Drafting: Up, Down, In, or Out?
by Dave on May 23, 2010 11:45 PM PDT
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PrintWe're going to shift focus from the season past to the year ahead. The first event of that new year will almost certainly be the draft. At first glance the Blazers' prospects seem rather pedestrian with the #22 selection. But as you've no doubt heard, at least a couple high-ranking teams might be looking to trade picks this year. With Portland's track history, who knows what could happen? So let's open the proceedings by surveying everyone's best guesses.
Forget trading up past the #4 pick as that possibility is incredibly remote. But let's assume there's a chance that a team from Minnesota at #4 down to Los Angeles at #8 would be willing to trade. What would you move for one of those upper-level picks and who (or at least what) would you want to use it on?
If that's not your style, we'll also open up the possibility of getting a lower-level lottery selection, somewhere between #9 and #14. What are the criteria there?
If you do have the Blazers moving up, what do you think the real likelihood is? Are you wishing or do you think there's a chance?
If rising up the order isn't your thing, who do you think the Blazers might be able to get in their upper 20's range? Or is there a guy who might be available in the lower teens with a minor swap on Portland's part? If Portland keeps their pick, what's the strategy this year?
Some folks might advocate ditching the pick altogether. Financial considerations could play a part. Maybe there't just nobody significant available in Portland's range in this year's draft. If you're one of these folks, let us know why and tell us what you'd prefer to see instead.
The floor is open. Plot Portland's strategy through the next few weeks and convince us why your preferred outcome is best, or at least your predicted outcome most likely.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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Euro
I vote to continue building our young European team. Perhaps Rudy can join the guys over there now. Pick a guy who’ll sit over there for a few more years, then when LA gets moved, you start bringing in pieces from Europe.
I’m not sure whether or not I’m serious.
that is pretty funny to think about actually...
but i really do see us drafting another “koponen-freeland-claver” type pick, or possibly trading out of the first round entirely. with dante showing that he can hang and bayless getting more responsibility, it’s unlikely we try to draft an immediate impact player by trading up or even staying at 22
by Three Match Ban on May 24, 2010 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions
No more Euros...
please!
Elitism - It's lonely at the top. But it's comforting to look down upon everyone at the bottom.
by thankyouforblaze on May 24, 2010 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't think there's a lot of solid Euros to pick from, this year
unless Jason Filippi has found a diamond in the rough
I agree, though. There are enough Euros already stashed in the pipeline, and from listening to KP talk about them for the past year, it doesn’t seem to be as easy to get them to agree to come over to the NBA as was originally believed
For example, if you were Claver, would you come to Portland after talking to Sergio and Rudy?
Freeland’s making a nice career for himself in Europe, why would he come over to the US and compete with Cunningham and Pendergraph for a chance to maybe be on the active roster? And then perhaps he’d get shipped off to play in Boise? He might as well just stay where he is and get paid in Euros instead of greenbacks.
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Right now getting paid in greenbacks ....
… may be enticing enough all on it’s own.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
Total Euro Team...
Sometimes I wonder how a fully realized European team would compete in the NBA. I think it’d be a fun team to cheer for. Bring over Koponnen, Rudy, Claver—have to pick up a center somehow—and just let them play for a season and see how it goes. Can’t be any crazier than some stuff Don Nelson is trying to do.
In any regard, I really like having the European fans visit this site and the Blazers having an international audience. That’s worth sometime… to me at least.
Buck Williams for the hall of fame
Had I Paul Allen's money ...
… I would seriously look into owning my own team in the Euro League.
I also don’t understand why he hasn’t bought his own D-League team. Whether they played in Boise, Spokane, Tri Cities or someplace in Oregon, it would help extend the brand name and develop a regional fan base, as well as offering better control over the development of young players.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
Not a bad idea
A D-league team is a great way to improve a franchise, and especially one that has suffered from instability and injuries. Beyond the obvious – a way for young/raw players to get playing time and develop – there are many other benefits:
Just look at what Houston did with the RGV Vipers, who have been a great reservoir of talent for the Rockets all year. I would think that the Blazers can afford to take advantage of a similar arrangement (with Boise, say).
Of course, that would require some serious commitment from the ownership and management, and we all know how that’s been working out lately…
D-league ownership has mixed results for teams now operating this way
1. The expense may outweigh the income from such a team. In an ever increasing revenue decline in the NBA few teams can afford the additional losses. There is also a distraction for management of focus on the parent team while having to manage the D-League team according to the organization’s plans.
2. Any team can sign players from any D-League team except those on a 15-man roster so is there a benefit to owning the team when you cannot protect them? In baseball the players on the minor league teams are under contract to the parent team but not in the D-League. You might spend a year developing a player and then have him called up to another rival’s team without compensation.
3. Developing a player in the D-League has not proven yet to be a proven formula. San Antonio has Ian Mahinmi who played most of two years in their D-League. He has played a total of 188 min in 2 years with the parent team. Perhaps he will still develop but he does require a roster spot and salary during this time of training and the cost of ownership/
4. The level of competition in the D-League does not seem to prepare a player for NBA action. Example: Patty Mills. Patty killed the D-League with outstanding scoring but was unable to be productive in the NBA. A few players get promoted each year from the D-League and a few actually stick but not enough to justify owning a team in hopes of signing such a player before someone else calls him up.
5. The philosophy of the D-League is to showcase players for advancement to the NBA. Isn’t that at odds from an NBA team-owned club teaching and running the same offense as the parent?
Given all that I do like the branding of the parent into the community. The obvious location for such a team is Tacoma hoping to incorporate Western Washington into the fan base. I do like the training ground for coaches as well. At least they would still be under contract with the parent team.
This line:
Of course, that would require some serious commitment from the ownership and management, and we all know how that’s been working out lately…
puzzles me. There has been a huge commitment from ownership and management into the Blazers. Two examples of this are the signing of Marcus Camby who will cause the Blazers to go into luxury tax costing millions of non-player salary dollars and also the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for the owner and the second one is the retaining a full scouting staff even as other teams have deleted their scouts (e.g. Memphis) and the clear indication of their preparation each draft day speaking of many long days and nights spent dissecting the data and assessments.
If I was a billionare, investing in as fickle an industry as sports
I would devote extra resources to player development. Would find the best drafting scouts, always try and trade for the picks we want (which would mostly be players with the highest potential rather than the most ready), and then put as many players as we can have into development leagues (and international leagues). The final part of this would be good coaches for these players to maximize their potential(s). The goal would be to have several players developing for each position with different strengths and weakness’s, but most certainly getting playing time, until they are polished coming into the main team (the Blazers) and already know the basic rotations.
I am sure there is something in the legal papers which would prevent having too many players under-contract but playing in development/international leagues. This scenario would give us (or me if i was the owner) the largest base of talent from which to draw (either for trades or to play) and the most potential to actually find that ‘diamond in the rough.’
Agree whole heartedly
I’ve believed this about baseball, where it can provide the greatest return, for a long time. I’ve also advocated for some time for the NBA to consider a minor league network. The D-League is about as far as we’ve seen to date.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
I dont see a need for a pick to be made what so ever.
My ideal scenario as to package our 1st rnd pick, or even our 1st and 2nd rnd picks in a sign and trade deal……in my crazy fantasy world the sign and trade is a LMA, Rudy, 1st and 2nd round picks, plus any other guy not named Roy, Oden , or Batum to make the deal happen. Thats my fantasy and no one will take it from me. lol
by blazerbeliever97504 on May 23, 2010 11:54 PM PDT reply actions
who are we trading for though?
who out there is available through trade or free agency that makes us better?
we need young, cheap talent…
Elitism - It's lonely at the top. But it's comforting to look down upon everyone at the bottom.
by thankyouforblaze on May 24, 2010 12:34 AM PDT up reply actions
haha, woops
ya i meant to say LMA, Rudy, etc for a sign and trade Bosh scenario. I know it has a next to zer percent chance of happening in reality it is still my fantasy. Plus it works very well in nba2k10 :) I wrote that last night as i was about to go to sleep, I.E. i was half asleep. lol
by blazerbeliever97504 on May 24, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I believe KP has said the value for us this year is not FA but in the draft
As you guys discussed in the podcast the opportunities to clear out some luxury tax money for a team while exchanging for a higher pick is in play. It would depend on what we take back to facilitate that and mostly on who the organization is targeting to go and get. I can see getting a shooter making mid-level money or lower to free up cap space.
My target might be Cole Aldrich. He is projected to be around pick #6 but the Blazers may have calculated how he might slip to even 10-12. Who I think they give up is Rudy who is not happy, still has serious potential and value to teams – especially to sell their fans on the move and probably costs too much to extend. Move up and draft Cole to be ready when Marcus’ contract is up (he will not fuss to not play much the first year).
well
I don’t think we go for any Center in this draft, as we’re already pretty full right now at that position, unless we plan on shopping Pryz asap.
I think the Blazers look at getting the Power Forward they covet since this is a forward-heavy draft this year. Someone who can backup LA for the next couple years.
Elitism - It's lonely at the top. But it's comforting to look down upon everyone at the bottom.
by thankyouforblaze on May 24, 2010 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions
The player we need is a center/PF who can split between the two
We have one center and two recovering centers. We have two PFs and one PF/C coming off their rookie years. One of those recovering, Joel, will not likely play for the first part of the year and will by most accounts be gone after next year. The other, Marcus, we have for one or two more years barring injury (a long history for the player of injuries) or retirement. Jeff may already fill that role but depth of young bigs seems to be where this draft is deep unless you want to draft a wing. The Cole choice is based upon character, possibility of falling down to a more easily trade-up draft slot and an exceptional rebounder/defender at either position. His shot needs to be rebuilt but he is better offense right now than Joel and perhaps Marcus as well.
Another play of interest is Donatas Motiejunas who can shoot and projects as a mismatch at both center and PF. I simply do not see going higher for Favors or Cousins. Would either be happy not starting?
I believe a true Center is one of our biggest needs
As you point out, Joel won’t be available for the first part of the season, and I suspect he won’t be especially effective once he does come back. Greg Oden’s health issues are well known, and I hate to have to rely on him being healthy. Marcus Camby has battled injuries his entire career and is getting pretty long in the tooth.
I’m not a college basketball fan, so I won’t comment on any available players beyond saying that the Blazers really need a true center, a guy who can post up, block shots, and protect the rim on defense. If you address the need in the draft, I’m willing to let the guy be a project, as long as he is reasonably athletic.
The other big need, as I see it, is a reliable, consistent backup SG. Roy also has a history of injury problems, and I don’t see his knees getting dramatically better. I’d like to see a guy who can play perimeter defense, knock down some threes, and penetrate. Obviously, he won’t be a stud at any of those things, but if he can simply do them all passably well, and be happy playing 15 minutes a night, then the Blazers will have done well.
We have three guys who are starting quality centers....
and we are paying them a ton of dough: Camby, $10 mil; Pryz, $7 mil; Oden, $6 mil. We also have the draft rights to Freeland who is 6’11" and supposedly a 4-5. I have a hard time seeing how a another center is a huge need.
At the moment, I would like to keep Pryz, I think he is insurance against Camby or Oden getting hurt. If he can play again at near his previous level his trade value will increase significantly. If all is well, we can package him with Rudy or some other piece at the trade deadline.
I am more in tune with a defensive oriented 2 with size and a good % from 3.
by upper left corner on May 24, 2010 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions
But two of the centers you named
are recovering from major, potentially catastrophic knee injuries. The third has missed a lot of games in his career due to injuries, and is in his mid-30’s. A rookie center wouldn’t cost you a lot of money at the slot the Blazers have in the draft. I’m fine with Freeland if he can do the things that a center has to do.
Mind you, I’m not looking for a superstar at that spot — there aren’t any available. Just a guy that can step in if Oden gets hurt again.
I hear you but
I think they’ll see how the 3+ centers heal up/pan out/hold down the fort this season and look at drafting at the 5 slot next year, if need be.
"I come to you now, at the turn of the tide." -- Brandon "Gandalf" Roy, April 24th, 2010
There could be room for one more center on the roster next season; however, it'd be in ...
the form of someone like Rasho Nesterovic, who’d sign a two-year contract worth the BAE — with the second season being a team option — so as to provide depth and insurance at the 5 spot. With all due respect to Jeff Pendergraph, I’m not too fond of undersized centers such as himself. I’m cool with Pendergraph being the 13th or 14th man on the roster — while the oft-injured Joel Przybilla takes up the 15th spot — for that way he may either chill behind the Blazer bench while wearing a fine, crisp suit or receive some D-League playing time for the Idaho Stampede.
Agree completely.
Pendergraph to me is really a PF.
Jeff Pendergaph is stuck in a gray area as a late-'80s/'90s-era power forward ...
(e.g., Mark Bryant) and a more modern-day undersized center (e.g., Etan Thomas).
It’s a tough middle ground for a guy like Pendergraph to navigate, for he’s kind of a guy without a true position.
Thomas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-F6lwk9xJk
Pendergraph: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhsV69LCFsI
Both of those guys did manage to carve out decent careers ...
… at least with regard to longevity. That indicates there is a usefulness to such players.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
he may either chill behind the Blazer bench while wearing a fine, crisp suit
No way! Jeff has his bench role well defined—he’s the monkey in the middle during the pregame warmups. No one can take that away from him!
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Favors and Cousins don't excite me either ...
… but then I don’t follow college ball the way I once did, so I am certainly not that well informed on potential draft picks.
One thing I did read about Cousins was that Hollinger has him listed at the top of his list as being the biggest impact player in the NBA, not John Wall.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
Cousins is a head case
think of Eddie Curry, or a larger (younger) Zach Randolph
beware the word “potential” especially when it’s linked with “lazy” and “selfish” in most of DC’s draft profiles
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
What jksnake said.
Can’t believe i just said that.
Well, yes I can. The reason Hollinger has him at the top of his list is for the reason stated by jksnake – i.e. Cousin’s past performance shows a high correlation to success in the NBA. As for his attitude, it would raise red flags for me, but if my staff felt strong enough about being able to deal with that, then I could see going with him.. If he does turn out to be a problem, hopefully I’d make that decision early and get rid of him before his reputation overwhelmed his talent.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
if my staff felt strong enough about being able to deal with that, then I could see going with him
KP is not going to trade up and pick this guy. I could care less what Hollinger thinks, because…Cousins is going to be playing on a different NBA team next season
If the light bulb comes on for DC and he plays like Wilt Chamberlain for the next 20 years, then perhaps I’ll have regrets that KP didn’t think he was worth the risk in 2010. But I doubt it
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
DeMarcus Cousins could very well be a bigger, younger version of Zach Randolph, but it ...
seems like folks are forgetting how awful Eddy Curry is as a player. Even if Cousins’ churlish attitude causes him problems in the NBA, he’ll always be a superior low-post scorer, inside-outside passer, rebounder, and shot blocker — as well as anything related to basketball — than the fat, slothful Curry, who’s completely worthless.
Dc is the next DC
Derrick Coleman that is.
His only upside is that he appears to have healthier skin.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
You cant compare Cousins to Curry and Coleman
Curry and Coleman didnt have the desire. From what I have seen from Cousins he cares.
I don't think the Blazers will move up much( if any) in this draft
with a deep draft it seems like it would be a great year for KP to let the chips fall and take the BPA. It would be really difficult to project immediate problems on this team with all the injuries we had last season so just go BPA.
keep the second round pick and use it to stash another euro player( a common move with this organization). My suggestions picked off a quick look at these players profiles would be:
Paulao Prestes-brazilian center( blazersedge could use some more brazilians) who was called a stat stuffer in his profile
Vladimir Dasic -Serbian sf/pf with a good stroke( possibly for pick and pop plays a favorite of nate’s)
Nemanja Bjelica – guard in a pf’s body, think Hedo or don’t i don’t care( really i just want the blazers to draft him so we can hear mike rice try to say his name)
Evaluate New Jerseys Needs and Make a Play for Favors at #3
Could we trade Rudy or Aldridge for #3 and live with ourselves? Dunno. Aldridge isn’t a low-post competitor and Rudy will never be happy behind Roy.
Hold on to everyone else (especially avoiding the temptation to dangle Martell as trade bait.)
Take a risk on that Seattle University kid with our second rounder.
Oden's and Favor's games are too similar.
And he’s not ready to be a starter yet. But, since Favor is still developing, he might be perfect being groomed for and sharing the back up 4/5 minutes with Camby. I’m not sure we could ger favors withouth giving up aldridge though.
Go Blazers!
Petteri's foot is broken
he’s not coming over this summer
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
yeah, but why would they invite him to FC if he hasn't played all summer?
Like I wrote the day we found out about the injury, PK had buzzard’s luck with the timing of his broken foot. Imagine if it had happened during the first day of SL training camp? He and his agent could have parlayed that into a guaranteed NBA contract and a seat behind the bench all year in Portland! (after spending a few weeks playing for Idaho)
The Aussies have all the luck. Finns just have to dig deeper
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I'd be down with
releasing Mills and “giving” PK his slot on the team for 2010-11.
"Better, not good, but better." - Herb Brooks
I was definitely of that same mindset
before I heard about his foot injury
now, I’m of the opinion that the earliest arrival date for PK is the summer of 2011
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
If Norstktroll is right
and he is ok by august,
then he has time to heal for training camp,
i saw nothing from Mills that would make me want him to be around another year and it seems that getting another look at PK and not just at summer league would be a good thing.
"Better, not good, but better." - Herb Brooks
I agree re: Patty
not to mention Portland’s QO for Mills would be 900K+…g-day mate
There should no rush to bring PK over, he could use another developmental year in Europe
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I dont see alot of movement in thi draft
Maybe a few spots but I think we will stay in the 18-22 range and grab a backup pf/c to bolster some front court depth (sorry pendegraph). I can see us drafting guys like Larry Saunders our of VCU, Craig Brackins from Iowa, or maybe even Patrick Patterson. All of those guys could add some versatility, defense, and rebounding skills. They could also fill a gap once camby retires.
Hassan Whiteside as well. Though he may be more of a lottery pick.They are saying he could be the next Marcus Camby…crazy tall and long arms.
by blahblah4864 on May 24, 2010 12:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Hassan Whiteside doesn't have the high-post passing abilities of Marcus Camby, although he's a ...
similarly proficient shot blocker. At best, Whiteside might be the second-coming of Tyson Chandler. On the other hand, though, Whiteside could easily bust, à la fellow mid-major standout Patrick O’Bryant.
If Patrick Patterson is available with the 11th pick, I'd offer up Martell Webster and Rudy Fernandez to ...
the New Orleans Hornets for his draft rights and Morris Peterson — whose contract expires after the 2010-2011 season — afterward, I’d target Mike Miller with the MLE during free agency.
I dont know if hes worth that much...
I would love to see mike miller in a blazers uniform though.
by blahblah4864 on May 24, 2010 12:37 AM PDT up reply actions
The Portland Trail Blazers could kill two birds with one stone, as Mike Miller would replace the ...
production of Martell Webster and Rudy Fernandez in one fell swoop. Oh, and as it pertains to that above trade proposal of mine, I’d also include the 22nd pick going from Portland to New Orleans.
In theory, though, Patrick Patterson would make a valuable addition to Portland’s frontline of Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge, Marcus Camby, Jeff Pendergraph, Dante Cunningham, and the injured Joel Przybilla.
I actually wrote about this exact scenario on PRS
Sign Mike Miller, give him Rudy and Martell’s minutes.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on May 24, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
maybe throw in bayless too
and get collison back. A little more even IMO seeing as how Morris Peterson is virtually worthless… i would definitely make the trade then.
by blahblah4864 on May 24, 2010 1:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I love Darren Collison, who I wanted the Portland Trail Blazers to draft last year. Yet, I'm not ...
sure the New Orleans Hornets would deal Collison, even in a multi-player trade such as Morris Peterson, him, and the 11th pick (e.g., Patrick Patterson) to Portland for Martell Webster, Jerryd Bayless, Rudy Fernandez, and the 22nd pick (e.g., Larry Sanders). I’d sure as heck do it, though.
I think anyone who wants to get Collison will have to overpay
I think it would be smart for the Hornets to trade high on him and get some help for Paul. I think they’d want to get rid of James Posey’s contract as opposed to Peterson because the latter contract is in its last year.
Maybe they would accept that deal if they can keep the 11th pick, too.
"In fact you might say that Ugly is the Blazers' secret weapon this year."
-Dave
As for the Blazers...They are officially the NBA equivalent of a movie serial killer
-basketbawful
I'd take James Posey over Morris Peterson, but would still badly want the 11th pick.
Yet, an eight-man rotation consisting of a healthy Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Brandon Roy, Andre Miller, Marcus Camby, Mike Miller, and Darren Collison could be summed up simply as pure bliss. So yeah, I’d do the deal even without getting Patrick Patterson.
agreed
"In fact you might say that Ugly is the Blazers' secret weapon this year."
-Dave
As for the Blazers...They are officially the NBA equivalent of a movie serial killer
-basketbawful
Yeah, that's looking more and more like the way to go with roster construction.
STARTING LINEUP
C: Greg Oden
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
SF: Nicolas Batum
SG: Brandon Roy
PG: Andre Miller
SECOND UNIT
C/PF: Marcus Camby
SF/SG: Mike Miller
PG: Darren Collison
BENCHWARMERS
C: Jeff Pendergraph
PF: Dante Cunningham
SF: James Posey
SG: Second-Round Draft Pick (e.g., Mikhail Torrance)
PG: Patty Mills
INACTIVE LIST
C: Joel Przybilla
by AK1984 on May 24, 2010 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
i support this
good flexibility in the second unit that has the potential for a very solid 10 man rotation.
If this could happen, that would be amazing.
Talent all around, and veteran talent, which couldn’t hurt on this youthful team. I’d miss Bayless and Webs particularly, but this roster would have a tough time losing.
Barrett: You are going to score 35 tonight.
Bayless: Ya think?
MB off by only four, my oh my.
by thenatural007 on May 30, 2010 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Is it a possibility that a team would want to trade for Rudy simply for cap relief?
Not that this trade is exactly that. We think of Rudy as an expiring contract, but it may be more useful to think of him as a voidable contract as he might be very willing to void his contract to allow him to play for Barcelona. They are offering more money and have the other perks of home.
by 52therim on May 24, 2010 8:24 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
too small a K to matter
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on May 24, 2010 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
the New Orleans Hornets for his draft rights and Morris Peterson — whose contract expires after the 2010-2011 season — afterward, I’d target Mike Miller with the MLE during free agency
I think the odds that KP will trade into the 10-12 range (Indy, NOLA, Memphis) are a lot higher than he’ll trade up to 3-4. Rudy+Martell+22 should be more than enough to move up into the late lottery, and those 3 teams need young/cheap players.
Agree about targeting Miller, but will the Blazers be one of his top 5 destinations? Seems to me he’ll receive MLE offers from quite a few teams, this July
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Patterson
I really think this is a kid worth moving up to get. Not only did he decide to go back to school and finish his degree even though he could have been drafted about as high last year (AND pursue a post-season berth at last), but he was willing to compete like no others rated as highly as him in Chicago. Unlike most players rated as a lottery pick, he is not trying to hide his flaws, but rather exhibit his plusses. He is confident, a competitor, and constantly working to improve. I think he would be a FANTASTIC long term backup to Aldridge. And when you factor in that LMA can log some time at C, Patterson’s size isn’t a huge liability. If (I know, I know) Oden were healthy long term, the three of them could make a formicable front line. Obviously a long term backup for Oden in case of injury is essential, but Camby short term works.
I’d be willing to include Pendergraph in such a trade up, along with Rudy, since I think Pendy is a 4 and Patterson will be better immediately. The problem is who to trade with in that range.
In a perfect world, Portland would figure out a way to get Collison AND Patterson in a trade w New Orleans. I would want the starting five to remain the same, and Collison, Webster, Patterson and Camby to be the key reserves. I just don’t see a realistic way to make that work. A deal with NO that brings back Peterson or Posey more or less means including Martell. And a deal that doesn’t include Martell sends them Rudy, Pendergraph and #22 only. They wouldn’t do that. Adding Bayless makes the deal fail due to salaries.
They DO have some trade exceptions, so possibly a two phase deal… Bayless and #22 for a trade exception and #11, then Rudy and Pendy plus a 2nd rounder and cash for Collison?
Aside from that… Indy will want cap relief. All of their ugly contracts are big, like Dunleavy and Murphys. Memphis will want more cheap talent than Portland can really offer.
New Orleans remains the best hope, but I’m not sure Portland can put together a better package than other teams that may also be interested in a Collison / Patterson acquisition.
by Rodney Gustafson on May 28, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not willing to throw in the towel
on Pendergraph, after his performance this year. I thought his contributions as a rook were more than adequate. I am, however most concerned with the stability at the 5. Odens failure to stay on the court is our biggest problem right now.
The easiest way to improve this team would be either to eliminate or alleviate that.
If Cousins winds up being available at whatever slot we end up with and we don’t pick him, I’d have to believe that the FO is still more concerned with character, than team needs. His draft analysis looks like a lesser version of Odens.
I think they deal
Not sure who or for what, but I don’t see KP sitting pat in this draft. Why should he start now? Rumor has it he’s on the hot seat, right?!?! Time to make another splash, the higher the better. And this year of all years it sounds like more teams are likely to trade out or down to free up a little more cap space to get that coveted FA they’ve targeted for July….
If the team were to move up a bit
There are a few players I wouldn’t mind seeing the team take a close look at, if they were to move into the 10-15 range.
Xavier Henry – 6-7 – SG – Kansas. He just turned 19. I think he has a chance to be pretty good. He’s a good outside shooter, seems to be a good character guy. Might make a good back up behind Brandon for a few years before a potential issue of playing time comes up and/or could be insurance if Brandon’s knees don’t hold up 4-5 years down the road.
Larry Sanders – 6’10 – F/C – VCU – 21 years old. He might be there are 22, but would probably need to move up a bit. Would be worth looking at to see if he would be an upgrade over Jeff.
Patrick Patterson – 6’8 – PF – Kentucky – Just turned 21. Appears to be a pretty solid player – likely an upgrade over Duante, although I like Duante’s game.
Hassan Whiteside – 7’0 – C – Marshall – Will turn 21 next month. Would likely have to get at 10 or just above to pick him up as he seems to headed up the draft boards. In college, was a very good shot blocker (5.4 avg this past season). Is raw on the offensive end, but the team could use a pretty solid defender in the post to groom after Marcus, in case Greg never comes around.
Two other players that would be worth a look are Gordon Hayward and Luke Babbitt – they are both in the 6’9 range, pretty good outside shooters and there is questions for both about whether or not they are atheletic enough. I think one might be there when the Blazers draft and the other could likely be had by moving up a tad. They both play SF so there is some question of need – question on whether or not they would be an upgrade over Martell.
I’ve heard some speak highly of Eric Bledsoe – PG – 6’1-190 – will turn 20 in October. He sounds quite a bit like Bayless – more of a score first type of guard.
Ed Davis – PF – N. Carolina – some have him rated in the top five, while others think he could fall to around 10 – might make a pretty good back up to LeMarcus.
Rudy would be the likely player dealt to move up – Martell, Bayless and perhaps the rights to one of the Euro’s and/or cash being other possibilities.
God it is so hard to tell where players will go and who will be available
That being said here are who I am most interested in:
Favors, Henry, Monroe, Sanders, Stephenson, Udoh and White
though that isn’t to say that is who is most talented.
Whiteside is a bricker
I’d be happy with Davis or Sanders though…and Damion James seems to be slipping down so they could possibly fall back on that pick at 22 if all else fails.
If James falls to 22, take him
If he doesn’t take Sanders if he’s available. And if Pritchard wants to make a statement, disregard pick, trade it and a few pieces to move into the 8-12 range and nab Hayward.
Barrett: You are going to score 35 tonight.
Bayless: Ya think?
MB off by only four, my oh my.
by thenatural007 on May 30, 2010 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions
We could use a good scoring 3 to push Nic to improve
To do that I’d be all for trading our pick with any combo of Joel, Rudy, Webster, Howard. Maybe find a vet FA to give Roy some rest.
Retro
"Push Nic to improve"??????????
Like Nic didn’t just improve his PER by 4 points and the rest of his stats pretty much across the board, while coming off of surgery.
I don’t think Nic needs to be pushed. I think Nate just has to give him more minutes.
Spending major resources to trade for someone to sit, while Nic plays the next ten years, makes no sense to me.
by upper left corner on May 24, 2010 8:07 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
True, but I think he could (and should) improve much further. Having a scoring 3 behind him could help motivate him.
Retro
or take minutes away from his development
it’s a fine line. I’d like to see a veteran wing added like Mike Miller, but then how much PT would that take away from Batum? My suggestion would be to use Nic as the starting SF and also back up Roy at SG, so he could get 35 mpg and MM somewhere in the 25-30 mpg range
Of course this idea would limit Bayless to backup PG, only. There’s never a “perfect” rotation, and a lot would depend on matchups from game to game
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Nic just needs more minutes.
That is all.
Barrett: You are going to score 35 tonight.
Bayless: Ya think?
MB off by only four, my oh my.
by thenatural007 on May 30, 2010 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd like to know Dave's take on the question at hand....
me personally, I don’t think there’s a fart’s chance in the wind that the Blazers get a top 5 pick. But given how KP never selects his own pick (Oden not withstanding) I am willing to concede that the Blazers will be either moving up or moving down. I do not follow college basketball enough to know who the Blazers should target. Put positionally, I would love some little guy that only cares about defending quick point guards.
picture me rollin'
Avery Bradley is considered...
to be the best defensive guard in the draft. He’s listed at 6’2 and will likely be looked at as a combo guard (not sure if he has the skills and/or mind set to play the point). Avery is just 19 – will turn 20 in November – his home town in listed as Tacoma, WA.
He shot 37.5% from the three, but have some concern in that he only shot 54.5% from the free throw line.
Yeah, Avery Bradley is a defensive-minded off guard with a streaky shot. I liken him a bit to ...
Keyon Dooling, who’s had a serviceable journyman career thus far for someone who left college fairly early — although he did it a decade ago — like Bradley will do this year.
I see he usually goes 10-14 in mock drafts
and sometimes slipping to the 20’s, so KP will likely need to move up to acquire him. But if Avery slips to the late teens, it wouldn’t cost a whole lot to move up 5 or 6 spots.
This is the comprehensive mock draft link I used: HoopsHype
picture me rollin'
With Avery Bradley, I wouldn't specifically trade up to draft him. Yet, if he's available ...
at #22, then selecting him at that point in time would be a considerable option.
54 percent? Yikes.
Barrett: You are going to score 35 tonight.
Bayless: Ya think?
MB off by only four, my oh my.
by thenatural007 on May 30, 2010 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Trade Rudy MLE and maybe some fringe players to Minny
With the 4th pick, take Wesley Johnson. We need someone other than BRoy and maybe Batum who can create their own shot. One of the worst defenses in the NBA shut us down because they were able to double team our best players! TAKE JOHNSON!!!!!
It could work for Rudy, Martell, picks and cash. Kahn said they are "desperate for a wing" and Rudy would potentially help them bring Rubio to Minny.
But I fear Minny rather helps the future champion and trades Al Jefferson to Toronto, who S&T Bosh to Chicago, who trade Deng and a backup PF to Minny enabling them to get their wing and still just roll with picking Cousins (or Favors if he is still there). Add picks and cash, and maybe some smaller piece as needed. But that alongside with the Bosh to the Lakers S&T for Bynum seem to be the most likely trades happening. Unfortunately.
I don't expect Ricky Rubio to come over to the United States until the summer of 2012, which is ...
when Rudy Fernandez’s contract will have expired. And, even if David Kahn does target Fernandez, the best I bet the Portland Trail Blazers can get from the Minnesota T’wolves is the 16th pick for him.
The big knock on Johnson is that he is too old.
I think he’s 23. When a guy gets to a certain age, it is percieved that there is not a lot more upside. So, a lot of young teams might pass up on him because of this.
I hope they do and the Blazers get a high enough draft pick to get him. Why? Wesley in an interview said he can play PG and that he wasn’t given the opportunity to play that position at syracuse. I believe him. We already know he could guard 1-4 and play 2 and 3 on offense. If he can play PG, he can back up 1,2, and 3 while Camby backs up 4 and 5. And the way he talks and plays reminds me a lot of scottie pippen.
KP, let’s get this guy. Can you imagine a wing rotation of roy, batum and johnson? That’s disgusting!!
Go Blazers!
If Wesley Johnson, who's 22 now and turns 23 on 7/11, thinks that he can run the point, then he's ...
got delusions of grandeur; he better not hope for a scouting gig after his basketball career ends, either.
trade LMA to NJ
trade LMA + Rudy pick and fillers possiy cash for Harris + #3 and fillers and draft favors.
gives us a pg fills void for LMA and flexiblity to dangle Andre and Joel (14million expiring contract)…
by Hoi on May 24, 2010 1:24 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Alright, I want to try and answer all the questions proposed:
the teams most likely to trade with us are those with financial constraints looking to deal out of the top 10 so not to take on as much in a rookie contract, and teams who significantly need one of our pieces that we’re willing to trade. No way do we move into the top 3, as the top 2 players in the draft are elite players, and New Jersey at 3 has a new owner willing to spend big dollars to win. I see us most likely to trade/buy for the 7th spot (Pistons) or 8th spot (Clippers), or possibly the 4th spot (Minn). I don’t think many other teams ahead of us at 22 would be willing to trade, unless they traded down a couple spots for cash considerations and maybe Rudy and still got the guy they wanted.
I think Portland tries to get their hands on a capable banger Power Forward in the draft who can pull down rebounds and play in the post to backup Aldridge. I know we have Dante, but he’s a 3/4, and Pendy, who’s a 4/5, but neither is the perfect backup 4 we need. they’re more or less great rotation guys for the future.
Who are we talking about? For one, Nate and Portland management like guys with 3-4 years under their belt in college. Guys like Dante, Pendy, Roy, etc. Guys like Bayless, a one and done, need a lot of time to figure things out. We also are looking for good character guys, which makes me think we overlook real young guys and guys like Cousins who supposedly has character issues.
I like Wesley Johnson, though he’s not as big as I’d like at 6’7", 22, out of Syracuse.
Also Patrick Patterson, 6’8", 21, Kentucky.
Damion James, 6’7", 22, Texas.
For a capable backup center, we could go for Solomon Alabi, 7’1", out of Florida State.
We could also use a capable backup point guard, as I see trading away Rudy as opening up a three guard rotation between Dre, Bayless, and Roy, where Bayless is more or less the 2 guard (shooting guard). We could use a young PG like an Aaron Brooks or Rondo type, though I think a guy who hits the three like Steph Curry is the perfect guy to spread the floor. However, there are no great PGs in the draft early, so we could sit at 22 or even move into the 2nd round for a guard, though we may look at a trade or next year’s draft to pickup a PG we like.
there is Eric Bledsoe, 6’1", out of Kentucky, or Sherron Collins from Kansas.
Overall, I see us most likely going for the one guy that management likes that no one expects, by trading Rudy away. He’s the best commodity to trade since he has a cheap contract and a possibly decent ceiling, if he ever stopped whining.
There’s a strong possibility we move up for Wesley Johnson, stay put for Quincy Pondexter from Washington, or move down for a PG in the draft like Sherron Collins from Kansas in the 2nd round. I do think no matter what, there will be a lot of wheeling and dealing in the draft, and that KP will be front and center looking to get us a great pickup at a bargain.
Elitism - It's lonely at the top. But it's comforting to look down upon everyone at the bottom.
by thankyouforblaze on May 24, 2010 1:27 AM PDT reply actions
I see us most likely going for the one guy that management likes that no one expects, by trading Rudy away
Agreed, and the most likely range that KP will trade up to is 10-12 (Indy, NOLA, Memphis)
Who the Blazers are targeting is anyone’s guess. I doubt many folks had Claver, Cunningham or Pendgraph tabbed last June, before the draft. Even though Dante and Jeff worked out at the PF with Hansbrough (who was reportedly also one of KP’s draft day targets, but all attempts to trade up and select Tyler fell through)
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I am not an Alibi fan
he takes up space, but he’s not a great rebounder (unacceptable at 7’1"), he’s not fleet of foot, and he will not be able to show and recover well on the pick and roll.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on May 24, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
At #2 Thabeet is a bad pick, but if you can get a player with that potential like Alabi in the 20s I would take it
I would prefer a player like Favors of course who has Dwight Howard/Al Horford potential, but a defensive shot blocking specialist as a second or third center would be a nice option.
I completely disagree with KP's assessment that there's more value for Portland in the draft than in the FA market
What are we gonna get? Another Euro? Another 4 year college guy who will be an end of the bench role player?
Anyone we pick up with the MLE is going to have more value than those options. Also, this year the FA market is going to be much more influential than normal. We, of course, don’t have any cap space to sign someone outright, but we can take advantage of the mess this off season will create by trading with a team whose priorities have shifted. Like, if Lebron leaves will the Cavs trade Mo Williams away?
Back to the draft. I don’t see much point in trading up to the top 10. The teams is, more or less, ready to compete now. What’s the point in picking up a rookie at the expense of a main player thereby only delaying the team’s advancement? Trades in the 10-20 range would be lateral, at best, in the short term. Is there anyone in that range who would out produce Rudy or Webster this season? Doubtful.
To sum up:
1. The draft will be uneventful. We’ll probably get another 3 or 4 year college guy role player who sees next to no playing time.
2. There will be some low hanging fruit out there if we want to make an off season trade.
"In fact you might say that Ugly is the Blazers' secret weapon this year."
-Dave
As for the Blazers...They are officially the NBA equivalent of a movie serial killer
-basketbawful
Reasons to move up (at least ot the lottery, if not top 5)
1) Other teams are going to be getting better through FA and the draft. Given the problems we have in signing FA’s, and KP’s success at identifying talent, the draft is our best bet.
2) We may be ready to compete now, but will we be ready in the future? Andre Miller and Marcus Camby are getting old (along with Aldridge, the players who had the biggest impact while Roy and Odenwere out), Przybilla isn’t getting younger or less injury prone, and we have serious concerns about our two franchise players’ long-term durability. Adding some serious backups and replacements, maybe even someone who can carry a team for short periods, would be our smartest move.
3) We are going to be near or at the luxury tax threshold. At the same time, we do have needs at some key positions. Free agency and trades tend to be risky and overpriced, whereas the draft also tends to be risky, but a lot cheaper. Now, it is entirely possible that acquiring a high pick could be quite expensive; however, it is also the case that KP rarely picks guys who end up busting. The draft is our best opportunity to acquire a player who will make an impact (even an immediate one if we get a mature 4-year college player), while also being a lot cheaper than the available impact vets.
because Portland can get a player and a pick
in a draft day deal. Especially as teams maneuver for free agency.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on May 24, 2010 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Trade up in draft to #8
There are several positions that the Blazers need to upgrade and get more production:
1) Center
2)Backup Center
3) Backup Power Forward
4) Future Long Term Point Guard after Miller
Trade anybody to get Greg (Don’t call me Oden) Monroe. 6’10 PF or Udoh 6’10 PF. Or, I would also take Alabi, as the Center because Oden is always hurt, Pryz won’t be back if ever, and Camby is old.
Unlikely to happen, but it would make Nate happy
1. Buy Hawks pick at #24 for $3 million, available for sale so they can make a better offer to Joe Johnson and maybe get Childress back over
2. Package #24, #22 to Clippers for #8 and – because combined with the picks it isn’t allowed – in a separate deal trade Camby for Outlaw S&T to a similar deal like Martell has now (they have the cap space to absorb it, and wanted him back anyway)
3. Draft whichever big man prospect KP is in love with: Aldrich (to drive Mike and Mike crazy and get the next Joel P), Motiejunas (next Dirk/Bargnani), Monroe (Odom meets Brad Miller), Udoh (poor man’s Al Horford), etc.
4. Use MLE to sign Blake too so everything is back to normal
5. Nate happy
6. Profit later by trading Joel P. Expiring Contract and pieces at the deadline once e.g. the Spurs make Tony Parker available. Maybe. Eventually.
More likely: We just move up a little bit – if at all – and take a fairly proven player Damion James, Stanley Robinson, Larry Sanders, Quincy Pondexter in the first round, and in the second round maybe take a flyer on a someone like Vasquez, Shved, Landesberg to be stashed in Europe or the DL for later if we need another guard once Rudy is gone.
I think Nate would rather have Camby than Travis at this point
just a hunch
The Blakerang is still an option, but I hope they don’t opt use the whole MLE on Steve. Unless there’s no better option after the FA “musical chairs” organ-grinder stops playing. Best-case scenario would be for Blake to get no better offers then accept the BAE to return “home” to PDX
Unlikely, but you never know…and it would sure make Nate happy (if not a lot of Bedgers…)
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Eh tu, Norsk??
Really Norsk…. Bring back Outlaw AND Blake?? What a colossal mistake… no, two!
“Back to normal”… well, if getting beat in the first round every year is what you aim for… OK, well that might be a good plan…
Please, let’s move forward. Blake and Outlaw were good guys and all that, but they are clearly in the lower rungs of NBA talent.
(And anyway, I don’t want Nate happy… I want him gone…)
Well, neither Andre Miller nor Jerryd Bayless would fit SVG's 4-outside/1-inside spread motion offense.
The Orlando Magic need to shore up its backup and third-string point guard situations, though, with drafting someone at #59 — such as Sherron Collins, whose stock could fall this year similar to Patty Mills in ‘09 — as well as sign a low-cost free-agent like Steve Blake to a two-year contract worth the BAE. That way, Jason Williams and Anthony Johnson are shown the door. Also, Jameer Nelson is the least of Orlando’s worries.
Teams aren't going to take our garbage in exchange for their elite players
So a major trade is almost out of the question unless it involves giving up a pick and a bench player or two to move up in the draft a few spots. I believe if Monroe is available in the mid teens you go after him and then use the MLE to sign a back up point guard that can run the offense, shoot and play D. Portland needs a second unit leader that knows his role is to run the team when Brandon and Andre are on the bench.
by three_point_hookshot on May 24, 2010 7:48 AM PDT reply actions
Regarding your first sentence, that's why the Portland Trail Blazers aren't in a position to move up for ...
a top-four pick. The highest I could see the Trail Blazers trading up to is the 11th pick, for the cost-conscious New Orleans Hornets may look to slide down in the first round for monetary reasons. Though, netting a pick above that is an unrealistic, pie in the sky pipe dream.
We need veteran role players, not rookies
Seems like the years of playing the draft should be over now. We need serious role players and veterans to help lead the team. Clutch 3 point shooters who have dozens of playoff games under their belt. Also, under Nate, we’ve never been a very good team at playing our rookies or recognizing unusual rookie talent (not, at least, until injuries force the issue.)
You don't draft top 5 players to sit on the bench
If you’re going to draft top 5 talent then those type of players have to start or you will mess up his growth and potential as a player.
what about players drafted at 11?
looking at you…Bayless
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
what we need...
is an underacheiving spaniard who likes to complain about playing time, whine to the local media and hires a provocative spanish agent that says inflammatory things every few months.
i mean if we move rudy this summer i’m not sure who fills this role for us. maybe claver can step up but we’ve seen not proof of it so far.
maybe claver can step up but we’ve seen not proof of it so far.
It’s just a matter of time…I say Victor is trade sweet’ner. Let’s not give him a chance to become the 3rd discontented Spaniard in the last 3 years
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I'm guessing the Blazers draft perfectly
because the team needs to keep the payroll down and keep the non-core stocked with affordable moneyball guys who play better than their salary.
"I come to you now, at the turn of the tide." -- Brandon "Gandalf" Roy, April 24th, 2010
I agree
I see the need for vets, but that short term need is already met with Camby and Miller. People who think we need to stop playing the draft fail to realize the value it provides in production per dollar. We have our stars, and we have our vets. We need cheap talent to use as role players for now that we can trade off later when they get more expensive.
Are we going to be able to draft high or smart enough to stock these talented role players?
I mean, basically, what you said is what we’ve done for a while now (involuntarily?). Bayless, Rudy, Martell, Mills, Cunningham, Outlaw, Batum from back then. None of these guys were expected to be “the guy,” but rather, play roles. Batum has been exceptional. Outlaw took about 5 years to become our sixth man. Minus Cunningham and Rudy, none of these players filled in their roles right away. Martell hasn’t even become the role we wanted. Outlaw’s gone, and Mills rarely sees the court even though he’s a great 3-point shooter. Bayless was supposed to be our PG of the future, but it’s clear that this will take time, if he stays around. And Rudy’s dropped off for now, and wants out. Had Joel and Oden not been injured, Cunningham would have been firmly planted on the bench.
How far down the road are you looking? It takes time for cheap talent to become consistent cheap talent. We learned this the hard way in the playoffs, when our young guys disappeared at various times. I just don’t see championship teams using rookies as primary role players. I’m not saying that they can’t be role players, it just takes time, and it’s a matter of how much we want to spend grooming them.
If we’re going to get role players, like a defender or a three-point shooter, I’d rather have someone who’s already established themselves as such in the NBA, not someone we’d have to count on to develop into that role. If we can net a DeJuan Blair or something, I’m all for that. Hustle and energy isn’t taught.
"OK Kids! Who wants a basketball? That's why I love my Chevy Silverado."
More like last year.
At the beginning of the season, center was a strong point – and at the end, two exceptional injuries made it appear to be a weak point. Many are insisting that Pryz cannot return to his previous level of play, and that Oden cannot stay healthy. If this is true, then the Blazers cannot be an elite team without substantial changes on the front line. The problem with such an approach is that Pryz has little or no trade value until the rest of the league sees him play, and the same is true of Oden. And without those two bringing value, we do not have the pieces to trade to get an impact player (whether in the draft or free agency). If, on the other hand, Pryz can return to his previous level of play, and Oden can stay reasonably healthy, then center is not a weak point, and we can always find the Camby/Posey/Howard whatever types to give us several good years to play behind Oden/Pryz and Aldridge.
I happen to believe that KP may end up imitating last year in the coming draft, if only because we are going to need one more year to make decisions about Pryz and Oden. He may look for a second team big man, or SG, but the players you have to trade such as Fernandez , Webster, or even Camby and Miller, to move up are not likely to get you into the top 10-12. Second team or aging players do not merit a spot likely to get a first team player, after all. Several years back we gave up Jack just to move up 2 spots – remember. Granted, if a teams focus is free agency, not the draft, then we might get into the middle range with one of those players and a cash incentive (we bought lower round picks several times).
As far as the speculation on PG’s, my take is that it’s only that. The draft is not offering talent we can likely trade for that is any better than what we have. Nor, for that matter, is free agency.
And, my take is also that with Cunningham and Pendergraph already on the team, as well as Camby, Oden, Pryz and Aldridge, that we might prioritize resolving the situation involving Fernandez this year, and then focus on the front line next year after we see whether or not last year was an injury fluke, or not.
The problem with imitating last year
is that last year was an involuntary anomaly for KP. He wanted to move up for Tyler Hansbrough, but the draft day trades fell through. That wasn’t the plan, that was KP making the most of a less than ideal situation. So I think it is very unlikely that he lets something like that happen again, especially when his job could be on the line if he fails to impress and show his genius again this summer.
Makes good sense
Given the team is in a precarious situation at the moment. They are essentially “all in” on most of their key players. The KP thing can’t help a bit and there are no clear paths to gaining a point guard. (which would be my biggest concern).
IMO the key to this years (and last years draft) is the notion that this team has yet to establish a viable identity that would allow a more than speculative chance at persuing the right complimentary players. Even the once claim of flexibility has fallen by the wayside.
While I do believe that there have been lessons learned, it only goes to show you, that team building is a monumental task and without guarantees . Everything has to fall in place perfectly for teams to gain chances at a championship…timing, luck and the right player and coaching combinations are all part of it……This year, we are in a relatively poor position to do much of anything, that could be perceived at gaining the inside track to the next level.
KP has lost his partner(Penn), essentially is hand tied and under the gun. Pulling a rabbitt out of the hat this year is…..well …lets say, magic needs to be performed
One of Dave’s points of discussion was this
If Portland keeps their pick, what’s the strategy this year?
I’m not sure that strategy can be applied when you still do not have a clear vision of what the next level is,how to integrate all your current pieces, and thus discover which parts are actually missing. We are no longer on the same page and turning that page will be difficult for this team…
If we do end up trading up...
My guess is we go for a big, someone like Cousins, Aldrich, or Monroe. If we do this, though, we’re likely trading Rudy, either Pryz or Webster, and picks, which would leave us with Bayless as the backup 2 and Mills as the backup 1? I’m thinking we need to add another PG or SG at some point this offseason.
"Nicolas! You're the strongest boy in the world!"
Larry Sanders at #22?
Whether the Blazers have to move up to the late teens or stay put, my prediction is Sanders will be the pick. He seems like the ultimate low risk, high reward guy. He is definitely a raw project and there’s a good possibility that he never amounts to anything. However, he has all the tools to be a force in the middle someday and with Pryzbilla’s future in question, and Camby’s age, and Oden’s knees, we have seen that you can never have too many big guys. Most likely, he would be a good developmental project for the next few years with an eye towards the future. He could end up being a better, more athletic version of Joel.
Whoever we draft is probably not going to contribute right away anyway, so why not take a flyer on him? There is no doubt that he has great potential. Plus, in case our other centers are injured/unavailable (very possible), at least he would be a legitimate center to fill in.
The teams that are in desperate need of immediate help will likely pass on him. Perhaps, he could fall to us at 22?
This isn't a good year for PG's in the draft, it seems.
That means a good one might be had in the teens. I hope the Blazers draft a REAL PG someday, or package some guys and the #22 for a dependable young backup.
Remember the Terminator series before considering Blake part III, KP! The predictable plot becomes a lot less endearing the third time around…
I'm just not crazy about player nick names...
by Hipster Olympic Team! on May 24, 2010 9:34 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Cashing in on our European talent
New Nets owner (Prokhorov) has said that he wants to have/build an international team.
That’s good business sense considering the cosmopolitan mix around NY/NJ.
Rudy would be a big draw there. A package that also included the rights to Victor Claver and possibly
Joel Freeland and/or Petteri Koponen may solidify the deal for the 3rd.
Westley Johnson backing up Roy like Rudy was suppose to do is very appealing.
He can defend multiple positions (inch taller than Roy) and his offensive skills… would mesh nicely.
Batum should improve his “Point-Forward” skills this summer playing on the French Team.
How about a three-sum of Batum – Johnson – Roy playing togther?
Answer for LBJ and Kobe
Johnson with 7’1" wingspan and #88 with 7’4" wingspan.
Both are very good defenders and could tag-team those SF/SG scorers.
by spencerbutte on May 24, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
When asked about playing SG in the NBA
Westley Johnson said he could and, “Several teams are talking about using me there (SG).”
Only an inch taller than Kobe or Roy doesn’t make him a PF at his weight.
Take a closer look at his “game”. He won’t have to bring the ball up the court.
by spencerbutte on May 24, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, Wesley Johnson and anyone who thinks he can effectively play the 2 is 100% incorrect.
Of all the NBA front office executives, David Kahn is most likely the one guy who’s foolish enough to believe Johnson and his weak handles could create for himself and others with the ball in his hands. Johnson, 22, is a low-upside, if not already fully developed prospect who’s more likely to mirror his middle-of-the-road comparison (e.g., Jeff Green) than reach his absolute ceiling (e.g., Danny Granger).
The fact that he played in Syracuse’s gimmicky 2-3 zone defense scares me immensely, too, for it’s produced good college defenders like Hakim Warrick who’ve just gotten abused on that end of the court in the NBA. That, by the way, is one reason why I flat-out hate DraftExpress’ off-base comparison of Johnson to Shawn Marion, as he’s nowhere near the man-to-man wing defender, weakside help defender, and overall athlete.
Thanks AK1984 & Norsktroll
for pointing out the weakness that I missed. Wesley seemed to be the full answer.
I’ll have to take a closer look at Favors. The move to 3 still makes sense if Favors is the target.
by spencerbutte on May 24, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Wesley Johnson is a 3.
There’s pretty much no doubt about that. However, I think his defense is not one of the areas that need much concern, though. His man to man probably needs some refresher, but he does have the tools to be a good NBA defender.
Still, if I am trading up to take a SF, I’d probably take a look at Al-Farouq Aminu instead who can play both 3 or a 4. He does need to improve his jumper and still rather raw, but is super-long, will board and play D, and has good motor.
"I think he’s been doing some good things. I think he’s been doing some good things. He’s had to play a lot of minutes lately with Blake being out. I think he’s been doing some good things." -Nate McMillan
Instead of trying to push over the championship rock with one hard push deal, and hope it rolls the right way. I would chip away with smaller deals to make it happen the way it should.
Start with trading Webster, & Pick #44 for Detroit’s Jason Maxiell. He is the big banging, bad baby eating PF we need behind LMA. Detroit will pick a C to replace Maxiell’s playing time @ C (out of position). Maxiell will not have as much playing time as last year.. Maxiell is too good of a player to be a back-up on a bad team, and not good enough to start on a championship team.. He is the perfect back-up on a playoff team going for the ring.
Next, trade Rudy, Pendergraph, Miller, pick #22 and a (50# box of 100 dollar bills if necessary, and/or stashed Euros) for Devin Harris. The new owner wants good young cheap players, more cap space and draft picks. This trade does all of that. However, will he pull the trigger to trade away one of his key players?? If not go after a Collison/Okafor trade.
3rd. Sign FA Ridnour
Our line up;
PG.. Harris, Ridnour, Mills
SG.. Broy, Bayless (were he fits best)
SF.. Batuum, Cunningham SF/PF
PF.. Aldridge, Maxiell, Howard
C… Oden , Camy C/PF, Pryzbilla
That leaves 2 roster spots open for cheap bench warmers.
The reason I am trading out of this draft is. I believe this draft class is overrated and not as deep as many believe. With the deals above, we pick up good young vets ready to contribute NOW, and fill team needs. Instead of picking draft picks that “may” help us in a year or two.
I like the idea of Maxiell
but your hypothetical depth chart is small and thin at the wing positions. If Nic get hurt (again) you’re looking at a 3 guard starting lineup, and that’s not good for Brandon’s health in the long run. I like Cunningham as a backup 3 against more physical SFs, but not as the “only” option behind Batum
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Weak wing
Thanks for the complement on Maxiell. He is a not mentioned in trades very often.
You are correct, the wing is weak on my depth chart. I do not know enough about the salary cap to go beyond this point. If one more FA could be added? such as Mike Miller or maybe bring Travis back?? then we are ok at the wing. Trading for Harris takes a lot of depth away.. If the trade is for Collison, he will come cheaper than Harris. We may have enough left to cover the wing in another trade, or pick up a SF in the draft @ #22, if it is not used in the trade for Collison..
by oldfishermen on May 24, 2010 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions
well, you used the MLE on Luke
so the only remaining option would be to spend the BAE on a wing. That’s 2.08 mil. Check the FA list
Maxiell’s salary replaces Websters
Harris+Ridour+Howard+Mills+the BAE wing’s salary puts the Blazers far above the luxury tax, I hope this roster is championship caliber, because Paul Alen will be forking out big bucks for it, and he won’t be happy with his GM (that’s you, BTW) if the team doesn’t get out of the first round, next spring
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Cunningham actually is as good a 4 as Maxiell
At pretty much every banger stat except blocks.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
I probably like the idea of Maxiell more than I'd like the player
Without Oden and Przy the Blazer’s front line was skinny and LMA, Camby and Howard got pushed around a lot. I’d like to see at least one beast, that should be Oden once he’s healthy. Pendergraph was raw last year, perhaps he’ll develop into a Maxiell-like presense. Dante is tough and wirey, but he’s more of a 4-3 than a banger PF
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Too many issues to fix them all in one summer
I believe this roster is championship caliber. “BIG IF” Oden, BRoy & Harris stay healthy. This roster puts the best available support players around the big 3, big 4 if you count LMA. And has good, not perfect, depth.
The Blazers now have a number of well-known weak areas that need upgrading. This roster addresses almost all of them, and for several years to come. These talent consolidation moves bring in good young experience players that will be here for a more than just a quick fix. The remaining issue of a weak back-up wing can be fixed in the future by bringing Claver over. Future issues such as if we loose Pryzbilla, and Camby retires, can be addressed in future drafts or bringing Freeland over. Plus Maxiell can handle some of the lose of these two. Ridinour may be a quick fix, however, his back-up PG position can be replaced in the future with either Mills or Koponen.
There are too many issues with this team to fix them all in one summer.
by oldfishermen on May 25, 2010 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't think that the team has too many issues to fix
The big one is health, and if Greg isn’t ready and Camby gets hurt, there’s not much a rookie big man drafted at 22 could do that Pendergrah couldn’t already do
Point guard is not an urgent need, there’s no guarantee that Harris would even be an upgrade over Andre, Devin is just younger, and would have the same adjustment period with Nate and Brandon that Miller had. I’m not sure that the change would necessarily equal better backcourt production until 2011-2012. Besides, the deal your proposed (Miller+Rudy+Pendy+22+sweet’ner) might not even be “enough” to get NJ to bite. Depending what they do in FA-gency, they could still be in rebuilding mode and not really interested in a 33 year old PG like ‘Dre, and (if not) the rest of those pieces aren’t going to cause them to want to part with Harris.
The only roster tweaks that are immediate needs are to replace Rudy with a wing who wants to be in Portland, and for everyone else to get healthy. That means trade Fernandez (and perhaps Webster) and the 22 to move up in the draft and select the BPA, and use the MLE to upgrade the 2-3 positions with a swingman like Mike Miller in July. Then get everyone healthy.
Less mess, less fuss, happier campers all around.
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Everyone here has their biases
I just can’t get over my bias against short beefy 4s who only rebound and foul.
It’s just so hard to find any team that plays one big minutes and is successful.
Bangers just haven’t worked since Oaktree retired, and the perimeter handcheck went away.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
Short beefy 4s
Understood.
As far as “short beefy 4s”. Pendergraph and Maxiell are the same height. However, Maxiell is also a much better defender.
by oldfishermen on May 25, 2010 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions
If by "same height"
You mean 2 inches shorter (and 20 pounds heavier). And by “much better defender” you mean 5 points worse for every 100 possessions (and 21 points per offensive possession), then sure. I’m with you.
But if you’re talking about Cunningham instead, and just mistyped “Pendergraph”, then I don’t have those stats in front of me.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
by mittsabishy on May 25, 2010 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Stats are only part of the real story on Maxiell
First the height issue. There are varying reports on his truth height. I will give you this point and may have not made an accurate accounting on this. He may be slightly shorter than Pendergraph and Cunningham.. Sorry, I did not mean to mislead anyone. Between my dyslexia and old age dementia, it is a wonder I can remember what day it is.. Now, anyone know were I parked my truck??
However grasshopper, rating player talent using only numbers is getting you into trouble. Maxeill was forced to play out of position much of his career. He was the starting center for Detroit most of the year. So a few 7’ guys were able to take advantage of him at times and his D numbers do not look good. Play him @ PF were he belongs and watch his D rating go up. Many in Detroit consider Maxiell their best defender. Not that they play much.. I would take him over both Cunningham and Pendergraph.
Watch this video of Maxiell blocking a Tyson Chandler dunk, and tell me we could not use a player like this in the paint.
by oldfishermen on May 25, 2010 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions
You are right, stats are only part of the story
The other part of the story is how he started at center and didn’t tell Ben Wallace what he was doing.
He’s just that tricky.
He also had fewer blocks this year than Martell.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
bangers are "working" for Boston, right now
and they’ll keep working in the finals against L*A, it says here
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
bangers?
garnett plays tough D by being long and athletic and intelligent and by being a humongous jerk.
sheed don’t bang, but he’s long and (was) athletic
glen is a soft shooting baby man who rebounds worse than a guard.
who’s the banger? are you talking about shelden? has he even seen the floor in the past 30 games?
dinasour type of guys choir boys
One last Maxiell take...
We could debate a couple of points until next season. No problem not agreeing on every point.
One last take on Maxiell. He just needs to play for a winning team again, and at his natural position, to get his groove back.. Nate would love his D…
After watching the Suns lay-up drill during the playoffs. A banger like Maxiell would have been nice to throw at them..
Watch this video from the 2007 playoffs. He gave LeBron fits on D and showed some nice O…
by oldfishermen on May 25, 2010 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
You're not debating my points at all
You’re telling me he started at C, when Wallace clearly did.
Also, Blazers outperformed the Suns in shots at the rim in every game but the 2nd of the series.
They had a huge advantage in that game, but Portland hit a higher percentage and hit more in every other game.
I understand that there are videos of Maxiell. I’m from Cincinnati, I saw him play college ball in person. He’s short, he’s heavy, he’s the kind of player that statistically does not perform well in today’s NBA. Cunningham is already better than him, and Pendergraph will be better than him in 4 years. Maybe you’re just blinded by the huge contribution he had back in the 2004 playoffs for the Pistons and how he handled Shaq on defense… Oh wait. He wasn’t in teh league yet. Once he joined the Pistons, they went downhill.
Even if he had the block of the year 2 years ago.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
who’s the banger?
Kendrick Perkins. 6’10, 280
I like the idea of Maxiell, if not the actual player. Portland has Oden and Przybilla on their roster, if they’re both healthy next April, that will be enough
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I wouldn't mind....
moving up to draft Xavier Henry. But I like some of the guys that will go around wnere the Blazers are picking. I like Gordon Hayward, Avery Bradley and Solomon Alabi.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
I like Xavier as well
As I stated, somewhere up above, I think he could be pretty special, and if so would be good insurance if Brandon’s knees don’t hold up after another 4-5 years.
I could also hear Wheels….“Oh Henry”
Draft Kevin Seraphin
send LA to SA for TP
Trade for Ronny Turiaf.
by IndustrialRevolution on May 24, 2010 10:06 AM PDT reply actions
Mega trades
Mega meal deal: Brand + Meeks + #2 (Evan Turner) for Aldridge + Webster + Bayless + Pendergraph
Minnesota move: Webster + Bayless for Gomes + Sessions
Post-trade moratorium move: Aldridge for Love + Rubio
I would love that Philly trade if they would accept Joel and Rudy + Webster + Pendergraph
Probably won’t happen though. I don’t see the Blazers trying to move LaMarcus this summer (not to mention his poison pill provision making trades hard to construct).
Trade Rudy and draft Paul George
his stock his rising plus if he went to another school he will probably be mention as a top 5 pick.
I'm a trade the pick person
I say coupling it with Rudy and Miller (this hurts my soul) and see if we can get either Parker, Harris (probably not with no Wall), Collison, Stuckey (again probably not)
"Sometimes I catch myself watching him and he's shooting floaters all-net. And just to watch how he's talking trash. I loved it. I loved every minute of it. Rudy's a competitor." - Brandon Roy
thinking out loud
The sun is shinning fighting to get through the clouds, but not raining, and I’m going outside..but I can’t help but leaving some highly opinionated track’s behind
1———→ Bayless is not our future point guard (lack of court awareness, lacks credentials to be a floor general, and questionable BBIQ) Point guard is a key player element that we can’t take lightly. Miller is adequate only and at the end of his career
2———→ Rudy doesn’t fit in a such a contained offensive structure and is our worst defender.
3————>Webster has been a project his whole career and has only mildly progressed
4————>Oden___________________________(left blank intentionally, but you can fill it in with almost anything and be right)
5————>Our franchise player slows the team down (OK with Nate)
6————>LMA is a great offensive outlet, but has shortcomings
7————>Batum needs some strength training, but otherwise a legitmate NBA player of the future (would be a great open court player)
I guess what I’m saying is, we should still be team building..we have exposed some of our weaknesses and should pursue some fixes. Drafts and subsequent dealings/trades give you opportunities to move on and make your team better. If nothing else, this team needs some energy (we play like a bunch of old men that appear to lack compassion for the game)…the style of the system is partially to blame, but energy and desire come from within. I do not see that hungry spirit in this team. Some tough decisions lie ahead…..(growing into a championship team is a great vision, but truly a dream only and a low % of actually becoming a reality)…you will not see too many Championship teams without a point guard leading the way
add;There are some legitimate point guards in the draft besides John Wall….
Sherron Collins,Kailin Lucas, Eric Bledsoe, Greivis Vasqeuz and I’m not sure if Tyshawn Taylor has declared or not but he is an aggressive, fundamentally sound player and very good defensively….these are all players that may be available at Portland’s position….. It is my opinion, that we should draft or trade for a position player this year and it should be a point guard. The draft choices are probably not difference makers though and these particular players may be considered prospects only. We need help at point guard so why not take one of these guys, if nothing else develops. They have the tools and we need this key position filled….
by WyEast on May 24, 2010 12:35 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
we should still be team building
The roster will always need to be tweaked, but the Blazer’s “rebuilding phase” is over
Best evidence: the contract and extension offered to Andre Miller and Marcus Camby in the last 12 months
The Blazers drafted a PG in the lottery in 2008, and they have Miller under contract until the end of the 2012 season. There is no rush to select another PG in this year’s draft, especially when the only kid who is projected to have a major impact will be chosen at #1
I’d rather the Blazers keep their powder dry and pursue a S&T for Tony Parker, who’s contract expires at the end of the coming season
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
the day we quit team building
is the day we declare our status as a permanent also-ran…this would be considered our current postion….We do not have a team that can get past the first round, so if we are content to stand pat, then we are content to go one and out. I guess it may depend on how you measure success, but the idea in my mind is getting to the next level and beyond. IMO the contract extension to Miller and Camby is nothing more than holding serve until we establish an identity and then pursue the players needed to fill out this team.
There was a reason for Bayless and the point guard to be at the top of my list…IMO.It’s the missing piece to our future. The point guard is what makes things happen…He starts and runs the offense, and is an extension of the coach out on the floor.
When Parker came into the league, he was not highly regarded…Under coach Popovich he tutored his game, utilzed his quickness, and helped him refine his outside shot. It would be OK to pursue Parker, but this is another speculative unkown….We are loaded at point guard, but our bullits are small caliber and the future is now…we cannot wait any longer for it to cough us up a dream team
some regarded draft pick point guards
R. Rondo ………. 21st pick
T. Parker …………..28th pick
Jameer Nelson…20th pick
Tiny Archibald ..2nd round
Terry Porter……….24th Pick
Derrick fisher…….24 th pick
Nash was a 15th pick
these are just some late round picks off the top of my head…the conclusion here is showing just how much of a crap shoot the draft can be. Going for big men is considered less of a gamble, but the trend in point guards is changing…Basketball people know the importance of having a floor general and have been weighting this position more heavily
the question could be…what is the Blazers weakest position? if you weigh it’s importance like I do, it has to be point guard…..
Things to consider
What is the financial plan of the Blazers? Will the organization pay a luxury tax and if they aren’t against it what conditions will need to exist to justify paying the tax?
What is the league wide assessment of the Blazer roster? Are there any players that would replace players on other rosters to the benefit of a team, or teams, dealing with the blazers?
What is the short term plan of the coaching staff? It’s easy to say “We’re playing for a championship” but what about short term goals? Are there plans to help the players to continue developing? Is the coaching staff willing to let players play and learn?
How have injuries affected the way the roster is evaluated? How has injury affected the way the blazer organization handles conditioning, rehabilitation, and player health?
It seems to me that the injury riddled year we’ve just witnessed makes it difficult for an outsider to assess the future of the team when there are so many questions about player value.
So, I guess my view is to punt and take the best player available—if that’s possible to determine (actually, I trade away the #22 pick for cash or for a future draft pick).
Hi All from T-Wolves land
Saw this topic and thought I would point you in the direction of this fanpost over at Canis Hoopus.
We have a regular poster there who is friends with a Wolves front office employee, and one of the things the poster was told in a conversation over this past weekend is that Portland really is being aggressive trying to get to the top of the draft.
Take this however you want to, obviously, but I will say that I’m totally confident that the conversation happened as reported.
We Are the Washington Generals
by Eric in Madison on May 24, 2010 4:17 PM PDT reply actions
Thanks for the fanpost
Hope the apparent Jefferson-Love logjam gets resolved and your team does well. [I don’t know if it’s actually a logjam, but that’s the way it’s portrayed.] Again, thanks.
— Hoopsfan
Oh, it is a logjam
They just have trouble defending as a pair. There are some who think that once jefferson is another off-season removed from his injury, he’ll regain some of his lateral quickness and timing, which was once average, but I doubt strongly they will both be on the roster come October.
We Are the Washington Generals
by Eric in Madison on May 24, 2010 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions
That's an interesting conversation.
If I had to venture a guess here, Kevin Pritchard may indeed have his eyes set on one of DeMarcus Cousins or Derrick Favors. The hang-up, though, will ultimately be Nicolas Batum, for I assume that Pritchard wants to move all of his lesser assets (e.g., Martell Webster, Rudy Fernandez, Jerryd Bayless, et al.) instead of the Frenchman. David Kahn doesn’t make such a deal unless he can obtain both Batum and Fernandez, while Pritchard balks at the inclusion of young Saint Nic.
That, I would assume, is the issue
The Wolves first choice is to move up to get Turner; they love him. If they can’t do that, I would consider moving the 4, but if its to the Blazers, Batum just has to be in the deal. I can’t see how it gets made without him.
I myself am OK taking Cousins, but if they don’t think they can get the best out of him, then they will have to move down or out. I get the sense that they are very leery about drafting and keeping Cousins.
What is telling to me is what this says about the Blazers. One almost has to conclude that KP just has no confidence about Oden’s ability to contribute at this point, and is staring at a situation in which Camby and Aldridge are the only two healthy, established bigs on the roster come October.
We Are the Washington Generals
by Eric in Madison on May 24, 2010 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't trade Batum for Cousins
This team has developed a different culture in the last few years, they don’t need to go backwards. I’d like to see players that work hard and have a good attitude.
Nobody is dumb enough to trade for Rudy...
Which means Portland should stand pat at 22.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
I don't know
guy on a cheap, cheap contract who can hit the 3 and give your team a bit of energy
I’m not exactly sure how many spots trading Rudy moves you up in the draft, but he’s not without value even after a down year.
"In fact you might say that Ugly is the Blazers' secret weapon this year."
-Dave
As for the Blazers...They are officially the NBA equivalent of a movie serial killer
-basketbawful
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