I like Batum and think he's very important, but I think the jump we had with Lopez was more important. and he's harder to replace.
CJ fits perfectly as an off the bench scorer. I don't see the need for him to replace Matthews in the starting lineup. IMHO, they would both be worse. However, if CJ continues to blossom, it could happen later. I feel we need what Matthews offers in the starting lineup.
I think the difference between the duo you mentioned is that CJ has a huge standing reach and wingspan. I think CJ is a better defender than many think. Once he gets into nba rhythm, I expect him to be a much better defender.
That's what I'm hoping for actually. If we make big noise in the playoffs, Allen will fork up the dough. I'm a big fan of Matthews as well, but sometimes teams must part with players to stay under luxury.
I'm not saying CJ will be better as a starter. I'm saying it maybe a force of hand if Matthews gets a big offer. In a perfect world, Matthews should stay in the starting lineup, but our world ain't perfect. Lopez, Matthews, and Aldridge all will need new contracts next summer. Hopefully we can keep all of them next summer, but reality tells me that seems impossible.
I don't see CJ as a starter or 6th man. I see him as 4 and done here and then getting a better shot elsewhere. He's an undersized 2 guard who will never be a PG.
I would assume anytime you take someone at the lottery level you would hope they are starting kind of talent.
He's only played one season. I guess we've been spoiled because we got Roy then Lillard. Many lotto players need 2-3 years before they get to that level
I see NO player on the Blazers who would / should take a pay cut so Paul Allen doesn't have to pay a luxury tax. Not gonna happen.
Allow me to clarify my thinking. We drafted CJ at No. 10. The hope is that he lives up to being a lottery pick. The dream is he is better than players we currently have at his position. That means Wes. The reality is he may not be. At least in theory, you pick a guy in the lottery that you think is going to "move the needle". Alternatively, I suppose it's possible the Blazers had no one on their board who they thought could move the needle, so they picked CJ in the hopes he'd be at least a decent bench player. I don't of course expect the Blazers to admit to the second alternative, at least in public or when they are introducing him to the media. So...you may have a point.
Why? It's only money and Paul Allen still has boatloads. Paul wasn't thrilled with overpaying when the team was underachieving and missing the playoffs, but he's always been willing to open his wallet when the team has a chance at contending. If this core continues to make the playoffs and advance, he'll pay what it takes to keep them together. Paul wants to win, and I think many here underestimate the significance of last year's success. That was only the 6th time in the 26 years that Paul has owned the team that they've advanced past the first round of the playoffs and the 54 wins is tide for the 5th best record in that same 26 year span. Paul isn't going to break up this team to avoid paying luxury tax - unless they suddenly start under performing. BNM
The world is chalked full of summer league all-stars who never made it in the NBA. But to be fair, I like CJ and I think he has talent. But undersized 2 guards have a hard time in this league. If he can actually make a transition to a decent NBA PG, then I'm all for it. I just don't see it happening.
