Stop... It's draftin' time.
by haildablazer on May 5, 2009 1:09 PM PDT
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PrintAnd not a cold, refreshing draft beer, unfortunately. Instead it's that cold dose of reality called the NBA draft. From one perspective (the right one) it hasn't been that long since we were looking to the draft before the regular season was even over. Yet, after such a magical season, I am left feeling not empty, but unfufilled. The 2008-2009 season will probably be looked back on as the appetizer before the real meal began.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<GOBLAZERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The Blazers currently hold the number 24 pick, as well as 4 second round picks. Given KP's history, it seems distinctly possible that anyone the Blazers pick will never actually suit up for Portland.
A rundown of mock drafts around the 'net:
- NBAdraft.net has the Blazers picking Sam Young, SF out of Pittsburgh.
- Hoopsworld says it's going to be Chase Buddinger, SF out of Arizona.
- myNBAdraft.com thinks Tyler Hansbourough. PF, North Carolina. (Last year he would have been a sure top 10)
- Draftexpress says Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech.
- NBAdraftDepot thinks it's Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga. (if he stays in)
- NBAdraftpress actually agrees! Another for Austin Daye. (Hmmm, maybe there's something to the guy.)
- Docsports thinks the Blazers pick at 23 (Is there an editor in the house?) and likes Eric Maynor, PF, VCU.
- Hoopshype also thinks Portland has pick #23, but says it's going to be Jrue Holliday, PG/SG, UCLA.
- nba.draftnation likes Austin Daye, too. (I smell a conspiracy...)
- College Hoops Update says Patrick Patterson, PF Kentucky.
And many many many more.
Even a cursory glance at a few of these mock drafts tells you one thing clearly: Nobody knows anything.
Tyler Hansborough bounces more than a metranome in every mock. In some, he's top ten. In others he's late late late in the first round. It's not just the bottom of the pack either. Blogs and websites are completely disagreeing 2-10. Actually, one even says that Sacramento would pick Ricky Rubio #1. Some bloggers do, apparently, crack.
As has been discussed already ad nauseum, the Blazer's most pressing needs are (no particular order of emphasis) Point Guard, Small Forward, Backup Power Forward.
1) Point Guard
I'm sure by now you've all read Ben's piece on O-Live where he takes Steve Blake behind the woodshed and gives him a good whuppin'. I find it hard to disagree with much. Yet with Sergio's recent commentary, this much should be clear:
The Blazers need to keep Steve Blake next year.
Unless Portland somehow trades into the top ten, there isn't going to be an impact point guard available. Maybe there's a guy with a lot of potential, but we drafted him last year. (You might have heard of him.) There also looks to be little help in the free agent market coming up. If the Blazers draft a point guard I'll be surprised. Not like KP hasn't done that to me before. I would therfore hazard that, barring unforseen circumstances, PG won't be the pick.
Release Bayless!
(You are not alone, Ben. I still come to the board meetings.)
2) Small Forward
- Nicolas Batum started almost the whole year, played stellar defense and shot a high percantage from deep. According to some, he can even dunk from the foul line. Keeper and a half.
- Travis Outlaw has been a legitimate 6th man cantidate for two years in a row. He laid a big egg in the playoffs, sure, but (stuff) happens, according to Forrest Gump.
- Let's not forget the Enigma, Martell Webster. Stress fractures in a foot bone, for a person playing a sport like basketball that constantly requires the foot to act as a shock absorber? Not good. But I will hold out hope until the Blazers get an independent doctor that declares Martell's injury career ending.
- And, really, even after that.
All three are under decent contracts that are workable for Portland. Having Martell coming back is almost exactly like a draft pick: it might work OK, it might be a complete bust, it might be the greatest thing ever. I'll take those odds with Webster.
With all that, will the Blazers fall in love with one of the Smalls in this year's draft? Maybe. If this does happen, the Blazers will probably trade one of their current 3s so as not to create another logjam.
3) Backup Power Forward
One mock draft will have someone top 10, and the next will leave that person off the list entirely. It's a crazy draft of epic proportions. Which is why it intrigues me so much. As I said before, Tyler Hansborough is shuffling faster than an overcaffinated Las Vegas blackjack dealer. The Blazers, assuming they let Shav, Frye, and Ruf walk (plus Raef) will have four open roster spots, and one glaring hole (juicy opportunity?)
Of all three question marks for Portland, this is the position that actually stands a chance of getting adressed properly through the draft. There are quite a few talented Power Forwards in this class, and it looks like some of them should be available at 24.
The Power forward we need should be strong, have a nose for rebounds, and toughness under the basket. All of the things that are missing from Channing Frye. (Channing needs to be a starter to be effective. Not for the Blazers, of course, but he'd look a lot better with 30 minutes a night and som rythm to his game) The Blazers need the antithesis of LaMarcus. An acid to Aldridge's base if you will. Rather than another finesse guy, pick a strong, tough rebounder to balance out the roster.
I would say that if Hansborough falls to them, the Blazers almost have to take him. There are some concerns, sure. But the Blazers wouldn't be asking him to be "The Man." Plus as a Senior who's played his entire career with a program like North Carolina, that's a lot of experience. A four year college guy is a lot like a second-year player in the NBA (see also: Roy, Brandon). There are many other cantidates too, but there will be a lot more information once the Playoffs are over, and teams can begin to bring guys in for workouts.
For all of this, though, one can't forget about the upcoming free agent class. While lacking the glitz of 2010, it has Antonio McDyess and Jermaine O'Neal looming as unrestriced free agents (among others, of course). Nate and Co. have been talking for years about adding a vet with a lot of knowlege to share, and who fits that better than Antonio? Adding a player like McDyess could be huge for the rest of the Blazer big men. Especially Aldridge, but likely for all.
What to do, what to do?
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Thanks for the disclaimer in the first sentence...
I was worried we were about to get lightened and domesticated… phhww..
lol
I’m a micro-brew guy all the way. I do so love Portland…
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
He almost lost me there when saying there was no beer involved
—-(DISCLAIMER =LONG, BUT GOOD)—-
First off with the PG situation, there has been some talk of Sergio to NY for Jeffries and the 8th pick, so if we can get that it would be a win-win. Who we use it on I do not know, but it would be best used to grab a future 1st of in a package to another team. I see it as getting something for next to nothing.
With Sergio removed, I fully believe that Bayless must and will get the lions share of the backup minutes this year. He has to average 18mpg at least for him to have any semblance of a role on this team.
With the PG2 locked away that brings us to PG 2. the on again off again love affair with Hinrich has showed up again, and while some think he is a big upgrade, I see him as a slight upgrade, but probably not worth the upgrade in salary, making 2x what Blake does.
PG D is overrated as I bet each team wishes it had better PG D when it sees Paul, Parker or Brooks blow by them into the lane. You know what? They do that to every PG who plays them straight up, that is the nature of the PG position and while having your bigs not catch them, but show on the perimeter and having the PG shade over forcing them into a box with the big in front, and the PG and sideline on the other sides.
That said, Hinrich is no that much of an upgrade on D and is very similar on O, no penetration, safe passing, good 3pt shot.
Who PG1 should be is difficult, Miller? No 3pt shot. Kidd? Turned us down once and will probably re-up with the Mavs. Sessions? Horrible shooter. Then we get into trade scenarios for top tier PGs which mostly leads us to spinning our wheels. No team is going to trade us Harris for Outlaw, Blake, Bayless and draft picks.
Which leads me to the most logical conclusion that we are going to keep Blake as PG1 and lean on Bayless to learn the PG position in 18min chunks over 82 games. Sergio will be gone and with the 24th or 32nd pick we grab Collison, Holliday, Mills or some other 2nd 3rd tier PG prospect to warm the bench, but doesnt feel entitled as a lottery pick such as Bayless does. We groom Bayless until he is ready to assume the starting mantle, hopefully by post ASG, and then Blake slides to the PG2 and Collison/Holliday/Mills becomes the human victory cigar.
With the SF, I think that we have most of the pieces in place, but will need to season them. I stil like Batum at SF1 if even as a placeholder. Hopefully he will come in after playing with the French team with newfound confidence and that will translate onto the court. Of the 3, I am most attached to Nic and would move Travis and/or Webster in combo with picks/salary dump if it brought in an upgrade at the SF position, although there are only a few players I would want, GWallace, Battier or Prince, but who knows if we can get either of them. Again consolidate it to a vet/established SF, a young promising player and a decent project draft pick (#20-35) to warm the bench, develop and be there in case of injury.
I am at a loss @ SF as I am worried about Webster and the lingering injuries, as foot probs are pretty much the WORST injury for an athlete to have, and Travis was an immense letdown, so I am less sure of what we have and would not mind shipping them both out for an upgrade.
PF, I guess I am on board the Blair train and if we can get the 8 from NY for Sergio, we could use that to maybe trade down to 15-16-17 and get an 10 1st or 2nd in the process. Maybe the 8th for the 15th(Blair) and a 10 1st or 2nd. Either go that or sign McDyess as a FA and let him guide help out our young frontcourt.
So in conclusion
PG=trade Sergio, keep Blake, groom Bayless, and draft a prospect with the 24th or 32nd.
SF=keep Batum, consolidate Webster/Outlaw into a good SF
PF=Blair or McDyess
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
by SpyderRyder on May 5, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
where did you hear
the jeffries thing?
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on May 6, 2009 12:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Not bad. In fact pretty good ....
… except maybe for the consolidate bit at SF. That always sounds good to armchair GM’s but doesn’t seem to work in the real world.
hakkaa päälle !
you know that SF thing has me totally perplexed
Do we bring in a scorer and have Nate totally re-do the O to highlight the SF position? Do you keep it the same and have them camped out in the corner and continue on the same path that had us the #1 O eff. and 54 wins on the 2nd youngest team? I dont even see anyone that is even a better fit in this O than possibly older versions of what we have. Battier? Prince? But if either of them cost Rudy, Bayless, Pryz or Batum with TO/Webs/1sts/salary dump thrown in? Would the other teams even be open to move them?
I know that was not one of my strongest arguments, but every time I wade into the SF pool, it quickly just gets soooo messy that it makes my head hurt, and the more questions I answer, 2 more spring up.
PG I take the Occam’s Razor view, the simplest thing is the most probable and it kinda makes sense.
Also just a hunch, look at OKC to try to trade Jeff Green for the 1st pick if they do not get it. Green is playing PF and Durant is SF. They have a PG and the thing that they are missing is a strong post presence. On top of it an OK boy is the 1st pick and they will sell the house to try and get him. If they get him Green will be redundant playing behind Griffin and Durant, so he will be the bait. If they get the 2-5 pick look for them to try to send Green a few 1sts and possibly more to get Griffin.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
DeJuan Blair (PF/Pitt) is landed to Portland at #25 on www.RealGM.com Mock Draft!
This is what I am talking about… not even needing to manuever and STILL landing the prospect that Portland really needs in the first round. Check out this mock draft from an excellent website:
http://www.realgm.com/src_feature/1503/20090503/2009_nba_mock_draft_version_42/
DeJuan Blair may or may not fall to Portland at the #25 Pick, but one thing IS certain… If KP wants this kid, DeJuan Blair is only a small manuever or two away and WELL within KP’s reach. Really, at Pick #25 with 4 2nd Rounders and a league desperate for money… KP and a willing Paul Allen can make almost anything happen outside of the Top 5 picks.
by Portland Dynasty on May 5, 2009 1:20 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Dejuan Blair is the only answer.
I don’t think he’ll be there at 24, and if he is, the other GMs who bypass him from 10-23 are going to regret it. Either way, Blazers should go after him hard. His numbers and wingspan suggest domination of the boards in the NBA.
There are a few guys who averaged about the same number of offensive rebounds per game… and then there’s Blair, who averaged 1.6 times the number of the second best guy. That’s one of the most ridiculously dominant stats I have ever heard.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
Have you noticed that nobody throws the word "tweener" around like they used too...
I guess there are plenty of Jason Maxiell’s and Paul Millsap’s that actually pan out in the association now a days that people realize that a 6’7" 260lb player with a long reach can be very effective against 6’10" 230lb players they bang up against in the bigs.
by Portland Dynasty on May 5, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
One type of tweener is better than another...
The 6’7" banger PF is more in vogue than the 6’10" slow SF.
Lloyd Neal type making a comeback
I like it
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
Him too!!!
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
Chaz Barkley??? remember that "tweener"?
Charles Barkley, one of the most feared rebounders of the 80’s-90’s and he is really like 6’5" tall….
Tweener-Power!
by Portland Dynasty on May 6, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Great job on this.
It’s kind of neat that we are just now talking about this, and it hasn’t been the topic for the year (like in years past)! It’s good to be a blazer (but then again, it always has been).
And a rec.
My favorite teams are the Blazers and any team that is playing the Lakers.
We're not getting the PG or SF we would want at this position
It seems like this is prime picking ground for backup PFs though.
Yes, I know I already made myself wrong with that assertion, as we picked Batum at this position.
use 3 picks
24th pick – Tyler Hansborough worth the risk
High 2nd Round – Best PG Available, Probally Patrick Mills or Darren Collison
High to Mid 2nd Round – Victor Claver worth the risk plus we can leave him in spain
i don't see why darren collison
is going late first early second. He has a lot of the same qualities of aaron brooks(who also went late first) He is quick(like brooks), was a leader on his team, does a nice job of running the team(notice holiday and westbrook never took the starting pg spot from him), a little undersized, isn’t the best shooter but i think he could hit an open shot(brooks is a better shooter), the big difference between him and brooks is he played for ben howland so u know he at least tries on defense(i think he is pretty good at it, i can’t remember) overall i like what he can bring to a team so i really don’t see why he is going to go as late as it looks.
"Howard, he know me" Rudy
by phillyduck23 on May 5, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
+1 Darren Collison will be a steal...
Can’t help but imagining him as efficient and ready for the Pro-game as Mario Chalmers was, who went at a similar level of the draft.
by Portland Dynasty on May 5, 2009 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions
he may rise
but he has “limited upside.” Just like Steve Blake is a starting PG and Marcus Banks, Luke Ridnour (well, kinda), and Troy Bell are not, even though they were taken ahead of Blake. Banks and Bell especially were thought to have better “upside” than Blake.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on May 6, 2009 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions
this draft sucks
period,trade out of his draft and get a guy to go with roy.thank-god roy wants to win now.and is beginning to get that i and me attitude.which all great teams do have.he’s hungry for a title now.thank-you kobe for rubbung off some of your arrrogance at him.roy will definately be more defiant and assertive next season.
by fatty on May 5, 2009 1:51 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Why aren't you a fan of DeJuan Blair?
Knowing your talking points, he seems like a guy you’d want Portland to select in the 2009 NBA Draft.
fatty
Just because Roy is hungry for a title doesn’t mean he is turning into another Kobe. Humility and the ability to win a championship are not mutually exclusive traits, and arrogance is not equal to confidence. I’ve seen about 10 posts from you now praising Roy’s supposed arrogance because of his comments about wanting to win a championship, and I think you are confusing determination with cockiness.
"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"
-Ron Artest
If Artest can say it, so can I. Broy>Kobe.
+1
I am not excited about this draft at all, unless the Blazers Staff have some “Terry Porter” type stashed away somewhere.
I’d just as soon trade the picks for NBA role players that are known quantites, if such a thing could be achieved.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
Must be a blue moon
I agree with fatty for once (forget this draft). Maybe because this is his first post in the last 79 that didn’t call the Blazer roster soft.
Even IF this draft does suck overall...
that does not mean that KP and Co. can’t find a couple diamonds in the rough! ya know what I mean? Portland could land another couple GREAT role-player additions to the team through this weak draft. If other teams are feeling the same way, KP might find this year easier to manuever in for that targeted player. Especially if KP wants to target one of the mid-round gaurds. PG’s are so plentiful in this draft, moving up by using a couple 2nd rounders to jump up. Teams might want to move backward with the thinking that they will still land a solid PG prospect but still pick up those extra two players who wouldn’t be guaranteed contracts or Euro draft-and-stash’s…. I really feel that whateven happens, Portland will get at least one solid player out of this draft. We got KP!!!
by Portland Dynasty on May 5, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions
One thing KP has not been especially good at
has been finding talent late in the draft. Eveyone knew about Rudy, and Nic was at one time projected to be a top 5 guy who fell first because of a lackluster year, and then out of the lotto because of a heart condition and some sneaky medical trickery from SA. Outside of that, our later picks have been Sergio, Taurean, McRoberts, Freeland, and PetKo. The jury’s obviously still out on those guys, but when you consider we could have had Millsap or Powe instead of Freeland, and Big Baby, Landry, Gasol or Sessions instead of PetKo, it’s hard to say he’s been great at unearthing hidden draft gems outside the lottery.
Has anybody ever posited the theory that KP isn't a draft savant
and McMillan, god forbid we admit it ever, is just really good at coaching young players to their maximum potential?
dinasour type of guys choir boys
you mean... MacMillian > Pritchard
as far as the teacher vs. the braintrust.
uber-interesting.
by Portland Dynasty on May 6, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
He's been good at it
but not a savant…
If everyone ‘knew’ Rudy/Nic etc were as good they are playing, then teams would have selected them well before portland did.
Sergio was a very solid pickup at #30(?). Freeland and PetKo are overseas projects and we’ll see. McRoberts was what, a pick in the mid 40’s? Not sure what the expecations are for such late picks.
Pretty silly to play armchair draftsman and cherry pick the very few players that have turned out and then say he’s BAD. He is still above average with his picks outside of the lottery.
Did I say bad?
As far as Rudy, it was questionable that he could come over, and teams were seeing SA in the process of getting burned by Tiago Splitter, so were hesitant to pick him. Since we had already drafted Oden, we were okay to buy a pick and take a gamble on Rudy.
With Nic, there was a legit concern about his heart issue, and he wanted to go to SA, who had the only medical report that cleared him, but kept it secret. Nic went along with this because he wanted to be a spur. Look at most mocks in the weeks before the draft, and he was projected in the late lotto. KP just called their bluff. If teams were 100% confident about his health, he wouldn’t have dropped.
As far as the other guys, Sergio is the only even remotely productive guy. Compare that to Danny Ainge alone, who found with the 24th pick or later: Delonte West, Tony Allen, Big Baby, Powe, and Gomes, plus Rondo who was the 21st pick. All guys more productive than Serge.
And of course the expectations for a pick in the mid-40’s are low, but if we’re going to say that KP is going to find a couple “diamonds in the rough” that means finding contributors with those later picks, which KP has not done so far.
remeber the last time the draft was considered weak?
2006.
Nobody wanted the first pick because the consensus was that there were no stars.
Saying a draft is weak just means that the pundits haven’t figured out who will be good beforehand.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on May 6, 2009 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
recced for truth
The first 30 draft picks could all have 10 year careers but if there isn’t at least two projected superstars, it’s a crappy draft.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
I would like to see us move up. Our current pick has been a crapshoot in the past. Or move out and do a draft day deal
Players drafted in the last decade at #24:
- 1998 Felipe Lopez: NBA bust
Best Players Available: Rashard Lewis, Al Harrington, Rafer Alston, Cuttino Mobley - 1999 Andrei Kirilenko: NBA starter/rotation player
BPA: Manu Ginobili, Kirilenko - 2000 Dalibor Bagaric: NBA bust
BPA: Michael Redd - 2001 Raul Lopez: NBA washout, decent in Spain
BPA: Tony Parker, Gilbert Arenas, Mehmet Okur - 2002 Nenad Krstic: NBA role player
BPA: Carlos Boozer, Juan Carlos Navarro - 2003 Brian Cook: NBA role player (deep bench)
BPA: Josh Howard, Mo Williams, Leandro Barbosa - 2004 Delonte West: NBA rotation player
BPA: Kevin Martin, Chris Duhon, Anderson Varejao - 2005 Luther Head: NBA role player (deep bench)
BPA: David Lee, Monta Ellis, Jason Maxiell - 2006 Kyle Lowry: NBA rotation player
BPA: Paul Millsap, Leon Powe, Lowry, Jordan Farmar, Sergio Rodriguez - 2007 Rudy Fernandez: NBA rotation player
BPA Rudy Fernandez, Glen Davis, Ramon Sessions, Marc Gasol, Carl Landry - 2008 Serge Ibaka: Not yet in NBA
BPA Nicolas Batum, Mario Chalmers, Donte Greene, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Expected performance by draft pick number: http://www.82games.com/nbadraftpicks.htm
E.g. my idea of trading Sergio (to be absorbed with one of their trade exceptions), our #24 pick and our #38 pick (New York) back to the Knicks for their #8 if they don’t move up in the lottery. But other combinations would be possible. The chance to land a quality player there seems significantly better, even in a draft that is perceived as weaker. We would still have a #32 draft pick to take another risk and two very late in the 50s (I expect KP to rather trade those for future second rounders, maybe one Euro player).
by Norsktroll on May 5, 2009 1:54 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Wow. Thanks, Norsktroll
Lots of significant names on that list for BPA.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
Nooo!!
A little crack in the KP is God argument?
Blasphemy!!!
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
This is the problem with the 24ish range
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
Even IF most GM's missed those good players available....
Doesn’t mean that Portland will in this specific draft. The only thing this proves to us is that there are GOOD PLAYERS available at EVERY PICK of the draft. It is possible to land a solid to great role player almost anywhere in the draft if you grab the right kdi.
by Portland Dynasty on May 6, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Nice analysis
I don’t think there’s any way the 24 + 38 + Sergio nets the Blazers a top ten pick, but it’s interesting to look at other guys drafted in the 24 slot. Add Travis, and take back a bad contract, and maybe you’re getting closer.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
In this economy, you might be right
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
word is the wizards may not even be able to afford to sign a lottery player. Make it happen KP!
by dario argento on May 5, 2009 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Not impossible
Sergio,Travis,picks and $’s could get It done.Rudy would weep croc tears in public for the La Marca readers and be stoked
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions
+1 Great work Norsktroll
I really enjoyed reading that bit.
by Portland Dynasty on May 5, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I mean, basically what you're saying is that in nearly every draft
the guy taken at our pick has either been someone that fits right in our wheel house of needs, or there is someone available that fills that need in every year since 2001.
Any of TP, Gil, Okur, Mo, Barbosa, Delonte, Varejao, Lee, Ellis, Maxiell, Lowry, Millsap, Powe, Big Baby, Sessions, Landry, Gasol, or Chalmers would match up perfectly with our need of either a guy who can play PG, or a productive big man off the bench. I’d prefer to move up if its cheap, but your list shows there should definitely be talent there for KP to pick from.
If you put all those players together they would be better than the Clippers....
A team of players that NONE were lottery picks (unlike the Clips) and all in the later half of round 1 or beyond would be better than a team that seemingly has a Top-7 pick every season?!
Brutal.
by Portland Dynasty on May 6, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
none of these losers
can make this roster as it is now.are you kidding me,losers from this draft who seriously who hansborough yeah right.lawson no way no of thses college guys will help roy.roy needs a real tough guy to have his back.and a fearless go to the basket scorer to team with fernandez.roy most importantly knows this is his franchise.not aldridge and thank-god not oden’s but his franchise.and his change of demeanor is going to be a refreashing change in portland.out with the mr.nice guy and into mr.defiant nothing less than a title is a bust.
these "losers" will be all stars in a few years
at least some of them will
acta est fabula plaudite -- Thanks for a great season.
Agreeing with fatty to boost one's credibility.
That’s going to be an interesting strategy to follow.
hakkaa päälle !
Austin Daye is the type of player we should draft this year. He is very raw but has excellent potential. He could spend a year or two in the d-league to develop while not messing with our rotation or making our rotation any younger. We need to go get some experience for our holes now. The draft for the next few years should be about getting projects that may develop into good players. We are not going to be able to get players to fill rotation holes where we will be drafting.
He does remind me of adam morrison, true
But I think he’ll be a rotation player, but probably not a starter.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
Daye doesn't at all remind me of Adam Morrison, unless you want to factor in the Gonzaga ...
connection between them. Stylistically, Daye is similar to Anthony Randolph — who Golden State Warriors fans across the blogosphere overrate as bad as Ben overrates Jerryd Bayless — as well as the all-around mediocre Charlie Villanueva, albeit to a lesser extent. The only way the Portland Trail Blazers should select Daye is if Kevin Pritchard deals his draft rights right after picking him.
FROM GOLDEN STATE & TO PORTLAND
PF Brandan Wright ($2,497,320)
Outgoing Salaries: $2,497,320
FROM PORTLAND & TO GOLDEN STATE
F Austin Daye (Draft Rights)
PG Petteri Koponen (Draft Rights)
Cash Considerations ($3,000,000)
Outgoing Salaries: $0
http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5063813
In this case, the $2,912,823 trade exception acquired from trading Ike Diogu to the Sacramento Kings for Michael Ruffin would be used to absorb Brandan Wright’s contract.
http://www.storytellerscontracts.info/resources/08-09teamsalaries.htm
In all likelihood, though, I still expect the Trail Blazes to keep the 24th pick and select someone like DeJuan Blair or Patrick Patterson with it.
If Blair is available
I would be ecstatic if he were.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
in my opinion, i dont think randolph is overrated. he is raw, but has tons of potential…take a look at this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TJARASNxEo
Gerald Madkins
Converting that pick to Brandan Wright
would be a STEAL. Wright is a lottery pick who, in limited minutes, plays like one. PER over 17 his rookie year, and over 18 last year. I would target him in a big way if he’s available.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
At this point, Nelson is just trying to see what he can get away with
He may or may not be drunk on the bench. He plays and doesn’t play guys arbitrarily just to see how they react. One night, you play 35 minutes, the next, DNP-CD.
It baffles and amazes me that a business with as much money involved as an NBA franchise would continue to blindly entrust its biggest commodity (young talent) to a guy who’s not clearly mentally stable.
So, yeah, if Nellie wants to giftwrap a young superstar for Portland, KP should be ready to untie the ribbon like it’s Christmas morning.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
Maybe he's doing an experiment
Randomizing his line-ups to identify the value of each player. Genius!
wright
doesn’t really fit the “bruiser” power forward role, i would like him for that price but if roy’s opinion weighs as much in the franchise as we think it does then they are going for a “bruiser” power forward
"Howard, he know me" Rudy
by phillyduck23 on May 5, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, plus at the current Rookie salary scale
We could get him, plus a vet free agent too.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
I love Daye
But I am also a helpless Gonzaga homer. The dude is the definition of the scouting term “length” is he not? I have no idea of how he might fare in the NBA, but I enjoy his playing style. Super fun to watch.
If the goal is to get a PG or a banger, though, he provides neither. I don’t see him complementing the Blazers current strengths, much. He probably isn’t a good fit for us.
You hopeless Gonzaga homer(s)
Jsut needed to be said…even though you already said it ;-)
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
austin daye is scary talented
and scares the hell out of me because he hasnt gotten one bit better since he got to college. 2nd round pick only for me
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I go to Gonzaga. I love Gonzaga basketball, but I have to admit, I hate it when Daye is on the court. I cringe whenever he takes a terrible shot. He’s too skinny. he’s selfish, he shrinks in the spotlight.
He’ll stay at gonzaga, but if he is available, I do not want him.
Micah Downs is the guy from Gonzaga to look out for. He would be a great second round pickup. He plays with energy, consistency, and is a blast to watch. I would not be surprised at all if he becomes a good role player for a contender in the next five years.
"I don't care what people think, people are stupid"- Sir Charles Barkley
by beam_us_up_scottie on May 5, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Power Forwards/Big Men
I think Blair won’t last until our pick, I expect him to go late in the lottery and we would have to move up considerably to get him. Hansbrough is the next coming of Darius Songaila/Mark Madsen/etc. Name your favorite not very athletic slightly undersized big man, but not nearly on the skill level of a Kevin Love. Patrick Patterson (I’m slightly intrigued) or BJ Mullens (I’m not very intrigued after seeing him put up an abysmal performance in the first MM round) could be available, but they are also projects with question marks.
True
But for the first time in years the Blazer’s rotation going into next season is incredibly stable. Do the Blazers really need to move up in order to land a serviceable backup 4? I’d take a Paul Millsap type pick any day of the week. His big knock was being undersized, too.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
Milsap led the NCAA in rebounding for multiple years
Hansborough is a very mediocre college rebounder, especially pace adjusted, and he’ll likely be a weak rebounder (but a hustle guy) in the pros.
Dejuan Blair is the player similar to Milsap. Similar domination of the boards in college, both guys slip in the draft because of height, both guys will produce in a big way on the next level.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
Cool
I’m not much of a college ball junkie, though I should probably pay more attention to it.
I’d forgotten about that with Millsap.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
The Question is: What other teams may be looking to add a "Banger" type forward in the draft?
This will let you know how far it is likely that DeJuan Blair could slide… and about how many picks KP might be needing to move up in order to draft him. After reading Brandon Roy’s comments and knowing what PF are available in Free Agency, it would make a lot of sense for KP to use draft assets (1st rounder plus 2nd round bait or cash) to obtain the only true NBA-quality “Banger” in the draft. This seems like a very feasable target for Portland.
by Portland Dynasty on May 5, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess, there is one other feasible option for PF in the draft....
And that is getting Pattrick Patterson. But, still, I think Blair is the real stud in this class.
by Portland Dynasty on May 5, 2009 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions
For whatever reason...
I was thinking Tyler Hansbrough will be similar to Viktor Khryapa…Same build and about as athletic
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
Portland will not find it's solution at SF/PG in this draft for next season...
My guess is that Portland will draft a backup PF (Patterson, Blair or Lawal in the first… Taj Gibson or Jeff Adrian in the second) if that person is the BPA available. KP does not draft for need, he is a BPA (though he is good at moving around in the draft to where the person the team needs is the BPA)
I think the perfect fit for Portland would be Jrue Holiday. His draft stock has fallen after a disappointing first season, but he has amazing potential. Like Westbrook last season, he is a defensive combo guard with huge upside. Holiday looks like a better shooter, but lacks Westbrook’s elite speed. He could become a lockdown defensive PG that the team needs.
Another player who’s stock has fallen but would fit a need for the team is DaJuan Summers. A very physical SF, Summers was projected to be a top-10 pick, but is now projected near the end of the first round. KP loves to package picks to get the last pick of the first round so that the team can control the player for 4-5 seasons as opposed to 2 seasons. He may do the same for Summers if he is available.
If Portland keeps any of its later second round picks, they will likely draft international players and keep them overseas. Two names to watch out for: Victor Claver and Rodrigue Beaubois. Both worked out for the Blazers last season and both left very favorable impressions on the coaching staff.
Holiday does have potential
but he looked TERRIBLE this season. TERRIBLE.
In fact he needs to go back to school. If we do draft him, we better be waiting 3 years to see him mature. He is miles behind Bayless in development and Bayless got no run.
Now if we are willing to wait.. go for it. The kid has TALENT.
Beaubois looked really good at those workouts, think its a 2nd rounder? or will he have improved enough to get in the late first?
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Holiday seems like a risky pick
He is pretty underdeveloped offensively, so he is a highly ranked prospect mostly because of his defense at this point. However, his current coach clearly has more faith in Collison as a defensive stopper than he does in Holiday (he assigns Collison to defend the most dangerous opposing guards). Collison is a pretty good defender at the college level, but is undersized and very skinny. If Jrue Holiday can’t outperform Collison on defense, then it seems likely that he won’t be able to make a big impact with his defense in the NBA (or at least, not an immediate impact).
by trk on May 5, 2009 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Good post
NBA draft is my favorite non-sporting sporting event of the year. Love it.
Overall, it’s a mediocre draft, but there’s always a chance to land a good underrated back up four at the back end of the first round. It would have to seem the Blazers will take a shot in that direction.
I agree that you would have to think KP will be reluctant to pick up another prospect at the point whose confidence Nate will immediately murder. But there are a lot of decent talents at the point this year, and there’s a good chance the best talent available when the Blazers pick will be a point guard.
I don’t understand why Lowry’s not rated higher. He dominated college basketball. He was rated as a better athlete than Conley coming into college. He’s 195 pounds, lightning quick, shot 48% on three balls, led the best team in the country on a dominating tourney run, etc. Seems undervalued to me.
In any event, as I said above, for my money, it all comes down to this: Dejuan Blair should be a top five pick, and the Blazers should do what they gotta do to acquire him somewhere in the teens. I think he would be perfect as a back up energy toughness guy off the bench next year, and he has the potential to be more than that down the line.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
One of the few players I could immediately see as a backup point guard on a number of NBA teams
I doubt he will ever be a star and he was destroyed by some of the elite opponents in college, but whenever I saw him at UCLA he had something steadying to his game, not that wild uncontrolled play taking bad shots and passes like many other college PGs.
Yeah, Darren Collison is of the Chris Duhon and Earl Watson variety.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, either; nonetheless, some people still foolishly praise upside and undervalue refined steadiness.
I would love that. In fact I love earl watson
just a steady backup player.
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions
i think he's the next
aaron brooks read my posting above, i watched a lot of brooks games and they just seem very similar career wise to me.
"Howard, he know me" Rudy
by phillyduck23 on May 5, 2009 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions
brooks game is predicated on speed
collison aint that fast
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 7, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Isn't it likely
well stash a euro with pick 32? i seem to recall something about contracts that makes taking a foreign early in the second round (starting at pick 30) an attractive offer. However i haven’t kept up on prospects this year and have no idea if there are any euro’s not named rubio worth taking.
"We really don't reference the rulebook." ~Joe Borgia, NBA VP of referee operations, to Henry Abbot regarding the calling (or lack thereof) of traveling.
It's because 2nd rounders salaries aren't limited
like 1st rounders. The contract we can pay PetKo is set because he was drafted in the first round. However, the guy drafted after him can get paid any amount his team can afford under the cap (I think there are exceptions, also), so if a guy can get paid a high salary by a Euro team, it’s pointless to draft him late in the first because he’d have to take a pay cut to come over here (this is why Rudy was up in the air last summer, we got VERY lucky with him).
Guys in the second round can get paid whatever, though, so NBA teams can just outbid European ones for a guy. This is why Marc Gasol’s contract is bigger than Sergio or Rudy’s, even though they were drafted higher. This makes the first couple picks of the second round very valuable, because these potentially expensive European guys can be taken without having to worry about not bringing them over because of a set salary.
This strangely has the effect of making the 31st and 32nd picks effectively worth more than picks 25-30.
Good breakdown
Those early second-rounders are particularly valuable, of course, when a foreign guy’s agent makes it clear he won’t sign with an NBA franchise under the rookie scale. Which has happend with one or two guys the past couple years.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
I still don’t get why Presti drafted Serge Ibaka with the 24th pick after his agent told GMs not to draft him in the first round. Was he really that much better than any other option?
Calling his bluff, basically
Which is really the weakness of the position these guys have to take. Any team drafting in the late first can basically prevent the teams at 31 or 32 from having a shot at these guys.
Presti was just betting that Ibaka will decide that playing in the NBA is worth more than the added money in Europe. Maybe he’ll get lucky like we did with Rudy, or maybe they’ll get screwed like SA with Splitter.
I used a few vulgarities when that happened last year.
“I’ve got just three words here: **** this ****!”
http://www.supersonicsoul.com/2008/06/with-24-pick.html
“A reserve frontcourt of Johan Petro and D.J. White is a so-so tandem, as my iffiness toward their potential is compensated by them having meshing skill sets. My focus is centered on more important things, though.
Chris Wilcox should be moved for someone who’ll work well beside Nick Collison in the interior; however, it’s entirely possible that Clay Bennett will just let Wilcox play out his contract.
Anyhow, Sam Presti still can’t be forgiven for his flat-out foolish, downright doltish decision to draft Serge ‘Olumide Oyedeji, Jr.’ Ibaka with the 24th pick. That was a complete and utter farce."
http://www.supersonicsoul.com/2008/06/sonics-add-dj-white.html
DeVon Hardin is a run-of-the-mill third-string pivotman. As it is, Hardin doesn’t have polished skills on offense, is limited as a weakside help defender due to a lack of court awareness, and is a bit too old to have any remaining upside. Hardin also projects out similarly to Jamal Sampson, which is a slap in the face.
Hell, the Seattle SuperSonics should tender Robert Swift with a one-year, $3,579,131 qualifying offer — as he deserves one last chance due to his potential to pull a Chris Kaman next season — consequently, Hardin’s draft rights ought to be traded elsewhere for roughly $500,000 in cash considerations—or the team could just waive him.
I’m on board with releasing Mouhamed Sene, too, since there’s no point in funding him while he rehabilitates his injured knee. Hell, it’d be a […] waste of resources — even though I’m down with Clay Bennett wasting money — yet, there’s probably folks within the organization who still think highly of Sene, which indicates their own idiocy.
On a final note, the selection of Sasha Kaun is a wasted pick — as he recently signed a long-term contract with some Russian team, which is located in his birth nation — plus, he adds to the organization’s glut of useless foreigners. Kaun, Serge Ibaka (a.k.a., Olumide Oyedeji, Jr.), Peter Fehse, Yotam Halperin, and Paccelis Morlende are all useless here."
http://www.supersonicsoul.com/2008/06/rounding-out-draft.html
I made some other comments that day, with all but a couple being pretty accurate. The mistakes I made were assuming that O.J. Mayo would be a good perimeter defender in the NBA — although I blame his lack of defensive intensity thus far on laziness, having fellow slacker Rudy Gay as a teammate, and the Memphis Grizzlies poor interior defense anchored by Marc Gasol — while I also was a bit too hard on Russell Westbrook.
Then again, I thought at the time Westbrook was bound for the Portland Trail Blazers — which would’ve been a good fit, no matter his inefficient shooting — althoug that didn’t come to fruition. Anyhow, I also made some scouting assessments on future prospects last summer. Heck. let’s see how those hold up today.
“A backcourt of Russell Westbrook and Ricky Rubio would be an entertaining pairing, with Rubio compensating for most of Westbrook’s drawbacks — except for three-point shooting, which eventually needs to be adressed by Sam Presti — additionally, Rubio’s outstanding help defense when clogging the passing lanes and creating turnovers would complement Westbrook’s shutdown one-on-one perimeter defense when he’s guarding opponents during on-the-ball situations.
I’d also be happy with a true pivotman like B.J. Mullens — who, if I recall correctly, has been compared to Brad Daugherty by some scouting reports — for he’d fill that huge, gaping hole at center for the Sonics. The team’s present frontline rotation of Chris Wilcox, Nick Collison, Johan Petro, and D.J. White is quite possibly the worst in the NBA. Likewise, Robert Swift is still an oft-injured prospect, Mouhamed Sene has established himself as a complete and utter bust, DeVon Hardin projects to be a third-string scrub, and Serge Ibaka is an unproven foreigner who’s likely to stay overseas.
Blake Griffin is also an upper-tier prospect; however, he’s strictly a power forward — such as Carlos Boozer, David Lee, et al. — and, moreover, he’s mediocre on defense. I’m surprised that Griffin didn’t come out this year; he’d’ve fit much better with the Charlotte Bobcats instead of D.J. Augustin, who’d’ve been better off dropping to the Sacramento Kings.
Brandon Jennings, who’s seemingly a throwback to past playmakers like Kenny Anderson and Rod Strickland, does nothing for me. According to scouting reports, Jennings is apparently all flash with very little substance. Plus, he’s allegedly not a refined floor general and is undersized for even a point guard.
Also, I’m not on the Hasheem Thabeet bandwagon. Even if Thabeet is the second-coming of Dikembe Mutumbo, it’s not worth using a top-five pick — which is where the Sonics will be probably draft next year, since this once again looks like a 20-win team — to get him. Hell, championships are usually won with two-way low-post and/or high-post players (e.g., Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Rasheed Wallace, et al.) at the helm. Obviously, Thabeet isn’t one of those guys."
http://www.supersonicsoul.com/2008/06/rounding-out-draft.html
Other than my bullish optimism toward B.J. Mulles — who was an outright bust at Ohio State — those comments have held up over the past 10 months.
Lastly, here was my final take on the Seattle Supersonics back on 6/28/2008
“At this juncture, here’s my quick-‘n’-dirty, off-the-wall plan for the Seattle SuperSonics this off-season.
Before 7/1/2008:
1. Non-tender Mickael Gelabale, which’d thereby make him an unrestricted free-agent.
2. Renounce Francisco Elson’s Bird rights, which’d get rid of the team’s cap hold on him.
3. Waive Adrian Griffin, whose salary isn’t fully guaranteed next season.
After 7/9/2008:
4. Unless Robert Swift is offered a long-term contract from another team — in which case he can go elsewhere — wait for him to sign the one-year, $3,579,131 qualifying offer.
5. Sign Russell Westbrook and D.J. White to their rookie scale contracts, while stashing Serge Ibaka overseas.
6. Trade Luke Ridnour ($6,500,000), Damien Wilkins ($3,100,000), and the draft rights of DeVon Hardin to the New York Knicks for Malik Rose ($7,647,500) and Renaldo Balkman ($1,369,920).
7. Trade Chris Wilcox ($6,750,000) to the Indiana Pacers for Jeff Foster ($5,500,000), Stephen Graham ($826,269), and $3,000,000 in cash considerations.
8. Sign unrestricted free-agent Roger Mason to a two-year, $3,972,800 contract (2008-2009: $1,910,000 & 2009-2010: $2,062,800) with the bi-annual exception.
9. Sign Mike Wilks to a one-year, minimum-level contract.
10. Decline Mouhamed Sene’s team option for the 2009-2010 season, then subsequently release him.
11. Excercise Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Balkman’s team options for the 2009-2010 season.
ROSTER
C: Jeff Foster (24 m.p.g.)
C: Johan Petro (24 m.p.g.)
C: Robert Swift (0 m.p.g.)
PF: Nick Collison (32 m.p.g.)
PF: D.J. White (16 m.p.g.)
PF: Malik Rose (Inactive)
SF: Jeff Green (28 m.p.g.)
SF: Renaldo Balkman (12 m.p.g.)
SF: Donyell Marshall (Inactive)
SG: Kevin Durant (40 m.p.g.)
SG: Roger Mason (16 m.p.g.)
SG: Stephen Graham (0 m.p.g.)
PG: Earl Watson (24 m.p.g.)
PG: Russell Westbrook (24 m.p.g.)
PG: Mike Wilks (Inactive)
That’s a 10 to 20 win team there, which’d accomplish the goal of further draining fan interest — so long as the franchise stays in Seattle — and obtaining a high-end pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. It’s a plausible, yet hideously damning approach.
Anyhow, regardless of where this organization ends up next season, it’s a […] operation from top to bottom. In fact, there currently isn’t a more poorly run franchise in the NBA."
http://www.supersonicsoul.com/2008/06/and-then-there-was-1.html
Oh, and on a side note, I must conced that even I wasn’t fully sold on Brook Lopez back then.
“After reading that article, there was a huge increase in my underlying fear that Brook Lopez might be a cross between Chris Mihm and Darko Milicic.
Mihm, who’s mentioned as a guy with a weak field-goal percentage during his time at college, has always had issues with being soft and playing more like a power forward rather than a true center. Milicic has that very same problem, too.
I, however, take solace in Brook Lopez’s supremacy as a man-to-man interior defender — especially since neither Mihm nor Milicic fit that description — nonetheless, his inefficient field-goal shooting and subpar weakside help defense.
Hell, Lopez’s mediocre rate of blocks and rebounds puts him in the same category as Matt Geiger — who, á la Mihm and Milicic, was more of a 4 than a 5 on offense — which is another cringeworthy comparison. That’s not as scary as Lopez’s remarkable similarity to Sam Bowie, though, who’s one of the biggest busts in NBA history.
Yet, that notwithstanding, I’d still think that Sam Presti should’ve selected Lopez instead of Russell Westbrook. It’d’ve been more bang for the Sonics’ buck."
Lopez flat-out disproved my “underlying fear[s]” about him, though, so he gets kudos.
Well, that’s that for my blast from the past.
Well, I'm an Indiana fan
which leads me to believe that Dj White is going to be really solid in the NBA. The only think that held him back in college was injuries, which robbed him of some athleticism. He had some really good numbers in D-League, and his first game in the Pros he had a solid debut. Don’t underestimate him :)
However, the most poorly run franchise in the NBA is so obviously the Clippers. (Eric Gordon ftw! Go Indiana). Their coach had a chance to prove himself with a decent roster, and failed miserably. They are so inept, and haven’t made the playoffs in eons.
My avatar is 3 years into the future for sure...
I typed all of those quoted, italicized comments in that post back in June of ...
2008, so this is mostly me retrospectively seeing if my predictions held the test of time.
Regarding D.J White, however, I totally agree that he’ll be a solid backup power forward in the NBA, especially now that his jaw surgery is all done with and he’s healthy.
Also, my shots at Clay Bennett and Sam Presti back at that point in time were mostly hyperbole due to my fervent anger of the Seattle SuperSonics pending relocation to Oklahoma City — which happened soon after the 2008 NBA Draft — yet, regardless of all that, I agree that Mike Dunleavy, Sr. has been an abject failure with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Oh, and for whatever it's worth to y'all, here's a real blast from the past.
On 3/24/2006, I wrote the following comments.
“At any rate, though, neither Adam Morrison nor J.J. Redick — who, no matter how poorly he played against LSU last night, deserves to at least have his surname spelled correctly by you guys — will likely be productive in the NBA.
Adam Morrison = No […] Idea
J.J. Redick = Tim Legler"
http://www.supersonicsoul.com/2006/03/hughes-dishes.html
I also give Brandon Roy tons of love in that thread from over three years ago.
Even in hindsight, I’m a genius.
by AK1984 on May 6, 2009 4:07 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Are you familiar with the mating call of the mute button? ;-p
acta est fabula plaudite -- Thanks for a great season.
For what it's worth, Roy's Huskies teammate Will Conroy was rated higher than Paul and Williams coming out of high school
And now he’s a D-Leaguer. The margin of error is minimal.
Rated higher by what recruiting service???
All I know is that while Will was offered scholarships by other D1 programs, he actually walked on his freshman year (into a program that was coming off some tough times). Paul and Williams were scholarship players at higher ranked programs.
I've been on the Dejuan Blair bandwagon for a while...
as well. He seems like the perfect guy for the Blazers. In the last three months, the only thing I look for when I check the mock drafts is where Blair is expected to fall.
My worry: it’s too obvious to be the right pick. If I thought of it in February, there’s no way it’s going to happen.
yup
I’ve been on the bandwagon for months… things that are too obvious never seem to happen.
I fear the same with my Hinrich-love… makes too much sense to happen.
draft dejuan blair
Unless you have the number one pick!
Blair reminds me of Westbrook last year. I was all over that. It was the obvious pick…. But, then the draft rolled around and Westbrook shot up the draft board.
Any chance of us moving up to get Brandon Jennings?
No way is it realistic but I guess I’ll keep my fingers crossed. ;)
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 5, 2009 2:39 PM PDT reply actions
No Jennings?
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 5, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
traitor
he bailed on my cats to suck it up in Europe..
i dont forgive easily!! haha
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions
He bailed on my Trojans before he bailed on your Cats = p
but yeah I don’t blame you for holding a grudge.
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 5, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
he single handedly killed my cats
he commited and caused jrue holliday to DECOMMIT, then freaking decommited after Holliday agreed to go to UCLA.
screw that guy
sorry bout Renardo but trust me, you dont want any part of that character
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I'm happy about Renardo as well
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 5, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Look at the bright side
You dont have to deal with the cat box anymore
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Wasn't he a Cubs pitcher in the 1970s?
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
Please sign Ron Artest, trade for Kirk hinrich, and sign Dejuan Blair. That is all.
by dario argento on May 5, 2009 2:43 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
That would be pretty sweet....
Depending on who we give up of course. And Ron Ron’s mental stability…
RUDY > MJ
#24
Thats gold, Rudy was the #24 pick, Batum was I think #26. KP will get a qaulity player there, if we dont trade the pick in a deal for a veteran.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
I wouldnt trade up very far for Blair
When Patterson will likely still be on the board.We wont know what Freeland is going to do by draft time,its possible that targeting a PF could discourage him from coming over.I expect Holliday to be a mid 20’s pick and I would take him if available
DeJuan Blair
He’s the only guy in this draft who seems to match our need at PF: strong, strong rebounder, capable defender, can contribute some points.
But because he probably could answer that need, he’s not going to last until the 24th pick. That means we trade a player plus our #24 for a 14-16. Detroit almost certainly wants to get a lot younger, and would like Serge, Bayless and/or Martell.
Based on Prince’s playoff disaster—at .286 he shot even worse than Travis— I wouldn’t trade the Pistons for Prince and their number one. See if they’ll go for Serge and a swap of number ones.
If we can’t get Blair, get a Blair-like current NBA player. We have too little power at the power forward right now.
Hulk (high school nickname; not the name you'd expect for a decent marathoner.)
"Buy low" on Prince?
Sometimes a guy just needs a change of scenery. The Pistons wouldn’t have dealt Tashuan away a few seasons ago, but now Prince could probably be had for pennies on the dollar. (And what a mentor he’d be for Batum!) Acquiring Prince would also give Portland another back-to-the-basket player who can pass out of a double team
But that means Outlaw has to go to “make room” at the 3 (which wouldn’t hurt my feelin’s, none)
you mean more like 90 cents on the dollar
Dumars isnt an idiot. prince is his best player and he knows it. sure he can be had, but not for super cheap.
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Or
Or find out if Freeland could be the answer—although he’s not in the mold most of us have mentioned, a poor man’s Maurice Lucas, an enforcer.
Hulk (high school nickname; not the name you'd expect for a decent marathoner.)
Every scouting report mentions Freeland's
Intensity and hustle and he about LMA’s size
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions
hes a brit tho
bunch of nancy poofs they are
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions
that was my first thought
I mean, i haven’t even heard of ONE fight he’s been in.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
Pritchard said on the radio
He loved Freeland, but he is going to have to compete with Euro teams offering big bucks
Not that of big bucks
Freeland would make roughly the same amount in the next 4 years In Euro or the NBA but if I understand the buyout thing[Norsk?] the Euro team would come out ahead and Joel would would get the short end of the stick if he signed in Europe and then came over in the next 1 or 2 years because the buyout would come out of his pocket
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
the upcoming free agent class. While lacking the glitz of 2010, it has Antonio McDyess and Jermaine O'Neal looming as unrestriced free agents
Thanks to Norskoll we know that Jermaine is not an UFA until 2010
McDyess is a good fit, but I suspect he would balk signing with a west coast team, unless he had no other viable options
Artest? My oh my how the character once deemed “untouchable” is suddenly the flavor of the week
In this draft, Blair should be the target. Will KP agree? I’d rather see a veteran big man with playoff experience “backing up” LMA and the centers
Artest?
Calling Roy the greatest player he’s ever played against and sitting in the stands considering sipping a micro-brew while the game is going on will win you many fans in Portland. It also doesn’t hurt that he is exactly the type of player we need. Tough, defensive-minded, ideal third scorer, willing passer in the playoffs, veteran.
by Salem Stephen on May 5, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions
VERY high for me.
i like my hot sauce and ladies that very same way
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Dave's insanity sauce makes scorned woman taste bland
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions
really?
i think it’s a little mild, but good.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
he is exactly the type of player we need
Agree with that, but Ron-Ron would be a combustible Whitsitt-like chemistry experiment that could easily go awry. I think Adelman is the “right” coach for that head-case. Nate? Not so much
Moot point
Artest is going to stay in HOU
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions
They feel like he has done a great job for them
And the fans love him
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe. Maybe not. Ron Ron will probably command some bucks
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
Y'know, a two-year, $20,000,000 contract (Signing Bonus: $4,000,000; 2009-2010: ...
$8,000,000; 2010-2011:$8,000,000) — which’d include a 20% signing bonus — would be a fair deal for Ron Artest and the Houston Rockets.
Well, the NBA cap is soft
Not like the NFL.
If they do sign, they may have to pay the league for it.
Anyone know the current Houston cap space situation?
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
by haildablazer on May 6, 2009 12:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Here's what the Houston Rockets have thus far in salary obligations for ...
the 2009-2010 season.
C: Yao Ming ($16,378,325)
C: Chuck Hayes ($1,936,000)
C: Joey Dorsey ($881,820)
PF: Luis Scola ($3,284,667)
PF: Carl Landry ($3,000,000)
PF: Brian Cook ($3,500,000)
SF:
SF:
SF:
SG: Shane Battier ($6,864,200)
SG: Brent Barry ($2,062,800)
SG: Tracy McGrady ($22,483,124)
PG: Aaron Brooks ($1,118,520)
PG: Kyle Lowry ($2,034,996)
PG:
Total Salaries: $63,544,452
http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/rockets.jsp
Thus, if the Rockets re-signed Ron Artest to the aforementioned two-year, $20,000,000 contract (Signing Bonus: $4,000,000; 2009-2010: $8,000,000; 2010-2011:$8,000,000) — as well as a few free agents (e.g., Desmond Mason, James Singleton, & Ronnie Price) to one-year, minimum-level contracts — that’d add an extra $12,476,491 (i.e., $10,000,000 for Artest & $825,497 apiece for Mason, Singleton, & Price) to the team’s books for a grand total of $76,020,943.
http://www.insidehoops.com/minimum-nba-salary.shtml
For the 2008-2009 season, the NBA luxury tax was set at $71,150,000. As a result, it can be assumed that just over $76 million in salary for next season would probably push Rockets owner Leslie Alexander over the brink into tax territory.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3479183
After taking that into account, I’m guessing that a fairer deal on behalf of the Rockets would be to low ball Artest somewhat by instead offering him a two-year, $15,000,000 contract (Signing Bonus: $3,000,000; 2009-2010: $6,000,000; 2010-2011: $6,000,000) — which’d still include a 20% signing bonus that’s paid upfront, yet spread out evenly over each season on the books — as that’s a similar amount compared to his current annual salary (i.e., $7,400,000) and more than an opposing team could offer him with the mid-level exception over that same period of two seasons.
Plus, it’d knock the Rockets projected salary obligations for next season from $76,020,943 down $2,500,000 to $73,502,943.
Oh, by the eway, that last number amount should read $73,520,943.
Other than that slight mishap, though, everything seems to be in order with the numbers.
I did make another mistake, however, with that being my exclusion of the recently signed James White, who’s actually under contract next season for $825,497; thus, the Houston Rockets will only have two open roster spots to fill next season — which is contingent on the team re-signing Ron Artest — although GM Daryl Morey could possibly decide to go with just a minimum 13-man roster by not signing any cheap, yet productive veterans to round out the bench.
C: Yao Ming ($16,378,325)
C: Chuck Hayes ($1,936,000)
C: Joey Dorsey ($881,820)
PF: Luis Scola ($3,284,667)
PF: Carl Landry ($3,000,000)
PF: Brian Cook ($3,500,000)
SF: Ron Artest ($7,500,000) [Assumed]
SF: James White ($825,497)
SF:
SG: Shane Battier ($6,864,200)
SG: Brent Barry ($2,062,800)
SG: Tracy McGrady ($22,483,124)
PG: Aaron Brooks ($1,118,520)
PG: Kyle Lowry ($2,034,996)
PG:
Total Salaries: $71,869,949
In that scenario, the Rockets would be right at the luxury tax threshold.
Oh, and if for some reason a two-year contract wouldn’t do it for Artest, then a deal upward of to four years — which’d last until Ron-Ron is 33 years old — should do the trick. In that case, a four-year, $30,000,000 contract (Signing Bonus: $6,000,000; 2009-2010: $5,250,000; 2010-2011: $5,750,000; 2011-2012: $6,250,000; 2012-2013: $6,750,000) — which’d still include a 20% signing bonus that’s paid upfront, yet spread out evenly over each season on the books — would benefit Artest for the long-term security and the Rockets for a decreased cap hit in season one from $7,500,000 to $6,750,000.
Man, it’s way too late at night to think about all of this crazy financial junk.
Is Artest the guy you spend that cap room on?
as has been seen in these playoffs Artest isn’t the player he used to be. He’s still great defensively, but now he seems to lack the ability to stay in front of truly elite perimeter players. He’s still great on spot shooters and can defend in the post as well as anyone his size, but the lack of ability to defend the Kobe’s and LeBron’s of the world make him too much of a risk and not enough of a reward type IMO. Battier is clearly preferable, as would be Prince. The thing defensively I’m starting to get worried about is who we’re going to send out there on LeBron when our Championship window opens up. Batum can be a great defender but I can never see him being a big enough guy to properly defend James. I know its a very specific skill type, and maybe only a handful of people in the world will have it in 3-4 years, but we need to find that guy. To my knowledge Ariza might be the only one out there. Ideas?
I'm of the belief that Ron Artest will re-sign with the Houston ...
Rockets, which is the crux of my post. Heck, I’m trying to figure a way out whereby the Rockets can re-sign Artest without leaping over the luxury tax threshold next season. I’m sure that GM Daryl Morey already has ideas, though, for he’s a smarter man than I.
Regarding the Portland Trail Blazers, however, I don’t see Artest as a good fit. From strictly an on-court perspective, Artest’s free-wheeling style just wouldn’t mesh well at small forward here — since Nate McMillan employs that position pretty much strictly as a weakside cornerman — thus, my state of mind is that fans of the Trail Blazers should gaze their eyes elsewhere.
that elsewhere was the info I was really trying to gather
Batum isn’t catch up and blocking LBJ from behind, he’s just not. Who in 3-4 years do you see being able to stay in front of James?
Uh, in the meantime, I'd sign Ime Udoka to a one-year, ...
minimum-level contract to be Portland’s third-string small forward and designated LeBron James stopper. That’s at least a short-term solution.
Meanwhile, it’d give the team the flexibility to trade Martell Webster, Jerryd Bayless, and Sergio Rodriguez off to the Minnesota T’wolves for Mike Miller.
Y’know, a small forward rotation of Nicolas Batum, Miller, and Udoka would be a well-rounded group of players.
Did you see what Miller was doing this year
He would not shoot. He thought he was a PG and Bassy was jacking up jumpers. I don’t see how Mike Miller is so much better than (if at all) Webster that he’s worth Bayless and Sergio. We wouldn’t have any PG’s then either by the way.
Mike Miller is better for the exact reason that ...
he has handles, can pass, can drive, and can rebound better than most wing players. Unlike Martell Webster, Miller is versatile on offense.
On a team that featured Brandon Roy and Kirk Hinrich in the backcourt, Miller’s well-rounded game would be a nice addition.
The guy I want from Houston, if they need to get under the cap, is Landry. He would be excellent as our backup 4. 3 mill a year for a couple years is a great price for what he brings.
Scola would look good
in a Blazer uni. I think he may be untouchable though.
I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team.
""If I'm playing this game to get media and attention, I shouldn't be here," Aldridge said. "I'm here to play basketball, and do what I can do to help this team win."
His stare became blank. It was apparent he was back in that place, on the Rose Garden's logo, picking up Aaron Brooks as the crowd nervously roared.
GM Daryl Morey will find a way to re-sign Ron Artest ...
without trading any core players, since he’s the smartest front office executive in the NBA.
BTW, another "backup power forward" option is already on the roster
A three-way, big-man “rotation” of Joel, LMA and Greg isn’t a bad idea, assuming Oden gets his act together and can stay on the court for 30+ minutes a night. You basically need to fill 96 minutes with 3 PF/Cs, and it can be done easily, unless there’s injury or foul trouble.
Of course, you always want to have a couple more big guys around as “contingency plans” A veteran and a rookie with potential is a better choice than a young vet (like Frye, Diogu, etc) who will be jonesing for more PT and their next contract
I don't really like the "twin towers" lineup
It intentionally creates mismatches that the Blazers can’t exploit offensively (since Joel is a non-scorer) and the offense is likely to bog down playing 2 players with absolutely no range at the same time. You also have to consider that LMA, Joel, and Greg are never going to be able to all stay healthy for a full season and will likely end up in foul trouble often. The team definitely needs to have a decent backup power forward.
by trk on May 5, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Problem is
It’s not just the money he’s looking for, it’s a chance to play more minutes than he’s getting behind Dirk
So it’s gonna be tough to sell him on playing behind a younger PF in LMA
On Hansbrough
His hustle and energy is a big “+”
The fact that every non-Duke fan wants to punch him in the face is a big “-”
I’m not a big fan of having “punchable” guys on our roster. No Scola. No Vujacic. No Carmelo…. No Hansbrough!
his talent is a big "-" though
Mark Madsen hustled.. but you wouldnt pick him at #24
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Tyler Hansbrough at North Carolina was way more talented offensively than Mark Madsen ever ...
was at Stanford. I suggest that everyone checks out Darius Songaila’s college career at Wake Forest, for the numbers are slightly less, yet still very similar to those Hansbrough put up with the Tar Heels.
I'd take Scola in a heartbeat
but I don’t think there’s enough minutes for him behind LMA, so you’re safe
It’s funny how ugly/undesirable players get pretty/admirable when they put on a Portland uniform
Hansbroski is not a Dukie
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
If we do decide to get a PG
I would like to see us go after Nick Calathes. Either at 24 which might be a bit of a reach, or early round 2 with one of our many picks.
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:16 PM PDT reply actions
I'd actually like to select Nick Calathes if he's availabe with the 38th pick, for he's a combo guard in ...
the mold of Bob Sura. As a third-stringer behind Brandon Roy and Rudy Fernandez — who are also taller guys with sharp ball handling and passing abilities — Calathes would be a young, cost-effective guy who could provide depth in case of injury for the next few years.
agreed
I think Nick can be a great pro. His set shot isn’t my favorite, but if you look at his numbers he did everything from score to steals. He is a complete player that I saw play a lot and he had the ability to run a team. His defense is a little suspect, but he is certainly a better drive and dish pg than blake.
by NDREXLERDRIVE on May 5, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions
thought i was the only one that liked him...
only problem is we’ll still have the lack of defense on true point guards. He’s not fleet afoot.
I'd want Nick Calathes as a third-string shooting guard with great ball handling and passing ...
abilities for the very reason that he’s unable to satisfactorily defend point guards. Behind Brandon Roy and Rudy Fernandez, Calathes would surely be worth selecting with the 38th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. I’d think strongly selecting Calathes as high as with the 32nd pick, too, although only if Darren Collison is off of the board by that point.
thats that part I don't understand
Those guys even being a possibility that late, how is this a bad draft? Maybe just in so much as the GM’s that pass on these guys for that long are idiots… but they should at the least be contributors in this league. Collison could’ve helped THIS postseason, and theres a chance he’s there at #32? Somethings wrong if that ends up being the case.
I'm an idiot who pressed enter before I meant to do it!
Anyhow, I was going to finish my above post by writing there’s a lot of depth there. The 2009 NBA Draft is weak in some areas, but seemingly strong in others—and that’s fine by me.
at the beginning of the year
it looked to be strong at SF, but now, not so much. Thankfully this might be the deepest PG draft in some time.
yeah we disagreed about this earlier in the year
while I dont think there are many great guards, there certainly are a lot of serviceable PGs. I recant my stance on that one. you win.
I kinda of think of Calathes as a less out of control Sergio who we could play sergio minutes. Round 2 sounds good to me!
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 7, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
98% of you people
are the same damn people 2 years ago,that wanted p.allen to waste $119,000,000.00 on rashard lewis.i meant shard for his many admirers in this site.and again this draft sucks enough already with youth.we need real ballers,to give roy his chance of a ring next june.
ok fatty
so then what do you propose..
you cant just say we are stupid and not give a reason why?
so say you trade our 2nds for 2nds next year and then trade the 1st with?? for??
by GreatOden'sRaven on May 5, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
didn't he give a reason why?
i thought that was the crux of his post: the whole “shard” thing.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
okay, who's shard
Also, two years ago there was only about 150 people… so… i’m one of the people who said no to Rashard… who are the other four?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
I probably said yes.
But certainly not at $120 million. That’s what Orlando threw at him though. Boy was I glad that wasn’t us who paid him that much. That said, he hasn’t been bad for the Magic. Good player, but not a max player.
Of all the things that can be expressed in the printed word – love, hate, fear, joy – true humor is the one that is the most difficult of all. Sarcasm, for example, is an art of delicate subtlety. Yet too many people wield it as a bulldozer – loud, smelly, ugly, and destructive – and think they are being funny.
what do you mean,
you people?
Stares at you with offended racial pride…
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on May 6, 2009 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions
lol
I’ve been tempted to post this for hours.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
by haildablazer on May 6, 2009 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I think this offseason is going to make the Gasols trade the fairest ever
If I understand well enough the trading rules, we can make things such as Outlow & cash for Butler & Washington’s pick.
If teams are really that desperate, this kind of deals can work.
With this one Washington will save some 18mill over the next 2 seasons.
Then draft Ricky, hire Pitino and enjoy a couple championships the next 2 seasons
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
Interesting idea
But Rickey would be a better fit with Roy and the team in general
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Not sure about that
I really really like him, but he would work best in a pretty fast and loose offense. Arenas works equally good in a half court set, and he is a much more dangerous shooter/scorer. His contract is ridiculous and you really have to pray his knee holds up. But if it would, that would be instantly the most fun team to watch plus he would be priceless in the strong online presence of the Blazers and their fans. I said that a long time ago.
I think Ricky would be a better fit
1. Long time, he could be a part of the core until after everybody else on the teams retires
2. He can distribute and create on halfcourt sets too
3. He can play without the ball a la Rudy. He’s not that effective, but it adds to the offense.
4. He can shoot the three ball. Most of the people don’t know about this season’s 44%
5. He is one of the best defensive PG’s ever
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
I agree on every point
But he dosent have a strong online presence
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Agent Zero
Better prove his knee is healthy first. Two years on the shelf is a long time. I doubt anybody (much less Portland) would take his contract until he proves he’s fully back and healthy.
Portland wouldn’t take back a question mark with close to a max deal. Too much dough for PA to spend. Three near max deals is a recipe for going way, way deep into luxury tax hell.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
If his knee doesn't hold, we can go the Darius Miles route again :)
Just kidding. But you have to admit an Arenas – Roy backcourt would be killing. I don’t know what fatty would say to that, but if healthy you could hardly find a better second scoring option late in games.
Fatty would say
roy wants to win a title this year.the franchise is ready.he needs ballers.not these nice guys on the blazers now.half of you said the blzrs shuld stick with these nice guys.gilbert is a baller.he will win a title.hopping on one leg.baller baller baller nice guy.book it
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on May 5, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
hahahahahaha
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
I would love that backcourt on 2k9.
But I am not so sure in the nba, even if there weren’t questions about Gil’s health. Him and Roy could be impossible to defend or they could just get into each others way. His injury concerns make it pretty easy to avoid him…
RUDY > MJ
I don't like Roy playing with Arenas
Maybe I need to see more, but he doesn’t seem efficient enough.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
Wait, Hire Pitino
You tried to sneak that one by under the cover of getting Butler and drafting Rubio…
Pitino would just bench/trade them after 5 weeks
Pitino<Carleisimo
up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, enter
We better hope this article doesn't get too much circulation in Washington. I fear it will. But I hope they are too tight with money anyway
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2009/05/the_risk_of_trading_a_top_thre.html
The Portland Trail Blazers trade the 2005 No. 3 overall pick to the Utah Jazz for picks No. 6 and 27. The deal turned out to be swap of Deron Williams for Martell Webster and Linas Kleiza: This is in contention for worst trade of the decade. Portland had the opportunity to draft Williams or Chris Paul, two potential Hall of Fame point guards and instead selected a player who has yet to make an impact and another who now resides in Denver.
The Chicago Bulls trade 2006 No. 2 overall pick LaMarcus Aldridge to Portland for Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khyrapa: Aldridge isn’t exactly a franchise player, but he has the low post game the Bulls have been searching for for decades, and has shown all-star potential. Thomas has been a frustratingly talented player with the Bulls.
Despite being a giddy Seattle SuperSonics fan back in the summer 2005, I recall that there were ...
rumors swirling around about how the Portland Trail Blazers contemplated trading Nick Van Exel — whose salary was non-guaranteed for the 2005-2006 season — and the #3 pick to the Boston Celtics for Paul Pierce. That obviously never came to fruition, though.
I believe there are something like 7 teams who passed up on Chris Paul
in one form or another. Either because they are one of the three teams who chose someone else (this includes Utah’s Williams pick), or like the Blazers gave up a pick that could have landed him.
Yes, Portland should have drafted Chris Paul (thanks John Nash!). So should Atlanta, only a lot more so. Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda. The Washington Post needs to get a life.
Likely, yes.
But the Bobcats should’ve done that in 2006. Or picked someone else.
Of all the things that can be expressed in the printed word – love, hate, fear, joy – true humor is the one that is the most difficult of all. Sarcasm, for example, is an art of delicate subtlety. Yet too many people wield it as a bulldozer – loud, smelly, ugly, and destructive – and think they are being funny.
by T Darkstar on May 5, 2009 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ben is idea stealer
Ben straight jacked my ideas from previous comments and posts. Thief!!! On the real though he, and I, are right. Blake is good but no where near what we need to win a championship. Brandon will be a much healthier man if we didn’t have him run the offense all the time.
Enough with all this nonsense about drafting at 24
We are going to steal the Wizard’s number 2 pick and get Ricky Rubio.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
This would be sweet.
The rest of the league’s GMs would vomit in their mouths…
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
a little bit
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on May 6, 2009 12:30 AM PDT up reply actions
If I was to trade up
I would trade up for James Johnson not Dejuan Blair, James Johnson would give us imediate Tuffness the guy won seven world karate titles and nine national ones, and he was 20—0 as a kickboxer.
I wouldn't be shocked if the Milwaukee Bucks reached for James Johnson, who's the type of tough, ...
robust badass that hardass Scott Skiles craves with a passion. Now, I’m not entirely sure how much pull Skiles has with GM John Hammond or his scouting staff; yet, my personal opinion is that Johnson would form a decent platoon at power forward with Luc Richard Mbah a Moute — at least defensively — which’d push Charlie Villanueva out the door.
If Blake Griffin ends up on a team from the West
Who becomes an All-Star first, Griffin or LMA?
LMA, I'd say.
He’s been building his resume, and in the west, with so many premier power forwards (Duncan, Dirk, Boozer, Gasol, etc.) a large body of work is everything. Then again, if he lands with a Californian team, that probably goes out the window.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
I will bet just about anything that OKC gets number one pick
and the hometown hero gets to stay home
That would be lame
OKC is the Canis Hoopus of an NBA team.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
The two players that I would target in the draft
are DeJuan Blair and Ty Lawson. Both were very productive college players on elite teams who look like they would be able to contribute immediately. Both players are likely to be picked in the late lottery/mid first round, although there is still a significant variation in where they are going on different mock drafts. Given the current state of the economy and the overall weakness of the draft, it should be possible for the Blazers to move up and acquire both players without giving up any core assets, so if I were KP I would try to get both of them.
I would target
Rubio, Tyreke Evans, Blair or Ellington. At this point in the team’s development, I think you target the best player available or make a move to get the guy you want. What do you all think it would take to get Rubio? Would a deal of Outlaw, Sergio, #24 for the #2 and a bad contract? Is it worth it?
I think Rubio has more value than that
Though it depends on who the bad contract is. If the bad contract is really, really bad then there might be a team willing to do that.
by trk on May 5, 2009 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions
It would probably have to be even worse(bigger and longer) than that
Though in this economy I suppose that anything is possible. The main point is that Outlaw+Sergio+#24 together is still only a very small fraction of the value that Rubio would have. If that sort of deal is going to happen, it will be because a team really wants to get rid of salary and not because they want Outlaw, Sergio, or #24.
by trk on May 6, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions
The ideas I like so far that have been mentioned in this thread
-Trade for Hinrich. I’ve made my position on this clear.
-Trade Sergio and take back Jeffries and the eighth pick. This would be an incredible steal, though the mid-lottery doesn’t excite me this year. It would be useful in a package, though.
-Trade Sergio for Brandan Wright. This might be the best move possible… it only happens if Nelly is insane, though… and he is.
-Draft DeJuan Blair. Hmm. I’ve seen this in someone’s signature…
-Go after Washington’s pick, depending on how the lottery ends up. I like this idea… Rubio would be fun to have, though he would certainly thrive in a faster offense.
draft dejuan blair
You dont want much do you?
But over all I like your plan
by southern oregon on May 5, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions
well
I’m not saying we’ll do all those moves. I was just summarizing what I thought to be some of the good ideas. I only got to skim, so I’m sure I missed a few.
draft dejuan blair
Those are the moves I would like to see happen
One of them or some combination of. I don’t really like any of the FA PG’s this year for our team. There are some FA PF’s that would make for good backups, but I would rather draft Blair if possible. The Hinrich and Blair moves might be so obvious that there is no way they will actually happen though.
If we can get Eric Maynor that would be awesome
I expect Maynor to go before the 24th pick, but if Maynor is available, I think we should take him. I believe he will be a great NBA point guard. Another point guard I find really interesting is Patrick Mills from Saint Mary’s. He tore it up in the Olympics against great talent. I don’t know for sure if he’s in the draft, but if he is, than we should definitely consider him.
Red Hot and Rolling
I like Mills too
Brandon Roy: Strengths-remarkably efficient player who appears to effortlessly score and facilitate. Weakness-he’s just a figment of your imagination. - Canis Hoopus
We should get Hansbrough
No really, hear me out. Anyone remember Mark Madsen’s dance after LA won the title? Then you know what T’s role will be ;)
"I don’t have the first clue who he is talking about, because all I worry about is Jerome." – Jerome James, on comments by coach Nate McMillan about Seattle SuperSonics players being selfish.
Hansbrough will be a bust
The guy was a banger in college because he was bigger than most guys at that level and he got superstar foul calls at UNC. I really believe he is physically limited and his success will not translate to the NBA. The guy worked hard underneath and has some good post moves but he will outsized in the nba and will be pushed further away from the basket. The mid range jumper, which is a must for a man his size in the league (see success of LA) is not part of his game.
I am a big Gonzaga fan but I don’t think Daye is NBA ready. The guy has been called soft at the college level and those calls would only get louder in the NBA. Though being a bruiser is not really his game. I see Daye as being a possible Dirk N. from Dallas. He has size and real range with his shot. This comparison of course is a best case scenario. I wouldn’t be upset to see him in a Blazer uniform but I think there are other options. I’m not sure who I would settle on with the pick if it were up to me because I have not seen enough of the other players available to even really comment on them. I have just seen enough of these two to have formed an opinion.
I am excited to see what KP does in the draft and I trust what the front office has done and will continue to do. GO BLAZERS!
I've heard more than one NCAA analyst
Say that Hansbrough has range to the 3 point line but he doesn’t need it at UNC.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
I heard that during the NCAA run
I see Daye as being a possible Dirk N. from Dallas
That means that at best, Daye will be just like Frye, and Portland doesn’t need another Channing Frye right now. I just don’t see Daye going in and being a bruiser right away. I really want someone in the mold of Paul Millsap, maybe taller if the Blazer’s can get him.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
I'm an admitted Hansbrough fan
I don’t want him to be a star, I want him to get the other team’s star to get two T’s and to have most fans of other teams hate him.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
lol
yeah, but from some accounts that Joel Freeland kid is scary intense on the floor. Let’s play two!
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
I'd be down for that
I don’t really care who gets drafted because I expect them to spend a lot of time on the bench.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
He fills a vital team need
Just look one post up to see what it is!
"I don’t have the first clue who he is talking about, because all I worry about is Jerome." – Jerome James, on comments by coach Nate McMillan about Seattle SuperSonics players being selfish.
Hansbrough a Bust? Not likely...
Bust is a word that usually describes someone who can’t live up to the hype or expectations. Hansborough has been a very productive player in the NCAA’s for years and litterally has NO EXPECTATIONS for doing much in the pros. Which means, if this guy find a role on a team and contributes then he is over-achieving his national expectations. He isn’t like Christian Leattner who was a top draft pick and everyone assumed he would be an AMAZING pro… instead he was a decent role player and thus widely considered a bust.
Psycho-T is just a big-name player with low expectations, a solid skill set, questionalble NBA athleticism, and tons of intangibles… I would draft him, especially if we can score that dude in the 2nd round. I don’t mind having dudes that other dudes might want to punch in the face all the time… that can be a strategic asset.
by Portland Dynasty on May 7, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Lost a bit of respect for Ben on that O-live Blake piece.
On the other hand, it did up my appreciation for his writing skills. It was well written, but it was a plainly biased piece. Most of all, what good is it to argue for getting rid of your starting PG without having a plan in place for his replacement?
I should note that I am both a Maryland grad and a big fan of Steve Blake, so my opinion is subject to bias as well.
hakkaa päälle !
I don't care if you have a young Wilt Chamberlain on your team
you don’t yell at a guy for shooting 42 percent from three point range.
If the Bulls can win with Paxon playing point, I’m sure we could win with Blake. But Ben is right, it’d be a heckuva lot easier if we had a quicker, more defensive guard playing alongside Roy.
acta est fabula plaudite -- Thanks for a great season.
Like I said in my rant
You don’t blame a back up for beating out the guys who were drafted to start. You blame the wasted draft pick.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
absolutely
I appreciate and love what Steve Blake has done as the Blazer point guard. He’s given an incredible amount of effort to make the Blazers the best team possible…
I just see him as a backup playing twenty minutes a game.
My point in this comment was that MJ winning a title with a shooter-only at the point doesn’t really say a lot… he’s also one of the only players to win without a dominant big man.
draft dejuan blair
I just did.
the Bulls had Michael Jordan
you can’t really compare.
acta est fabula plaudite -- Thanks for a great season.
Not Daye or Hansbrough
Daye may be a talent, but he’s another skinny big whose best asset is versatility. Pass. We need guys who will mix it up.
Hansbrough fits a positional need (backup 4), but best case scenario, he’s physically overmatched at the position and gets by on desire and skill. KP has no history of drafting guys like that.
I like Blair, but he’ll be gone.
$100 says if we stay at 24, KP takes best Euro available with the idea of leaving him overseas for a couple years. Any takers?
by Hawthorne Wingo on May 6, 2009 10:54 AM PDT reply actions
Hansbrough has 4 years under a great coach and championship experience
KP would draft someone like that. And most back up 4’s are undersized.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
most backup 4s are short
not undersized, I’d say. Most of the good backup 4s are Maxiell, Milsap, Bass… thick guys.
draft dejuan blair
athletic, too
TH was a great college player, but as an NBA 4, he’ll be shorter and slower and less explosive than most of the guys he plays against. It’s not impossible to oversome those disadvantages, but it’s hard. I don’t see KP drafting a guy who — even if he’s a good pro, which is possible — will be at a physical disadvantage most nights.
by Hawthorne Wingo on May 6, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Give me 6 Mcdonald's Americans and I can be a great coach too.
My avatar is 3 years into the future for sure...
i know something seriously
that i’m not going to post right now,but somebody high on this site knows something similiar could come up.that said i would persue a jefferson8ridenour combo for sergio travis frye and our 24.th pick.that move will kill 2 birds with 1 stone.a pg who knows nate and a real baller who performs at playoff time period.
If that happens
I’ll mail you my left testicle, and it is my favorite. I’m not sure how I can safely remove it, but I’ll find a way if I have to. I’ll let the trade folks discredit the trade.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
Yeah, Richard Jefferson is soft nowadays and Nate McMillan never got along with Luke Ridnour ...
in Seattle — for the Blaine, WA native was loved by Wally Walker and Rick Sund, while “Sarge” placed his faith in Antonio Daniels — so fatty’s idea makes no sense whatsoever.
Exactly
Ridnour made it testicle worthy. No way Nate wants him back and I love Ridnour as a U of O fan. He’s not even a lateral move.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
That poll is missing the clear option
draft the best talent available regardless of position.
hmmm
True, but this may not be that kind of draft. People say it sucks, but I say it’s wide open. Almost any one of these players could turn into something special.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
by haildablazer on May 6, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the NBA has already moved into drafting BPA (Not counting Sac)
I think that is how KP is able to wheel and deal because he tells guys, “Look, I know you want player X but he’s still going to be available when we draft, so just draft player Y, and we’ll draft X, and trade you player Z as well. And you have to pay player X less money because of his draft position.”
I think mock drafts will always be wrong because GM’s or coaches will fall in love with guys, but I think the the future of the draft is drafting in somewhat of an order and trading for the guy you want if you can get him. If a team has the 3rd pick and they only get offered trash for it, they’ll use the pick and make it work.
" i wish you were my dad :)" - In Walks Rudy
That wouldn't be too bad
Conley did pretty good after he got the starting job. He can shoot 3’s, drive, is a good passer, and is supposed to be a decent defender. There is also the Oden factor.
Trade up in the draft
I say we use 1 of our second rounders and our first rounder to trade up and draft Jordan Hill. He is a good big man who can bang down low with our second team. Something that Channing Frye dosent do. Its not like we need all these picks anyway. We still have Joel Freeland and Petteri Koponen overseas
Dude Jordan Hill can NOT bang
A banger is a Millsap, Brandon Bass, McDyess, Maxiel, Reggie Evans type. Jordan Hill would be like Frye.
Jordan Hill is like Chris Wilcox and Drew Gooden, who are lazy defensively in spite of being solid ...
on the glass. Anyhow, Hill will likely be selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 6th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft something; thus, it’s of no matter to us.
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