Checking in on Joel Freeland

RealGM, with an article on everyone's favorite British hoopster (assuming no Luol Deng fans in the room).

almost 2 years ago EngineerScotty 12 comments 0 recs |

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Is he eligible to play in the NBA next season without a big buyout?

I thought he was still under a big long-term contract in Spain.

by IntergalacticP on Mar 17, 2010 5:21 PM PDT reply actions

He is still under contract, but the buyouts are reportedly reasonable and the Blazers could use their MLE on him if they wanted/he wanted more than his rookie scale deal now (more than 3 seasons have passed since drafting him).

by Norsktroll on Mar 17, 2010 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Here's a question

Who’s better: Freeland, or a veteran free agent we could sign with MLE?

Disclaimer: everything I know about basketball I learned on Blazersedge.

by pualo on Mar 17, 2010 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions

That’s the million dollar question. I don’t think there are that many good big man veterans out there this summer for the MLE. Maybe someone like Udonis Haslem. Freeland’s advantage would be an ability to play both 5 and 4. If everything goes right he could be a 6’11" David Lee or Keon Clark. His reading of defensive plays still needed some work the last time I saw him play regularly, but he’s skilled and efficient.

by Norsktroll on Mar 17, 2010 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Freeland's advantage is that he will come much cheaper than the MLE

he is pretty unproven. he really shouldn’t command more than the BIE at this point. If he would rather make a few more bucks staying in Europe, then we would likely say “fine, talk to us when you want to prove yourself in the Association”

"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare

by douglast on Mar 17, 2010 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions

BAE that is

"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare

by douglast on Mar 17, 2010 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions

if he'll take the BAE, then fine

I have my doubts that JF could beat out Pendergraph for minutes, in fall camp

But the MLE needs to go to a veteran. The current roster has enough youth for their current stage of contention

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Mar 18, 2010 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions

agreed.

if you use the MLE, it has to be on a proven veteran.

"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare

by douglast on Mar 18, 2010 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions

If everything goes right he could be a 6’11" David Lee or Keon Clark

An ability to play the 4-5 doesn’t necessarily mean he can defend NBA centers and power forwards. From that article I gather he’s active but that he may be lacking in the strength department—and Portland has enough tall skinny guys who can jump. What they need is another guy who defend NBA “beasts” (like Przy could)

You’ll need to convince me that Freeland is that guy before I’d consider using the MLE on Joel02

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Mar 18, 2010 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions

The author had a lot of good things to say about him

I think if he is at or above Pendergraphs level right now, it might make sense to bring him over and try to package Pendy with a Pick(s) to move up in the draft. It certainly is nice to have another big man prospect out there should the blazers fail to resign Camby….

RUDY > MJ
Thank you KP

by Rudiculous on Mar 17, 2010 6:38 PM PDT reply actions

I'd rather hang onto Pendy

besides Oden, Jeff’s the only Blazer big man with a mean streak and above-average strength for his position, especially in the lower body (at least, until Przy returns…)

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Mar 18, 2010 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions