2013 Official NBA Off-season Movement & Rumors (Merged threads)

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shamelessblazer said:
Anyone else warming up to the idea of Leonard for Gortat?

With the way everyone's getting paid I know it's only a one year rental of Gortat but it might be nice to have the guys bird rights. I honestly don't think we're that far away and could be very competitive with Gortat, bringing in a vet on minimum like O'neal, and getting a distributor for Aldridge (my preference being Andre Miller, who I think could be had for Freeland plus some SPAM), but whatever.

Plus, Leonard would work well with Lin, as Leonard can probably play some 4, and may actually be better at it. He does have a nice stroke.
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That seems like more of a short-term solution for a team that's got to think long-term. I mean, Portland's in a position where they've got too many great future assets to try their hand at the lottery again next year, yet they don't have enough talent to be a true contender... maybe just a #6-8 seed at best. At this point, would a Gortat acquisition really move that needle? Probably not, so why not just hold onto your long-term assets?
 
NOVoodoo said:
That seems like more of a short-term solution for a team that's got to think long-term. I mean, Portland's in a position where they've got too many great future assets to try their hand at the lottery again next year, yet they don't have enough talent to be a true contender... maybe just a #6-8 seed at best. At this point, would a Gortat acquisition really move that needle? Probably not, so why not just hold onto your long-term assets?
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Honestly, I think that this team

Lillard/Miller
Matthews/McCollum
Batum/Matthews
Aldridge/Robinson
Gortat/O'neal

Is a 3 or 4 seed. I like our odds in a playoff series against San Antonio or Memphis. I think we're competitive with Houston and OKC. I peg that team as a 4/5 seed who can make some noise if healthy, McCollum turns out to be decent, etc. I want to root for a team like that. Perpetually rebuilding is exhausting.
 
NOVoodoo said:
That seems like more of a short-term solution for a team that's got to think long-term. I mean, Portland's in a position where they've got too many great future assets to try their hand at the lottery again next year, yet they don't have enough talent to be a true contender... maybe just a #6-8 seed at best. At this point, would a Gortat acquisition really move that needle? Probably not, so why not just hold onto your long-term assets?
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This x100000
 
shamelessblazer said:
Honestly, I think that this team

Lillard/Miller
Matthews/McCollum
Batum/Matthews
Aldridge/Robinson
Gortat/O'neal

Is a 3 or 4 seed. I like our odds in a playoff series against San Antonio or Memphis. I think we're competitive with Houston and OKC. I peg that team as a 4/5 seed who can make some noise if healthy, McCollum turns out to be decent, etc. I want to root for a team like that. Perpetually rebuilding is exhausting.
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I hate to be a pessimist, but a 3 or 4 seed is a real reach with that lineup. Portland had 33 wins this season (I get that there might have been some "tanking" involved, but still...), the #3-5 seeds had 57, 56, and 56 wins, respectively. I don't know if the additions of McCollum, Robinson, and Gortat really improve the Blazers by 23+ wins.

I also don't think a center who averaged 11 ppg in his prime (Gortat) will be a difference maker in a first round series versus the Spurs or Grizzlies. Not trying to be a homer, but the Grizz work inside-out, and they kill it on the boards. That Blazers frontcourt has very little post offense and would probably get killed on the boards.

Leonard has only played a year of pro ball, and by all considerable standards for a player on his development track, he did pretty well. Why not stand by your investment, who still has just as much potential as he did on draft night in favor for a borderline playoff move that leaves you wallowing in mediocrity?

In fact, if you're a fan of the Robinson acquisition, then shouldn't you have the opposite mentality when it comes to getting rid of Leonard? Both guys have just played a season in the league, and Leonard, more than Robinson, was drafted as a project. I say hold onto your blue chips instead of cashing as soon as you're one the verge of reaching the black...
 
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magnifier661 said:
I think asik is a very realistic opportunity
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I think Asik is a one dimensional player. He's 7' tall and a decent athlete who was taught to play defense by Thibs. At the other end, he's a turnover machine who'll fumble the best passes, and his terrible FT shooting will hurt you at the end of games.

There's a reason why he only played 30 minutes/game, and there's a reason why Houston is trying to replace him rather than build around him. They could be seeking a MAX FA at some other position, if they really figured the C position was well manned.
 
Denny Crane said:
I think Asik is a one dimensional player. He's 7' tall and a decent athlete who was taught to play defense by Thibs. At the other end, he's a turnover machine who'll fumble the best passes, and his terrible FT shooting will hurt you at the end of games.

There's a reason why he only played 30 minutes/game, and there's a reason why Houston is trying to replace him rather than build around him. They could be seeking a MAX FA at some other position, if they really figured the C position was well manned.
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You just described Joel Przybilla hahaha
 
Denny Crane said:
I think Asik is a one dimensional player. He's 7' tall and a decent athlete who was taught to play defense by Thibs. At the other end, he's a turnover machine who'll fumble the best passes, and his terrible FT shooting will hurt you at the end of games.
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Your love of Boozer has already pegged you as someone who cares only about offense. In fact, you've even praised Vinny Del Negro as a coach...

Actually, Asik is good at a lot of things. He's a younger Joel Przybilla - knows all the intricacies of team defense, sets picks, rebounds at an elite level. If all it takes to play defense is to have Thibodeau teach you, then how come Boozer never learned?

Yes, Asik is extremely challenged on O, but he can make cuts and rolls to the hoop and doesn't blow dunks, even if he blows layups.

There's a reason why he only played 30 minutes/game, and there's a reason why Houston is trying to replace him rather than build around him. They could be seeking a MAX FA at some other position, if they really figured the C position was well manned.
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No, they're not "trying to replace him", they're trying to land DWIGHT HOWARD. Who happens to play Asik's position. Houston loves Chandler Parsons, but if they thought they could get Kevin Durant they'd be "trying to replace" him, too.

Oh, and now they say they want to keep him.
 
RealGM ‏@RealGM 3m
Bucks Offering Kyle Korver $20M Deal Over Three Seasons
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As bad as it may get for us, at least we can say we're not Bucks fans.
 
Natebishop3 said:
You just described Joel Przybilla hahaha
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Yeah Asik is playing just like Joel Przybilla did. I would like to add the guy to our roster but I have no idea why some people think he is the difference between us contending. Asik is a role player.
 
NOVoodoo said:
I hate to be a pessimist, but a 3 or 4 seed is a real reach with that lineup. Portland had 33 wins this season (I get that there might have been some "tanking" involved, but still...), the #3-5 seeds had 57, 56, and 56 wins, respectively. I don't know if the additions of McCollum, Robinson, and Gortat really improve the Blazers by 23+ wins.
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I think that:
1) not taking 2) improvement in Lillard & Aldridge having something to compete for 3) no JJ Hickson defending the paint 4) healthy Batum 5) those additions

Actually do mean a 15-20 game winning improvement. I think we win another 5 or 6 last year just not tanking. The other players and a more well rounded roster is 10 more wins IMO.

NOVoodoo said:
I also don't think a center who averaged 11 ppg in his prime (Gortat) will be a difference maker in a first round series versus the Spurs or Grizzlies. Not trying to be a homer, but the Grizz work inside-out, and they kill it on the boards. That Blazers frontcourt has very little post offense and would probably get killed on the boards.
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I think that a Blazer team with Aldridge and Gortat and a lot of great shooters is a better inside threat than the Grizz or Spurs. Aldridge IMO is a top 5 post player on offense in the L. Not many got to see that last year when playing with Hickson, who is a terrible passer and mediocre top of the key jumper, or Leonard who guys would double off of. Maybe I'm a homer, I think teams will crash on the Grizz next year just like SA did and Zbo's too short to make them pay. Your whole offense will hinge on Gasol in the high post, and he's the best in the league at it, but he can't be everything.

NOVoodoo said:
In fact, if you're a fan of the Robinson acquisition, then shouldn't you have the opposite mentality when it comes to getting rid of Leonard? Both guys have just played a season in the league, and Leonard, more than Robinson, was drafted as a project. I say hold onto your blue chips instead of cashing as soon as you're one the verge of reaching the black...
Click to expand...

The difference is Robinson is older, has (or used to have) an aggressive mentality, and an NBA body. If he embraces it, he can plug in and play a garbage man role right now and contribute in 15-20 mpg at a high level, IF there is structure around him. Leonard we're trying to develop into a defensive post and offensive post presence from scratch. His only skill is a pretty jump shot, which he is tentative to take. Bad rebounder, terrible defender. So I think there is a big difference, Robinson should be less of a project, I think in the right situation he can contribute now.
 
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I wonder what Phoenix is trying to do. Are they trying to tank for the season?
If so you would think that they would try to move Gortat for a young player. They drafted Len, but maybe they would like either Leonard or Withey?

I assume they are holding out for the best deal and are in no hurry.
 
shamelessblazer said:
Is a 3 or 4 seed. I like our odds in a playoff series against San Antonio or Memphis. I think we're competitive with Houston and OKC. I peg that team as a 4/5 seed who can make some noise if healthy, McCollum turns out to be decent, etc. I want to root for a team like that. Perpetually rebuilding is exhausting.
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Yeah I likewise see a lot of promise with our squad. We were an above .500 team half way through the season, then everything just fell apart. We had no bench and Batum playing injured. When our starters were in we had as good a squad as any in the league. We beat the Heat in a game they played very well. There will likely always be an injury or two but this year I think we can whether that storm and give our starters more rest.

Regarding Gortat, I think he may be a better overall center than Asik. They are very different skill sets though; Gortat is not a rim protector, he is much better on the offensive side of the ball. Outside of Matthews all our players are better on offense. At a point there is diminishing returns of adding offense to the lineup. Maybe it would work to add Gortat if we can get a defensive wing and defensive PG with our final roster spots. If the price is reasonable for Gortat or Dalembert they would still be valuable additions to the roster so I’d be interested in doing a deal.

I’d for sure trade Meyers for Gortat; Meyers is a long way from panning out which I think is a long shot chance. But even if you project he will become a good rotational player that probably won’t happen for a number of years when Meyers becomes a free agent. So if he does realize his potential we have to pay a ton of money to keep him. If he doesn’t we’ve wasted an asset. I’d rather just cash in the asset now if another team is willing to pay.
 
Denny Crane said:
I think Asik is a one dimensional player. He's 7' tall and a decent athlete who was taught to play defense by Thibs. At the other end, he's a turnover machine who'll fumble the best passes, and his terrible FT shooting will hurt you at the end of games.

There's a reason why he only played 30 minutes/game, and there's a reason why Houston is trying to replace him rather than build around him. They could be seeking a MAX FA at some other position, if they really figured the C position was well manned.
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You make a good point; but we don't need asik to be a focal point on offense. He just needs to set good picks, rebound and block shots. I think he's the best player available that can do that.

As far as free throws; we can still go with a stretch 4 at the end of games. Our biggest problem last season was the terrible first halves and playing catch up for almost the entire game. Adding asik will definitely solve that problem:
 
@EricPincus
Portland Trail Blazers have the rights to Marcelo Nicola (1993-50th) - 42 years old - older than I am.
 
Draco said:
Regarding Gortat, I think he may be a better overall center than Asik. They are very different skill sets though; Gortat is not a rim protector, he is much better on the offensive side of the ball. Outside of Matthews all our players are better on offense. At a point there is diminishing returns of adding offense to the lineup. Maybe it would work to add Gortat if we can get a defensive wing and defensive PG with our final roster spots. If the price is reasonable for Gortat or Dalembert they would still be valuable additions to the roster so I’d be interested in doing a deal.
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I think our perimeter defense might be fine with the combination of a (fingers crossed) improvement in Lillard and less minutes played by Matthews or Batum. Plus if Aldridge doesn't have to shoulder as much of the offense he is a good defender, especially 1 on 1.

I think we need a physical presence more than a rim protector IMO. Gortat provides a lot of beef and is a good defender. Aldridge can be a decent help defender and does great defending pick n rolls, but last year he had to help on post guys so much when Hickson or Leonard lost them.
 
Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 14s
Portland is a possible destination for center Robin Lopez, with Indiana and others on a short list in pursuit, league sources tell Y!
 
shamelessblazer said:
I think our perimeter defense might be fine with the combination of a (fingers crossed) improvement in Lillard and less minutes played by Matthews or Batum. Plus if Aldridge doesn't have to shoulder as much of the offense he is a good defender, especially 1 on 1.

I think we need a physical presence more than a rim protector IMO. Gortat provides a lot of beef and is a good defender. Aldridge can be a decent help defender and does great defending pick n rolls, but last year he had to help on post guys so much when Hickson or Leonard lost them.
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I actually somewhat agree with this guy.

I think our team could potentially be more than a 6th team, IF McCollum is as advertised, IF T-Rob gets an actual shot, and IF we address the bench. I am not sure how Crabbe will play out in the long run, but great shooters always find a way to play. I'm not sure how his D is but:

An improved Lillard (decisions, defense)
You know what you're getting with Matthews, Aldridge.
Batum is somewhat of a toss up. He tends to improve one area, but seemingly has a one track mind. But here is where the real improvements lie:

Freeland won't be playing in the beginning.
Leonard is bound to take the rookie-sophomore big man leap. He is bound to bebetter than last year, at least.
Whoever our starting center is, will be better offensively/defensively than JJ Hickson, which means we won't be down 20 at half time and have to use every ounce of energy we have to comeback daily.
Claver actually started to show he could play.
Hopefully injuries don't screw us over - and with improved depth, it should allow those players to heal.

Our top 8 was terrible last year:

Lillard
Wesley
Batum
Aldridge
Hickson

Meyers
Maynor
Barton
Babbitt
(Claver only played in 49 games).

Our potential top 8 would be

Lillard
Wes
Batum
Aldridge
(Some defensive big)

McCollum
Claver (who looked better)
T-Rob (who is an actual backup PF)
Meyers (who should be better)

I see no reason Barton should play, if Crabbe and McCollum have the slightest bit of BBIQ and play under control.

*I didn't add Crabbe - last time we drafted a shooter, Babbitt, he couldn't shoot. So, yeah.
 
Brian FromWA ‏@brianfromwa 11h
@dwightjaynes Olshey's positioned ok for post-DWeecision. 8.9M in space, young players, trade-able contracts if needed, no dreck to jettison
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Just sayin'. I don't see us getting anyone for free/just cap space. Maybe Lopez. But I don't think all of our veterans are still here on Opening Night. Either LMA is gone, or Wes or Nic is gone to get a player who's a better fit with LMA. We have resources...
 
Wessy and Leonard might be our only trade-able contracts. We have like no moveable pieces.
 
I would say everyone outside of Lillard is available for the right price.
 
BrianFromWA said:
Just sayin'. I don't see us getting anyone for free/just cap space. Maybe Lopez. But I don't think all of our veterans are still here on Opening Night. Either LMA is gone, or Wes or Nic is gone to get a player who's a better fit with LMA. We have resources...
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What would you think Wes and batum can get us? Maybe melo?
 
Adrian Wojnarowski@WojYahooNBAabout 5 minutes ago


It is possible Tyreke Evans never signs the proposed $44M offer sheet with Pelicans, sources tell Y! Sports. Still a fluid scenario.



A wrinkle in our Lopez plan...
 
Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 2m
Still teams interested in further making their cases to Dwight Howard, but appears he's shutting it all down to decide now, sources tell Y!
 
Kurt Helin ‏@basketballtalk 18s
Rockets GM Morey says he’s not trying to trade Lin, Asik http://dlvr.it/3c4sdz

Morey added that he is not looking to deal Omer Asik or Jeremy Lin….

“Both with Omer and Jeremy, we feel like they’re good fits for Dwight. Omer with Dwight would give us the best (centers) in the league in combination. Jeremy is an attacking guard, great in pick-and-roll, a great fit for Dwight. Dwight works great with shooting and attacking guards. Harden is great at both. That’s why he’s an All Star.”
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