Orlando loses Nelson to injury (how long before they make an offer for Blake?)

ESPN is reporting that starting PG Jameer Nelson is having surgery on his knee and will be out at least "4-6 weeks." That seems optimistic.

With Nelson out, it wouldn't surprise me if Orlando is soon in the market for short term help at PG (like last season). If so, Steve Blake and his expiring contract will likely be the first place they'll look. The trade that makes the most sense is Blake for Brandon Bass, a 3/4 swingman who has a salary equal to Blake's and is currently not getting many minutes in Orlando (because they also have Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson at PF). Only obstacle to such a trade is that it can't happen until Dec. 15 (because Bass was signed as a free agent this summer). If Nelson's recovery looks like it might be longer than 4-6 six weeks, though, look for Orlando to come a knockin'.

about 2 years ago Blazer Guy 16 comments 0 recs |

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The article doesn't say anything

about a Blake-for-Bass trade.

Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Rudy, Batum, Outlaw, Webster, Bayless, Blake, Miller, Joel... Holy crap!

by axel360 on Nov 17, 2009 1:19 PM PST reply actions

sorry

didn’t mean to imply that it did, but I can see why you thought that. I’ll edit the title. The trade speculation is my own contribution.

www.blazerguy.com

by Blazer Guy on Nov 17, 2009 1:21 PM PST reply actions

Under CBA rules, Bass can't be traded until Dec. 15.

Not saying this scotches any potential deal, just that it can’t happen for several weeks. In many respects this might be a good deal for both teams. Recall that the Magic somehow got to the Finals with Rafer Alston at starting PG. I know Blake is better than Alston, right?

Hit it. Yes he did. Ohhhh yeah.

by Badalona Baddie on Nov 17, 2009 1:53 PM PST reply actions

I said that in the post.

www.blazerguy.com

by Blazer Guy on Nov 17, 2009 3:18 PM PST up reply actions

You did. My bad. I was in Simmons mode.

Hit it. Yes he did. Ohhhh yeah.

by Badalona Baddie on Nov 18, 2009 10:22 AM PST up reply actions

Jason Williams

Started the season playing arguably better than Nelson, I think he’ll fair just fine in the starting role and this may actually be a great opportunity for him to revitalize his career. They will still need a backup though, you’re right.

by abobo84 on Nov 17, 2009 2:10 PM PST reply actions

Blake is the new Outlaw

I guess some things are as predictable as death and taxes, and that’s when one Blazer “whipping boy” is removed from the scene, he’ll be replaced by a new one

Steve is the new Travis…if there’s a trade to be made, Blake’s name will be mentioned. If a close game is lost, Steve will take the brunt of the blame

It’s good to know that some things never change…I guess. Another thing that “hasn’t changed” is how highly Brandon, Nate and KP feel about Blake…and that’s what is going to keep Steve in a Blazer uniform for as long as he wants to be, regardless of how the fans feel about his play, or contract status

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Nov 17, 2009 2:40 PM PST reply actions

Yep

"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla

by hurryup09 on Nov 17, 2009 2:49 PM PST up reply actions

Lol @ your quote. double negative. fail.

by ODEN on a stick on Nov 17, 2009 5:31 PM PST up reply actions

So True...

Steve has some past experience as the “whipping boy” though so he should be able to put up with it.

This part…

and that’s what is going to keep Steve in a Blazer uniform for as long as he wants to be, regardless of how the fans feel about his play, or contract status

I’m good with. Steve Blake deserves to be a Blazer for as long as he wants to be. I know that’s not popular, “this is a business” NBA logic but he and Outlaw are both quality dudes that have contributed greatly to the “Uprise”…

…Sorry just had to homer out there again for a minute…

GO BLAZERS!!!

by Ilikeemall on Nov 17, 2009 3:03 PM PST up reply actions

it's not about that

I’m actually pretty high on Blake (as evidence by my last Fanpost), but that doesn’t change two facts:

1) Nelson’s injury leaves a Orlando (a championship contending team) potentially looking to plug a hole at PG.

2) Blake has an expiring contract, making him a tempting trade chip for both teams.

I’m fine with keeping Blake, but even if you like Blake (and I do), the deal I’m suggesting might still make sense. We really are depleted now at the 3/4 and it’s forcing Brandon to play forward 100% of the time. That’s not good for him. Right now we have two many guards (especially PGs) and not enough forwards.

www.blazerguy.com

by Blazer Guy on Nov 17, 2009 3:23 PM PST up reply actions

I replied to this in the other thread

I think you have to take Roy out of the “guard” category for the next 2+ months. Portland currently has 4 guards, and Brandon is guarding SFs almost exclusively. (It sucks, but what can you do?)

Bass is not a SF, BTW. He’s too heavy to defend 3s out on the perimeter

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Nov 17, 2009 4:11 PM PST up reply actions

fair enough

Bass does play almost exclusively at the 4. I still think he could play spot minutes at the 3, though, especially in zone defense situations, which we play a lot of now. And he’s a pretty good.

www.blazerguy.com

by Blazer Guy on Nov 17, 2009 5:22 PM PST up reply actions

Brandon Bass can't play the 3 on offense, so scratch that. Bass, without a doubt, is a pure 4.

Dear Paul Allen:

Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.

Sincerely,
AK1984

by AK1984 on Nov 17, 2009 8:55 PM PST up reply actions

Not going to happen.

Only obstacle to such a trade is that it can’t happen until Dec. 15

The obstacle to that trade is Nate and Brandon. The only way Blake goes is part of a blockbuster deal, and a trade for Bass does not qualify.

The Blazers are more likely to trade Miller this year than Blake, and that is very unlikely unless Roy finally yells uncle at having to defend SF’s for 36 minutes a game. Webster has to step up.

by BlazerFanSince1970 on Nov 17, 2009 6:09 PM PST reply actions

I meant the only technical obstacle

I wasn’t saying that Portland would go for this. I agree that Brandon and Nate might protest. Though I do think KP would be very tempted. Especially in light of Blake’s contract status. They might even be able to re-acquire Blake at year’s end.

www.blazerguy.com

by Blazer Guy on Nov 17, 2009 6:25 PM PST up reply actions