Blazers seek player to taker pressure off Roy.

"The Blazers' mental pursuit of Carter, Gerald Wallace and another small forward in their breed, whose name escapes me, was about taking pressure off Brandon Roy to carry the team offensively in the playoffs. They decided against tampering with chemistry. However, in light of how Roy was converged upon like bouncers in a bar fight, the new plan is recruit a free agent veteran (Hedo Turkoglu, specifically) or acquire one.

Portland will be Lee's strongest suitor. Detroit, with cap room, has interest, too. Lee declined to say whether he'll be in the Rose City July 1 for a recruiting trip. "I haven't discussed it," Lee said."-New York Post

5 months ago Nick Van Excellent 33 comments 0 recs |

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I'm starting to come around to David Lee.

1.) From purely a minutes standpoint it really makes sense. Lee can cover both the backup center and PF minutes giving him about 34 minutes a game. That’s good production coming from Lee whereas Pryzbilla is probably only going to be able to fill 20 minutes a game at center and can’t play PF at all.

2.) Joel has value to teams that NEED a big body. His value to the Blazers is diminished because we have Oden and also because the second unit is built to run. It would almost be better to have an undersized center just to mix up the offense and allow Rudy, Bayless, Aldridge, and Batum to get out in the open court more. Lee has proven he can thrive in a running offense, which is exactly what the second unit should be.

3.) In the end David Lee might actually be cheaper. Right now Joel and Outlaw are covering the backup PF and Center minutes. Even if Lee costs 10 million a year it’s still going to be less than keeping Joel and resigning Outlaw to a new contract.

Maybe I’m crazy, but what if the Blazers could sign Lee and then turn some combination of Joel, Outlaw, Blake, Bayless, Sergio, and Draft picks into a legit starting PG? Wouldn’t that just about solve everything?

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 21, 2009 8:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Interior defense wins championships, which is why David Lee and LaMarcus Aldridge playing next ...

to each other on the frontline for roughly 16 minutes per game would be an absolute disaster. It saddens me greatly that not everyone realizes this fact, but Joel Przybilla is the third most important member of the Portland Trail Blazers behind Brandon Roy and Greg Oden.

by AK1984 on Jun 21, 2009 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Lee is a “center” in NY, Golden State and very few other places. The Blazers just got done being run over in the playoffs by a more physically-tough Houston team and B’edgers want to deal Joel away?

That sounds like a foreign policy built on “negotiations” rather than a strong deterrent (whoops, mixing metaphors again…nothing to see here, move along…)

How about KP goes out and finds the “next” David Lee and pays him 2-3 mil/year to play behind LMA? Keep the two-headed center monster, they come in handy

by two4larue on Jun 21, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're lucky this isn't the junk drawer

cause I would so hijack the thread

"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"

by Magnum on Jun 21, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Portland is looking for another scorer to take the pressure off of Roy

Then Lee it out of the question, he can’t get his own shot or create for others. This sounds like pure speculation. And I really really hope this team does not make the mistake of signing Hedu.

Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?

by usmcr3049 on Jun 21, 2009 8:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

David Lee?

We’ve been over this before. Portland doesn’t have the PF minutes available for Lee, unless they deal LMA. Lee can’t play center for anyone except D’Antoni or Don Nelson, and he’s not a SF, either.

I don’t think KP can pursue Lee effectively unless he deals LMA, and he shouldn’t deal LMA unless he knows he’s got a replacement starting PF in the bag, beforehand

Don’t overpay for Hedo. He’s not the tough defender that the team needs, and while he would help “take the pressure” off Brandon, I think both of them need the ball in their hands at crunch time to be productive

by two4larue on Jun 21, 2009 8:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Regardless of the likelihood that Hedo Turkoglu will be overpaid by the Orlando Magic this summer and ...

is reaching the age wherein he’ll decline in the near future, people don’t seem to realize that he and Brandon Roy would play the same exact position in Nate McMillan’s high/low zone offense.

As with Roy, Turkoglu is a ballside wing (i.e., shooting guard) on offense; therefore, he must frequently have the ball in his hands to create offense for himself. That doesn’t even begin to point out Turkoglu’s drawbacks defensively, which is another reason why a duo of him and Roy at the wings would be an abject failure.

by AK1984 on Jun 21, 2009 8:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Blazers seek player to taker pressure off Roy.

taker is a funny word.

by In Walks Rudy on Jun 21, 2009 9:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why does Peter Vecsey only report rumors?

I don’t trust that guy. Nice find though NVE.

by tominhawaii on Jun 21, 2009 9:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The more "hot" names get weeded out

the more we come back round to great scorers and ball handlers like Vince Carter and Jason Terry. Yes, they are not fashionable and they are expensive, but for reliable veteran leadership, dead on scoring and near all-star play that should last for years more you can’t beat those guys. Those two guys have been my picks since the trade deadline debates and they still have appeal. Name some other veterans on that high level that can be had with reasonable offers. I can think of three or four more but I’d like to hear it from you. Yes, the list includes Hinrich but please don’t say it because we heard enough about him for now.

by oregonslee on Jun 21, 2009 10:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a catch-22 question

Because I could name someone like “Tony Parker” or “Devin Harris” but there is no “reasonable offer” I can make that doesn’t gut the current Blazer’s roster

Or, I could name “Ramon Sessions” but he can’t hold a proverbial candle (reputation or scoring-wise) to Carter or Terry.

“We” can only propose reasonable offers for complimentary players because we don’t have the inside info on the opposing team’s financial situations, or the knowledge of “how far” Paul Allen and KP are willing to go (spending money and assets) to improve the roster

So we wait, and hope KP drops a bomb on draft day. Maybe he’ll acquire an “expected” name, or maybe he’ll pull another rabbit out of Paul’s hat. (Anything would be better than nothing, like we got back in Feb)

by two4larue on Jun 21, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If it's true that Nate is demanding veteran help

I take that to mean one of the “older” players. Tony Parker’s great but he can’t be reasonably had, whereas a guy like Stephen Jackson could. The veteran they want will be a difference maker on this team for several years and will bring popular appeal as well as scoring. That would include the usual suspect like Wallace, Prince and Jefferson. But if wants to pull out the rabbit then all bets are off.

by oregonslee on Jun 21, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LoL

Stephen Jackson will not be suiting up in a blazer uniform. Whoever they recruit, it won’t be someone with a rap sheet. Pretty sure that incident at the strip club only helped his rep with Zbo.

by lurtsman on Jun 22, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As usual with Vecsey, this article makes NO FREAKING SENSE!

It’s the daily pig he drives through the village. Or as he calls it, “hoop du jour”.

We need a player in the mold of Carter (who Vecsey loves and thus overrates), Gerald Wallace, and Richard Jefferson (the name that escapes him) to help Roy score? Fine, lets take that as your introductory analysis. But the first player I think about then now if this is the goal is not Turkoglu, it’s still those three. They are as available or not available as at the last deadline (rumors of Carter going to Cleveland for their expiring deals, other rumors out of NJ…).

I hate Vecsey. He and Sam Smith from Bulls.com and Alan Hahn from Newsday from should write for the Hoopsworld rumor section. And that’s an insult to Wendell Maxey who does research and reporting. Maybe Bleacher Report? Deadspin? Their own blogspot blog? If Cuban’s crazy idea of banning bloggers with fake rumors from the ESPN rumor mill would have any merit, Vecsey & Co would be the first who would also have to go.

P.S.: The Lee talk is in another NY Post Article by Marc Berman. At least now it is.

Still makes not sense. Only the NY media loves Lee and would hate to lose him for nothing, how about we continue by saying Portland wants him too?

by Norsktroll on Jun 21, 2009 10:31 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Consider the source

NY Post is known for using the “shot-gun” approach for RUMORS to create interest.

I agree Norsktroll. Their credibility for substance in a rumor is minimal at best.

by spencerbutte on Jun 21, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The rain was a foreboding foreshadow, because Lee will see a lot of rain the rest his career if he bolts New York for Portland.

Yuk it up New york. Wow, it rains a lot in Portland! What nuanced, original reporting.

by Samsara on Jun 21, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And “foreshadow” is a verb.

by Samsara on Jun 21, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Stephen Jackson?

by oregonslee on Jun 21, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've always gone with the assumption that

if the major sports writers are saying it’s a rumor or its possible, than it definitely WONT happen.

"Respect everyone, fear no one." -TP

by Arby on Jun 21, 2009 10:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Did Vecsey just forget about LaMarcus?

David Lee is awesome but he’s not coming to Portland. He wouldn’t even start here, why would he come here to be a backup? Even if he did agree to come off the bench, he would still be too expensive for a bench player.

"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice

by koyote on Jun 21, 2009 12:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

People, people. This David Lee we're talking about. He is a double double machine, and would be a nightmare off the bench at the 4 and the 5.

He wouldn’t start, no, but could get around 30 minutes backing up Greg and LMA in a daunting 3 big rotation. Yes, his interior D is suspect, but we could sign a veteran defensive big for the veteran mininum to bolster our rotation. I say if we can sign Lee, do it. Then if a premier PG ( Rondo, Williams, Parker ) became available in the future we could offer LMA or Joel.

by dario argento on Jun 21, 2009 1:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

why are we going to pay

10m for suspect interior D, inflated NY pace stats, and bench one of the best R/40min who is making $3m less in Przy?

Collegiate stats:

NCAA Arizona:
Jerryd Bayless: 19.7pts, 4.0 asts, 3to

NAIA Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Terry Porter: 19.7pts, 4.3 asts, 2.33to

by SpyderRyder on Jun 21, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We could probably get away with paying less than 10m.

And Lee’s rebounding % ( 18.4% ) is at least on par with Joel’s rebounding % ( 22.8% ). Lee also has a fantastic pick and roll game, that when paired with Roy and either LMA or Greg would be devastating. I also think his Defense would be better in Portland. I’m not sold on the idea, just excited by it.
link

by dario argento on Jun 21, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

to me it would be

easier to grab McDyess for a pick and roll partner or at least teach LMA to roll instead of pop. We should be able to grab him for a few mil.

It is just backup PF is lower down the list in pressing needs compared to getting a starting PG.

Collegiate stats:

NCAA Arizona:
Jerryd Bayless: 19.7pts, 4.0 asts, 3to

NAIA Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Terry Porter: 19.7pts, 4.3 asts, 2.33to

by SpyderRyder on Jun 21, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We should be able to grab him for a few mil.

If it were only that easy, KP’s “job” would’ve been over weeks ago! McDyess wil have a lot of suitors this offseason, and Portland will be ‘way down his list, due to location. KP will have to overpay Antonio to get him to even consider moving out here. I agree he’d be a great fit, but for a “few” mil? Not happening.

Backup PF and starting PG are both important and need to be addressed. I don’t see one as being “more important” than the other, though the PF job “could” be filled with a rookie (Blair!) but any starting PG “upgrade” will have to come via trade

by two4larue on Jun 21, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are reports - scratch that - rumors indicated both interest in Lee and no interest (the old Hedo rumors)

http://www.postingandtoasting.com/2009/6/21/920370/do-the-blazers-want-david-lee

by Norsktroll on Jun 21, 2009 3:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Artest?

he likes roy and trailblazers.

"shaq and zach randolph have the same trainer... "

best one liner i ever heard.

by bowdown on Jun 21, 2009 4:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Expect a run at both carter and Wallace

both players add veteran leadership and take pressure off Roy…i expect us to call nj and charlotte and try to work something out espically if we draft curry..then either curry or bayless will be expandible

by ripcity92 on Jun 21, 2009 4:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Carter is NO leader

And if he does end up as a leader for this team, we are screwed

C*mcast sucks!

by Blazermaniac77 on Jun 21, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

It’s almost as if no one takes any time to think about trades and FA acquisitions. I know I don’t see all the angles either, but I, at least, go past “Portland has some capspace, Lee is a RFA ergo Portland should get Lee”. These rumors are terrible.

I’m also slightly puzzled by the interest that some Blazer fans have in Lee. Inflated NY stats, poor defense, wants starter money but we can only give him backup minutes…bleh, no thanks.

"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"

by Magnum on Jun 21, 2009 10:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sort of true.

wants starter money but we can only give him backup minutes

Except Joel is currently getting starters money, but we can only give him backup minutes. If you thought you could move Joel and/or LMA in a deal for a legit franchise PG you might be tempted to take it. In that case David Lee is probably the best 4/5 that’s available.

If it came down to it who would you rather have? Lamarcus Aldridge or David Lee+ Devin Harris? Not saying it’s going to happen, but I’m not entirely sure LMA is untouchable. How much would you really lose if you replaced him with Lee? Better rebounding, slightly worse defense, same PER, better ts%,AND you get a legit PG.

Sounds tempting.

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on Jun 21, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

best answer I can give you

Roy and Aldridge will be eligible to negotiate contract extensions between one and five years beginning July 1…The maximum for those contracts is three years at $45 million and four years at $63 million. “We will have talks with them the second we can,” Pritchard said. “We know they are both foundational pieces and we want them long term.”

I like Harris a lot, but I’d try to find another way to get him and keep LMA

Lee was a better idea when he was cheaper; he’s not a backup center. OTOH Joel is the backbone of the Blazer’s defense and rebounding

by two4larue on Jun 22, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the way to take pressure off of Roy

Is to put a PG who plays good D[sorry Steve,I think your a great guy] and can hit the the 3 with a minium of turnovers on the floor with him,Kirk or Collison fit the bill. Bayless might be that guy but I want to see real improvement in his vision and passing before I think he is the guy.

by southern oregon on Jun 22, 2009 7:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs