4 game nightmare: actually very happy with the results

[Nikolokolus]

I'll give you one thing, Nik, you're consistant. What is there about this year's draft that makes you excited for keeping our pick and drafting around the 11th spot? Another Babbitt, Leonard-level talent seems about the best reasonable expectation.

Just the chance at getting a cheap player who might be starter material. The more bullets in the chamber the better your chances of hitting something. No bullets, no chance.

 

[e_blazer]

Just the chance at getting a cheap player who might be starter material. The more bullets in the chamber the better your chances of hitting something. No bullets, no chance.

Fair enough. The way I see it, the essential piece of the rebuild is the cap space for this summer. I think Lillard, Matthews, Batum & Aldridge are four solid starters. If the Blazers can find a way to get a starting calibler center this summer, then I think that the remainder of the rebuild comes down to picking which of the young guys on the bench you want to keep and adding two or three veterans. Given the way that this undermanned group has competed against the Heat and Thunder without a true center or a bench, I think that the team would be very competetive next year with those missing elements filled in. That's why I'm not too concerned about giving up the pick this year and getting a shot at the playoffs. Playoff experience is a valuable thing, even if it's a quick exit.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Unless Olshey is going to make a trade into that capspace, I'm not holding my breath about a true difference maker choosing to sign here. Secondly, with many guys expiring (even if they mostly suck) he's going to have a lot of roster spots to fill.

 

[PapaG]

So I guess Stotts should rest Nicolas, Lillard and LaMarcus?

There is an argument to be made that their minutes could have been reduced last night in Denver. That game would never go to OT with it, but at some point, those three need some rest. Hindsight says the game was lost anyhow, but I do like the idea of this young team playing to win every night, too, which means playing your 3 best players big minutes with this crap bench.

 

[Carlito]

U usually disagree with me because I tell u what u don't wanna hear.