As I have read through several posts about the blazers needing some veteran leadership, I always ask myself the same question. Why get older? Raef is the oldest player on the team at 31, and he will most likely be gone next year. Przybilla  and Blake are each 28, and will most likely be coming off the bench in the future. James Jones at 27 does not necessarily have a future with the blazers. Other than these four players everyone on the roster is under 24. That means a good six years before age becomes an issue for this team. Why bring in a player who is any older than 25 when it just limits the window for the blazers in the stacked western conference.

What We've Got

The core of players Roy (23) LMA (22) and Oden (20), given they stay in Portland for their careers will give us all the star power we need. Roy is already an All-Star and LMA is up for most improved. Not to mention that last years number one pick GO hasnt played a minute yet and is already the front runner for rookie of the year in 2008. On top of these three is the developing Webster (21), who can already shoot and has shown signs of being able to get into the lane and finish. He has made great strides this year and between Martell and Travis (23) SF has potential and depth. This leaves one position on the floor.

PG Situation

Right now at the point we have Steve Blake (28), Jarret Jack (24), and Sergio (21). To make room for another guard one of these guys would have to leave.  Most people agree that Steve Blake is a solid backup but not the guard who will lead the blazers to a championship. Sergio will likely stay until Rudy comes and gets comfortable, this leaves Jarret Jack. Jarret is a good free throw shooter and can get into the lane but is also turnover prone. He would be my choice for the one out the door. As far as a starter is concerned, we do not need to add age.

Don't

Talk of bringing Jason Kidd to Portland scared me, we do not need a thirty some year old point guard. even Calderon is 27 the Blazers have no reason to add "veteran leadership". Brandon Roy is the unquestioned leader and bringing in veterans only limits the future. By veterans I mean any player who is over the age of about 25 or 26.

The Talent is Young

Guards around the league who fit the profile are limited. Guys like: Derron Williams, CP3, Raymond Felton, and Devin Harris.There are a few more out there but these are the young guys who come to the top of my mind. No question getting any of these guys would be great, but, getting them is the hard part, we don't want to give up any of the big three. We could try to work a deal with Raef's contract, picks, and a few role players but we also don't want to let great talent get away. Our best shot at picking any of these guys up barring an unforeseen trade  would be in next years free agency trying to pick up D. Williams or CP3. For this reason it is not worth breaking up the team's core to go after someone this off season.

Draft

Instead of rushing to a decision and making a rash move this off season  we can look to the draft for a prospective guard of the future. I know we already have Jarret and Sergio developing but we could move up a few spots by combining our pick with a second rounder and some of our bench, including Jarret Jack. In the case we wind up in the 6-14 zone we could end up striking gold like we did with Roy or, we could have a year to figure out that whoever we draft doesn't fit. If we don't hit the lottery and pick up Rose or Bayless( I don't think we should take either Mayo or Gordon because they aren't true points with good pass first mentality, I know Bayless fits in this category as well but i think that had a little to do with his coaching this last season) The guards in the 6-14 range will include; Augustine,Lawson, Collison, and Westbrook.

Why Westbrook

Outside of a top pick, which Rose is the obvious option, and then Bayless in the the top 5 I think Westbrook is by far the best of these options. When comparing him to the others he has better size, defense, athletic ability, and finishing ability. Other than his outside shot his game has very few weaknesses. He also has a huge upside, he is a lock down defender. He played as good of defense on Rose as anyone in the country and took Mayo out of their game. He also was the only guard (who doesn't play for Kansas) with success against the bigger defenders where all of the other options had trouble.(Memphis/Kansas D)