We have had this discussion 100 times over the years. There is no clear cut successful blue print on how to do it. Look how many teams have never won a NBA championship. Going big has not worked, just like building slow has not worked. What does work ......luck. Winning the lottery that one year that a super star happens to be in the draft. Or having someone drop in your lap. The Lakers are about the only exception to the rule.
So to answer your question, IMO yes sign a talented Vet if you have the option. Accumulate as many assets as possible and hold on to the right ones.
I get your point, but "going big" doesn't necessarily have to mean that you have all the stars align and win the title. Just being a contender... a real contender... is sufficient. Every fan of a team that's "competing for the playoffs" struggles through watching regular season games, opposed to being the fan of a team that made the big moves, had the chance, but ultimately fell short.
I guess I'm just saying, as a small market fan, that I'd rather my team make bold moves, rather than play it safe, experiment with team chemistry, and wallow in mediocrity. I'm going to be behind my team regardless of their success, but I'd rather watch them make bold moves and either be the team that could win the West, or the team that's going to get the #1 draft prospect. I've had too many years as a fan of a team that's a perennial first round exit, and it's very unfulilling.
Well one day we will learn that big name free agents don't come to small market teams.
True. It'd be interesting to see one of these NBA journalists do a report on how teams scout free agents. You always have your "MAX" guys, your MLE vets, etc., but then there's that class of player like Trevor Ariza or Courtney Lee, who have team scouts convinced that there's more to their game than there is and that they can tap some untapped potential that will make these guys All-Stars... those guys are usually huge letdowns.
I'm curious how many players out there are on at least their second NBA contract and are making less than they should (ie: the kind of players that scouts from teams like Portland should be looking for this summer). I can think of one personal example on Memphis with Tony Allen. He's the heart of our team and more responsible for a current success than anyone outside Z-Bo/Gasol, but he only makes about 3 mill a year. That's less than Mo "I never learned how to play defense in college" Speights makes.
The Blazers need to find themselves a Tony Allen in free agency. They need an absolute bargain. Otherwise, trade or draft.
