To Our Friends in Houston
by Dave on Jul 27, 2009 11:42 PM PDT
327 comments
Hello Houston fans, Rockets management, General Manager Morey. It's just us Blazer fans stopping by to see how you're doing. Hot enough for you? Us too, actually. It's above 100 here. That's one of three things, along with snow and losses to the L*kers, that our city doesn't handle that well. I guess you don't handle snow that well either, huh? But then who does? Except Timberwolves fans, that is. I hear the last of their snow just left, eaten up by mosquitoes.
So, anyway, we wanted to talk to you about something. We've been friends for a while now, right? Well, I guess "friends" is stretching it a little between any two franchises. But hey, we've at least been on decent terms. There's always been respect between us. We've rooted for you every single time you've faced the L*kers in the playoffs. When we lost to you in the first round this year most of us admitted straight out it was because you were the better team. And hey, remember that thing back in '94 with Clyde Drexler? That's right. Hall-of-Famer. Best player in our franchise's history. We traded him to you for Otis Thorpe, if memory serves. He played half a season for us before heading to Detroit. Clyde helped you win it all and is still hanging around.
Actually, that's kind of what we wanted to talk to you about. Back then we were coming to the end of an era while you guys were peaking. It's funny how life turns around sometimes, isn't it? We couldn't help but notice that right now you're going through a transition period. We know it's not time to call it the end of an era for you because Yao Ming will surely be back at some point and he is the era. But when he does come back the team is going to look different. In fact it already looks radically different than it did even a year ago. You guys are retooling for sure. We, on the other hand, are starting to hit our stride. It's not an exact parallel to 1994, but you can see the similarities, right? Us too.
So, anyway...we just signed Philadelphia's Andre Miller to run the point position for us for a couple years. We have plenty of youth and talent but we needed a little veteran savvy and know-how to make things gel. And you know, we couldn't help but notice that you've got another nice veteran guy on your team, Shane Battier. We know you love him. We love him too.
See, here's the thing. It would be really, really good for us to have Battier in the starting lineup on the other side of Brandon Roy. Just think about this for a minute. You have Miller's pure point-guardishness providing one veteran plank and Battier's defense, intelligence, and perfect blending ability providing the other. Can you think of another couple of veterans better suited to play with Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden? Battier would make up for all of the things we lack in acquiring Miller and would accentuate all the positives of his teammates. It would be a thing of beauty...not just for us, for basketball itself. Unselfishness, smarts, compatible skills...that starting lineup has it all. Then you bring Joel Przybilla, Rudy Fernandez, and Nicolas Batum off the bench to provide some offensive and defensive support. You can see the gorgeous possibilities there, right?
And you know, that kind of scenario would be great for Shane too. He's been a team guy his whole career, doing whatever needs to be done without complaint. But he's getting older, Houston, and he's not really had the chance to go deep in the playoffs or play for a ring. I know there are flashier names out there as far as starting lineups, but the "whole-is-greater-than-the-parts" aspect of that potential Blazer roster is off the charts. This would be a team. Can you think of a more ideal fit...a combination of needing Shane and at the same time being able to provide him the possibility of realizing his dreams? We can't. He'd be in heaven here.
We know the thought of parting with him causes you pain. We know there's an instinctive, almost visceral "No" there. But in reality Shane's not going to be the same player for you that he was when Yao and Tracy were suiting up on a regular basis. You need more punch. You need more youth...guys who won't just make it until Yao gets back, but for the years beyond too. You're not looking at the next year or two as being your time. That's farther down the road. Battier's contract will be up by then and he'll be well along into his 30's. He's just not the right fit for you anymore.
Maybe the players the Blazers are willing to offer aren't the perfect fit either. We've liked Travis Outlaw, Jerryd Bayless, and Martell Webster, among others. Naming them in this context isn't meant as an insult to them. We're just kind of jammed up at a couple positions. We have an overabundance of young-ish scorers. We lack experienced defenders. For us, we'd be trading apples for an orange. But the apples are good!
We know you'd be hoping for a LaMarcus Aldridge level offer for Shane, but at this point he's just not going to draw that. But these guys we're talking about aren't chopped liver. In fact we'd venture to say any of them would be more productive for you than Otis Thorpe was for us, and Shane Battier is wonderful but he's no Clyde Drexler. You do remember that trade, don't you?
In case you're thinking you'd make a conference rival stronger, well, there's some truth to that. But really we're only talking the next two years which, as we said, is not going to be prime time for you anyway. After that Battier and Miller will be aged or gone and today's kids will be taking over. Some of those will be ex-kids of ours, now on your roster. It's really not that damaging to you. More so to the Nuggets and L*kers and, dare we say, the Jazz? Teams that have aspirations to be good immediately, those are the ones that would suffer. I'm sure that Jazz fans would have some choice things to say about you sending Battier to one of their chief division rivals. You can almost hear the squeal from Salt Lake now. That's music to all of our ears, eh?
So come on, Houston, give us a call. Pick out one or two of those young scorers. Let's talk contracts. Let's talk draft picks. Let's talk getting third teams involved. Let's just talk, OK? We're sure we can find a way to make everyone happy. Don't do it just for us. Heck, don't even do it just for yourselves. Do it for Shane, and for beautiful basketball. Some things are just right. They make too much sense not to happen.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
4 recs |
327 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
the problem is that they already have a young star potential pg and just signed ariza to sf
so bayless and travis dont make perfect sense for them.
by mandoman10 on Jul 27, 2009 11:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
araon brook or something. he killed it in the lakers series.
by mandoman10 on Jul 27, 2009 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I added a third team clause
just for you.
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 27, 2009 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
im just saying is all. needs to be emphasized that blazers prize trade pieces dont actually fit that well with a team that you are proposing trade with.
there are teams out there that would love those guys. and not sort of value them and need to get a third partay in. but it can be done. for sure. seems like zilla makes sense for them? or for that matter!…
anyone willing to part with greg for like battier and anothe piece? yes potential for proven material!
by mandoman10 on Jul 27, 2009 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
"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
by ratbastird on Jul 28, 2009 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not just "no"
H,E,double hockey sticks NO!
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
yeah, aaron brooks
Sigh…I guess not all blazers fans cheer for the oregon college teams in march madness…even when one of the teams reaches the elite eight.
by juanmiguel on Jul 28, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Lakers represented the Western Conference in the finals this year.
Did you cheer for them to win?
by MiledAnimal on Jul 28, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
college basketball is nothing like the nba and is the worst sport in existence.
by mandoman10 on Jul 28, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big fan of curling, eh???
Sorry, but March Madness is one of my favorite sports events of the year…
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Worst sport in existence?
It’s still basketball.
Pubert Jones > Hedo
by rockingharder on Jul 28, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
college basketball is amazing
and the tourney is one of the best sporting events on the planet…
yeah check out curling or the caber toss, that’s even better. you’ll love it!
http://basketballiluuminati.blogspot.com/
by blazersunited on Jul 28, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
im not the only one who thinks this. but in nccaa guards can't make post-entry passes. lay-ups are regular...
pass… pass… shot three pointer. that is actually just an nba two pointer. id rather just go play piock up basketball and enjoy simliar basketball.
by mandoman10 on Jul 29, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bayless isn't a PG, and wouldn't have to be in Houston
The reason it took us so long to sign Miller was that, after Summer League, KP finally had to admit that Bayless isn’t a PG. At the very least, it will take a couple more years to shoe-horn him into being a shoot first PG. Since we’ve already got Rudy eating up every available backup SG minute hear (and Batum/Webster looking for a few more), he isn’t going to get to play.
In Houston, he would be very able to battle for back-court minutes with:
James White (d-league all star/head case)
Aaron Brooks (too small)
Brent Barry (too old, pass-first SG)
Kyle Lowry (shoot-first combo-guard, too small)
Jermaine Taylor (second-rounder, who knows)
If I was Bayless, I’d like my odds of breaking into that rotation a lot better than in Portland.
All that glitters isn't chrome
by hoopla-pdx on Jul 28, 2009 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
aaron brooks can play pg in this league dude.
by mandoman10 on Jul 28, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just a little.
You know, being a key piece on the team that beat the Blazers in the playoffs and all.
Vinny Del Negro: Possibly the most unintentionally irritating last name in the history of last names [Hint: I can't for the life of me pronounce it correctly].
-Brandon Jennings: PG of the future!
by Prevenge on Jul 28, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, outlaw is redundant and a lesser player in houston as long as they have ariza and landry.
baylesss isn’t better than brooks or lowry.
the rockets have three needs if they trade battier
1) a true SG
2) a backup who can guard 1s to 3s to replace battier
3) get under LT.
I could see them accepting a trade like this rudy, batum, & filler for battier & jermaine taylor’s draft rights.
filler (outlaw?) would have to go to a third team who are either under the cap with blazers sending cash or traded for atkins non-guaranteed contract.
miller blake
roy bayless taylor
battier webster cunningham
aldridge pendergraph
pryzbilla oden
by wayno on Jul 28, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not going to happen, but
If by chance some alien life-form took control of KP’s body/mind and he agreed to include Rudy and Batum in a Battier deal, the Blazers still would need to have their “choice” of the best remaining big man on Houston’s roster to come along to Portland with Shane
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That has to be the most tactful way to ask for a player I've every heard
Very impressive…..effective? Maybe not so much but the effort was there.
by MadBlaze on Jul 27, 2009 11:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Indeed. Incredible effort. Well done, Dave!
"be where you are when you're there"
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jul 28, 2009 6:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If this is a dig at BDL as I believe it is, and I am not taking the phrase
“do it for beautiful basketball” out of context, then well played, sir, well played.
If not…well it IS Shane Battier. I want him pretty bad.
"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"
-Ron Artest
by premthegrem on Jul 27, 2009 11:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ball Don't Lie
Kelly Dwyer wrote a piece about how Lamar Odom should stay in LA because with him, the l*kers have a chance to become a dynasty. Essentially a puff piece about the fakers being on top is good for the NBA. My opinion as a blazer fan notwithstanding, I thought it was kind of trashy for a national blogger with ‘reportedly’ no team biases, but eh I guess that’s the Tinseltown red carpet treatment for ya.
Anyway, I thought your post was a loose mock on that piece.
"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"
-Ron Artest
by premthegrem on Jul 28, 2009 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but obviously, it isn't
"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"
-Ron Artest
by premthegrem on Jul 28, 2009 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh...why yes
Yes, that was a subtle part of my plan. You spotted it, you sly devil you.
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions 8 recs
Ironic
Dwyer’s piece actually was legitimately about just wanting to see beautiful basketball being played, while this article was actually about just wanting to help improve the Blazers; yet you appeared to have a problem with Dwyer’s article and not this one. Understandable that your biases about the Blazers would account for a somewhat hypocritical stance, but the real irony is that you’re upset that someone else might have bias like you yourself do, when in fact he does not.
by WildYams on Jul 28, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Differences
1. This article was tongue in cheek. Houston is not going to give us a player just for the sake of us playing beautiful basketball, or because we let them have Drexler years ago.
2. Dwyer’s article advocated good things for the L@kers. That automatically makes it an evil article. The End.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
3. BDL is a national NBA blog. This is a team-centered blog, centered on the Blazers.
Pubert Jones > Hedo
by rockingharder on Jul 28, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey WildYams, Henry just made a comment about the Blazers again.
Go get him, Tiger!
by MiledAnimal on Jul 28, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Please
Dwyer is an outed Bulls fan. He’s not biased towards the Lakers, and suggesting that had anything to do with the team playing in LA is ridiculous. As a general NBA fan, he likes watching teams play great basketball. With Odom, the Lakers had the potential to play excellent ball, without him, they lose a lot of that potential. It wouldn’t have been any different if the team had been the Spurs, Cavs, or Kings who were coming off a title.
by Royster on Jul 28, 2009 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RT: with him, the l*kers have a chance to become a dynasty
that sound like a fluff piece that was done with David Stern and the TV execs in mind
they all know where their bread is buttered, the L*A market needs to be strong for the NBA to remain solvent…and it’s been that way since the ’60s
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry but since Houston lost Yao, it would take JP to get Battier from
the Rockets, FYI, the salaries are a perfect match.
by adam32492 on Jul 28, 2009 12:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm guessing
that’s przy?
"When jumpers are outlawed only Outlaw will take jumpers"-LoadedOrygun
by DominicanAvenger on Jul 28, 2009 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think id be willing to do that trade. pryz for battier. they need a center. what about bayless and pryz though. they'd push for somehting.
by mandoman10 on Jul 28, 2009 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hou got their C in David Andersen. Apparently their scouts don't like Pryz...
On another note, they were offering McGrady on his own or a trade package based around Brooks and Battier for the 2nd, 5th, and 6th picks in order to get Rubio.
by wayno on Jul 28, 2009 6:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Their scouts seriously thought
Andersen was better than Przy? That’s scary- Houston has really good scouts. What do they see that we don’t? Andersen is Aaron Grey reborn from all I’ve seen of him.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Jul 28, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andersen is a lot more skilled offensively than Grey or Przy
Andersen has range out at least to the FIBA 3 pt line.
by jksnake99 on Jul 28, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops
Wonder who I was looking at. This is the Australian guy, right?
Must have been looking at the wrong Aussie.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Jul 28, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that would be a bigger trade
because if we get battier we need to trade a small forward simply for the concern over minutes. And at this point I’m willing to trade two talented guys like trout and pryz for a guy who’s talent is better than both. battier might not be as good as the sum of the parts we would give to houston, but he gives us a real chance at being a major contender
by StocktonNEP on Jul 28, 2009 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
David Anderson is going to work out pretty well for them, but they have nobody to back him up
All that glitters isn't chrome
by hoopla-pdx on Jul 28, 2009 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our Dream Shake representative should post this on their site to see Rocket Fan's reaction
by ppilot on Jul 28, 2009 12:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
pitchforks?
"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
by ratbastird on Jul 28, 2009 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think id be willing to part with pryz for battier.
by mandoman10 on Jul 28, 2009 12:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Interior defense is of more importance than perimeter defense.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Jul 28, 2009 5:58 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I am ashamed to share my Blazer fandom
with those who are willing to trade Joel Przybilla for Shane Battier.
by GMan83201 on Jul 28, 2009 12:15 AM PDT reply actions 8 recs
that would kill the blazers
The players may be equal (as required by a straight trade) but the hole that Przy leaves is greater than the hole that Shane fills.
"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
by ratbastird on Jul 28, 2009 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm with you
the Blazers have one of the best backup centers and PGs in the NBA
how about this? let’s keep them!
small forwards we have plenty of, if Webster’s healthy
let’s consolidate 2 for 1
So, leave Joel out of Dave’s proposal, or start your own fanpost
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Oden's gonna be as good as you hope
Then Pryz is nothing more than a backup, and trading him for Battier is swapping a backup for a starter.
The only way for the Blazers to move up is to start consolidating talent. Teams almost never win championships based on having relative uniform talent across the board at most positions, starter and bench player alike. Typical championship teams usually just have a real solid 8 man rotation. There are exceptions, but they’re rare.
Bottom line: a Blazer championship team almost surely features a solid beast of a starting center in Greg Oden with 10-15 backup minutes for someone else, not a two-headed center platoon. If Oden isn’t gonna be that center, well I hate to break it to you but Pryz isn’t gonna be that guy either; so if you can trade Pryz to shore up a weak link (starting SF), then it’s a good move.
by WildYams on Jul 28, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I've said it before...and I'm sure I'll say it again (probably tomorrow)
The #1 goal for the Blazers this offseason was to add toughness to the roster. So why are you being so quick to run their toughest hombre out of town? The next quote you hear from Joel about “not happy with his role or PT” will be the first time, and the chances of anyone ever hearing him complain about anything (except losing ballgames) is ZERO
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think you people overvalue shane battier a little bit too much.
he’s OK, i guess, for someone with no offense, skill, talent, or athletic ability. but hey, he’s got a high basketball IQ, right? (sigh)
by notoriousj on Jul 28, 2009 12:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
To say that an NBA player
who has averaged 10 points a game and 39% three-point shooting for his eight-year career and who has been named an All-NBA defender has “no offense, skill, talent, or athletic ability” is asinine.
If you think somebody is overvaluing Battier, then make a cogent argument for your case — rather than blanket assertions that are comically untrue.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions 8 recs
Not gentle, but accurate.
I hate Dave’s proposed trade (see “Take two Valium ans Call me in the Morning” below), but it is ridiculous to say that Battier isn’t an accomplished player.
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we are lacking a sarcasm detector.
Obviously Battier has lots of skill.
The point was to mock BBIQ worshipers, not Battier.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
by staylost on Jul 28, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of the best (if not THE best) defensive Small Forwards in the league...
Can you imagine what that would do for Nic’s development??? unreal…
that said, we need Przy more than Battier at this point…
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden hasn't proven he can stay out of foul trouble
Przybilla should stay
by Tulo2low on Jul 28, 2009 12:17 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
agree
Portland's PG of the Future - Meet John Wall
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
by Net Ranger on Jul 28, 2009 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i mean is greg the future or not...
sheeesh. gotta take som risk
by mandoman10 on Jul 28, 2009 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No we don’t. Not really, Personally i love having that insurance policy in Pryz.
"be where you are when you're there"
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jul 28, 2009 6:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You take risk
when it looks like you have a good return on investment. I don’t see the return being greater than the risk. I see a small return on a HUGE risk.
"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
by ratbastird on Jul 28, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joel is gone after this year, in all likelihood
That mitigates the risk somewhat
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Jul 28, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden goes down for a month with a strained knee.
Przy is gone. Now what?
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
by Arby on Jul 28, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is why
KP needs to add a veteran 4/5 like…Jeff Foster
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rec
I shudder at the thought of LMA playing substantial minutes at the 5.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 7:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I shudder at the thought of Joel opting out of his contract...
and us not having anything to show for it.
by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 28, 2009 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't like that thought any more than you do
but I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion, or even likely, that he opts out.
The salary cap has fallen to 57.7 million this year and the NBA is projecting it to dip another $5-8 million for 2010-11 happens to be the year Joel could exercise his ETO.
With a doomsday cap scenario of $50-52 million (dropping the luxury tax line to about $61 million) and a world economic crunch tightening owners’ wallets, what kind of market do you see for a 31-year-old center with a history of injuries and no offensive game to speak of? The maximum anybody would offer Joel is the full midlevel, and I doubt even that would happen considering that Gortat only got the full midlevel and he has much more upside than Przy.
We will match on anything up to, and including, the full midlevel exception. I know an ETO makes somebody a UFA, but I can’t imagine Joel leaving Portland if the money is the same in both places. And that’s even if he opts out! Joel had the chance to play for a contender — Detroit, San Antonio — and decided to resign with Portland during the darkest days. I can’t believe he’d fly the coop for greener pastures now that he’s become such an integral, respected part of the team and the Blazers are on the cusp of great things.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I disagree...
A big, defensive-minded rebounder who brings the toughness every day? He’d get at least $8mil per if not more, short term…
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only if someone has the cap space
and there may not be that much cap space around.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Think Zombie Sonics...
YOu think Presti wouldn’t love to have Joel around for a couple of years???
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Presti is going to have to deal with some big salaries soon
He’s probably going to be very picky about who he goes after.
by DonkeyShins on Jul 28, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's possible
But there are going to be more UFAs around than cap space, next year, I think.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys actually agree then
because DonkeyShins is saying that Presti wouldn’t pursue Przy for the same reason he’s not pursuing Lee — he has to deal with the extensions of Durant et al in a small market with shallow-pocketed owners. If there are more UFAs than cap space, it makes it all the less likely that Joel would become a Thunder…er.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know we agree
I was making a supplementary statement.
I don’t think Joel leaves.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then I'll stop trying to broker understanding.
Seeing as I am not trading in plentiful quantities of it myself.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My statement was very unclear
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not unclear...
I’d go for “enigmatic”. Sounds mysterious and reinforces the whole future ruler of the world vibe.
But thanks for agreeing.
by DonkeyShins on Jul 28, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RT: but I can’t imagine Joel leaving Portland if the money is the same in both places
rec
and the Blazers will be able to offer him more $
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMA is getting bigger
and stronger, and developing an inside game. No reason he can’t play the 5.
However, keep Oden and Przy. Most teams would love to have just one of them, and you are in a great position if you have two legit centers.
"HA HA HA HA HA
I'm not laughing, I'm just listing the five ugliest Blazers ever."
- rockingharder
by jamon51 on Jul 28, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lotsa reasons LMA can't play the 5 (for extended minutes, keep in mind)
His net PER is +6.1 against power forwards; -2.6 against centers.
He averages nearly a rebound more per/48 than opposing PFs; he averages nearly 1.5 rebounds less per/48 when matched up against opposing centers.
Our best lineup featuring LMA as a center was our sixth-most effective lineup overall based on plus-minus.
LMA is an incredible downgrade from Przy on the defensive glass: 14.1% defensive rebound percentage versus 29.0% (second-best in the league!)
I think LaMarcus is a fine, fine player, and he will be in All-Star conversation this year…as a power forward. LaMarcus as the primary backup for Joel would be disastrous for the Blazers without even beginning to discuss the defensive ramifications. And I know you aren’t advocating that we trade Joel.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Has LaMarcus played at SF at all? If so, I'd like to see stats for that.
by MiledAnimal on Jul 28, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he has played SF
then that lineup didn’t get enough burn for 82games.com to have numbers on it, either in the best five-man unit category or under LMA’s personal breakdown.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand your points
…but I think if you add in his expected, marked improvement overall and compare him apples-to-apples against other mobile, outside shooting centers (think Okur), he will match up pretty well. His rebounding numbers may be pretty poor defensively but his offensive rebounding is excellent. And he’s got center height (and is becoming forward/center weight-wise too).
I want to keep him a power forward, but I saw a significant enough swing toward an inside player that I don’t think we should limit him to just the 4.
But I guess we basically agree—I don’t want him playing extended minutes either. Maybe 6 per game max, if any.
Oh, and to reply to the below, he is NOT a small forward. Doesn’t have the handles, lateral speed, and either three point range or slashing game that an NBA small forward needs. That’s okay. I think of Aldridge as a PF/C.
"HA HA HA HA HA
I'm not laughing, I'm just listing the five ugliest Blazers ever."
- rockingharder
by jamon51 on Jul 28, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If LMA is playing the 5, who's playing the 4?
Outlaw? Pendergram?
keep Joel, Przy wants to be around, and KP likes guys who “want” to be in PDX
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Utah matched Milsap
the possibility of trading Joel went to about 0.01%. If they hadn’t matched, it might have been 5-10%.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and when the Jazz matched Millsap
the Blazer’s need for a 4th veteran big man stayed exactly the same
Would KP trade Joel if he got the “right” offer? (Devin Harris? Rudy Gay? Some other player that KP keeps on his “short list” of special fits?) Probably, but I’m not expecting the Nets or Grizzlie’s GMs to call his cell phone with “those” kind of offers, any time soon
And I don’t hink Przy lays awake at night thinking about where he’s gonna play next, when he gets the chance to “opt out” I think KP and JP’s “mutual commitment” level is about as strong a bond as you’ll find in pro sports between a player and a GM, these days
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guinnevere drew pendergraphs
like yours, m’lady, like yours. – David Crosby
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
by 22baylor on Jul 29, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMA is a below average rebounder for a PF.
And that becomes a glaring weakness at the center position (among other things).
by austinpwnz on Jul 28, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He SHOULD be a double-double machine...
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes Dave, I would love to buy a used car from you
Seriously though, Battier is near the top of my list of realistic guys to go after. Certainly not for Joel, as we only have 3 bigs right now, but for some combination of the other guys mentioned. It would make my day.
Rex is a starter by the 2010 trade deadline. Watch.
by dan_the_man on Jul 28, 2009 12:22 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
you think this would go through?
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=lmq9j4
turiaf and blake to houston, outlaw and 2010 1st round blazer pick to golden state, battier to portland
thats outlaw, blake, and next years pick (22-30) for battier
…we wouldn’t really be losing anything..
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 12:38 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
we'd be losing depth and experience at PG.
Are you ready to call Jerryd Bayless your starting PG if Miller should go down?
Portland's PG of the Future - Meet John Wall
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
by Net Ranger on Jul 28, 2009 12:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
plus we have multiple roster positions open and there are plenty of 2nd/3rd string pgs available
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 12:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
true
Portland's PG of the Future - Meet John Wall
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
by Net Ranger on Jul 28, 2009 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wrote too quickly last time
also, we do have too much depth. I think losing two backups for a perfect fit starter is a good deal
i mean, i do think we’d be getting the shaft on that deal, but we aren’t giving up anything really valuable
i’d rather trade outlaw, blake and a pick than batum for battier straight up
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
yes i'm still too high on Nicolas to let him go for any non All-Star SF
Portland's PG of the Future - Meet John Wall
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
by Net Ranger on Jul 28, 2009 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Miller doesn't go down.
99-00 82 games played
00-01 82
01-02 81
02-03 80
03-04 82
04-05 82
05-06 82
06-07 80
07-08 82
08-09 82
by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 28, 2009 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If that’s not experience I don’t know what is.
"be where you are when you're there"
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jul 28, 2009 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And two of the misses were just because of a pending trade.
And a third for a funeral. Only two games missed due to injury in 10 years.
Disclaimer: everything I know about basketball I learned on Blazersedge.
by pualo on Jul 28, 2009 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
DONT'T JINX US!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooo
I have my P.h.D in unreliable hyperbole.
by Eat Politicians on Jul 28, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is Portland
And if a player has never been injured before, Murphy says he’ll get hurt while playing for the Blazers
Keep Blake and Przybilla! (that should be my new signature…)
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely trade him
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear Dunleavy likes him
Pubert Jones > Hedo
by rockingharder on Jul 28, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does Dunleavy
have anything we want?
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 29, 2009 1:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't deal with that double dealer Dunleavy
He cost me my job. – Elgin
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
by 22baylor on Jul 29, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No chance Houston does that
If they’re rebuilding, which they will be if they toss Battier, why would they want Blake and Turiaf?
by DC Blazer on Jul 28, 2009 6:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Expiring contracts.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
by staylost on Jul 28, 2009 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
turiaf can play the 5
they’re big guy just went down
he’s also dependable
also, having blake gives them some consistency at the 1, and allows them to possibly trade kyle lowry
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not enough for Houston
That pick would have to go to Houston and not to GS for starters, and even then a Turiaf and Blake plus a low first-rounder is a non-starter for them — or at least so their fans would have us believe.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 7:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could sub Bayless for Blake here as well
although that MIGHT skew the numbers…and I’m not so sure we’d have to throw the pick in there. Outlaw for Turiaf? Pretty equitable…
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we could get Turiaf for Outlaw, we'd do it and keep him
Battier would be nice in a championship run, but what we really need this year is a back-up PF with energy and a nose for the ball. Turiaf is light-years ahead for Pendergraph.
All that glitters isn't chrome
by hoopla-pdx on Jul 28, 2009 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yep, and we know Brandon approves of Ronny
Outlaw and Turiafs contracts down’t “match” though. Need to wait until the Euro’s “cap holds” drop off to make that deal with 600+k of cap-space
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are we still looking for a small forward?
Have we given up on Martell today? It’d be great to see him play one more healthy season before we make a conclusion.
I love Shane’s character, Bball IQ, and defense – but I do think he’s maxed out his potential while Batum and Martell haven’t yet reached theirs. Seems like we’ve already forgot about Claver as well. IMO, that kid is going to straight up ball when he gets over here. 6’10" athletic SF anyone?
Portland's PG of the Future - Meet John Wall
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
by Net Ranger on Jul 28, 2009 12:38 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
i agree fully with all three points
but battier would still fill the role perfectly for the next two seasons
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 12:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hard to argue with you there
Portland's PG of the Future - Meet John Wall
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
by Net Ranger on Jul 28, 2009 12:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Dave's point seems to be to acquire a player who can help immediately and then quietly goes away to another team or the second unit once Nic or whoever is ready
Unlike if we would acquire a “star” forward now who is in his 20s.
Another player like that who might fit and be available at the deadline (maybe not quite like Shane) is Antawn Jamison.
by Norsktroll on Jul 28, 2009 3:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which one of these things just doesn't belong?
Starters:
Andre Miller
Brandon Roy
Antawn Jamison
Lamarcus Aldridge
Joel Przybilla
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
by staylost on Jul 28, 2009 7:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aldridge.
He totally fits way better with the second unit because he can run fast and stuff.
by Nick Van Excellent on Jul 28, 2009 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Roy
Nobody else on that team made All-NBA last year
by GMan83201 on Jul 28, 2009 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andre Miller
he’s shorter than 6’5".
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joel was the answer.
He is the only one who cares about defense!
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
by staylost on Jul 28, 2009 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would say they ALL care...
but caring doesn’t = doing…
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, sure.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
by staylost on Jul 28, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Roy has received votes
For the All-NBA defense team. He’s not lockdown, but he’s above average.
by GMan83201 on Jul 28, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately
It seems like BRoy sometimes has devensive motivation issues. Perhaps it is due to trying to conserve his energy to be Mr. Fourth Quarter (which isn’t a problem for me). However, I would say his average defense last year was just that: average.
by DonkeyShins on Jul 28, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RT: Seems like we’ve already forgot about Claver as well
Battier’s career would seem to dovetail nicely into Claver’s potential arrival
and no one is talking about dealing Batum
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any of these look ok?
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=lr8328
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mctzqq
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=nesuoe
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=l3u9jj
Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Rudy, Batum, Outlaw, Webster, Bayless, Blake, Miller, Joel... Holy crap!
by axel360 on Jul 28, 2009 12:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i think you've got us giving up far too much
this team values bayless much more over blake in anything longer than the next year
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're sure about that?
For all of you who are expecting Blake to be a short-timer in Portland, don’t be so sure
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
after all
Nate still has Steve as his starting PG, as of right now…
unless Blake is unhappy with his new role and asks to be traded, I expect he’ll be getting an extension, not a “get out of town” deal
and really, where in the NBA would Steve go where he would have it “better” than with the Blazers?
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe a team with less talent at the pg position
i mean thats how he got his start here right
time to move on steve
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wanted Battier and Andre Miller last year. Looks like Dave is coming around too.
If not Battier, James Posey would be my next target.
by BRoyInThe4th on Jul 28, 2009 12:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Was his defense? No. Did he hit the big 3's for the Celtics to win in the NBA finals? Yes.
by BRoyInThe4th on Jul 28, 2009 2:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
James Posey is breaking down physically at this point in his career.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Jul 28, 2009 5:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, his defense was subpar
And his offense was worse, and he fought the injury bug
by GMan83201 on Jul 28, 2009 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we combine the trade exception into the deal?
Say TO and trade exception for Battier? Maybe throw in a draft pick? If we could add rights to a Euro I think that would be another good way to go (not sure I’d want to give up Claver though).
put a body on 'em
by RayBourque on Jul 28, 2009 12:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We no longer have the trade exception
When we used cap space to sign Miller, we kissed our exceptions good bye. That means we don’t get a MLE either.
Rex is a starter by the 2010 trade deadline. Watch.
by dan_the_man on Jul 28, 2009 1:09 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
we don’t get a MLE either.
not until next July
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And you can't package trade exceptions with players
they don’t work that way.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 7:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here we go again.
Acquiring Andre Miller wasn’t enough to keep people talking on BE, so it’s another pie in the sky trade idea for a guy that is good, but not as gifted as Batum, who can play lock down D right now, did it last year, and will do it this year. If you want a defensive addition so bad, look at our bench, oh no, actually look at our starting line up. Batum is there. The simple adjustment of not pulling him out of the game after 6 minutes, would give us a defensive stopper on the floor who has done a better job against Kobe than Battier, with a fraction of the experience. Isn’t there a better topic to get into?
I hope some random team like the Memphis Grizzlies trade for Battier, Hinrich, Prince, and put them with a decent Center, PF and SG, so we can see how boring a team they make, while the exciting young players we have on our roster blow them the %!#$# away with a little help from Miller and Joel, who will stay on our team because what he brings us is way more valuable than what Battier brings in light of having Batum on the team, and a foul prone Oden. We also do not want to give a rival a legit center, when we can horde them with no penalty. I also don’t think Houston thinks they are out of contention, since they have everything but a center. If they were to maneuver, it would be for a center or SG, not SFs or PGs. I think we may be surprised at how tough a team Houston fields this year. They have a good GM, and a very good PF, PG, and two SFs. They are one guy from their bench stepping up, or one young prospect panning out from being a highly competitive team. They are not in the same boat as Phoenix, despite what it looks like at first glance.
by wingzeta on Jul 28, 2009 12:59 AM PDT reply actions 9 recs
meanwhile
we’ve all convened and decided that your grand plan has nothing to do with blake and outlaw therefore we’d like to improve the team if it’s okay..i understand your angst though. change is hard
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which would you rather have backing up Miller?
Blake or Bayless?
Based upon what I’ve seen from both, I know my answer. Hint: his last name starts with a “B”.
by DonkeyShins on Jul 28, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, I need another clue
Does it also have an “a”, an “l”, and and “e”?
I think I’m narrowing it down.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who is your back up point if we trade Blake?
The chances of getting a back up better than Blake are slim to none. Blake has proven he can start in the league, and has the trust of the coach and his team. I thought we were talking about getting Battier, who I have already pointed out would not be enough of an upgrade over Batum, who has monstrous upside. Both guys are good at defending opposing SGs, neither guy is a big offensive threat, but whereas Battier is what he is at this point, 20 year old Batum can get a whole lot better on offense over the next couple years. We simply don’t need Battier, as much as he is a favorite for some people’s fantasy teams. We could use a back up power forward, however, so that is change I would like to see, not change for change’s sake. I’d be happy to part with Bayless if we could get anything for him. Outlaw may not be a big part of our plans, but he’s a weapon and not expensive, so they won’t trade him for anything less than a good deal, but he is not valuable enough to get Battier. Webster also has little trade value until he is back to form. Houston wouldn’t make such a trade, because they need Battier more than we do, and they have him and Ariza, so why would they want two less-proven SFs? They also have a number of guards that have shown more competence than Bayless. They have Brooks and Lowry at PG, so why would they want Blake? The guy they would want is Joel, and Joel>Shane, by a mile, because Shane plays a much more easily replaced role SF. How many 7’ guys who can play as well as Joel can you find? Houston can’t find one so far either.
Finally, I know it’s meant to be tongue in cheek, but the idea of Houston returning the favor by making a bad trade, because the Blazers made a foolish trade years ago, doesn’t seem very funny here. The reason the humor fails, is because, practically begging for a “role player” like Battier does not equal the scale of giving away a star like Drexler, so it seems desperate. Why not ask for Scola at least, he would actually fill our need for a PF?
by wingzeta on Jul 28, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even though I disagree with the tone
…the content was spot on.
"HA HA HA HA HA
I'm not laughing, I'm just listing the five ugliest Blazers ever."
- rockingharder
by jamon51 on Jul 28, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
100% agree. Simply cannot trade our best center.
And until proven otherwise by our 2007 #1 draft pick who I feel has been babied a bit, that’s exactly what Joel is. Period. Right now for me it’s to see who wins the race of turning JB into an NBA PG and G.O. living up to 75% of his hype. I really would rather not have Steve or Joel get traded until one of those guys crosses the finish line.
Portland's PG of the Future - Meet John Wall
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
by Net Ranger on Jul 28, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
young guys don't win rings
you clain that our young guys would kill this hinrich, prince, battier team you have made up, but what you don’t realize is adding those guys to a team that has start at the 3, 4 and 5 would make a great team. Second, you need to realize that you can’t draft a championship team, while some of the guys might help us, we need to make off-season moves for veterans who can bring our team together in order for us to be championship contenders.
by StocktonNEP on Jul 28, 2009 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell that to Sam Cassell...
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We just made that move for Miller.
Do we need all veterans to win it all, or will the two or three we have work? At what point is Roy a verteran? LMA? What will the team look like in three years with all these old vets? Like Phoenix maybe, in disintegration mode? The idea floated on BE all the time is that these guys will gracefully fade away, and their back ups will take their places. How’s Philly doing with that? Who’s their PG this year? Lou Williams? I think we have confused age with maturity. A team needs guys who are mature to win it all. Our guys proved last year that they were mature beyond their years, and they hit the wall in game one, but they will learn fast from that, because they have maturity. The one guy that doesn’t have it is Bayless, who we have all but phased out with the addition of Miller. I think we are in very good shape.
by wingzeta on Jul 28, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we should get a veteran backup PF
Has Antonio McDyess signed anywhere yet?
by GMan83201 on Jul 28, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spurs
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank God you said this.
Everything I was thinking and more.
--
by CaptainSexyJacob on Jul 28, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So romantic post :)
But nice… Just like nice family movie with a very-very happy end. :)
To be more realistic I don’t think they would do it at all. But I would give up Trav and Marty. They absolutely don’t need PG like JB. They are not worse with Brooks and Lowry, I think. But dynamic wing scorers, who could also play some PF (Trout) and SG (Martell and also Ariza).. it could work for them. Theoretically.
Rudy & Nic
by k04a on Jul 28, 2009 1:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Simple, yet effective. I like it.
"be where you are when you're there"
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jul 28, 2009 6:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not happenin' until Webster is healthy
and I’d like to add Rex and get Landry or Hayes coming back, to fill those backup 4 minutes (as well as “add toughness” to the roster)
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So his status is still technically “up in the air”?
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jul 28, 2009 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate was on Courtside last night
and they asked him about Martell. Webster is jogging but not playing full court ball, yet. I think all signs are pointing towards Marty being ready for training camp, but you’ve got to realize he has “negative” trade value until he shows he can play in NBA games and stay healthy for at least a couple of months. Nobody is going to make a decent offer for Marty, until then
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good assessment
thanks for the update. So if we want/need to move him, I bet it won’t be until the trade deadline..
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Jul 29, 2009 6:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
if Marty can return to “starter-caliber” at SF/SG his 4-5mil/year contract would become attractive to other teams, again
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 29, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
this would work for us, but Hou needs a center and I don’t want it to by Przy
by DimeTime on Jul 28, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
three team trade
third team puts up a center, we put of marty and trav, houston puts up battier. martell goes to one team, trav to the other. happy day
by StocktonNEP on Jul 28, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check this...
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mctzqq
…then we pick-up a 3rd string PG from wherever.
" the project of Portland brings me good sensations..."
- Rudy Fernandez
translated by animart1
by ghostdog on Jul 28, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston sends out Battier and Landry
And gets Webster, Foster, and Rush in return? Doubt they do that.
by GMan83201 on Jul 28, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the very least...
This article needs to be sent to the Houston management, because I know they’d get a smile, maybe a laugh out of it. And hey, maybe it would open the door for something! I know I’d be more than willing to give up Travis (Who could play a small 4, or a solid backup 3, maybe even start should they move Ariza to the 2) and maybe Bayless for him.
Shane Battier is a solid player, who is a renowned defender, and clutch shooter. We can’t deny that, while Nicolas is good, he isn’t a championship caliber wing defender we need. Not yet, at least. A guy like Shane Battier would solidify our starting rotation, AND allow us to move Nic to the backup position, where he would in turn solidify the 2nd unit defensively. One of the main reasons Greg was in foul trouble all last year, was because we were letting guys penetrate to him too easily. If that were to stop, then he would be able to show us the dominating force that he potentially could be. If anything, I’d love this move for that.
Plus, with them having just signed Ariza, maybe that means Battier is indeed more easily tradeable? I mean, he’s not a prolific scorer to come off of the bench, and I sincerely doubt he’ll be able to start for them now. I’d love to see something like this happen. It’d give us legitimate chances to win a title, and it’d be a great move to bring another great player and person to Portland.
by Jeremiah S on Jul 28, 2009 3:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Will never happen, but why not: The Boozer - Scola - Battier trade (with a bit of OKC involved)
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=lo7l4o
Anyone else wonder why Hollinger thinks that deal makes us worse?
by Norsktroll on Jul 28, 2009 3:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
because his system is a joke ;)
and trade looks great (for us – sure, for else – maybe) but unlikely..
Rudy & Nic
by k04a on Jul 28, 2009 4:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I don't envision Daryl Morey taking a gamble with Carlos Boozer.
Also, that trade proposal wouldn’t work nowadays with the Portland Trail Blazers almost at the salary cap. The trade machine at ESPN has yet to factor in the Andre Miller signing, so we all must account for that.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Jul 28, 2009 5:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because his system looks laregely at the PER of the starting lineup
He doesn’t have Miller listed for us yet, so that trade leaves us with Bayless at the starting PG spot. Compared to Blake, that make us worse. Battier doesn’t affect the trade either, because his PER isn’t high enough to make him our starting SF in Hollinger’s system. Hollinger’s system just looks at statistical contribution. It has no way of seeing what Battier brings to the table, other than his lack of mistakes.
by DC Blazer on Jul 28, 2009 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Regarding the Houston Rockets, Daryl Morey should just make a nice, simple deal to solidify the team's ...
frontline. One hypothetical example would be to offer the expiring contracts of Brian Cook and Brent Barry — as well as $3,000,000 in cash considerations — to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Nick Collison.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=nqurvs
C: Nick Collison
C: Chuck Hayes
C: Yao Ming
PF: Luis Scola
PF: Carl Landry
PF: Joey Dorsey
SF: Trevor Ariza
SF: Chase Budinger
SF: James White
SG: Shane Battier
SG: Jermaine Taylor
SG: Tracy McGrady
PG: Aaron Brooks
PG: Kyle Lowry
PG: Sergio Llull
In my opinion, that’s the type of move the smartest, most intelligent front office executive in the NBA should try to make in the wake of Yao Ming’s season-ending injury.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Jul 28, 2009 6:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good point about Motley being uber-sharp
after reading that Battier article (“the non-all-star all-star” NY Times?) a few weeks ago, it’s hard for me to believe that Motley will “sell off” Battier easily. KP (or whoever) will have to overpay to get Shane
and for Portland, that probably means Rudy and or Batum = not gonna happen
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take two Valium and call me in the morning
Everyone needs to calm down, and step away from the Trade Machine
Dave, are you OK? A three for one trade, with three guys under 25 going out, and a guy who is thirty and very limited on offense coming back? No, thank you. Let me rephrase that, NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is exactly the kind of trade that good up and coming teams make when they try to “get to the next level” and only mortgage their own future. Think Ben Wallace to Chicago, or Dale Davis to Portland.
We may very well need a consolidation trade, but I don’t think now is the time. We need answers to a few questions before we know what improvements we need to make:
1a) Is Martell’s foot going to be OK? Was the “breakout year” many expected before the injury an illusion, or was Martell ready to make a big jump to becoming a more confident, well rounded player?
1b) How big a jump is Nic ready to make? Nic is playing very well for the French National team against lower level competition and showing more offense. I think Nic could be very good with Miller. Nic with a little more strength and a little more offense is just what we need at SF. Why go all crazy and ship out three guys when you can fill the same need from our own roster?
2a) If Trout knows he is going to get most of his minutes at back-up 4, will he get serious about rebounding and blocking out? Trout made some very real progress last season on improving his shot selection and made a big jump with his 3pt%. He is also getting better as a one-on-one defender. Maybe he is salvageable as a back-up 4. He certainly gives us a mismatch at the position. I would like to see how he plays with Miller before we ship him out.
2b) Are Pendergraph and/or Cunningham ready for limited minutes on the floor? Pendergraph may be a workable solution for certain match-ups when we need a bigger, badder 4. Cunningham may be a Trout replacement with better defense and rebounding. We don’t want to count on these guys for too much, but they are four year college players (two years older than JB, for those of you who need reminding).
3) Is Bayless getting close to being ready to be a back-up PG? He doesn’t have to be “better” or even “as good” as Blake on the offensive end. He has to be able to defend “as good” or “better” than Blake. If he can do that and shoot well enough to keep opposing teams honest, we can afford to give him minutes. Roy and Rudy can share the playmaking duties. If he is close and we can get him on the floor, we may be able to trade Blake’s expiring contract before the deadline. If he needs more time, but management thinks he is a strong option for the future, we can wait till next summer to make a decision. Good starting PGs are rare and expensive. Developing Bayless is the cheapest, simplest solution to the teams long range needs at PG. If JB doesn’t develop enough we will have to go another direction in a year or two, but Bayless should be the preferred option in terms of maximizing assets.
All three of the players Dave is proposing to trade are likely to increase in value, not decrease. We may need a consolidation trade, but we aren’t really sure what we need. Do we need another big man? Do we need a starting SF? Do we need another young PG to plan for the future? I don’t think we can answer these questions till we see the team on the floor and assess the impact of acquiring Miller.
We have lots of options. Outlaw and Blake have expiring contracts. We should have about $2.5 million in cap space once the Euro holds are dropped in the fall. Packaged together that means we could take on a $10 mil + contract. We made one nice move. Now we need to evaluate and see what options become available before the trade deadline.
Personally, I think the team is very close to being ready to challenge the big boys. We may need one more player, but lets make sure we get the right guy, at the right price, without compromising the future.
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 6:34 AM PDT reply actions 7 recs
Thanks, didn't mean to give Dave a hard time......
……I agree with him on most issues, just not this one.
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nowhere in that post
is a three-for-one trade proposed.
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clarification?
I’m confused. I thought you were suggesting Trout, Webster, and Bayless out and Battier coming back.
Didn’t mean to give you a hard time. I agree with you on most issues (He says bowing and scraping and begging the master for forgiveness).
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My impression was...
that these were the players for consideration, but not all three…more likely two of the three…
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I listed those three players,
and implied a couple more by omission, as available but it says in the last paragraph, “Pick one or two of these young scorers.”
Also this was hardly a firm trade proposal. More of an ode to how nice having Battier in the mix would be. I seriously doubt even Houston fans would take it seriously on the face of it. If they did, they’d probably argue that even all three of the players you mentioned isn’t enough.
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, I missed that all important sentence, and leaped to the wrong conclusion.
Makes a lot more sense as a two for one, or some kind of package that might include Landry.
I certainly think that Battier would be great to have, although when I dream at night, I dream of Prince.
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dreams at night
I worry about you….
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still worry
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question for Our Fearless leader:
What do you think of my suggestion of waiting till the trade deadline to see how the pieces are fitting together and to see if we can mix and match our cap room and expiring contracts to fill the biggest need?
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The most likely scenarios if a trade is going to happen
are a couple months into the season or at the deadline. But the odds are always against any trade happening so really the most likely outcome is nothing else significant going on. It’s overwhelmingly likely that nothing will happen between now and the start of the season.
The Blazers themselves aren’t choosing when or when not to trade. Otherwise there would have been moves done already. Their partners have to cooperate. That’s not happening now and, I’m guessing given the level of deal Portland wants, it’s not entirely likely to happen later either.
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They should have offered Joel for Okafor to Charlotte, who are in serious team selling mode. Maybe a Blake + Travis for Wallace trade could still happen.
by Norsktroll on Jul 28, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They just gave away one of the few
offensive (mildly) options on the team. Wallace isn’t going anywhere, unfortunately.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Jul 28, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they were in fire sale mode...
we could snag Wallace. I don’t think they’re there yet…but the Okafor trade doesn’t bode well for their immediate future…
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dave is not our leader, he is our sage.
I'm like that Verizon guy from the commercials only I say, "Do I irritate you now?"
by tominhawaii on Jul 28, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you the wise and wily Court Jester?
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please make sure
you are bowing and scraping in the right direction. Just a gentle reminder.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RT: I don’t think we can answer these questions till we see the team on the floor and assess the impact of acquiring Miller.
If you follow this argument to a logical conclusion, then no GM should add more than one player to his roster at a time
For example, the Spurs shouldn’t have added McDyess after trading for Jefferson, because they hadn’t done a lengthy evaluation re: how RJ impacted the other 11 players
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
1b is the winner, right there:
Nic with a little more strength and a little more offense is just what we need at SF. Why go all crazy and ship out three guys when you can fill the same need from our own roster?
Given appropriate amounts of playing time, who would you rather have in three years? A 23-year-old Nic Batum or a 33-year-old Shane Battier? Sure, Battier will be effective at that point, but what is Nic’s ceiling? He’s a starter in this league right now, and he’s filled that role with defense and BBIQ. Which are also Battier’s strengths. It’s hard for me to trade Nic for Battier when Nic can very well fill Battier’s shoes… and soon.
Battier would be a good mentor for Batum, but unless you’re losing Martell and Travis in the deal, Nic Batum will be stapled to the bench behind two or three of those guys.
Pubert Jones > Hedo
by rockingharder on Jul 28, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Battier's one of the hardest players in the league to value
This point is inarguable – every team Battier’s played for has been much better because he was on it. Memphis was one of the best teams in the West, traded Battier for Gay, and instantly became one of the worst. Houston has continued to contend every year even with Yao going down with injuries. Who thought the Rockets had the horses to take LA to seven games, sans the Chairman?
Nobody. I don’t think there’s any question that a lot of people in the league undervalue Shane.
But I also don’t think there’s any question that Dave overvalues him. Houston was hoping for a Lamarcus-level deal for Shane Battier? I realize you were dismissing that as not-gonna-happen, but Houston never, ever, ever would have expected to trade Battier for somebody on that level.
Shane had a PER under 12 last year. I realize that’s an offensive stat, alone, but offense is still a part of the game. Shane is as limited on offense as Travis is on D.
Because of the Blazers need to upgrade the D, I would certainly trade Trout/a pick/filler for Battier, but that’s probably as far as I would go. No Bayless. Certainly no Rudy or Przy. Battier will likely decline over the next few years (maybe this year) from an elite defensive player to a solid defensive player, and Trout is fair market value for that kind of player.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Jul 28, 2009 7:03 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Agree with you that Battier is hard to value and......
…..that he is not worth three of our talented young’ins.
I do think he is worth considerably more than Trout. I would trade Trout and Webster for Battier, but no Batum, no Rudy, no Bayless, and certainly not Pryz.
Come to me with a trade for a more well rounded guy like Prince, and I am willing to pay more, but not an aging defensive specialist, no matter how good his defense has been over the last several years.
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 7:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Webster has value right now
I would certainly include him to get Battier, but I’d say his contract is a net negative in any deal, until he can show he’s healthy again.
I wouldn’t include Bayless or Rudy though. Too much, in my book.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Jul 28, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
PER isn't just an offensive stat
it’s a box score stat alone, which is why more advanced statistical analysis like adjusted +/- and other systems were developed.
People talk about Battier as if he only helps a team defense, and yet, the Rockets have been significantly better on offense with him on the court the last two years than without him (according to adjusted +/-). PER is useful, but limited, and I think every statistical analyst in the game would laugh at using it as the be all/end all for measuring offensive ability and acknowledge that Battier is the type of guy who slips through its cracks, both on offense and defense.
I love Martell as much as anyone here, but he’d be redundant with Battier AND Nic around, and it’s hard to imagine Trout staying past next year anyways. Including all three guys, I’d want one of Houston’s PFs back also, (either Landry or Dorsey, the quintessential low post rucker), but I don’t think the deal is so completely off base here.
by Royster on Jul 28, 2009 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I said in my post just above KP C'c, I would rather wait....
……until we have answered a few questions and have better idea regarding which of our needs is most pressing:
1) another big man?
2) a starting SF?; or
3) a future PG for after Miller is done.
A case can be made for each need. With our expiring contracts and fall cap space, we still have the ability to swing a deal for a significant player.
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Battier is a significant player in my book
And besides, in the only 3 for 2 deal that I said would be acceptable, two of those needs get completely addressed and there’s still time to address the last one. Fretting over one position two years in the future is such a ludicrous idea that seems to be fairly unique to Blazer fans.
Even if we trade those three guys, we’ll still have plenty of assets in the next couple years (Miller’s expiring contract, Claver’s rights, Rudy, Battier/his expiring contract assuming Nic is ready to take over, Dante, ‘graph) to parlay into a replacement PG. In two to three years (I don’t know why people are automatically assuming that Miller will fall off a cliff after two years), there’s a good chance that a couple of teams that drafted young PGs this year might be looking to move them. Maybe Flynn or Rubio becomes available if Minny sees they can’t play together. Maybe Milwaukee is still in permanent cost cutting mode and is looking to move a Skiles-trained Jennings. Maybe Curry or Collison could be moved. Obviously not all of these guys will pan out, but there’s a decent chance one or more could turn out to be decent and available when we’re looking to re-load at the point. And of course, there’s the whole set of remaining NBA PGs that could be available also (maybe Conley if Mayo finally becomes a PG, also).
I’m not completely sold on a 3 for Battier/Landry trade, but I don’t get that anyone would think we got ripped off considering we’d get near perfect fits for our two biggest immediate needs.
by Royster on Jul 28, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mine too, no disagreement on that score.
I think that kind of 3-2 would be attractive and worthy of serious consideration, although I doubt Houston would do that deal.
I don’t think we should be sitting around obsessing about the PG situation two or three years from now, but I do think it should be kept in mind. If the history of our franchise has shown anything over the past decade, it is that good PGs don’t grow on trees.
We are not going to have lottery picks or cap room for as far as the eye can see. If we are going to need a different starting PG in two-three years, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have some sort of a plan. If they still think Bayless has potential, they need to try to figure out a plan to develop him. If they don’t think he will develop or will be a good enough fit next to Roy and Rudy, then maybe they should consider trading him with some combination of Trout,/Martell/Blake/cap room for another young prospect who could be the back-up now and the eventual starter.
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree about PER
Didn’t mean that to suggest it’s the end-all of statistical analysis, and Battier’s success in the world of adjusted plus/minus is well documented.
I’d include Webster, certainly, but I think he’s untradeable until he gets healthy.
I think all this is academic, anyway, because I strongly doubt Travis is Daryl Morey’s kind of player. He’s the anti-Battier. I think Battier could be had, but it would take a three team deal involving Bayless and Trout. I wouldn’t make that move, like I said, but I can certainly see the appeal. Would make the Blazers better next year and possibly a legit championship contender.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Jul 28, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not send it to Morey Directly?
emailed to: ideas@rocketball.com
by skyman375 on Jul 28, 2009 7:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What happens during a slow hot summer.
Dave runs on for multiple paragraphs on a trade proposal.
hakkaa päälle !
by timg56 on Jul 28, 2009 7:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Can we have Carl Landry as well?
He’d be perfect behind Aldridge.
by RABID_RABBIT on Jul 28, 2009 8:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
if Batttier were a free agent would we try to sign him?
If Battier was already on the roster, who would suffer?
Neither Rex nor Outlaw are likely to play much small forward as the roster sits right now. If you want to change the sf rotation, you need a two for one proposition with two of Batum/Webster/Outlaw involved, plus a backup 4 needs to be part of the plan.
Currently, Minnesota’s roster imbalance is a better match for Portland’s (PF’s & PG’s).
by blacknoiseNW on Jul 28, 2009 8:30 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
I don't buy that the Rockets are in full rebuild mode....
I think they are just taking a season off. They have the T-MAC expitring deal and could be real players in the free agent madness. If Yao can come back the year after that they could have a scary team.
by Escrote on Jul 28, 2009 8:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Great job by Dave of
smacking the hornets nest with a well written post and getting poeple engaged.
I’m undecided as to whether I think that would be a good move or not, but I absolutely love how you write. It sucks me in every time.
"I'm a man, but I can change.....if I have to......I guess." - Red Green
by antediluvian on Jul 28, 2009 8:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
with Miller being added and Martell coming back, the minutes crunch is going to be ridiculous this year
I guess if Outlaw gets his minutes exclusively at the 4 and we forget about Bayless unless he can beat out Blake, Nate could make it work.
This team still could really use a consolidation trade though— a 2 for 1, 3 for 1 or 3 for 2.
by jksnake99 on Jul 28, 2009 8:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Forget the trade. Let's just beat the tar out of them three times next season.
by MiledAnimal on Jul 28, 2009 9:00 AM PDT reply actions 7 recs
If we're lucky
they will squeak into the #8 seed, and we get to beat them four more times in the playoffs, too.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too Expensive
To get Battier, the Blazers would have to be willing to trade Pryzbilla and/or Fernandez to the Rockets. The Rockets already have plenty of 1s, 3s and 4s. The glaring holes in their current roster = 2 and 5. In any event, the cost of getting Battier would be way too expensive. It’s a pipe dream, albeit a fun one.
by Turnout on Jul 28, 2009 9:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We can dream...
There was a very good, but lengthy, article in the New York times that talks about just how amazing and valuable Battier really is.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/magazine/15Battier-t.html
Among other things, it talks about how Battier’s BBIQ is higher than anyone’s in the league and how many little things he does to make his team better that no one else would even want to do because a lot of times it takes the stats away from him and gives it to his teammates. Through a secret formula that Houston’s GM devised, it also scores him up with Garnett when it comes to how much better he makes his team. Landing Battier would put us over the top.
by Coastie07 on Jul 28, 2009 10:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I love me some Shane Battier
This could be an up to the (February) trade deadline deal, and maybe expand it to include either Hayes or Landry?
By then, everyone should know how well Martell’s foot is doing, and Travis will be itching for a “larger role”
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 10:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey, two4larue
What is the story with your tag line? I never really noticed it until this morning.
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
two4Yoda???
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
When reading it in the right frame of mind you are. Obvious, it becomes. May the power of the force, with the Blazers, be! Smite the mighty Dark Lords of Los Angeles, we shall!!!
by upper left corner on Jul 28, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah it's Yoda-speak
I’m not really a big fan of the genre, but I remember the little green Muppet telling Luke “when reached 900 years you have, look as good you will not!”
Sometimes I have to sigh and shake my head at all these young “skywalkers” around BE…talking about “let’s trade away Przybilla” and thinking that rookie PFs will be enough to get the Blazers through the post season? PFFT. I suppose they’d rush off to face Vader before finishing their Jedi training, too—if given the oppotunity! (And after I levitated their X-wing fighter up and out of the bogwater for them…you’d think they’d show a little more patience…hmmmph!)
But hey, I’ve only seen the SW movies a few times each…I swear…
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, not worth it
I agree whole heartedly with Turnout’s assertion. No way the Rockets, who just inked Trevor Ariza, are going to want Outlaw. The main man who the Blazers can give up, and will need to give up is Rudy Fernandez. You still willing to do this deal? Pryz is the other option, but if I’m the Rockets, the conversation starts and ends with Rudy…
by Dodgerblue15 on Jul 28, 2009 10:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And therein lies the rub
and the most interesting question. I guess it would depend on if you thought Martell could ever play shooting guard.
But this wasn’t supposed to be a day for reality. Remember…Clyde trade! They owe us!
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They do owe us
that was my favorite point of the post
"Tough times don't last. Tough people do."
-Chauncey Billups
by Kelsoballa on Jul 28, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll bite
All the questions people have asked about Bayless, Outlaw, Blake, Web, and Batum are legit questions and only time will tell. We are just guessing here, lets be honest.
So my best guess would be, or rather, what I’d be most comfortable with is…
Bayless and Outlaw for Shane.
I agree with all the positives people are saying about Shane and agree that Bayless is going to be a question mark for a very long time much like Jack was, and agree that Outlaw doesn’t fit in Portland anymore.
If the numbers are right and things go as we expect they will throughout the season, I would be happy to see this trade go down mid-season.
Good writing Dave, go enjoy the sun, you deserve it.
"Tough times don't last. Tough people do."
-Chauncey Billups
by Kelsoballa on Jul 28, 2009 10:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Any word from the houston blog about this
Its always fun to see what the other blogs think about our team and trade ideas, and if the trade even had a chance at happening, which blazer do teams like houston most want to trade for? excluding the untouchables
by StocktonNEP on Jul 28, 2009 11:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I doubt Houston's fans
or management would be terribly convinced by a pitchs whose main selling points are “It would be cool to see” and “Remember something that happened 25 years ago”. As with our fanbase, they’re thinking in terms of Chris Paul rumors, not Portland’s prospects.
But I’m holding out hope nonetheless. Come on, Rockets fans. Where’s your sense of decency?
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston fan here, perspective offered
Hey, Rockets fan here, figured I’d give you guys my perspective and also a bit of general Rockets’ philosophy, hope it helps you guys.
First things first:
Thanks for Clyde in 95. We would never have repeated without him.
On to the main story:
I think most Houston fans have a healthy respect for the Blazers (excluding the idiots, we all have them). We are aware you are very, very close to being serious contenders, and most of us admit that you have leap frogged our team, at least for this next year.
Houston fans don’t really like Kevin Pritchard. It goes beyond stealing Roy and Fernandez out from under us. He also is Fat Elvis’ main competition when we are discussing best GMs in the NBA. And we don’t like competition.
But that’s all in good fun.
CONCERNING A BATTIER TRADE:
We know we are not serious contenders next year, and our front office knows it too. HOWEVER, there is definitely some sentiment that we will be back to championship contention as early as the following season. Yao’s surgery went well, and is currently expected to make a full recovery (whatever that means a a year in advance).
So there is no “we MUST move Shane” sentiment at all. Beyond the fact that we all love him (no really, we do, for far more than what he does on the court), Houston has serious championship aspirations for the following season. Battier could be an integral part of that.
As Dave said, we are in retooling mode, not rebuilding.
I will admit that the Ariza signing may be writing on the wall. I think they are fairly similar players and that neither is capable of playing the 2 guard. But I’m not the coach or the GM, so that could be just me.
Let’s take a look at what Portland has to offer, with my comments:
Blake (we have Brooks/Lowry who are younger, better, cheaper, he would just be filler to us)
Outlaw (I don’t really like him, and don’t assign him value beyond his expiring/filler ability, he seems kinda dumb and his defense leaves something to be desired)
Webster (his contract is ridiculous (4 more years MLE!?) and he hasn’t even played for a whole year. His “potential” is not what it was, and he now has concerns regarding injuries. And he doesn’t cut costs for this year for our 2010 cap plan. So he’s probably a deal killer)
Batum (Ariza is probably is ceiling, hence no interest)
Pryzbilla (Portland feels they need him, and I don’t see Houston giving up big assets like Shane for a stopgap center who isn’t even an expiring contract (he has a PO))
Bayless (He’s a PG without PG skills or a too-short SG. I like his potential, and that he could have gone as early as #4 in last year’s draft. We prefer Brooks as a PG, and we have had our fill of small SGs with no PG skills (see-Luther Head))
Fernandez (the crowning jewel. The one player that Portland might be willing to give up that I would dry my eyes and pull the trigger on Battier for)
SO:
If Houston decides to move Shane it will be for young talent/cutting costs for 2010.
I believe Portland has used up almost all of their capspace, but not all, so I’m not sure how that fits in with trades but some ideal trades would be:
Fernandez for Battier (straight up, saves us cap space and gets us a good SG prospect)
Fernandez + Outlaw/Blake (the latter being filler if the first trade isn’t possible or isn’t liked by Portland)
Pryz +Fernandez for Battier and Landry (I wouldn’t like it as much, but I know Portland is looking for a guy just like Landry for the backup 4, and this would help even some trade value a bit. I don’t think this is Houston’s best direction, and I don’t think Portland would like it, but it’s an option)
Scola/Landry + Battier +1st for LMA.
LMA is getting paid (as is Scola) at the end of this year. He seems to come up in Blazers trade options sometimes, and I could see Houston jumping in this direction, although Portland fans likely won’t like it.
As for analysis:
Houston doesn’t need any more 1’s, 3’s, or 4’s, or at least not the ones Portland has or would be willing to trade for Battier (i.e., LMA). Those are our strongest positions, and they are where we already have better players than you can offer us for Battier (LMA again, excepted)
We Houston fans REALLY don’t want to trade Battier for Pryz. He’s too expensive to backup Yao once he gets back, he’s not expiring to avoid the problem (he has a PO that IMO he would be stupid not to take), and he doesn’t make us title contenders. If we are waiting for another year anyway, we’d rather keep Shane. Plus, we have acquired David Andersen to service the stop gap role. A Battier/Pryz swap becomes a lot more viable if Yao is deemed done for his career.
We Houston fans would LOVE deals regarding Rudy. He’s perfect because he has potential starter quality, we wanted him in the past, and we have a whole at SG, whether or not Tmac makes a return. He qualifies as an excellent young prospect in a position of NEED (assuming we don’t resign Von Wafer, and likely even if we do). We also love his cutting ability, perfect for the offense Adelman wants to run.
In short, we love Rudy. We would probably do just about any trade involving Shane to get Rudy.
So anyway, that’s my 2 cents. Hope it helps. Cheers, and good luck next year!
-The Big H
by TheBigH on Jul 28, 2009 11:33 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
Thanks for the contributions!
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great to hear this from the other side.
Portland fans like Rudy a lot too. We’d be heartbroken to see him go. Well, some of us would be anyways.
μὴ φοβοῦ, μόνον πίστευε.
by T Darkstar on Jul 28, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well reasoned
I wouldn’t want to shop Rudy for Shane, but it makes sense that he’s the guy the Rockets would be interested in, and their value isn’t far apart. Unfortunately, I think that would be a deal breaker for Portland.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Jul 28, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great, logical analysis
and perspective from the other side of the mirror. Thanks!
by Knobby on Jul 28, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awww...
so you’re saying that my presentation wasn’t enough to sway you, despite all of that?
OK, how about this. In addition to your choice of Outlaw, Webster, or Bayless we’ll give you all of our first and second round picks next year and then another first rounder two years after. Remember Rudy was picked late in the first round, and those are exactly the types of pick you’d be getting! You don’t have to bother with all of that lottery-pick stress. Just waltz into the mid-20’s and select yourselves the NEXT Rudy. With two picks, you can get TWO Rudys! Plus a bunch of second round picks. You know Paul Millsap was a second-round pick, right? And Gilbert Arenas? Why, with a couple of those guys your team will be right back on its feet in no time.
It’ll be peachy. Really.
And think of the children. Won’t somebody think of the children?
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well...
We could throw in Casey and Rebecca as well to Houston.
by DonkeyShins on Jul 28, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nooooooooooooooooooo! Not Casey!
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Jul 28, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, they won't give up Battier for a package around Canzano and Rice
Although their announcers last year were pretty bad.
by Norsktroll on Jul 28, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We could give them MIchael Holton and his ex-Partner!
Tell ‘em what they’ve won!!!
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?
by raggmopp on Jul 28, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A post on BlazersEdge!
Hey, that was pretty easy…I could make a living doing this.
by DonkeyShins on Jul 28, 2009 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nooooooooooooooooooo! Not Rebecca!
Pubert Jones > Hedo
by rockingharder on Jul 28, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another Houston Fan...
I would second what The Big H had to say about our interest in a Battier trade for your players. He’s just too versatile (can help a team in a transition year, can mentor younger players, can send a championship caliber team over the top) to give up for anyone other than someone who could grow into a strong starter role on an Adelman team.
With that said, how do you all see Webster, Outlaw, or Blake fitting in with the Rockets? What’s the argument for us taking any of those guys over keeping Shane?
by PhilippeinBoston on Jul 28, 2009 11:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Do what's in shane's best inerest
Put him in Portland. He would love it here. We know you love him, but as they say: “If you love something let it go. If it comes back to you it’s yours. If it doesn’t, it never was.”
And you totally and completely owe us one, we’re calling in the favor. Just be glad that we aren’t trying to trade you Pendergraph for Brooks.
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
umm NO ! we don't give players away
give us brandon roy the year after when yao is back. we need a sg. Thanks
by Sidwho on Jul 28, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm... and we need a defensive SF
it appears we are at an impasse. If it helps we can take yao off your hands as well…
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
:(
But then I’m going to have to get a new SN.
I don’t think I really l want to be the TheYaoator…
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Shane Battier but....
isn’t he like an older Nic Batum??
by jenstcy on Jul 28, 2009 11:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yes, which is exactly the point
who better to mentor Batum for a few years while he grows into what we hope he will become?
by ItsMrHarris2u on Jul 28, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't playing time be better for Nic than Battier's influence?
Battier would be good for Nic, but unless Travis and Martell leave the team, he’s not going to get much PT.
Pubert Jones > Hedo
by rockingharder on Jul 28, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nic is a POTENTIAL defensive stopper
As far as his present level of defense is concerned, he’s vastly overrated. He’s too young and too flimsy to be a really good (much less elite) defensive player yet. Battier is a glue guy and an elite defensive player right now.
Saying Battier is like an older Batum is like saying Devin Harris is an older B-Rex.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Jul 28, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He could also be a lot better than Batttier because of his athleticism
Disclaimer: everything I know about basketball I learned on Blazersedge.
by pualo on Jul 28, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And he's about 60-90% guaranteed to be a worse defender.
Depending on how optimistic you are.
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
way overstating it
Batum was a legitimately solid NBA starter last year. Bayless was… not.
by jksnake99 on Jul 28, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
?
Starter as in he was in at the beginning of games. Or starter as in he was legitimately one of the 150 best players in the NBA right now?
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As in "he was our best small forward", I think.
by austinpwnz on Jul 28, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if that's what he's saying
then its surprising he only played 18 minutes a game. Also wasn’t in at the end of the game.
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the latter
I would have played him more minutes than Outlaw if I’d been coaching.
by jksnake99 on Jul 28, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well needless to say probably
but I disagree.
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston in the house
Just to let ya’ll know. We will be back soon ! Tmac should be back this season and he will be traded before the deadline if he’s good or be a FA in summer. That leaves us with
PG- Brooks/Lowry
SG – Battier/?
SF- Ariza/Chase Budeinger/James White
PF- Scola/Landry/Hayes/Dorsey
C – Yao Ming/David Anderson
This is what we are looking at in 2010/11 season.
Also, we can get rid of Brian"garbage" cook and barry. With the money we have, we need one efficient SG. Why trade battier now when he’s good for atleast 3 more years !!
by Sidwho on Jul 28, 2009 12:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Because
It would be a nice thing to do. What more reason do you need in life than that?
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
okay
you can have him and tmac. we’ll take roy and batum :)
thats nice too …
by Sidwho on Jul 28, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
but if everyone in the world were equally nice then how would we be able to see how truly nice YOU are? You wouldn’t stand out at all. Us keeping Roy and Batum would distinguish your act as incredibly kind and selfless to boot.
See…we’re all about making you look good.
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
OK OK: An offer that I would like and if Oregon needs some extra commerce then...
Shane, The Houston Ship Channel and cash considerations for Travis and the Willamette Valley (excluding Portland of course)
by PhilippeinBoston on Jul 28, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about the Rogue Valley?
We get to keep Ashland, but you can have Gold Hill, Grants Pass, Medford, Phoenix, Talent, etc…
by DonkeyShins on Jul 28, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exclude the river! They're after our water!
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Jul 28, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
They're just as bad as California, aren't they?
See what Dave started? But he doesn’t care, he’s in Idaho. Not like some of us.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trading land isn't practical
However we’ll give Houston Outlaw, Bayless, two McMenamin’s locations of their choice, Mike Rice, the Oregon Ducks cheerleading squad (leg razors not included), the ghost of Tom Peterson, those river logging guys from Ax Men, two windchimes from a Newport store front, and a tugboat full of Oregon’s biggest cash crop. Plus we will agree to never mention Ralph Sampson again.
That ought to do it.
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll have you know
that when I asked Jeff Pendergraph during his “Welcome to Portland” web chat if he was disappointed to have downgraded from Arizona girls to Oregon girls, he replied that the Oregon cheerleaders were the hottest in the Pac-10. Methinks they’re worth more than a throw-in for the Battier trade!
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 28, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The leg razor clause
devalues them considerably.
—Dave
by Dave on Jul 28, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we swap out Bayless for Blake and his secret energy drink potion supply?
It could help to keep Yao and T-Mac healthy. That should be worth something. At least it would heal T-Mac’s shoulder injury, maybe even re-grow bone cartilage in feet and knees.
by Norsktroll on Jul 28, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was the whole purpose
Lure in a few Houston fans, get them confused enough, and they’ll agree to anything.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston does need something medical, doesn't it?
Make it a three-way trade. Give us the Phoenix Coyotes, send the Suns’ training staff to Houston, and send half of Portland’s microbreweries to Phoenix.
Pubert Jones > Hedo
by rockingharder on Jul 28, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What!!!!! You're telling me Tom Peterson died? Oh no!
Now I feel I’ll never wake up! Did he really? He was an Oregon legend.
"Aneurysm".
When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie
by annthefan on Jul 29, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston better hopes Yao comes back healthy soon. Or you are looking at a poor man’s Mehmet Okur holding down the center spot. I have seen Andersen for years, and very rarely did he look impressive. Though he was pretty good in the Euroleague final 4 this year.
Or you can hope the “SBN Scola troll” has success with his attempts to trade Scola for another team’s star player.c
by Norsktroll on Jul 28, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really well written letter
I thought we were even with the whole Clyde deal after WE GAVE YOU PIPPEN!
I’m sure Morey would want Rudy.
by RocketsFan4Lyfe on Jul 28, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
:(
dang I forgot about that… Um… thank you? But…umm…crap…
What if we ask reeeaaally nicely?
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait you guys actually still owe us!!!
We let you guys call heads and get Hakeem. That’s definitely worth a Shane Battier!!!
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
edit
We let you guys call heads and called tails and let you guys get Hakeem. That’s definitely worth a Shane Battier!!!
"The cake was a lie..." -blazeraddict
by TheOdenator on Jul 28, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
EVEN!!!! EVEN???
What did YOU win with CLYDE?
What did WE win with PIPPEN?
EVEN?
Yeah, I’m sure he’d want Rudy, too. I hope KP doesn’t have the same Battier love that Dave has. Rudy is too good to let go, even for Shane.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
by jscot on Jul 28, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
so is ther chatter this is even a possibility?
or is this just wishful thinking?
Fine, the OLP album grew on me. It's defiantly change.
by SuperDave on Jul 28, 2009 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No d00kies ever
We just got rid of McBob. Don’t you know dookies are cursed?
by baduk on Jul 28, 2009 2:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
At this point, Shane worths a lot more for you than for us rockets
Oden-LMA-Battier-Roy-Miller? That is killer lineup which could compete with the Lakers head-to-head.
Replace Battier with any of your own young talents? Not sure if you could handle Nuggets or Jazz in a best-of-seven series. Besides the struggle for playing time would definitely damage your team chemistry. We all knew that Rudy was mad with your coach during playoff games.
So yeah, Rudy AND Bayless then we could see how far we will go from there.
by luosiegen on Jul 28, 2009 2:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
we'd rip utah a new one regardless
nm
by bmaccorm on Jul 28, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RT: Rudy AND Bayless then we could see how far we will go from there
I’m sure I’m not speaking for Kevin Pritchard (or the rest of Blazersedge) but if you throw in one of your power forwards and agree to take back Travis Outlaw then we may have a deal
it leaves Portland thin at the backup SG, but those kind of guys aren’t terribly hard to find. Shoot, Batum is playing SG for team France right now, either he or Shane could easily “fill in” behind Roy if Webster isn’t healthy…
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Being Contenders
I don’t know if you guys feel like you are ready to take the next step.
I know you guys are anxious to give up young players, but as an outsider I honestly believe that holding onto them so hard (especially, but no solely including last year around the deadline) is hurting your team’s chances.
IMO, you guys, with a Battier/Fernandez swap, are ready to compete for all the marbles.
I think that
Blake/Bayless
Roy/Webster
Battier/Batum
LMA/??
Oden/Pryz
matches up favorably with
Fisher/Farmar
Kobe/Vujacic
Artest/Walton
Gasol/Odom
Bynum
As a fan who saw both players play, Battier is a superior player to Artest, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL! You wouldn’t believe it from looking at the numbers, but while Shane doesn’t shoot (or score) a lot, he also doesn’t make really bad decisions on the offensive end that lead to someone (whether it was Ron or someone else) being forced to take a bad shot at the end of the clock.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Shane take the game saving/winning charge or make the game winning block (one on Ben Gordon a few years ago) that led to victory.
I know a lot of you already love Shane, but let me reiterate that he fits PERFECTLY with what you are trying to do.
He is a team leader, anchors a defense, facilitates without disrupting your offense and makes sure those who need shots get them.
By the time Batum is ready, Battier’s contract will be up and you can move on from there.
I don’t think you guys need to settle for a top 5 seed and a second round exit. I think you guys have the personnel, with a Battier trade, to be as good or better than either the Lakers or San Antonio.
Rudy’s a stiff price, but how much time is he ever going to see behind Roy, a guy who should be getting 40 minutes every night?
There’s also one more point about the Rockets I should make:
There is a camp (I don’t know if that includes the front office) that believes we will be contenders next year.
There are reports Tmac will be ready by training camp, and Yao has been quoted as being able to return to basketball activities by January, which would make an April return not impossible.
There is a slim chance we could be contenders come late next spring. And even if we aren’t, we fully expect to be championship contenders in 2010. So you can see why we as fans, and probably also the front office is a bit hesitant to pull the trigger on Shane.
Cheers!
-TheBigH
by TheBigH on Jul 28, 2009 4:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
and one more thing
At this point, Battier is the best player on our roster. He’s also unequivocally our team leader and primary chemistry guy.
Do you give up your best player and team leader for marginal 7,8,9, guys like Webster, Blake, Bayless, and Outlaw?
You look for players who could become starters, or at worst a 6th man. Rudy is kinda the only available asset who would fit the bill.
by TheBigH on Jul 28, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess the real question is...what does Daryl Morley think about Rudy?
“cause I know he really likes Battier, especially after reading his quotes from that “non-all-star all- star” article from a few year’s back
After I heard that the Rockets were letting Wafer go, I did a (fanshot) trade proposal of Rudy+Outlaw for Battier. (Of course, that was back when Portland still had cap-space.) To match Shane’s 6.9mil salary now we’d have to throw in another player (Bayless’ salary would be perfect) but the Blazers can’t really afford to part with 2 guards, especially with the status of Martell Websters foot still being unresolved.
And as you can imagine Blazer fans aren’t going to agree to part with Fernandez at this time. (Maybe in February, but I doubt it.) Rudy still has another 18-24 months in Portland before he reaches his “trade me, I’m not happy” point of departure. So, as much as I’d love to have Battier and his BBIQ on the Blazers, I don’t see it happening. Pritchard and McMillian just got their veteran with experience (Andre Miller) and they aren’t looking to consolidate the roster at the present time.
Sorry about Yao, I wish he had stayed healthy and you guys had beat L*A. We know how it can be to have a stud center with brittle feet (and tibias and knees) around here…
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Jul 28, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see you working
…and I like your reasoning. That being said, about the only person (other than LA and Roy) I would even consider trading Battier for is Fernandez.. As it’s been said many times already, Houston fans LOVE our Battier. I think most Rox fans believe (myself included) that we are reloading instead of completely rebuilding, and we’ll be back strong next season. If we do trade Battier to a Western Conference team, I suppose I’d rather he go to the Blazers than anyone else. He would be a really nice fit with the guys y’all already have.
I’m glad to see the jail-Blazers image is a thing of the past. Mgmt has done a nice job of bringing in some quality guys who should provide a strong foundation for years to come. Good luck Blazers. I hope to see you guys beat the snot out of the arrogant Lakers and the dirty Jazz next year.
by slothy420 on Jul 29, 2009 12:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
thank you Slothy
Please come back and visit often. – Elgin
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
by 22baylor on Jul 29, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston Fan Here
What about this type of trade for Battier. One where BOTH teams benefit (Note that Mil also sends their 2010 pick to Portland as a part of this deal)
by supertruck97 on Jul 31, 2009 7:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
