2009 NBA Draft
by Escrote on Mar 6, 2009 11:21 AM PST
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PrintOkay well maybe this is a little early, and I don't want to distract from the goal which is playoffs, but I figured with the recent loss to Denver and the upcoming game being Minnesota that people would want to think into the future a little bit and discuss the 2009 NBA draft (from a Blazer stand point of course).
First off I am not even sure what picks we have (I know the order isn't set yet) but I mean I am not sure if we traded away any of our picks or if we bought any picks or traded for any picks. I think it is somewhat safe to assume we will make the playoffs meaning we will pick somewhere between 16 -25... I believe. Please all-knowing Blazer fans correct me if I am wrong or add to it if you know more.
So what is everyone's thoughts? Who do you want?.. who do you think we can get? Do we go Euro and stash the asset overseas for a few years to let it age like a fine wine? I am thinking this DeJuan Blair kid could be a real player (yeah I know he is a tweener) but he would be a good change of pace and I like those long arms tied to that freakish body. I think he (Blair) would do good against people like David West that seem to give Aldridge trouble. Right now we have Channing and LA and they are (IMO) too similar to be on the same team, we need a guy that can get dirty like Blair. Ricky Rubio would be sweet but we would have to trade up for sure. What position do we need to draft for? A PG? or would that take away from Bayless time? IMO we need a PF back-up that is versatile enough to play another position. I dunno I could ramble on some more but you guys have better stuff to say.
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I'd bet
that they try to move up some and draft a power forward with some serious muscle. We’ll see how they feel about the PG situation, I think bayless is our long term answer. If they are not comfortable with the backups, we might see another point drafted and blake or sergio become part of a sign and trade to acquire more talent. Websters injury will be re-evaluated. This was supposed to his break out year, not his break down year. Batum’s growth will need to be evaluated. I expect all four of our rookies from this season to play regular minutes next year. All playing at least 15 minutes per game. How strong of a supporting cast they form will determine our future success. LA also has an incredible ceiling, how much closer to it does he move? If Oden has a full recovery and gets the speed to stay out of foul trouble. (Bayless having another year of experience and working on his D, as well as more minutes for batum, and more offensive help from players like Batum will leave brandon with more energy for D. All those things will help reduce the number of situations where greg is exposed to potential foul trouble.
Given our three point guards, I doubt we will draft another. I really think it will be a rebounder from the PF spot. Unless of course pritchard sees a player with incredible value that will slip in the draft. He has an eye for drafting great players regardless of position. (However considering the minutes each of our rookies plays, you’d have to think he did a great job filling the positions also—even if bayless should be the routine second option. Sure he’s a rookie, he’s willing to ride the pine, but his defense is better than sergios, and when greg comes back, point guard defense will be far more important.
Love Blair.
Blair is absolutely dominating the boards, especially the offensive glass, and the NBA track record of guys who dominated the boards to the same extent is great. Basically, he’s the second coming of Milsap, and possibly much better. He will be a double-double machine with consistent playing time. He’d be a perfect guy to come in and cement the rotation of bigs.
He’s going to supposedly slip to somewhere between 10-20, and draftexpress currently has him going 18 in their mock. That’s ridiculous value. Doubtful he’ll slip all the way to the Blazers, though, who will hopefully be picking in the low 20s (behind the 14 lottery picks, 4-5 Eastern Conference playoff teams, and hopefully a few Western Conference playoff teams as well).
So to get him, KP would probably have to move up. It would be well worth the price, in my book.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Mar 6, 2009 11:49 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Also, the reason he's slipping (height) is completely irrelevant
All that matters is wingspan and standing reach, and the guy’s supposedly got a 7’3" wingspan. The fact that he could slip past the lottery based on height is ridiculous, and should be taken advantage of.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
This is the type a friend of mine labeled a "Maxsap"
That is, a Millsap /Maxiell type. They usually sink in the draft—even to the second round—because they’re ‘tweeners." But every top NBA team has at least one Maxsap. A bruising forward off the bench who can rebound, defend, and score out to 15 feet or so is invaluable. Really, you can’t have too many of them; the Rockets have at least four (Scola, Landry, Battier, and a couple I can’t think of at the moment).
Importantly, the Blazers currently have a grand total of zero Maxsaps. (Sorry, Ruffin doesn’t count; you must be able to put the ball thru the hoop to qualify.)
"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla
if that wingspan is true
thats an elton brand esque body. maybe not the same level of skills, but elton seems to do alright for himself being so short
It was "mascot night" at the Rose Garden, which apparently translates to a dozen inflatable versions of various NBA mascots being chased around the arena by Portland's "Blaze", which is some breed of rapist dog. -PostingandToasting
by GreatOden'sRaven on Mar 6, 2009 6:51 PM PST up reply actions
except for the shoulder injuries that could be exacerbated by his freakish wingspan?
"Bayless is awesome." -Clyde Drexler
Portland has its own 1st and 2nd round picks
They also have New York’s 2nd round pick, Denver’s 2nd round pick and the Clippers’ 2nd round pick.
I am personally offended
that NY has won so many games this year, devaluing that second round pick. I’m going to take it up with D’Antoni.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
The Clippers pick doesn't look bad. KP traded just a #55 pick for it (PG Mike Taylor), and now that could be a very high second rounder
Also the picks we got from Chicago are looking good for the Blazers as long as Ömer Asik isn’t coming over to play for the Bulls (ACL injury this season). Asik might be the next Okur, but he might also be not any good.
Proud Odensheeple
Draft logistics: In 2009 we should have the following picks
1 first round pick: Our own
4 second round picks: Our own, New York, Denver, LA Clippers. I don’t know if they are somehow protected.
If the draft were held right now, you could expect our picks to be number 23 (we), 34 (Clippers), 39 (New York), 53 (we), 55 (Denver).
We currently don’t owe future picks. In addition to our picks, we also have Chicago’s 2010 second round pick and the right to swap second round picks with Denver in 2011 or 2012.
Proud Odensheeple
Trade up for Rubio
Then buy a time machine, skip next year, and start crushing everyone in the 10-11 season!
Second round picks are practically useless except for a little movement
Only about 1 second round pick per draft actually turns into a starting player. We are stacked with role players and starters so I doubt the 2nd round picks will be useful to us. My guess is we target one backup PF/C, and one Euro we can stash and trade the rest of the 2nd rounders for future picks or to move up slightly. The other option is we trade all our picks for future picks or players.
I doubt we can get anyone from the draft that will have significant impact on the roster. The best we can do is replace Channing.
I dunno: remember that most of the Maxsaps in the league were 2nd round picks
Maxiell, Millsap, Bass, Landry, Big Baby, even Carlos Boozer—I believe all those bruising “tweeners” were snagged in the second round. So while I wouldn’t be adverse to the Blazers spending a first-rounder on their back-up forward, there will probably be a good one available later. It’s all a matter of identifying that guy…
"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla
I disagree
In the current economic climate, I think the 2nd rounders may be even more valuable than late first round picks. Every first round pick comes with a guaranteed contract, 2nd rounders don’t. One of the reasons that KP has acquired Sergio, Rudy and Batum in recent years is that the teams that held the original 1st round pick (PHX, twice) didn’t want to have to give an unproven rookie a “slot” contract just because he was a first rounder. You can select a player of almost the same quality in the 2nd round and cut him without “consequences” if he doesn’t play well in training camp.
yep
not to mention that teams in dire straits for cash ala milwaukee might trade a #1 for 2 #2s
It was "mascot night" at the Rose Garden, which apparently translates to a dozen inflatable versions of various NBA mascots being chased around the arena by Portland's "Blaze", which is some breed of rapist dog. -PostingandToasting
by GreatOden'sRaven on Mar 6, 2009 6:52 PM PST up reply actions
We packaged a second rounder
to move our first round pick from N.O. up two slots and grab Batum.
They have limited value to a team as deep as ours, perhaps, except for stashing Euros, but they have value to other teams who lack depth, so we might get some good use out of them.
For instance, Boston is very, very thin. Suppose they get the #30 pick. Maybe they would trade it for two high second round picks, in the hopes they could get two role players off their bench instead of one. Perhaps we could trade that #30 pick and our #23 to move up to #18 and get the player we want.
I’m not saying any of that happens, I’m just saying that if these assets have value to someone else, then there is always the chance we can turn them into assets of value to us.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
I read a mock draft on Yahoo today
And it mentioned that several of the teams in the lottery were cap-conscious and/or trying to clear room for Summer 2010. They would most likely trade or sell their picks. There is ample opportunity for KP to move up and take a Brandon Jennings, Ricky Rubio or DeJuan Blair.
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
Jrue Holiday
Defensive combo guard with high basketball IQ. Worst comes to worst, just keep him in Idaho for his rookie year and let his PG skills and outside shot get better. If Sergio is gone next season, Portland will need a third string PG and I wouldn’t mind drafting Jrue and fill a back up PF spot or any other rotation spot with a vet.
Joel Freeland=Stud
I think any real optimism regarding Koponen
has been summarily destroyed this year.
Go to this site and scroll down to the bottom.
He is without question the worst point guard right now getting minutes in Italy. Its not often you see a guy with major minutes logging a 4.something PER. Brutally bad. This draft however, is full of point guards and power forwards, and even if we’re drafting 20 something, we should snag a contributor. Rudy at #24, Batum at #25, Sergio at #27… no reason we can’t something comparable given our front office. I’d personally opt for one of the collegians this year however. Ricky Rubio aside, this is a bad year for the Euro’s. Well…. of one sort.
Yeah.
Why bother. We could just draft Darren Collison if we wanted a nice 3rd string backup PG.
by Nick Van Excellent on Mar 6, 2009 4:55 PM PST up reply actions
If Jrue comes out this year
He’s a Mario Chambers type of defender. Long and big for the PG position, plus, UCLA has a history of making good defenders. I guess its just my personal pipe dream since Jrue isn’t putting up flashly stats, he could drop and Portland could stag him a stash in the D-league while Bayless backs up Blake. When Blake leaves, Portland has a smart, defensive PG who has been working on his shot and PG skill in the d-league for at least a year.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jrue-Holiday-1108/
Joel Freeland=Stud
he needs more seasoning
not travis bad, but he wont play great for 2 years. in no way is he ready
Collison would be a better selection
It was "mascot night" at the Rose Garden, which apparently translates to a dozen inflatable versions of various NBA mascots being chased around the arena by Portland's "Blaze", which is some breed of rapist dog. -PostingandToasting
by GreatOden'sRaven on Mar 6, 2009 6:53 PM PST up reply actions
gotta second DeJuan Blair
I’m not sure it can be emphasized enough how ridiculous his rebounding numbers are. He gets 1.6 times as many offensive boards as the 2nd best offensive rebounder in the nation, and Blair plays in the Big East. He is going to be another Millsap and he’s not going to go in the top 10. Move up and get him.
Boomshakalaka
by jksnake99 on Mar 6, 2009 2:50 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Is it time for the "Bring DeJuan Blair to Portland" fan club
Other issue: What about character. Will the guy fit in to the Portland team and culture? Does he bring it everyday. All I have seen is part of one game and highlights. Does he practice hard? I am convinced he is our guy… let’s hope KP is reading this one… lol.
+2
I haven’t seen Blair play, but his stats are absolutely ridiculous. 40.6 PER, 23.0 WS/40, 18.8 rebounds per pace adjusted 40 minutes. All of those stats are not only the best in the NCAA this year, they are the best stats any NCAA player has put up since 2001-2002 which is as far back as draftexpress’ database goes. It is unbelievable that a player that productive might not be taken in the lottery, especially when he has a good attitude and very long arms to make up for his lack of height.
by trk on Mar 6, 2009 3:04 PM PST up reply actions
unless we miss the playoffs
we will not be in a position to land Blair, Some one who IS in our range is PG Ty Lawson from UNC. I think this guy is the real deal and he is already a more well rounded PG than Bayless. Don’t get me wrong I love Bayless, but Bayless is a go to guy, not a floor general, can he become that, yes ofcourse with his work ethic I don’t see why not. I think this team is stacked as it is but if we are going to get stronger at one position and do that through the draft I say get rid or Sergio, work Bayless in as a starter slowly, keep Blake and draft Lawson for insurance.
Just because we won't be in a position to draft Blair with our pick does not mean we won't be able to get him
When Prichard finds a player he likes, he generally doesn’t just sit around and hope that player falls to us. Instead, he figures out where that player will go in the draft and then acquires a pick early enough to get that player. That is how we got Roy, Aldridge, Sergio, Rudy, Bayless, and Batum. We didn’t draft any of those players with our own picks, we acquired them through draft day trades.
by trk on Mar 6, 2009 5:35 PM PST up reply actions
remember, 4 second round picks
Plus spam, stir and sprinkle with KP equal almost anyone in the draft if the Blazers really want them.
Also, remember that stat guy that works with the Blazers? He was all crazy over Kevin Love last year, and I bet that Blair will do pretty well in his analyze this year. So it wouldn’t surprise me if the Blazers targeted Blair.
Joel Freeland=Stud
Don't forget that we are also going to have
Cap space and a trade exception. I bet there will be plenty of teams willing to give up draft picks to save a little money.
by trk on Mar 6, 2009 7:35 PM PST up reply actions
we dont need any more draft pics
we are young enough, trade the draft pics we have for some proven players this time.
No one has mentioned James Harden
Some analysts believe that he is the best player in the Pac-10. I’ve watched him play several times this year and have been favorably impressed. He is the Brandon Roy of this year’s draft. Very efficient, makes his teammates better, unselfish but can rev up his offense and carry his team when needed.
Only problem for us is he plays shooting guard and we’re already stacked at that position.
In The Descent of Man, Charles Darwin uses the phrase "survival of the fittest" only twice. He uses the word "love," by contrast, over ninety times. Darwin never wrote about "selfish genes." For Darwin, the main force behind human evolution is survival of the most compassionate, not survival of the fittest. Human evolution is driven by moral sensitivity, or love.
Harden
He’s going to be a great player in the league (solid starter for 10+ years in all likelihood), but he plays the wrong position for the Blazers and will go Top 5
good talent
but no where NEAR the talent level of brandon. Can only dribble with one hand, he does get to the rim OCCASIONALLY but his shot is very very nice. Also does not have the athleticism of Roy
It was "mascot night" at the Rose Garden, which apparently translates to a dozen inflatable versions of various NBA mascots being chased around the arena by Portland's "Blaze", which is some breed of rapist dog. -PostingandToasting
by GreatOden'sRaven on Mar 8, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions
One vote for Terrence Williams
Athletic swingman who would be a good Robin to Brandon’s Batman.
His NW roots only help.
Tyler Hansbrough to backup LA at the PF spot.
My vote:
Eric Maynor, the PG for VCU (yes, the team that beat Duke in the Tourney).
He is a really solid PG who has great size (6’2"), is fundamentally unselfish, and has an amazing mental makeup
Other guys in the late 1st/2nd mix that would make sense:
DeJuan Blair (Duh)
Jerome Jordan (in my 5 favorite players in this draft)
Lee Cummard (super duper sleeper SF in case the logjam gets fixed)
and maybe even everyone’s favorite: Tyler Hansbrough
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