After watching the last several years, with free agency, players being released, and good free agents being available for pickup deep into the season, I would suggest that Portland leave roster spots open this year. Why you ask? Because guys like Antonio McDyess are still out there looking for work, and every year there are a few guys with talent who are looking for a roster spot, and end up signing for cheap later in the year. The Blazers should have fewer players on the roster (like 12) and leave 3 spots open, carry fewer, but higher quality players, and have the freedom to sign talent for cheap later. Some folks talk about practice bodies and stuff. I don't believe there is any rule for the team paying for guys just to practice against. Instead of pushing a broom, they practice against the players. They don't bitch about playing time, because they know they are never getting any, and they don't count against the cap.
Pretty certain there IS a rule that you can not just have random practice bodies. You are allowed amaximum of 15 players. I don't think it's that big of an issue. Looking at last year, if we really wanted to bring in someone to help us, Shavlik or Ruffin could have very easily have been cut.
They still count as roster spots and cap space. plus if they are in the D league they can't be along with the team to practice.
Well saying you think there is one, is of no more real value then me saying there isn't one. Anybody really know? Because if there isn't a problem with it, why not do it?
There's no limit on the number of coaches, is there? Coaches can practice with the players... Problem solved.
Yea the way I see it, the later in the year it is, the better deal you get. Then you can ship them later if they don't work out, or plug a hole if somebody gets hurt.
Yeah... I don't really see the value of not having players on the end of the roster. Just cut them if something better comes along. Ed O.
fringe players that contribute slightly. i'm all for less players just to shorten the rotation a bit......
When I get signed to a 10-Day contract this season, you will all wish you had been cool to me on here!
You know what? I agree. We don't need any FA. I want to run with our guys that we have now. I am sticking to that.
If we don't make a significant trade/signing, then you'll have to change your avatar - keep the words, but put a pic of Roy on a basketball court "Blazer Fans Chill the Fuck Out, I Got This!"
What does not bringing in any free agents have to do with only carrying 13 players on the team? Portland could sign a free agent and still have roster spots free. I am not sure if this is sarcasm or not, but if it is it is misplaced.