inevitable question: What does Utah stand to lose here? Considering Kirilenko seems dead set against playing another game in a Jazz uniform (though he can't play in Europe unless Utah agrees to void his contract), would Utah be desperate enough to work out a deal that ends up in a trade for less money? Are they allowed to reduce the length and amount of the contract, or void this one, renegotiate a lesser contract in order to work out an equitable trade?

If Utah is able to do that, does Portland go to them and offer them cap relief in return for less of a financial burden then Kirilenko would be under his current contract.

Portland wins because they get a young talented wingman with defensive abilities and some offensive game who helps fill some of the void on the defensive end while Oden recovers. Utah wins because they at least get SOMETHING in return, and cap room after next year.

Thoughts?

For the full article go here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3029816

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Problem

Having played for a coach who didnt like my play style, and having him try and "correct" it, I can see where he might be comming from. If Sloan is trying to change what makes Kirilenko... Kirilenko, why have him there? Not sure if that makes any sence but why get a player with certain abilities if you arent going to let that player develop them and you as a coach exploit them?

On the other hand, getting a player that wants to play "my way" can cause a lot of problems if he doesnt end up fitting into the organizations play style. And its even worse if he is a demanding high touch player. Coaches have a hard time with players like that. And even if I am not the biggest fan of Phil Jackson, he knows how to make Ego's work for him.

So who knows what may be causing Kirilenko to get all uppity about this.

Talk about an amazing year for off season drama in the NBA.

by Blazer on Sep 21, 2007 8:05 AM PDT reply actions

I suspect the CBA

does not allow players to restructure their contract or give back money.

I think the only option is a buyout and I have a feeling that even if Kirilenko wanted to, he wouldn't be allowed to accept a low buyout number.

by timg56 on Sep 21, 2007 8:45 AM PDT reply actions

CBA

I'm pretty sure players are not allowed to reduce the length or size of their contract once they have signed one. I suppose if he's honestly willing to give up the cash to get away, he could negotiate a very small buy-out. But I can't see how Utah ever goes for that. He's an asset. They'll end up getting something for him (although the more leverage he tries go gain by talking tough, the less leverage Utah has with anyone else in the league).

If I were the Blazers, I would make an offer for AK. He's still young, and if he was the guy we signed in 2009 with our cap space, I wouldn't complain. So I'm not going to complain about getting him two years early at the expense of the cap space. I think he would be a great fit in a smaller lineup this year, playing some 3 and some 4. My only concern would be how he would fit into the bigger lineup next year when Oden returns. It would be a shame to end up having the same problems with him next year that Utah is having now.

by HarryManback on Sep 21, 2007 8:49 AM PDT reply actions

How does AK compare...

to Channing Frye from our roster's standpoint?

AK plays the 4 (most effectively) on offense and then defends (to the best of my memory) the 3. Which means we need a perimeter-oriented 4 (a la Bargnani, Rasheed, or Mehmet Okur) to maximize his effectiveness. Aldridge, according to Mike Barrett, is one of our best perimeter shooters (although I think he's talking about the 18 foot range more than 3-point land)... Would AK work better than Channing Frye?

I would be excited for our defense, especially when Oden returns. All we would need is Doug Christie's wife and we'd have a lockdown defender at every position...

One big problem is AK's style is extremely helter-skelter. He plays the best when the offense is basically organized chaos, which obviously, isn't Nate McMillan's style. Maybe we should deal for AK and let Assistant Coach Dean Demoupolous (sp?) coach the second line. Sergio, Rudy Fernandez, AK-47, Travis Outlaw and Joel Pryzbilla playing RUN-AND-GUN? That would be awesome.

by Champs2009 on Sep 21, 2007 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions

That's the thing

I don't think we know what we have in Frye at this point. I'm sure the Blazers have an idea, but I don't. I have high hopes, but will he be better than AK at his best? Hard to say. He's bigger and probably shoots better. But AK can theoretically move to the SF, if he's willing to do so without crying.

A defensive group including AK, Aldridge and Oden would be incredible. But to listen to Aldridge, he had been playing a lot of SF before Oden went out. A front line of Aldridge-Frye-Oden doesn't look too shabby, either, if it would work out.

Incidentally, I posed an AK-related question to David Thorpe in his ESPN chat, and here was his response:

Harry Manback (Portland): What NBA team would be the best fit for AK, if Utah were to trade him?

SportsNation David Thorpe: (12:01 PM ET ) Funny you should ask. I was talking to Henry Abbott about his fit in Portland. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. But yes, Harry, he'd be great in Portland.

So there you go. We have the green light from ESPN's skills coach.

by HarryManback on Sep 21, 2007 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions

TrueHoop

Here is Henry Abbott's Proposal:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=2754~2768~454~434&teams=26~26~26~22&am p;te=&cash=

What he's got to say about it:

Channing Frye, Jarrett Jack, and Raef LaFrentz for Andrei Kirilenko. In a year, the Jazz would presumably trade LaFrentz to someone looking to get under the cap -- so this would cut their total guaranteed out-of-pocket expenses by about $50 million, while not exactly making them worse. Portland gets a quality big man, and two roster spots to address their need for even more bigs. The downside is that Portland would be giving up super-valuable future cap room. (Cap room, a great city, and buddying up with Greg Oden, and a posse of young stars? That would lure a serious free agent.)

by yellow hummer on Sep 21, 2007 10:29 AM PDT reply actions

If there were a deal...

It would look more like the Zach Randolph trade, where the Jazz look to get out of as much of his contract as possible and don't get much talent back. At this point they don't have much leverage.

by little joey @ Blazer's Edge on Sep 21, 2007 11:35 AM PDT reply actions

Yeah we should rob the Jazz for all they're worth

I just got back to Oregon from Shite Lake City, and I know how AK feels SLC SUCKS!!!! The people are RUDE there and the drivers are horrible. Portland has been a breath of fresh air.

If you do the trade checker on RealGM, Raef for AK works. However, we would loose our salary cap as AK's salary BALLOONS up in the next few years.

2007/08=$13,709,375
2008/09=$15,080,312
2009/10=$16,451,250
2010/11=$17,822,187

$17.8 MILL?? kiss any Chris Paul rumors goodbye.

A change for Paul/WIlliams for 3 years of AK47? Hmmmm not sure that is worth it.

Starting roster 2009:

PG: Jack
SG: Roy
SF: AK
PF: LMA
C: Oden

PG: Paul
SG: Roy
SF: Outlaw/Jones/'08 #1 pick(Batum, anyone?)
PF: LMA
C: Oden

I would take the latter scenario. Hopefully AK will just sit on the Jazz roster and they will not be able to get rid of him. They will have his salary as an anchor for the next few years and by the time they can get rid of him they wil be out of contention and the Blazers should be close to their stretch of dominance.

Hopefully one of two things will happen,

#1 The Jazz will be shackled by his salary and will not be able to sign anyone of any note

#2 They will trade him for pennies on the dollar talent wise and will have that hole in their sakary as well.

Whether we should get involved into this fray is up for debate but I say no.

by SpyderRyder on Sep 21, 2007 1:47 PM PDT reply actions

Do you think Paul is a sure thing?

Now I'm not saying I necessarily like AK's contract. In fact I hate it. But leaving that aside for the moment, is it realistic that we can get Paul in 09/10? If not then you could be looking at this as a counter "Fantasy" Line-Up

PG: Rose backed up by two of Sergio, PK, Green
SG: Roy
SF: AK47
PF: Aldridge
C: Oden

That looks simply mind blowing from a defensive perspective.

I will say that were I certain or close to certain that Paul was going to be available, then I would probably go for your lineup. Batum is a better fit then Kirilenko for Portland. AK always wants his shots Batum really only takes them when its the obvious play he doesn't need the ball in his hands to feel good about his game.

Paul Vs. Rose is hard to say. The question at PG must always be matched with this question. Can they co-exist with Roy? If the answer is yes they are a potential but anyone who doesn't pass that litmus test isn't worth considering. This is Roy's team.

October, October, October, October, October...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Sep 21, 2007 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions

I somewhat mis-typed

I wanted it to be chanCe rather than chanGe to Paul.

Really who knows the chances we can get Paul or Williams (Paul, prefferably), at this point it is as probable as us getting the #1 overall pick again which many have Rose pegged as. Mayo would NOT work here, too much of a thug. And I dont know about you but I have grown tired of having young PGs, and a seasoned/vet with lots more playing time would be invaluable and I LOVE the fact that Paul had I believe a 3.5 GPA in HS as well.

Batum is projected as a top 10 pick that we would be a more likely to get while Rose/Mayo are expected top go in the top 3. Hopefully we will be able to land a 7-8 pick and grab Batum.

So in my original post it should I would not want to give up a chanCe at Paul/Williams to take on that elephant of a contract.

by SpyderRyder on Sep 22, 2007 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Two years from now...

Jack will be a seasoned vet. Maybe we are growing our own and won't have to buy someone else's product.

by tssbro on Sep 22, 2007 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions

one problem

Yes, he'll be a seasoned vet, but he still won't be a starting-caliber point guard.

by kickbrass on Sep 23, 2007 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions

What do you guys think of this trade?

It works Salary wise:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=434~2754~2768~550~2795&teams=22~26~26~ 26~26&te=&cash=

Miles, Frye, Jack, Martell for AK47?

That makes Ak's salary a tad more palatable and we still get Raef's relief next year. We also get rid of Darius and Martell. We would free up the point position a bit. I would be said to lose Frye but it might be worth it.

What do you guys think?

To be honest I wouldn't really tinker with this team until at least the trade deadline if not the off season. I think there is a lot of good potential and I'd like to see how it pans out.

October, October, October, October, October...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Sep 21, 2007 3:09 PM PDT reply actions

Way Too Much!

The only good thing is you substituted Miles for LaFrentz.

I actually think Lafrentz may contribute this year, and Miles's contract is the critical one that the Blazers need to dump.

I said in a post below, but I'll repeat...AK isn't worth that much. I believe he has negative trade value...considering that it is actually contracts that are traded. And AK's contract is a total cap killer.

Another problem with your trade is that you've just traded the starting PG (blake hasn't won the job yet) and left portland with only one SG: Roy.
Jack and Martell are the 2 backup SG's.

If the blazers absolutely had to have AK (god knows why) then the sensible trade from a salary standpoint, and cap space in 2009 would be:

Miles, Pryzbilla, Webster, and Green

for

Kirilenko and Collins.

It would give the blazers almost 4 million more in cap space in 2009. Of course it would leave portland weak at C, and runs the risk of Martell blossoming aa a star at for a division rival.

Rosterwise, a trade that would work and make some sense after Dec 15, would be Miles, Outlaw, and Webster for Kirilenko. Utah may be desperate by then. (which would be the only way they'd take on Miles).

by moldorf on Sep 21, 2007 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorry to rain on the parade...

But we're not getting Chris Paul. I know that it's a brilliant fantasy, and if I had to choose who I was building my franchise around, Chris Paul would be a first round draft choice, but the simple fact is that New Orleans will have Bird Rights on him. And then if, by some miracle, the Hornets let him slip, he will also have 31 other suitors...

The likelihood of landing Chris Paul is about the same as a 14th seed winning the draft lottery.

In my opinion, the front office has found their point guard. They just need to decide which one it is. Between Jack, Blake, Koponen, and Sergio (then add the combo skills of Roy and maybe Rudy Fernandez), we have a gang of Point Guards of all shapes and sizes. I just don't see KP targeting a PG with his cap surplus.

That being said, and again, this is my opinion, the Blazers are looking for that young do-everything Small Forward to mesh with Aldridge, Oden, and Roy. Is AK perfect? No. But he can shut down an opposing Small Forward, which makes him half-way perfect (and better than most options). In fact, if I was rating Small Forwards at the end of the playoffs, AK probably falls behind Lebron James and Andre Iguodala in terms of players I would be the most excited about if the Blazers made a move.

I definitely think that the AK-Aldridge-Oden front line (SF, PF, C) works way better on the floor than the front line of Frye-Aldridge-Oden.

by Champs2009 on Sep 21, 2007 4:11 PM PDT reply actions

The SF you descri be

is more perfectly matched by Batum. I think that due to the Oden injury we will be a tad deeper into the lottery. If KP is as you suggest, confident we've found our championship PG, then I think we might want to look at a move for Batum. I think we would rather trade up in the lottery then bring in an expensive FA SF. Then we can resign the big three and eventually resign are other key players. I think that veteran role players will be flocking to Portland in droves so I don't worry about that so much as our starting five.

I gotta tell you Koponen to Batum on the Alley Oop sounds mighty nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHBUoVgHKs0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU9irScsBK4&mode=related&search=

Koponen certainly has good vision.

October, October, October, October, October...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Sep 21, 2007 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions

NO AK47!!!

He's too injury prone. I don't want another injured player on this team that's eating up salary cap. (Raef, Joel, Darius) Those three guys last year were more than half our salary and didn't play much if at all due to injury. Andre is just like that. He hasn't played a full season ever. Is it really worth that?

I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley

by Earl on Sep 21, 2007 4:12 PM PDT reply actions

AK is Overrated...

...in many of these proposed trades.

People seem to be assuming that AK's disastrous year was due primarily to his problems with Jerry Sloan.

I'll suggest another possibility: it wasn't Sloan, it was Carlos Boozer. Boozer finally had a year where he reamained healthy and 'broke out' as far as production. It meant that AK spent almost all of his minutes at SF and he's not good playing SF. He's much more productive as a PF. Both offensively and defensively.

For portland, Aldridge is going to get major minutes at PF. If AK was added, the majority of his minutes would be at SF. And Portland has a player much like AK already in Outlaw. In other words, the same 'roster issues' present in Utah that are causing AK's indigestion would also be present in Portland.

And if AK has big problems with Sloan, he won't find Nate to be a breath of fresh air.

AK is going to make almost 14 million next season. If he was a free agent this summer, he'd be lucky to get more then half that. In other words, he has negative value. There is simply to big a risk that his recent 8 pt 4.7 reb season is predictive of his future. And his recent 'rebellion' isn't increasing his value.

The notion of trading frye, jack, & lafrentz for him is ludicrous. He's not worth it to portland. His contract is atrocious and if Utah decides they have to trade him, they will get very little in return.

by moldorf on Sep 21, 2007 5:00 PM PDT reply actions

come on man...

I agree that AK doesnt really fit here because of his enormous contract, but lets not sell the guy short. In the 3 seasons where AK played at least 30mpg, he put up roughly 15pts 7.5rbs 3.5assts 1.7stls and about 3bpg. This guy can D it up with just about anyone in the nba. His problem with sloan was that he wasnt a part of the offense, meaning he never got plays run for him. Seeing as how he is a career 46% shooter from the field, running a few plays his way might not hurt anyone. AK compared to Trout??? not even close, Outlaw is a average defender, AK is far more than that. Just look at AK's career highs of 8 steals and 10 blocks in a single game if you question his defense. I agree he doesnt fit here, but the guy is good, and this last season most certainly was not who AK is as a nba player.

RUDY > MJ

by myemic23 on Sep 22, 2007 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions

Maybe Last Year was an Exception...

...or maybe it indicates where his career is headed.

Unless he plays PF, his numbers are going to look a lot more like last year then his earlier seasons though. And that will keep his "value" down.

We agree he's a bad fit on the blazers, and when I "compared" him to Outlaw I was referring to the roles they play. A player who can switch between PF and SF. You say AK is better and he very well may be. But Outlaw is a better SF then AK in my view, and AK would be playing SF primarily if he was a blazer.

While his reputation is primarily as a defender, I think it's a bit over-rated. His perimeter defense is average at best (more SF weakness) and he doesn't have the strength to man-up against bigger PF's. He relies on his length, often to compensate for being beaten off the dribble. He's an amazing 'help' defender with shot-blocking and leaking into passing lanes...I'll grant that.

In any event, I was basically disputing the notion that he would be a great fit on the blazers and that portland should should give up frye, webster, jack, and lafrentz to get him. That's absurd.

His trade value is very low right now. The terrible season he had; his cap-crippling contract; and his whining, complaing, and threats this off-season. If Utah trades him, they will get much less talent in return. And that was true before yesterday afternoon when Deron Williams absolutely ripped into Kirilenko's "work ethic" in a radio interview. After that, few teams would even consider him...and portland wouldn't be one of them I believe.

by moldorf on Sep 22, 2007 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Run AK47 Run

Good luck escaping Utah.

Makes sense to me. Sloan runs a death camp out there in the desert. I'd take my millions and run as fast and as hard as I could to get outta there.

"It's not news, but Kirilenko hates Jerry Sloan. Granted there's probably not a player on the Jazz who loves Jerry, but Andrei seems to really loathe the man. So much that he's willing to forfeit his pay, return to Europe and play for coaches who speak his language (literally and figuratively)."

Told ya.

The PTB are already challenged with interpreting the Spanish language and culture. I suggest we stay focused on one at a time. We gots Finnish in our future too (only nuances to Russian & a history of distrust). Don't need that.

"Oooohmm Baba Dunk Ramm GOden . Change your perspective, DO IT, naturally or w/help, you are left to your own devices for obtaining this state of mind."

by BlueBooYay on Sep 21, 2007 5:27 PM PDT reply actions

I believe Finnish is completely

unrelated or nuanced by Russian. It's also not Scandinavian. If I recall correctly, it's one of those rare strange languages that don't have a common root with other languages. I'll have to ask a friend of mine about that.

As for Kirilenko - we are not going to need him. Frye, with a larger role, is going to show his rookie year was no fluke. Martell is going to show some definite improvement, taking it to the rim, showing good rebounding skills, at least effort on defense and that sweet stroke of his, to the tune of 45% from the field. Next summer, Pritchard will trade these two along with Sergio (or possibly Jack) to Dallas for Josh Howard and a future ('10 or '11) 1st rd draft pick.

by timg56 on Sep 22, 2007 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Josh Howard

I've suspected Howard might be KP's "secret target," but have had absolutely no evidence. I just felt he'd be a good fit--a slashing, physical 3 who can play D as well as shoot from outside. (Outlaw might still provide instant offense off the bench.) Is this also just a hunch for you, or do you have more to base it on than me?

by hurryup09 on Sep 22, 2007 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Are you thinking we will trade for

Howard in 09'? My question is why trade in '09 his contract isn't that big.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2632299

October, October, October, October, October...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Sep 22, 2007 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions

whoops

meant to add why not trade now?

October, October, October, October, October...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Sep 22, 2007 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions

probably because ...

the mavs aint sellin... Who could they possibly want from our roster(exluding Roy, LMA, Oden)?????

RUDY > MJ

by myemic23 on Sep 23, 2007 2:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Same question then

as he is under contract until 2011 what makes you think Dallas will trade him in the first place? See I think someone must have thought he was an '09 FA to think that was who KP was targeting.

October, October, October, October, October...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Sep 23, 2007 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions

I believe the Finns & Ruskies...

...have learned each others cuss words, long before Euro-Ballin'.

"Oooohmm Baba Dunk Ramm GOden . Change your perspective, DO IT, naturally or w/help, you are left to your own devices for obtaining this state of mind."

by BlueBooYay on Sep 23, 2007 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions

finnish language

The Finnish language is a part of the Finno-Ugric family of languages that also includes Estonian and Hungarian.

by kickbrass on Sep 23, 2007 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Free agent in '09

When does Howard become a free agent? Is that in '09? I'd assumed Dallas wouldn't let him go voluntarily--not for anything the Blazers would want to give up at this stage. But again, I confess I haven't done my homework on Howard; I just think he'd be a good fit.

Of course, the grass is always greener. Do we REALLY know what our young guys are going to turn into? Even if Dallas was willing to make a reasonable trade, I'd hate to pull the trigger now. Like KP, I want to see what Jarrett, Travis, Martell, et al develop into this season. If they still seem like "works in progress" at the end of this year, then I think it's time to start looking at trades.

Why wait if someone good were offered? As KP says, championship teams tend to be primarily made up of guys who have been together for awhile. There's just no substitute for the chemistry you get when guys grow up playing together. There's a level of trust and familiarity that's extremely valuable--maybe even more valuable than raw talent. Look at what's been happening this offseason. Brandon was up in Seattle working out with Martell, and now these guys are all working out together on their own--5 weeks prior to training camp. These young guys are working hard and pushing each other to get better--both individually and as a team. You'd hate to break them up when they're coming together like that. Sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make.

by hurryup09 on Sep 23, 2007 2:40 AM PDT reply actions

When does Howard become a free agent?

In Idog's link above;

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2632299

it says he just signed a 4 year contract extention. Other than $$$$$ and length, no other terms of the contract are revealed there.

"Oooohmm Baba Dunk Ramm GOden . Change your perspective, DO IT, naturally or w/help, you are left to your own devices for obtaining this state of mind."

by BlueBooYay on Sep 23, 2007 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Josh Howard

First off, my Josh Howard strand is just me vocalizing my personal bball fantasy of seeing him as a Blazer.

Second, Howard has three years remaining, with a team option for a 4th year (2010/11).

Third, they only reason I'd have any hope of seeing Dallas trade him is if we had something of value they needed. That's where seeing Frye and company having good seasons this year come into play.

Dallas needs front line help. Dampier is not the guy you can depend on to win a title. They did look ok with Diop at center, but I don't believe he has much of an offensive game. If Frye re-establishes himself, he could play PF for Dallas, moving Dirk to the 3. He'd be mismatched on D, but then that's not his strong suit anyway. And he would create his own matchup problems on the other end. Add an improving Webster and one of our PG's and maybe we have enough of a package for Howard.

Probably not, but a guy can dream.

by timg56 on Sep 24, 2007 6:42 AM PDT up reply actions

I want to Dream that Dream

Josh Howard on the Blazers would be perfect. He'll still be young for a while yet, can do it all, and is lanky. Lanky = championships, as the time tested saying goes!

I didn't think you were saying we'd get him with cap space money, except in the form of a trade... so I think we're on the same page. Dallas just signed Devin Harris to around 10 million a year for 5 years, adding his big overpaid contract (even though I really do like Harris, but not 10 million worth) to Jason Terry's, Dampier's, Dirk's (deserved, but still big), and whoever else I am forgetting.

Giving good/mediocre role players huge contracts is something the late 90's/early 00's Blazers did to disasterous effects... I think Dallas has great role players, better than Portland had, but is paying them much to much and in a few years if Dallas hasn't won the whole bowl of chili they may want to change course. Dirk will be over 30 and white, never a good combo, and while he'll still be their main piece they'll want to get younger (and cheaper).

Even though Cuban is rich, even he can't pay out the nose for forever. He's a smart guy.

If some of our young non-Big-3 pieces develop into something possibly great but don't quite fit in, perhaps Howard is attainable. Throw in whatever else ya want to make it work, but I think it's possible... a few years from now.

Howard is the exact type of small forward we want. If we can find someone like that, I'll be happy. I don't know who KP is targetting, but I hope it's the current or next Howard-esque phenom.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Sep 24, 2007 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Lanky

Agreed re/ Howard. For me, he's the prototype of the type of 3 that would round out the Blazers' squad.

But to digress: I'm also a fan of "lanky" basketball players. Many years ago, when the Celtics were on top, I looked at them and realized nearly every guy on their squad had unusually long arms (Bird was an exception). There was Parish, McHale, Maxwell, even the big guard, Dennis Johnson. The current Blazers have a few long-armed guys themselves. Can't have too many, in my opinion...

by hurryup09 on Sep 24, 2007 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks, BlueBoo

Back to Plan A: growing our own Josh Howard, or drafting one. Unless Utah's Millsap were to become available, that is. He's even more physical than Howard, although I think he lacks Howard's ball handling ability and shooting range. Millsap is also a reminder that good players can sometimes be found deep in the draft. Maybe the Blazers already found one in McRoberts...

by hurryup09 on Sep 23, 2007 10:47 AM PDT reply actions

Back to Plan A: growing our own

Always the best man. Ya know what your gettin'.

ffaassssssstppst, oooooooohh yaaah 8^)

"Oooohmm Baba Dunk Ramm GOden . Change your perspective, DO IT, naturally or w/help, you are left to your own devices for obtaining this state of mind."

by BlueBooYay on Sep 23, 2007 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm not sure if I'm being logical

but my gut feeling is that last time we were close to cap flexibility we signed it away. That didn't work out so well...in fact we had to go deeper in the hole to fix the issue. I know cap space doesn't play. I know it doesn't guarantee free agents. But it does make trading easier and open up otherwise unworkable deals with third parties and such. And maybe there is a free agent out there we're targeting. Somehow I don't feel like risking any chance at cap freedom for a guy like Kirilenko is now...a little broken down, a lot grumpy, and apparently a shadow of his former self. For $4-6 million? Sign me up. for $16 and $17 million? I'm running screaming the other way.

--Dave

by Dave on Sep 24, 2007 12:31 AM PDT reply actions

agreed...

but I dont understand why AK is widely being considered a "shadow of his former self". His first five years in the league were very solid, he never took any major steps back stat-wise in any of these seasons. Then he has a major drop in minutes and oppurtunities to be effective while on the floor and his stats suffered. He is willing to leave over 60 million dollars on the table to never play for the jazz again.
Sounds like coaching issues to me. AK didnt suffer an injury that set him back, he didnt forget to how to play basketball, he didnt get out of shape and I doubt he was just getting lucky his first 5 years in the league. If you need evidence of how unhappy players underperform, just look at Vince Carter in Toronto. Put AK on a team that will actually use him and he will be back to his old self.

RUDY > MJ

by myemic23 on Sep 25, 2007 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions