Recent content by Utnapishtim

RipCityProject posts quite a bit on recommended trades/moves that I don't buy, but this one I like ... because I agree with it and have wanted both players a while. 2 out of 3 -- Larry Nance Jr. and Daniel Theis. Slow-mo is sort of amazing in that he finds a way to make his mark on the court...

When the trade for Chris Paul to the Lakers fell apart, the story goes that David Stern said the Clippers offer wasn't enough and Olshey ended the conversation. This was when the NBA front office was assisting the New Orleans' crapfest. Olshey waited and made other smaller moves while other...

If no veteran big worth it was taking Portland's Tax-MLE, good to have Brown for 2-3 years settled with good money for a 2nd rounder. It's a nice option.

With the lack of size starting at 2 and 3 ... and the lack of depth and height with the bigs ... and crappy D ... it's no cake at all ... some would say.

1. Olshey cannot ignore Lillard's statements and what has been "leaked" on Lillard's behalf -- Lillard wants the chance to "compete" and doesn't believe the roster can do that. Lillard took crap for saying he only wanted to play in the bubble if the Blazers could at least compete for a playoff...

I love the draft. Even getting a low first round pick. An extra one is awesome! With that said, 2 non-lottery picks for RoCo? I was happy with that and am looking for better from him next season. CJ +2 non-lottery or protected top 9 picks for Simmons? I haven't been a big Simmons fan for a...

1. DJJ at 24 has the athleticism if others will set him up. Think Layman injected with espresso. Rudy Fernandez dunking. But who did that for him last season? It wasn't a point of emphasis for Stotts even as a feint. 2. His 3's at 31.6% last season but not at volume is at least in the right...

My mistake. Corrected above. Thanks.

(EDITED: deleted erroneous comment regarding Morey and RoCo with illmatic99's correction. Original thought was the idea of RoCo costing two picks, then sending more picks with him and CJ to get Simmons ... the picks adding up in the aggregate.) CJ + Little + a pick is decent value for Simmons...

If other business including signing Norm, minimum contracts, trades, and use of the tax MLE occurred before the sign and trade for DeRozan, would that pass the hard cap rules? [Unlikely it happens anyway, I know.]

I'm ready for a Blazer trade.

Plenty fans and basketball writers have speculated as to the seriousness of Lillard's statements and of his tactics. Given that he's shown consistency in his approach, I take Lillard's statements -- not at face value -- as ballpark on where he's at. Lillard has previously been supportive of...

Build through the draft? Absolutely (and have a bit of luck). San Antonio: Robinson hurt, they tank, get a generational big in Duncan, a low first in TP (28th) and a 2nd rounder in Ginobli (57th). Keep the 3, switch out with who fits. More than a little bit of luck on that one. Golden State...

1. Top priority — keep Powell. A 3-level, efficient scorer who plays D cannot walk out the door without someone getting fired. Losing DJJ’s contract filler and how he may improve would be a loss, too. Powell makes CJ tradable and DJJ helps make trades. 2. Trade CJ — which should be done FIRST...

Billups must really like Edniesha Curry. Whether it's as a player development coach or just flat out as an assistant, she must be really impressive to make this leap. This is also good intell into what kind of head coach Billups will be, so I'm interested. I liked the Scott Brooks hire as the...