Hill, Mcdyess and Hinrich

from Grant to Steven, and I agree 100%.

I would want Grant Hill only if he’d be willing to be 3rd on the depth chart at SF, at least to start the season. I don’t like the idea of splitting 48 minutes between three players and both Webster and Batum need playing time. I wonder if he’d be willing to do that, considering that he’s shown in Phoenix that he can still play fairly well. But I’d absolutely take him if he’s willing to play that role.

Another option there could be Ime Udoka, who I think might be willing to sit on the bench just to stay in the league, especially coming back to Portland. He could still play some good minutes if Webster’s injury lingers (knock on wood) and he’s already a known quantity in the locker room from his previous stint. Plus he would give just what the team needs from a 3rd SF: defense and 3-point shooting (37% career, though only 33% last year).

Overall, though, I think Hinrich, McDyess, and Hill (or Udoka) would make this a great offseason.

Wasn’t Grant quoted as saying he’d retire before leaving Phoenix? I remember something like that and it was in the context of the dry air and their awesome trainers.

I would be happy with this plan. Allows Martell time to get back into form and provides cheap, veteran insurance. Same with McDyess. And obviously I love Hinrich. Good proposal that makes sense and is undoubtedly realistic.

I’ve read on Blogabull that he’s not the greatest defender against speedier PGs. In fact, it was argued that he’s better against SFs than SGs because he’s maybe lost a step. So, while he adds wing defense, he may not be able to shut down the Aaron Brooks and CPs better than Blake could.

So does this “fact” (assuming its true) alter the calculations of his value to the Blazers at all? Could Batum shift over and take on the PGs while Hinrich takes on the SG/SF’s, or would that not work? I’m not trying to posit an argument, just wondering.

The Blazers should consider Bruce Bowen. He’s likely to be renounced by Milwaukee, and he’s not going back to San Antonio. He’s good friends with Monty, and he would add toughness and playoff experience to Portland’s bench. Nate could play BB spot minutes during the regular season, then turn him loose on the opponent’s best wing player during the playoffs, to clutch and grab and be a general nuisance.

If you want to win multiple playoff series, this is the kind of player you need

I’m also of the opinion that we don’t need another all star, but 2 or 3 heady veterans who’d be happy to come off the bench.

legitimate championship contender this season. So, after immediately crossing the Portland Trail Blazers off of that list, I’d look for a veteran squad that could use my skill set.

For McDyess, the Boston Celtics make the most sense. With the overrated Glen Davis as a restricted free-agent, Leon Powe out indefinitely with a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee, and Brian Scalabrine being a pile of suck, McDyess could come in and be the primary backup for Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett on the Celtics frontline.

The Celtics could theoretically sign McDyess to a two-year, $4,139,200 contract (i.e., 2009-2010: $1,990,000 & 2010-2011: $2,149,200) with the bi-annual exception, which’d be a fair deal for both parties.

For Grant Hill, the Los Angeles Lakers make a boatload of sense if Trevor Ariza bolts via free agency — which isn’t likely to occur in my opinion — while another option would be for him to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns to a one-year, minimum-level contract due to him enjoying the area. Hill, moreover, may also consider returning to the Orlando Magic at a one-year, minimum-level contract, but only if Hedo Turkoglu heads off elsewhere.