Kevin Pelton of Basketball Prospectus explores the "rebuild or retool" question in light of Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey's statement that he prefers a retool during a press conference on Tuesday. Pelton takes a deep look at the number and offers the following conclusion. ----------------------- By getting competitive again too soon, the Blazers will miss the opportunity to pair Aldridge with a star guard capable of creating shots late in games when defenses can deny him the basketball. As a result, the best outcome for Portland might be pairing the lottery picks to trade up in this year's draft and snag Florida's Bradley Beal, who could eventually develop into that kind of perimeter counterweight for Aldridge. Still, Aldridge's age pushes me toward favoring the Blazers "retooling" rather than "rebuilding." Aldridge will turn 27 next month, and if Portland dallies too long adding assets to the roster, the centerpiece might end up on the decline by the time his younger teammates are ready to contend. Dragic and Matthews are about the same age; Batum and Freeland are slightly younger. This year's picks should be able to develop into contributors to support that group while it remains in its prime. If everything breaks right next season, the Blazers could build a playoff team with the ability to grow together. ----------------------- -- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter