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Around SBN: Raiders' GM Begins The Purge

Another Trade Post: What do we need?

All this talk about trades, but most of them I see are questionable at best.   Do they really make us a better team?   

I don't know the league as well as some of you, but I know what I've seen watching the Blazers.    Here's what I think we need: 

Either: 

--A ball-distributing point guard who plays good defense and can penetrate,

or

--A muscley, Buck Williams-type power forward who will bang bodies and grab rebounds and take charges,

or

--A versatile defensive specialist who will make it his job to guard the other team's best player night in and night out.   

and I don't think we should get anyone too old, because this team won't really peak for another 2 or 3 years, no matter who we add, 

and I don't think we should get anyone too young, because we've already got people who can fill these roles given time if we do nothing.   

So.    Who's out there that fits these descriptions?   What would we have to give up to bring them here?   What should KP do?  

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Here's my idea

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=199427544542015198132242456&teams=4444222222&te=&cash=

Hinrich – Nocioni – Noah for RLEC – Blake – Outlaw – Frye

Posted this just a second ago in another thread, I like what it brings to the Blazers, and it allows the Bulls to dump a couple contracts they probably wish they didn’t have on the books, gives them guys who can play, and leaves them with short term deals that will allow them to be players in the 2010 summer. It doesn’t consolidate the roster, but I think all these guys would help the team.

by blazeraddict on Dec 7, 2008 10:16 PM PST reply actions  

1. No way Chicago’s giving up Noah.
2. How does this address our needs, as stated above?

by LicketyBrindle on Dec 7, 2008 10:24 PM PST up reply actions  

Hinrich is the type of PG that fits with Roy

Doesn’t need the ball to be effective, good passer, good defender. Noah and Noc would, imo, fill the rebound/D (Noc isn’t a great on ball defender, but he does a good job as a help side defender) role we need from the backup PF slot. I thought Noah had fallen of favor with Del Negro (averaging about 15 mpg, and just logged a DNP – CD in their last game), so I was thinking Chicago might be willing to part with him. Plus, the Bulls are supposedly convinced they can land Wade, Bosh, or LBJ (he’s the pipe dream of those three for Chicago) and all the players we’d give up go off the books in 1-2 years.

by blazeraddict on Dec 7, 2008 10:35 PM PST up reply actions  

I don't see how that upgrades us.

Blake’s numbers are better than Hinrich’s, for half the money.
And Noah’s a huge chemistry risk.
And you’re saying Nocioni would basically do what Outlaw does, but again – for half the money.

So we spend a heck of a lot of money to get…. better defense at the PG?

by LicketyBrindle on Dec 7, 2008 10:54 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm sold on Hinrich with this team

I think he’s a perfect fit. It seems people love the guy or hate him. I think Hinrich has a higher ceiling than Blake, and I feel his year 2-4 stats are more indicative of what he can do than last season (he’s been hurt this year). I don’t think Noah is as bad of a character risk as you do, he managed to fit into a team concept at Florida (although he was the face of that team, not going to happen for him in the NBA). The way I see it Hinrich > Blake, and Noah/Noc > Outlaw/Frye.

by blazeraddict on Dec 7, 2008 11:08 PM PST up reply actions  

Hinrichs ceiling was 2 years ago...

He’s basically Steve Blake with a contract 10 times the size. I’ll pass on him, and leave myself 10-15 extra million dollars to sign a FA. You’d have to be a moron to choose Hinrich over that space.

by as11osu on Dec 7, 2008 11:23 PM PST up reply actions  

And what good are all those unrealized assets going to do us?

They can’t keep all these guys around. I’d rather have a elite 1-8 tan a very good 1-12

by blazeraddict on Dec 7, 2008 11:29 PM PST up reply actions  

Well theres free agency...

or the draft… or players that don’t have ridiculously large contracts that they don’t deserve. Just to name a few. You in a single trade ruin everything KP’s built up. I’d barely consider Hinrich and Nocioni upgrades at all. Hinrich certainly isn’t to the level of Blake as for a 3pt thread goes, and that is probably the most important thing out of the position right now. Add that to the fact that Hinrich was AWFUL last year when he was 26, and THEN got hurt…. not a fan… not a fan at all. Please think of less stupid trades to propose.

by as11osu on Dec 7, 2008 11:37 PM PST up reply actions  

Not an equal 3 point threat?

Look at the percentages

Hinrich: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=1981

Blake: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=1994

Slight edge to Blake, and Hinrich can actually play defense. I’d rather have him over Blake any day of the week.

by blazeraddict on Dec 7, 2008 11:42 PM PST up reply actions  

Actually huge edge Blake

He’s got the career edge by a little, but as of late he’s nailing a MUCH higher percentage. He’s also got chemistry with our guys and doesn’t cost 40 MILLION DOLLARS.

by as11osu on Dec 7, 2008 11:52 PM PST up reply actions  

Whenever I see Blake

I think of Parker and Nash killing him. PG is a position that needs to be upgraded. I think an upgrade already exists on the roster in Bayless, but he’s not ready to be the full time starter yet. Hinrich would give us a better chance of winning now, and we’re still set for the future.

by blazeraddict on Dec 7, 2008 11:56 PM PST up reply actions  

Last year Hinrich was the 5th worst defensive PG in the league

and when I think of Hinrich, after I think, 40 million dollars, can’t penetrate the lane, can’t hit the 3 as well as the guy we currently have that is owed 10 times less money, I think, just hit his prime age and is on the down turn. His numbers went significantly down last year, and that was during a time he was supposed to be improving. Am I willing to wager all of my hard earned free agent dollars on that type of guy? You better believe I’m not. Save the money, then you have options. We still have this option at the end of next year and the year after that, so long as we save the space. In two years I’d put money on at least one of Sergio and Bayless being better than Hinrich, so it makes the 40 million dollar investment look even worse.

by as11osu on Dec 8, 2008 12:45 AM PST up reply actions  

Posted a similar comment in the Trade Post

Look, I think by now you’ve made your opinion on Hinrich clear. You don’t like him. That’s cool.

But reasonable people can disagree on this. You say Hinrich is the 5th worst defensive PG in the league, and I’m sure you have SOME statistical basis for this. (What is it, by the way?) But Hollinger, espn’s stat guru, spends all his time professionally analyzing basketball players, and HE says Hinrich is a solid defender. I’ll side with Hollinger on this.

He also says Hinrich is pretty good at creating off the dribble and good at playing off ball. And you know what else he says? That Blake is a really bad defender, can’t create anything, and would be better as a backup.

The fact that Blake and Hinrich are similar isn’t an indictment on Hinrich – it’s an endorsement of Blake. Blakes’s a great fit for this team – but he has certain limitations (outside of his control) that Hinrich may not have.

So if you’re getting Blake without the limitations, a great fit for the team, I’ll spend the $40 mil, sure.

I’ve yet to hear another idea that would have a better chance of improving the roster. Would you go after another PG? A small forward? What?

Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.

by KP Corleone on Dec 8, 2008 7:26 AM PST up reply actions  

Relying solely on one person's opinion

is not the strongest argument either.

I consider it to be a pretty tough sell to claim Hinrich is a significant enough of an upgrade over Steve Blake to justify a trade in general, let alone taking on Hinrich’s contract.

Noccioni is a hustle player and scrapper, but he seems to be a PF in a SF’s body. He might rebound better than Travis, but Outlaw is showing a real knack for hitting deep three’s. It’s another case of not really getting an improvement over what we give up.

Noah’s just been benched in favor of Tyrus Thomas. That alone says volumes, as Thomas is not making anyone forget the name LaMarcus Aldridge. The only thing people are fogetting is Thomas’ name.

So you have a trade suggestion that would result in a significant turnover of personnel, yet not upgrade the team in any significant manner, nor really address any perceived weakness. I’d say as1osu is fairly justified for not liking this deal.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Dec 8, 2008 1:15 PM PST up reply actions  

what FA?

if an upcoming available free agent fits what we need better than a trade does, that makes sense. but that’s not a given.

by LicketyBrindle on Dec 7, 2008 11:27 PM PST up reply actions  

ceiling?

27, 5 years in the league, coming off an injury…. you really think he’s going to get better?

I think we’ve seen what we’ll see.

by LicketyBrindle on Dec 7, 2008 11:27 PM PST up reply actions  

I think he'd get better here

Hinrich’s strengths as a player fit the Blazers needs at the position to a T, so I think his numbers would be more in line with his high end years than last season. Plus, the Chicago situation was a mess last year, none of their pieces seemed to gel. I’m wagering that a change of scenery would do him good.

by blazeraddict on Dec 8, 2008 12:00 AM PST up reply actions  

I would never replace Blake with Hinrich

Hinrich is barely better than Blake but has a HUGE contract. Blake works his magic for a cheap $4 million a year!!! My point being is that Blake carries more value than Hinrich because of his contract. Its all about what you can get for your money when constructing a team.

by SteveBlakeFan on Dec 8, 2008 2:34 AM PST up reply actions  

Really

We need someone who is a tough minded player. Someone like Shane Battier would do. In my humble opinion 1 guy that has a tough minded playing mantality brings the whole team up in terms of playing a little more physical. I.E. what Sheed did to Detroit, what Chauncey is doing in Denver ect. ect. Maybe someone like Lamaar Odem too. As far as PG I have always been a Hinrich Believer. Nuff said.

"Intent is prior to content, the question is, does this generation really want truth?"
"Cogito ergo sum" -Descartes

by Shribby on Dec 7, 2008 10:34 PM PST reply actions  

agreed.

Like Buck Williams did in the Drexler era.

by LicketyBrindle on Dec 7, 2008 10:55 PM PST up reply actions  

We need a Maxsap!

Trout/Frye/Ike aren’t cutting it!

Jerryd Bayless has two emotions: Kill and Win.

"I want to put points on your face."
-Rudy to Pau Gasol

NorrisHopper30: "someone injure pubert jones"

by rockingharder on Dec 7, 2008 10:49 PM PST reply actions  

Could be available through the draft

I’ve been lobbying for Hansbrough, somebody else suggested Patrick Patterson (I don’t think he’ll slide to our draft slot, but if he’s there, great)

by blazeraddict on Dec 7, 2008 11:38 PM PST up reply actions  

hansborough would be great

He fits the mold (and then some) of the undersized PF who everybody thinks can’t succeed in the league. When are teams going to realize that it’s better to be 6’8" and average 12 board per game in college than 7 foot and average 8 rebounds?

Hansborough may not have the “upside” to be a first-team All NBA guy or whatever, but he could easily become a Milsap type.

The good news/bad news: if the Blazers continue on their current trajectory, Hansborough might not be around by the time they’re on the clock…

Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.

by KP Corleone on Dec 8, 2008 7:31 AM PST up reply actions  

Agree

We could lose out on both those guys, although it will likely mean the season was a success, so I’d take it. It seems like way too many scouts look for measurables and upside, and nobody pays attention to whether or not the guy can play. It resulted in Portland ending up with Brandon Roy, while some of the “upside” pciks (Bargnani, Thomas) that went ahead of him will never produce at the same level.

by blazeraddict on Dec 8, 2008 3:19 PM PST up reply actions  

Another thought

If the low post enforcer we’re clamoring for isn’t there when the Blazers pick in round 1, there could still be something available in round 2. Jon Brockman from UW comes to mind, I like the Haslem comparison in his DraftExpress profile, and there’s no harm in bringing him into camp as on a non-guaranteed deal.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jon-Brockman-1168/

by blazeraddict on Dec 8, 2008 8:11 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm somewhat of the thought that a young, up-'n'-coming pivotman should be selected in the ...

first-round of the 2009 NBA Draft, with Cole Aldrich and Andrew Ogilvy as considerable possibilities.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Cole-Aldrich-1250/
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Andrew-Ogilvy-1331/

In the past, I’ve been very critical of the Portland Trail Blazers’ lack of depth at the pivot — especially in light of Greg Oden’s injury history — thus, the above suggestion definitely shouldn’t surprise anybody.

by AK1984 on Dec 8, 2008 4:33 PM PST up reply actions  

If LMA weren't so versatile I might agree with you

However, having Oden, then Przybilla, and push comes to shove, LMA, I think we’re as strong at the C position as any team in the entire league. When Aldridge has been forced into 5 duty this year we’ve actually been pretty good. Now as for the 4 spot… different story…

by as11osu on Dec 8, 2008 4:40 PM PST up reply actions  

Listen...

apparently the people in charge agree with you. NO ONE ELSE… of the 29 other teams, have what we’ve got going on at center. Two very good to dominant defensive centers. You don’t get to call disappointment over our second strongest and deepest position (on this very strong and very deep team). If we lose both Greg AND Joel, its kind of like a football team losing its QB. We’re going down regardless of everything else anyway (same thing if we lose Roy and Rudy). An easier fix, and one that has to be done anyway, is getting a quality backup PF. That way when you absolutely positively HAVE to have Aldridge play his 10 minutes at center (this will be exceedingly rare over the next 3-4 years), you’ll have that 4 we could put faith in to play strong solid minutes both gathering up boards (on both ends), and defending the basketball. Given this draft class it might be easier just trading the pick for a PF… because this class is strong at PG and SF and not much else.

by as11osu on Dec 8, 2008 7:17 PM PST up reply actions  

Sign Brandon Bass

He is an unrestricted free agent. A banger in the low post. Extremely physical. Suberb rebounder. And he is fine playing as a reserve. He is young.

by Salem Stephen on Dec 7, 2008 11:50 PM PST reply actions  

He also played AAU ball with Outlaw

He seems to like Outlaw. Could be a good fit chemistry and talent wise.

by Salem Stephen on Dec 7, 2008 11:58 PM PST up reply actions  

Why wait?

KP could offer up Frye and Diogu right now…and maybe draft choices…and some of Paul Allen’s money

by two4larue on Dec 8, 2008 3:36 PM PST up reply actions  

Defender

In my humble opinion we need a premier peremiter defender, someone we can put on the other teams best player…..our “kobe stopper” if you will. We have the big guy in the middle now we just need a Bruce Bowen type player. Someone who cans hoot threes and get in the other guys back pocket and stay there. when i think about guys around the league there are not alot of guys who fit this bill. We don’t need more scoring, we dont need another interior post presence and we dont need another 3 point shooter who can’t defend. Who would we be able to get to fit this bill, wait that batum guy we have kind fits that bill, shoots the three good perimiter D and not a me first guy. Wow we got alot of talent. My point in all this? “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” I would love to see a major name brought in but i just dont think we need it.

by blazerbeliever97504 on Dec 8, 2008 12:46 AM PST reply actions  

Batum has shown the potential to be better than a Bowen.

He’s longer, taller and quicker. And he’s only 19 (at least for a few more days).

We had the Bowen model on this team, but in the end, KP found that he didn’t have room for him.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Dec 8, 2008 1:19 PM PST up reply actions  

Batum could be a T. Prince clone

In a cpouple years, maybe not as much of a point forward on offense, but an even better stopper. It’s crazy to think he should be a sophmore in college, he’ll go down as one of the biggest steals of that draft class.

by blazeraddict on Dec 8, 2008 3:21 PM PST up reply actions  

Nicolas Batum isn't a lockdown one-on-one perimeter defender in the mold of Shane Battier, ...

Bruce Bowen, Ime Udoka, Quinton Ross, et al. However, Batum has Tayshaun Prince level potential.

by AK1984 on Dec 8, 2008 4:55 PM PST up reply actions  

Ya... big difference. He's essentially a Kobe stopper... not a LeBron stopper

I understand there really isn’t a LBJ stopper… but the physicality would definitely be helpful when attempting to. Batum lacks that.

by as11osu on Dec 8, 2008 7:48 PM PST up reply actions  

Adrian Griffin is still on the scrap heap, although playing rugged defense is his lone skill.

Despite being an over-the-hill, washed-up has-been, Griffin can hassle bigger wing players.

by AK1984 on Dec 8, 2008 9:30 PM PST up reply actions  

We had the Bowen model?

Who are you referring to?

Jerryd Bayless has two emotions: Kill and Win.

"I want to put points on your face."
-Rudy to Pau Gasol

NorrisHopper30: "someone injure pubert jones"

by rockingharder on Dec 8, 2008 7:37 PM PST up reply actions  

We need

To let this team play out the season. Period.

If you have nothing constructive to say about someone, I prefer that you say nothing at all.

"If Jumping to conclusions, Kicking others when they do not do well and Launching into senseless tirades were Olympic Events, some people around here would be Medal Contenders". Me

by coastrider on Dec 8, 2008 1:21 AM PST reply actions   2 recs

I think that we should go after Caron Butler

can hit the long ball and plays great perimeter D. He is on something like a 3 year 28 million dollar contract but if we throw out Outlaw/Rlec and possibly some picks and take back a player with a bad contract around the 3-4 million dollar range we should be golden

by cbdolphin on Dec 8, 2008 1:50 AM PST reply actions  

Consolidation

The trade deadline is 73 days away, and KP is openly shopping RLF’s contract. At the same time, with Webster coming back, we now have two player who are going to be sitting on the third team that could be getting 2nd team minutes somewhere else, and these are either Frye or Outlaw at forward, and Bayless at guard. Right now, all have some value – but downstream – if they keep sitting on the bench, that value will decline.

These are the cards KP has to play today. However, keep in mind that if he does get another player at either the forward or PG positions that takes over the available minutes, then one more forward or guard will be pushed to the third team. As a result, to consolidate the roster and improve the team, we’d likely be looking at a 3 for 1 with the RLF contract. We could also pick up an insurance player or two as part of the deal, but the core would be as mentioned.

So, regardless of the position or the need, eventually, some or all of this will happen. The only way to stand pat, as a result, is to trade RLF for bankable draft picks that could then be used later. But that doesn’t solve the fact that either Outlaw or Frye (and it appears that it will be Frye) will end up sitting on the bench with Bayless for now. And from where I sit, RLF’s contract and Frye is too much for a backup PF, even if it’s an improvement. And then, of course, if that happened, Outlaw would be sitting on the third team bench – and he’d then likely be traded as well.

Every move has consequences. KP knows them all – and he and Mac have very likely been discussing this more often that we think.

by Eben Calder on Dec 8, 2008 5:58 AM PST reply actions  

Sorry, but I don't buy the old - He has to play his cards now - reasoning.

And as for Pritchard openly shopping Raef, is there any other evidence besides his one comment to Jason Quick? For all we know, that could be classic Pritchard misdirection and screening.

I try to stay away from definative declarations, as more often than not it is all just opinion. But in this case I’ll make one. Jared Bayless is not “losing value”. Most GM’s are, if not more sophisticated than most fans, at least more experienced. They don’t just look at minutes played and conclude that Bayless must suck. I doubt either Frye or Outlaw are as well. Coaches and GM’s can look at the Blazer roster and recognize that few players in the league would be able to earn many minutes behind Aldridge. That’s no knock on Frye. The skill set is still there. GM’s remember that, even if fans don’t. And Travis, if anything, may be gaining value, as he’s adding range and consistency to his three point shooting.

Another point to keep in mind is that Portland is not operating in a vacuum. As a GM, if you think Frye or Travis is an excellent acquisition, why trade for them when you may be able to sign one to an offer sheet next summer (at least in Channing’s and Ike’s case).

Most of the guys on this team probably provide more value to this team than they might to any other. Even Raef’s contract might fit this category. It’s not easy to justify takening on another team’s big contract when you have just as much chance at benefiting from having your own come off the books as another team would. When you look around, there doesn’t seem to be a lot out there that meets such criteria.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Dec 8, 2008 1:40 PM PST up reply actions  

As far as who or what, my take is that we’d like to upgrade the PG slot, if we can find one – and that’s not easy, and, we’d like to find a more consistent PF to play behind LMA.

by Eben Calder on Dec 8, 2008 6:01 AM PST reply actions  

Can we limit ourselves to one trade post?

The whole point of the trade post is to get everything in one place. Let’s try to consolidate in the future. Some of these debates are happening in both places.

Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.

by KP Corleone on Dec 8, 2008 7:35 AM PST reply actions  

Not a Joke

Sign Chris Wilcox next year or trade Trout for him I think he would be our perfect backup PF

by jlarose78 on Dec 8, 2008 7:37 AM PST reply actions  

I agree.

But trade for him this year & throw in Eurostash Serge Ibaka.

I want Rajon Rondo

by TheGreatDane17 on Dec 8, 2008 10:58 AM PST up reply actions  

KP is a smart shopper-

He has the whole league sized up for talent and fit. The guys he wants are probably not available. His attitude is there is no need to force anything. The team is young and developing, and sits atop the division. So he is going to wait for the right deal to come to him.

He wants the next Chauncey.

I wish he had gotten the last one!

Trade deadline may be interesting this year. We’ll see if KP holds his cards when there’s some money on the table…

by Blazin' on Dec 8, 2008 12:01 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

+1

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Dec 8, 2008 1:42 PM PST up reply actions  

Nene, Milsap, D. Lee, Bass

all have springs in their legs. Nene’s the best of the four. It will be hard to get any of them. Marion and Maxiell are also worth a look and please, please don’t talk to me about character and how they don’t fit with all our saints and angels.

It would be nice to have a little more speed at the PG to keep pace with Roy. Roy’s way faster than the leage believed even this year. I would give up a lot for the chance to sign Nash.

by oregonslee on Dec 8, 2008 12:51 PM PST reply actions  

Another reason why I don't bother with trade posts is KP

How many people saw the Bayless draft coming? I think one guy called for it and everyone else was blindsided. KP is either going to get someone we never saw coming or he is going to do nothing, and let Paul Allen save some money by letting the insurance pay for the majority of Raef’s contract. Then he’ll do something unpredictable again with free agency.

by tominhawaii on Dec 8, 2008 1:53 PM PST reply actions  

Hey just a thought

I read recently that Tyres Thomas was falling out of favor in Chicago. I know he is more of a rebounding hustle guy, What are the thoughts of blazer fans if they made a Frye + 2nd or 1rst round pick and some cash for Thomas? This would be a rebounding type mindset person coming in behind Aldridge… coaches just asking for defense and rebounding and really growing into a Brian Grant type player on the blazers.

by TeamChemistry on Dec 8, 2008 2:35 PM PST reply actions  

Love it

Thomas seems to be a hardworking guy. Nobody could succeed in Chi-town right now. Wouldn’t want to give up a first round pick for him, but say Channing plus a second rounder, and I’m in.

Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.

by KP Corleone on Dec 8, 2008 4:19 PM PST up reply actions  

Tom

subconsciously loves trade posts for the provocative albeit pointless banter. I subconsciously think I can do better than KP. No, wait, I really do believe it. By the way, Tyrus Thomas would be nice but his energy is up and down a lot which indicates a dietary or perhaps emotional problem. Maybe he’s worried about getting traded. We could fix him right up.

by oregonslee on Dec 8, 2008 2:55 PM PST reply actions  

It's because KP is so good

that trade posts are so fun. Because if you come up with a really great idea, there’s actually a chance the GM will be having the same great idea.

Believe me. I’m a Mariner’s fan, too, and it’s pretty frustrating to feel pretty sure that the guys at USS Mariner could run the team better than the GMs.

On a separate note, here’s what I said we needed:
-A penetrating, dishing, defensive PG.
            Is this Bayless in 3 years? Penetrating, yes. Dishing and defensive? IDK.
-A muscley, Buck Willoams type.
           I don’t see this anywhere on the roster before Ike.
-A defensive specialist
          Batum in a few years? He shows exciting potential.

Which makes me think we should go for the Buck Williams type.

by LicketyBrindle on Dec 8, 2008 5:24 PM PST reply actions  

French connection....

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=4542015302519961015866&teams=242424222222&te=&cash=

i don’t know if SA would ever even consider this, but it would give them some money to bring Bosh back to Texas.

by Batum88 on Dec 8, 2008 5:28 PM PST reply actions  

Tim56

In answer to your first question, the Phoenix Republic picked up the Raef story from its own sources with the Suns. And certainly, there’s no secret to that one. As far as the rest, no, KP does not have to play his cards if he can’t get a suitable deal. That’s a given. I also don’t agree that a player who does not play retains the same value as one who does. It may not be a steep drop off given that we’re talking 2nd team players at this juncture, but benching a player is not exactly going to lead to a better offer downstream. Setting that aside, however, is the fact that whether or not KP pulls the trigger in the next 73 days, or in the summer, he’s still going to do something. Keep in mind he has to either sign or trade Frye and Diogu – or face significant cap holds. And the cost of keeping those two on the third team is higher than getting injury insurance as most teams do. Bayless and Sergio, in turn, aren’t going to break anyone’s bank, but you can never develop Bayless – not this year or next year – if you don’t eventually find him playing time. I would also assert that neither of these two are suited to sit permanently on a bench, and neither will be happy there. Now at some point, Bayless, who cost Jack and a draft pick – and who in his own mind at least feels he’s as good as a number of those rookies already playing – is going to put the pressure on. And Sergio, having already done so – is not going to give up minutes just to take care of Bayless. Solve it however you will, but we will eventually have to solve it. If you don’t like Bayless taking minutes at PG, and you have no minutes at SG, then trade him so he can play.

by Eben Calder on Dec 8, 2008 6:22 PM PST reply actions  

We have the cap space

to sign any player in the league. Afterwards it may cost a lot of money to give our big three the raises they need but it won’t affect the salary cap space now or the cap limit later. Paul Allen isn’t going to waste a nce in a decade opportunity to sign a great player without paying the luxury tax. The only question really is can we convince a free agent to come to Portland.

by oregonslee on Dec 8, 2008 9:07 PM PST reply actions  

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Earl Boykins!
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LaMarcus Aldridge about to become the 10th highest scorer in Blazers franchise  history
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New trade that gets us a new point and a three point shooter
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Portland getting.....
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The Sun Behind the Clouds: Blazers still on track.
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What are we missing?
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The Felton Trade, Linsanity, and the PG Position 1 year from now
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WE NEED JOSE CALDERON ASAP.

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FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Blazers Broadcasters Mike Barrett and Mike Rice re-enacted NBA referee Scott Foster's controversial goaltending call on Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who was defending Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star forward Kevin Durant, during this week's edition of Blazers Courtside. Remarkably, no one was injured during the taping of this segment.

Original video of the play here. 
Quotes from the players and coaches here. 
The NBA admitting it got the call wrong here. 
Dave's  extended thoughts here. 
BlazersMakr's FanShot: Major Vegas action on OKC prior to tip here. 
Audio of Chad Doing of 750 AM The Game going HAM on Foster here.

OK, that should just about wrap up the goaltending discussion.

Courtside video via Blazers Broadcasting cameraman John Curry.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter
In 2008 Tim Donaghy indicated that Scott Foster was a ref that also fixed games
Blazers Owner Paul Allen Ranked No. 3 American Philanthropist In 2011
Rhino
I'm sure you've all heard the news by now that I'm having a scope on my...

Recent FanShots

LaMarcus Aldridge Needs Support Around Him
LaMarcus Aldridge Finds Out He's An All-Star With His Teammates
Congratulations to Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, on his first All Star selection.

As seen on www.trailblazers.com
AWoj: Aldridge an All Star
It's pretty clear that the season is over already ;)
Double rainbow of sadness:

1) JBay is getting shorter
2) We never got to see him with a mustache

I miss you tiny raptor man.

via The Basketball Jones http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2012/02/09/things-of-note-for-february-9-2012/#more-34561
CRAZY stat from Houston game
NBA MVP Rankings... LMA @ #10
Celtics interested in Rondo - Gasol swap? ...
Batum - Top 10 NBA Sixth Men

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