A heretical thought / And something about Orlando

[e_blazer]

I would agree. However, I think that's highly unlikely. I don't think Dame is demanding a team that will be favored to win a championship. I think he just wants the opportunity to be in the mix, rather than missing the playoffs or first round and out for the rest of his career.

I think the goal for this summer is to add one more veteran impact player to the core of Dame and Grant, beef up the bench with a couple of vets and, as you say, be in a position to be in the mix. I think truly contending is going to take Sharpe developing into the player we all hope he can become, and perhaps another summer of tweaking the roster.

 

[BIG Q]

In my generally worthless opinion, the only way the Blazers switch from building around Dame is if it proves infeasible to do so this summer. If they get to the point where the options they have available in the way of trades for an impact player just don’t provide the core they want, and they and Dame agree that it’s just not going to happen, then they would likely switch tactics and find a good deal for him.

I agree, Again, not saying I want Dame traded, but if Ant can bring in the 6, 11, Harris and another player you have to do it. Is it possible? I have no real idea what Ants value in. But if all of a sudden Portland has the 3, 6, 11, 23, 43. Damn. Dame would not like it, but if picks are available instead of difference maker vets, you've got to pivot. Now I wholly subscribe to the theory that too much youth is never good. You just can't develop 5 players all at once. They need room to grow their games and make mistakes and have a couple vets (Juwon Howard) sprinkled in to teach and help them get through rough patches.

 

[Phatguysrule]

I think the goal for this summer is to add one more veteran impact player to the core of Dame and Grant, beef up the bench with a couple of vets and, as you say, be in a position to be in the mix. I think truly contending is going to take Sharpe developing into the player we all hope he can become, and perhaps another summer of tweaking the roster.

Yep, I think so too. If Sharpe and whatever we get at #3 can become consistent impact players by Jan 2025, and we can add a legit vet or two, we could be in position to seriously contend after this season. Depending on Lillard's longevity...

 

[e_blazer]

I agree, Again, not saying I want Dame traded, but if Ant can bring in the 6, 11, Harris and another player you have to do it. Is it possible? I have no real idea what Ants value in. But if all of a sudden Portland has the 3, 6, 11, 23, 43. Damn. Dame would not like it, but if picks are available instead of difference maker vets, you've got to pivot. Now I wholly subscribe to the theory that too much youth is never good. You just can't develop 5 players all at once. They need room to grow their games and make mistakes and have a couple vets (Juwon Howard) sprinkled in to teach and help them get through rough patches.

I’m not holding my breath for that Magic trade to happen. Certain Magic fans may be dumb, but their management aren’t.

 

[BlazerWookee]

This thread isn't thoughtful and posting bullshit like this doesn't make you a heretic... it just continues the downward spiral of your ever dwindling credibility.

"Dwindling credibility" implies having some to begin with...

 

[wizenheimer]

If Cronin could pull off that deal, I'd be completely floored.

but what's your ceiling?

 

[e_blazer]

but what's your ceiling?

If he’s like most of us around here, a tinfoil hat.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

but what's your ceiling?

 

[wizenheimer]

only in your Gazebo when you are chugging Martinis. Or should I say, your wife's Gazebo because that's how it works around my place

 

[PtldPlatypus]

only in your Gazebo when you are chugging Martinis. Or should I say, your wife's Gazebo because that's how it works around my place

Gotta say, we hosted a backyard bridal shower for my daughter on Saturday using said gazebo, and I got rave reviews thereon from several attendees. As well as on the multiple picnic tables I built for the occasion. I swear, my backyard looks like a campground these days. But the wife likes it, so that's worth the effort.

However, back on topic--though I've generally been on the "It's time to rebuild" bandwagon, I'd be really interested to see what kind of team Cronin could build around Dame/Sharpe/Grant/Bol if he had 3/6/11/23 to work with along with Nurk, Nas, and Harris.

 

[STOMP]

I kinda like the idea of getting the #6 pick and drafting both Thompson twins...

They aren’t 19, so no objection from Dame

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

Nurk , a big 6-11, Miller 6 - 9, Grant 6 - 8 , is a nice sized frontcourt.

IIrc, Grant measured 6’6.5. Miller skipped the pre draft so we’ve no idea how tall he is but everyone knows he’s a finesse player or not a rebounder.

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

I think he just wants the opportunity to be in the mix, rather than missing the playoffs or first round and out for the rest of his career.

I will be very unhappy if they deal away their future for slightly elevated mediocrity just to appease Dame. If that’s what happens it will absolutely tarnish his legacy as I know I’ve plenty of company with this view

STOMP

 

[blazerkor]

I will be very unhappy if they deal away their future for slightly elevated mediocrity just to appease Dame. If that’s what happens it will absolutely tarnish his legacy as I know I’ve plenty of company with this view

STOMP

No it needs to be a second star. It needs to be aggressive. It needs to put the best team around Dame that he's had or we need to move Dame then build around Shaedon, pick 3 and what we get for Dame.

 

[Phatguysrule]

I will be very unhappy if they deal away their future for slightly elevated mediocrity just to appease Dame. If that’s what happens it will absolutely tarnish his legacy as I know I’ve plenty of company with this view

STOMP

I don't think he expects the Blazers to trade away the future. Otherwise he would have bolted after we drafted Sharpe.

 

[STOMP]

I don't think he expects the Blazers to trade away the future. Otherwise he would have bolted after we drafted Sharpe.

He had good reason not to. One month after Portland drafted Sharpe, Dame signed the max extension with Portland 2 years 122M. Now with fat long term money assured he’s making roster demands…

STOMP

 

[lamlor]

He had good reason not to. One month after Portland drafted Sharpe, Dame signed the max extension with Portland 2 years 122M. Now with fat long term money assured he’s making roster demands…

STOMP

I thought he signed that because he was loyal???

 

[Natebishop3]

I don't think he expects the Blazers to trade away the future. Otherwise he would have bolted after we drafted Sharpe.

"I don't have much of an appetite for building and guys 2-3 years away from really going after it. I think we get Shaedon at 19 and he's just different. I think just being around him, his disposition, how he listens, his frame, his natural talent and his ability... that's enough 19 year olds. And you probably won't find one that will come along the way he has. I'm just not interested in that. This is not a secret. I want a chance to go for it. If the route is to do that, well that's not my route. I think we're all in line with doing what we gotta do to put a team together that we can actually go out there and get something done."

This doesn't sound like a guy who has any interest in another rookie, especially one who plays the same position. Dwight Jaynes asked him a follow up if that meant a trade, and Dame said he thought he was very clear on how he feels. I find it highly unlikely that Dame has changed his mind in the past couple months. Dame wants to win now.

Watch this whole interview. Dame isn't emotional. This is a very clear and concise explanation of how he feels going into this offseason.

 

[blazerkor]

"I don't have much of an appetite for building and guys 2-3 years away from really going after it. I think we get Shaedon at 19 and he's just different. I think just being around him, his disposition, how he listens, his frame, his natural talent and his ability... that's enough 19 year olds. And you probably won't find one that will come along the way he has. I'm just not interested in that. This is not a secret. I want a chance to go for it. If the route is to do that, well that's not my route. I think we're all in line with doing what we gotta do to put a team together that we can actually go out there and get something done."

This doesn't sound like a guy who has any interest in another rookie, especially one who plays the same position. Dwight Jaynes asked him a follow up if that meant a trade, and Dame said he thought he was very clear on how he feels. I find it highly unlikely that Dame has changed his mind in the past couple months. Dame wants to win now.

Watch this whole interview. Dame isn't emotional. This is a very clear and concise explanation of how he feels going into this offseason.

People are acting like there was some ambiguity or this was cryptic. This shit was straight forward. I think Cronin will either come through with a big trade around draft day or he will move Dame. I think this interview is proof that the two guys have an agreement about that. Maybe I'm not seeing the nuance but I just don't think Dame leaves a lot of wiggle room.

 

[Natebishop3]

People are acting like there was some ambiguity or this was cryptic. This shit was straight forward. I think Cronin will either come through with a big trade around draft day or he will move Dame. I think this interview is proof that the two guys have an agreement about that. Maybe I'm not seeing the nuance but I just don't think Dame leaves a lot of wiggle room.

Dame even says, repeatedly, "I thought I was very clear about what I said."

He also said earlier when Quick asks him what the difference is between now and two years ago after the Nuggets series, Dame said he's not emotional about how he feels. He said whatever will be, will be. So I think Dame has drawn a line in the sand. He wants to try to win now. Drafting another 19 year old rookie is not part of that plan. He literally said it.

 

[e_blazer]

Dame even says, repeatedly, "I thought I was very clear about what I said."

He also said earlier when Quick asks him what the difference is between now and two years ago after the Nuggets series, Dame said he's not emotional about how he feels. He said whatever will be, will be. So I think Dame has drawn a line in the sand. He wants to try to win now. Drafting another 19 year old rookie is not part of that plan. He literally said it.

I agree overall, but I think there’s room for some nuance. If Cronin puts together a trade that nets an All-Star level starting 3 using Ant, 23 and future firsts, so that the only starter who’s not a vet is Sharpe, then I don’t know why Dame would have an issue with a talent like Miller coming off the bench.

 

[blazerkor]

I agree overall, but I think there’s room for some nuance. If Cronin puts together a trade that nets an All-Star level starting 3 using Ant, 23 and future firsts, so that the only starter who’s not a vet is Sharpe, then I don’t know why Dame would have an issue with a talent like Miller coming off the bench.

I agree with this. If there is a major move that improves the team now that doesn't involve pick 3 then I don't think Dame will have a huge problem with using and keeping pick 3.

 

[BIG Q]

"I don't have much of an appetite for building and guys 2-3 years away from really going after it. I think we get Shaedon at 19 and he's just different. I think just being around him, his disposition, how he listens, his frame, his natural talent and his ability... that's enough 19 year olds. And you probably won't find one that will come along the way he has. I'm just not interested in that. This is not a secret. I want a chance to go for it. If the route is to do that, well that's not my route. I think we're all in line with doing what we gotta do to put a team together that we can actually go out there and get something done."

This doesn't sound like a guy who has any interest in another rookie, especially one who plays the same position. Dwight Jaynes asked him a follow up if that meant a trade, and Dame said he thought he was very clear on how he feels. I find it highly unlikely that Dame has changed his mind in the past couple months. Dame wants to win now.

Watch this whole interview. Dame isn't emotional. This is a very clear and concise explanation of how he feels going into this offseason.

Like Stomp posted a couple posts up, Dame signed a huge extension and now gets to make roster demands. And he makes them wearing this self promoting hat. Not a Portland Trailblazers hat, a Dame hat. That doesn't bother anybody? It certainly speaks volumes to me. Again, i'm not a trade Dame guy. I just don't want him playing GM unless he is wearing a Portland Trailblazers hat. Looks to me this is just Team Dame.

 

[Natebishop3]

Like Stomp posted a couple posts up, Dame signed a huge extension and now gets to make roster demands. And he makes them wearing this self promoting hat. Not a Portland Trailblazers hat, a Dame hat. That doesn't bother anybody? It certainly speaks volumes to me. Again, i'm not a trade Dame guy. I just don't want him playing GM unless he is wearing a Portland Trailblazers hat. Looks to me this is just Team Dame.

Sure it bothers me, but I just want people to be clear on where Dame stands right now. He was VERY clear on his feelings.

 

[Natebishop3]

I agree overall, but I think there’s room for some nuance. If Cronin puts together a trade that nets an All-Star level starting 3 using Ant, 23 and future firsts, so that the only starter who’s not a vet is Sharpe, then I don’t know why Dame would have an issue with a talent like Miller coming off the bench.

Well sure, that would be fantastic. If they can get Brown or Bridges without giving up #3, that would be amazing. I'm not going to hold my breath, but I would love that.

 

[Phatguysrule]

"I don't have much of an appetite for building and guys 2-3 years away from really going after it. I think we get Shaedon at 19 and he's just different. I think just being around him, his disposition, how he listens, his frame, his natural talent and his ability... that's enough 19 year olds. And you probably won't find one that will come along the way he has. I'm just not interested in that. This is not a secret. I want a chance to go for it. If the route is to do that, well that's not my route. I think we're all in line with doing what we gotta do to put a team together that we can actually go out there and get something done."

This doesn't sound like a guy who has any interest in another rookie, especially one who plays the same position. Dwight Jaynes asked him a follow up if that meant a trade, and Dame said he thought he was very clear on how he feels. I find it highly unlikely that Dame has changed his mind in the past couple months. Dame wants to win now.

Watch this whole interview. Dame isn't emotional. This is a very clear and concise explanation of how he feels going into this offseason.

Yes, Dame wants to win now. I think Cronin wants to win now. I think the best opportunity for both Dame and Cronin to win the most, and the soonest is with Dame here in Portland. I think they will trade for or draft the player that gives them the best chance of winning as much as possible as soon as possible.

Nothing about that disputes anything Dame has said. If they can get another 19 year old who they (including Dame) think will be a legit help now or next season (and there isn't a better opportunity to win more sooner) then that's what they will do. And Dame won't have any pressure to request a trade unless he just wants out. I'm not sure there is an opportunity that gets Dame appreciably closer to a championship than he would be here in Portland in that scenario.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Dame even says, repeatedly, "I thought I was very clear about what I said."

He also said earlier when Quick asks him what the difference is between now and two years ago after the Nuggets series, Dame said he's not emotional about how he feels. He said whatever will be, will be. So I think Dame has drawn a line in the sand. He wants to try to win now. Drafting another 19 year old rookie is not part of that plan. He literally said it.

Everybody goes into a battle with a plan. The plan usually goes out the window as soon as the first shot is fired.

They aren't going to trade Dame for pennies on the dollar, IMO. If they aren't going to basically give Dame away I don't see a better scenario for him anywhere.

 

[Phatguysrule]

He had good reason not to. One month after Portland drafted Sharpe, Dame signed the max extension with Portland 2 years 122M. Now with fat long term money assured he’s making roster demands…

STOMP

He could have demanded they trade Sharpe after he signed. Or before he signed. He had the team by the balls. He was getting that contract regardless.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Like Stomp posted a couple posts up, Dame signed a huge extension and now gets to make roster demands. And he makes them wearing this self promoting hat. Not a Portland Trailblazers hat, a Dame hat. That doesn't bother anybody? It certainly speaks volumes to me. Again, i'm not a trade Dame guy. I just don't want him playing GM unless he is wearing a Portland Trailblazers hat. Looks to me this is just Team Dame.

Did anybody fault Jordan for wearing Nikes? Or Jump Man brand?
No, it doesn't bother me at all. Dame could have made roster demands any time he wanted to. Dame was on board with drafting Sharpe when he saw what other teams were offering. He's the best player we've ever had. He should be on board with everything we do or we shouldn't be doing it.

It is Dame Time. And we're lucky Dame Time is here in Portland.

 

[BIG Q]

The best player of all time did not play GM. He did not give ultimatums to management, at least publicly, which would hurt the teams leverage in trades.