You're in Neil's shoes...

Seems to me the one big tradable, expendable asset we have is Batum. Neil has made a lot out of a little and there isn't a lot left to play with to make this team a legit contender, save getting something substantial for Nic. At least that's my two cents.

 

I would deal him. He's the only guy who doesn't really seem to match our intensity. If you look at Dame, Wes, LA, and Rolo, you see four guys that are driven to succeed. They are willing to kill themselves to get the win. I just don't see that with Batum. I see a guy who is very talented, and has gotten by for a long time without really putting in the effort.

 

I'm glad no one was in Neil's shoes these last 3 seasons

 

Neil needs to make something happen. Sitting idly by this season is unacceptable

 

If you think our bench could use a pretty damn good upgrade for the playoffs, you are the moronic one

 

Batum is intense as fuck on the court. He will straight up punch you in your cock.

 

Why does he hate the Blazers?

 

Couldn't disagree more. The bench has proven they can win without Kaman, LA or Rolo in the game. They've stepped up and all the development over the last two seasons is starting to reap benefits without gutting the team for another vet that would probably cost a lot of money and take even more time to get familiar with Stotts playbook.

 

Wow. I am surprised by this. Portland is both 25th in the league in bench minutes and bench points per game. If your team is showing signs of being a contender, then as an organization, you owe it to the team to do what you can for that particular season. Portland has got to be buyers this season

 

Well you say Houston are contenders and they are 30th in the league in bench points

 

And just added Josh Smith who had 21 points off their bench in his first game, and by adding him as a starter or bench player, it adds another weapon.

As well as adding Corey Brewer who is averaging over 12 ppg in his first 2 games for them.

 

Smith is a starter... He started tonight

 

Great, then it pushes a player who started last game to the bench to improve it. Argue all you want, but adding talent improves your team.

 

And?

 

Weird that you would even have to explain it.

 

Trade coming soon?

Another bench scorer will be very nice to have, but you have to consider the price.

Jeff Green with his large contract and player option is going to require a bit of talent to get out and will likely ruin whatever cap plan the team has - which is likely the last summer it will have one for a while. I am a Jeff Green fan - but I am not certain he is the right thing to bring in.

 

And using Smith as a bench scorer isn't valid, since he is a starter.

 

Right?

 

Read above.

 

We can argue that Houston will have an improved bench all you want. They are still last in the league until they aren't