Why exactly is that? Is Scoot supposed to be good or something? If that's the case, why are we presuming we should just trade that pick for whatever?
The Draft....in which they had 3 picks. By most pundits, they had the top or near the top Draft in terms of getting good value for what was available at each particular spot. Sure, #3 was easy, but CHA may have screwed up #2 so it's not like you can't mess it up. Getting who they got at #23 and #43 is where the value comes in. And from the vast majority of people who ranks these, the Blazers crushed it.
That’s the best that you can counter with? Dame is an angel in all of this and 100% of the fault goes to the FO? And regardless if you think that, the Blazers have every right to what’s best this team, not Dame.
Completely agreed. But you likely are using logic and reason to debate emotion as the use of "Cronin apologists will tell you Scoot is the second coming of Jesus" displays. I haven't seen or heard anyone come close to that even though that is just a euphemism. Most people see potential for him to possibly very good, but I haven't seen that type of hyperbole even from the most devout Scoot supporter. In fact, I would venture top say, most people don't think he will be as good as Dame offensively, but might bring some other things to the table that could have an impact.
That's the part that feels really gross. There's no way to spin that other than "we value the post-Dame era more than Dame at this point". Whether it's the right decision or not depends on who you ask. But drafting a PG at #3 was clearly the end of Dame being here. Even taking somebody at another position could leave some room for nuance, but a team that cares about building around Dame doesn't take a super high value PG. I didn't blame Dame at all for taking that as his sign to leave. The Miami demand is another thing, but Cronin signaled loudly that, given the two paths, they were going young.
I don't blame for Dame asking to be traded. I don't blame Dame for trying to force a trade to the team of his choice. (nothing wrong with trying) But I sure as hell will not blame Joe for seeing through the threats and waiting for a better deal. Business is business.
And interestingly enough, the Tuesday before the pick was the last time Cronin talked with Dame. Dame probably gave him the ultimatum then (no way of knowing for sure, just a hunch), and Joe said "post-Dame it is". And quite frankly, I'm glad.
As well as the billion of report that Dame was convinced to sit out by getting promised they would trade the pick if it isn't #1
Know what the difference is between the thoughts..."Blazers won't cooperate" and "Teams disrespect Lillard by the value of their trade offers"? The difference is dramatic title choices, which are directed at specific audiences. "Blazers won't cooperate", could be said, "Blazers do not accept". One is reporting information. The other is dramatizing information. and here are the audiences responses to the dramatic titles...
I do hate the front office, but I fail to see how that draft was special. Scoot at #3 is a no brainer, and there where multiple good picks available for #23 and #43 If anything, drafting Murray over Leonard Miller or other young projects when planning to rebuild doesn't make too much sense
Exactly. I was one of the many who fully expected them to trade the pick, and was looking forward to it. I was disappointed when it didn't happen, but I also would have been wayyyy more disappointed if we traded it for Siakam or OG. I would have reluctantly traded it for Zion, but I would have been pissed if Shaedon was included. I'm happy with the outcome, based on the reports of what was offered. It sucks that Dame wants out, but the talent level has been increasing. They're just young. It sucks, but it's better than an expiring Siakam.
I suddenly do not care about Dame at all. I'm just worried about that poor dog. I feel so bad for them.