FanPost

I know I will get killed for this, but here it goes anyway...

I want the blazers to keep LA and build their defensive chops. That means returning both Wes and Rolo as two of their best defenders. LA will also expect Olshey to add to the roster as well.

First order of business: hopefully draft a defensive stopper at back up small forward. Batum is a solid defender but he needs help. He also seems to break down when he plays too many minutes. Three guys fit the bill in the range the blazers will be drafting.

Justin Anderson is a no brainer with high motor and bbiq. 3pt shooter, rebounder, slasher, runs the floor, and block shots while being able to guard multiple positions. He's unselfish and passes well. Here's his scouting video watch.0.html


Rondae Hollis-Jefferson just sounds like a badass. He has 7'1 wingspan, attacks the rim and is a powerful dunker. Finds his teammates and is a great passer. Runs the floor well. Does not need plays run for him to score. Elite defender and prides himself in guarding best player and and all five positions. He effectively guarded 7'1 Kaminsky in the NCAA tourney. From NBAdraft.net "Long arms and explosive leaping ability makes him a good shot blocker …When blocking shots, he has good timing and discipline, which helps him avoid fouls and block shots cleanly ... Length allows him to effectively reach for steals, knock the ball loose, contest shots and disrupt a player’s rhythm ... Shows great effort and quick feet in pick and roll defense ... Chases shooters ... A good help defender at the rim (flies aronnd the ball) ... Great rebounder from the wing ... Attacks the defensive and offensive glass ... Workhorse mentality ... Intense player who plays with a lot of toughness and passion ... Makes hustle plays ...High motor/energy ... Does not shy away from physicality ... Puts his body on the line …" Here's his scouting video watch.0.html


Please don't laugh at my last suggestion Timothe Luwawu who I think is somewhat of a clone of Batum. He's French and is a long, athletic small forward with superior defensive skills and a good three point shot. "Luwawu's best skill at the moment, and possibly his most attractive NBA attribute long term, is the versatility he offers on defense. His combination of size, length and lateral quickness gives him the ability to guard up to four different positions at the Pro B level, and it's not difficult to see him developing into a big SG/SF type who can capably guard either wing position in the NBA and can occasionally be slotted onto guards as well. Luwawu has quick feet, great closeout speed, and very nice instincts jumping in the passing lanes, as he's shown averaging between 1.8-2 steals per-40 minutes in each of the last two seasons." Here's his scouting video from DraftExpress.com watch.0.html



Next step is add a lock down defending back up pg, free agent. There really is only one and I hate to say this, but I want Olshey to go after Patrick Beverly. I know blazer fans hate him but he's the type of player you hate when he's on the other team but love to have when he's on your team. Yes I know people will say the Rockets won't give him up because he is a restricted free agent. Unless they are interested in going after Rondo who they made a big push to trade for at the deadline. I think Olshey ends up renouncing everyone except LA, Wes and Rolo and uses that money on Beverly hopefully. I think Beverly is looking for a payday and will thrive in a bench role. He can come in and guard any pg in the league including westbrook or curry and cause havoc. Damian doesn't mind playing off the ball either. Take a look watch.0.html


Finally I need blazer fans to get behind me on this last one. Sign Larry Sanders to the whatever exception you have left or maybe just the vet minimum. He already is getting paid by the Bucks. If you read about Sanders he is a pretty thoughtful guy who is looking for more than just winning games from his basketball career. I think Portlandia is the perfect place for him to return to the game because we appreciate all aspects of the game and our players. Look at how Rolo is appreciated. We will provide a basketball community that will accept the quirky-ness and value the talents Sanders brings. I am officially starting a twitter campaign to recruit Sanders to PDX. Here's his twitter account NappyGilmore @LarrySanders If you forgot how good he is game was.watch.0.html