The more I read comments and see signs that Bayless might be getting a legitimate shot next season to prove himself at PG, added to my suspicion that Blake isn’t going anywhere because KP likes him too much to move him. I think that a change at PG is not likely this season. I don’t see why Brandon could not step in and play more point if he had to during the regular season (i.e. in case of injury to Blake or Bayless), and especially during the playoffs if Bayless still isn’t ready. Although I like the idea of Hinrich, it doesn’t seem likely that Hinrich will be brought in to replace Blake and move him to backup. It doesn’t seem clear cut enough to do it. I think KP is looking to get a marquee SF, one with obvious talent, size and/or upside; perhaps Hedo Turkoglu or my wildcard, Jeff Green (OKC). The only addition at point guard that I can see happening now is drafting Stephen Curry, which could happen in the trade with Washington for the #5 pick (see original post by dr chapstick above). So, I think KP lets Bayless or Stephen Curry run with the PG position next season and will wait another year before (possibly) having to make an expensive move to upgrade the position.

But I feel like small forward is one of two positions (PG and PF) where we can add depth and experience. If my hunch is true that that the point guard rotation stays pat (minus Sergio), then that leaves only SF to add skill and/or experience to improve our starting lineup. I think we need more size, strengh, and rebounding potential, to go along with scoring, at SF. I like Martel’s game and I think he’s skilled with room to improve, which is why I actually would like to see him get significant minutes to showcase himself next season. However, I look at him more like a SG that can serve as a versatile backup at the SF spot. This is why I’ve suggested trading Fernandez sooner than later. I think Martel has better size and skills for SG compared to SF, making him a potentially better defender and rebounder as a 2-guard than Rudy. Maretel also may prove to be better capable of getting his shot off (especially mid-range jumpers) in playoff-intensity games. Fernandez is one of the only pieces we have that can help us acquire another quality player through trade.

I also think Batum could be the long-term answer at SF, so signing anyone this offseason to play SF might look like a questionable move. However, it we did sign a player like Hedo or Caron Butler, I think we would instantly have a LIVE frontcourt capable of competing for a title. I don’t think we would have the same chance at a title adding Hinrich and having Martel and Nic at SF (assuming Outlaw is traded). Nic is very good now but he needs 2-3 years to fully develop his strength and offensive skills to be a true menace.

I think the Blazers’ window is open now if we can acquire a highly skilled player at PG (is Hinrich skilled enough?, I’d prefer someone with Devin Harris’ skillset) or SF that fills our immediate deficiencies. This could happen at PG, but I doesn’t look like KP and Co. are going to pass up the opportunity to see what Bayless brings to the table next year (unless they can get Stephen Curry), and I think Blake our best (and cheapest) insurance policy. I actually thought Blake played exceptional defense in the Houston series. He seemed in control and able to stay in front of the opposing point guard in my opinion. I also think Hinrich could step in and do better than Blake, but I think Blake is solid enough that instead using our cap space to aquire a decent upgrade at PG in Hinrich, we can use our cap space more effectively to upgrade our team at SF and backup PF.

  
The chance of Bayless improving next season
    

It just doesn’t seem like a change at PG will be made, but then again I wouldn’t mind moving Blake and Outlaw to the Bulls for Hinrich. I actually do think he has the potential to distance himself from Blake on the court, but it is at least not clear cut at this moment in time. It’s tough to say, but I think

 don’t think Martel has all the SF tools to carry us in the playoffs