Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the...

[Natebishop3]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Lillard and Aldridge are a solid beginning, but we need a third guy. Batum is really just a role player. He's the kind of guy you want on your team, but I don't think he's going to be the #3 man. He's not the Ray Allen that we need. We need another scorer who can go off for 20+ a night. Batum and Matthews are too streaky to be that guy.

Maybe Mayo. I think Mayo would actually be a really good third option. Or a Tyreke Evans. We need another scorer. On nights when Lillard is off, it is very hard for us to get a win right now. On nights when Lillard and Aldridge are on, but the rest of the team is off, we also lose. We need a third guy.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

This is why I like Mayo:

25 years old
16.7 ppg, 4.4 assists, 3.6 boards
46% FG, 41% from three.
PER 15.4

There was a time when I would have liked Kevin Martin, but the dude is 30 and he can't stay healthy. He's not worth it.

Evans is a really good prospect, but he's restricted and he's not a very good outside shooter. He's shooting 35% from three. He does have a per of 18.5, which is quite a bit better than Mayo.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

This is why I like Mayo:

25 years old
16.7 ppg, 4.4 assists, 3.6 boards
46% FG, 41% from three.
PER 15.4

There was a time when I would have liked Kevin Martin, but the dude is 30 and he can't stay healthy. He's not worth it.

Evans is a really good prospect, but he's restricted and he's not a very good outside shooter. He's shooting 35% from three. He does have a per of 18.5, which is quite a bit better than Mayo.

Comparing their stats, Mayo's only advantage seems to be as an outside shooter; Evans brings more defense and rebounding, is less turnover prone, and gets to the line far more often. Between the two, I'd definitely rather have Evans.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Comparing their stats, Mayo's only advantage seems to be as an outside shooter; Evans brings more defense and rebounding, is less turnover prone, and gets to the line far more often. Between the two, I'd definitely rather have Evans.

Evans is an RFA though. You run a risk of missing out on another target while you spend time trying to get Evans.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Evans is an RFA though. You run a risk of missing out on another target while you spend time trying to get Evans.

Even though I kinda like Evans I feel like Mayo is the smarter player and for that reason is a better fit for our team. What I mean is I get the feeling that Evans might be a bit more of an unconscious chucker. Or in other words if Evans was taking up too many of the shots and having a bad night Im not sure he would be as willing to stop shooting like he should anyway. Mayo on the other hand seems like he would recognize that better.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Even though I kinda like Evans I feel like Mayo is the smarter player and for that reason is a better fit for our team. What I mean is I get the feeling that Evans might be a bit more of an unconscious chucker. Or in other words if Evans was taking up too many of the shots and having a bad night Im not sure he would be as willing to stop shooting like he should anyway. Mayo on the other hand seems like he would recognize that better.

Reviewing the stats, Mayo seems to be slightly more of a chucker, actually. Mayo has had 14 games this year in which he shot below 35%; in 9 of those he took more than 10 shots. Evans has had 12 games in which he shot below 35%, with just 6 over 10 shots, and 2 with under 5 (Mayo has 0). Mayo's also much more likely to chuck from 3, with 8 games this year at 1-5 from 3 or worse, whereas Evans only has one such game.

Evans is an RFA though. You run a risk of missing out on another target while you spend time trying to get Evans.

I agree that Evans being restricted makes him a tougher pickup; I was just saying that I think he's a better fit for us than Mayo is. I also think, however, that Mayo will command more this summer. If it comes about that we want to pay Evans more than Sacramento does, I wonder if Petrie would be willing to accommodate a S&T deal for him.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Maybe its because Mayo lit us up earlier in the year but he just seems more like that instant offense that we need at times. Or maybe what I am saying is the Mayo "on fire" mode has more potential than Evans. But what about all the other stuff in between. For example does Evans finish better at the rim than Mayo? That could be a huge factor in my decision.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Maybe its because Mayo lit us up earlier in the year but he just seems more like that instant offense that we need at times. Or maybe what I am saying is the Mayo "on fire" mode has more potential than Evans. But what about all the other stuff in between. For example does Evans finish better at the rim than Mayo? That could be a huge factor in my decision.

Mayo's advanced shooting stats
Evans' advanced shooting stats

Mayo has higher EFG%'s across the board (except from the 20-24 ft range, oddly). Evans takes over half his shots within 5 ft of the rim (which also explains why he gets to the line so much more), whereas 60% of Mayo's shots are from 15ft out or further.

Stats can say whatever you want them to say (so people say). Basically, if you want a penetrating guard, you want Evans. If you want a perimeter scorer, you want Mayo.

 

[magnifier661]

Mayo's advanced shooting stats
Evans' advanced shooting stats

Mayo has higher EFG%'s across the board (except from the 20-24 ft range, oddly). Evans takes over half his shots within 5 ft of the rim (which also explains why he gets to the line so much more), whereas 60% of Mayo's shots are from 15ft out or further.

Stats can say whatever you want them to say (so people say). Basically, if you want a penetrating guard, you want Evans. If you want a perimeter scorer, you want Mayo.

I think we already have enough perimeter guards. We need ones to get to the line more.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

I will say this, Evans is a legit 6'6, while Mayo is only 6'4.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

I will say this, Evans is a legit 6'6, while Mayo is only 6'4.

True. Evans' skill-set is probably better suited for the 3 than the 2, actually.

What do you think--if we (hypothetically) could sign Mayo for a decent figure (say, 8M/year), and then trade Batum for a signed/traded Evans, would you do it?

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

True. Evans' skill-set is probably better suited for the 3 than the 2, actually.

What do you think--if we (hypothetically) could sign Mayo for a decent figure (say, 8M/year), and then trade Batum for a signed/traded Evans, would you do it?

The problem for me is that it seems like Evans duplicates some of what Dame does. I actually want a gunner. I think we need someone who isn't afraid of scoring. Mayo would fit that bill. I want someone that can go off. JR Smith is another guy that I suggested a couple weeks ago. I want someone that scares other teams. Right now I don't think Batum scares anyone.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

The problem for me is that it seems like Evans duplicates some of what Dame does.

Interesting. How so? I see Evans as a slasher. Someone who attacks the rim. He dominates the ball in Sacramento, but that's because there's nobody else there. I picture him and Dame working very well together offensively, essentially being a more aggressive, less perimeter-oriented version of Batum.

I actually want a gunner. I think we need someone who isn't afraid of scoring. Mayo would fit that bill. I want someone that can go off...I want someone that scares other teams. Right now I don't think Batum scares anyone.

Agreed completely--hence the suggestion of getting both. Mayo as a sixth-man bench gunner, Evans to start at SF, with Matthews playing alongside either one at times.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Interesting. How so? I see Evans as a slasher. Someone who attacks the rim. He dominates the ball in Sacramento, but that's because there's nobody else there. I picture him and Dame working very well together offensively, essentially being a more aggressive, less perimeter-oriented version of Batum.



Agreed completely--hence the suggestion of getting both. Mayo as a sixth-man bench gunner, Evans to start at SF, with Matthews playing alongside either one at times.

I think my perception of Evans is that he's a ball handler who likes to slash. I don't think that would work well with Dame because he has been slashing more and I want the ball in his hands. If we're going to replace Matthews in the starting lineup, it has to be someone who can shoot. Matthews' ability to shoot helps Dame a lot. He's someone that can spot up in the corner waiting for a pass. Evans isn't really a shooter. Mayo is a ball handler too, but he's a much better shooter from deep.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

I think my perception of Evans is that he's a ball handler who likes to slash. I don't think that would work well with Dame because he has been slashing more and I want the ball in his hands. If we're going to replace Matthews in the starting lineup, it has to be someone who can shoot. Matthews' ability to shoot helps Dame a lot. He's someone that can spot up in the corner waiting for a pass. Evans isn't really a shooter. Mayo is a ball handler too, but he's a much better shooter from deep.

I wasn't looking at replacing Matthews--I was looking at replacing Batum. Right now, Batum is the secondary ball-handler in the starting lineup, and he's somewhat deficient in that regard (in terms of dribbling, ball security)--as evidenced by his increased TOV% this year. Evans could fill Batum's role as a secondary playmaker, and be better at it, as well as more dangerous (scaring people, as you put it). As for spacing, it should be noted that Evans is deadly from the corners (49% on 3s from 20-24 feet). I don't think it would be an issue.

 

[Natebishop3]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

I wasn't looking at replacing Matthews--I was looking at replacing Batum. Right now, Batum is the secondary ball-handler in the starting lineup, and he's somewhat deficient in that regard (in terms of dribbling, ball security)--as evidenced by his increased TOV% this year. Evans could fill Batum's role as a secondary playmaker, and be better at it, as well as more dangerous (scaring people, as you put it). As for spacing, it should be noted that Evans is deadly from the corners (49% on 3s from 20-24 feet). I don't think it would be an issue.

So what do you do with Batum?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

So what do you do with Batum?

Re-read post 41

What do you think--if we (hypothetically) could sign Mayo for a decent figure (say, 8M/year), and then trade Batum for a signed/traded Evans, would you do it?

There would be no way for us to get both Evans and Mayo while keeping Batum. My original question referenced replacing Batum with Evans.

 

[BigGameDamian]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Is this a joke?

This team is light years behind the Drexler and Wallace eras. And the Blazers are going to have to be even better than that if they want to win a title, because the refs are going to fuck em.

Nope, No joke. Lets hope Paul decides to go crazy with his money again like he did in 2000 I guess.

 

[magnifier661]

If batum keeps playing like he has the past 10 games; there's no chance

 

[ebott]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

HELL NO!!! You'd need to have a big three of Aldridge, Lillard and another guy that's better than both of them.

The question should be if they can even get us into the playoffs first. Baby steps

And I'm not sure if this team is gonna get there. We might not have a draft pick and even if we do they probably won't do us any good. I could see us going after another Restricted Free Agent and while we're waiting for the other team to match Hickson signs elsewhere and then the match happens and we don't end up signing anybody. So we're even worse next season. There could theoretically be a lot of free agents in 2014, but unless the Miami big three break up and one of them comes here I don't see us improving enough to make the playoffs. Then LaMarcus is a free agent and I'm not saying he'll leave, but if I were in his shoes I sure would.

 

[magnifier661]

HELL NO!!! You'd need to have a big three of Aldridge, Lillard and another guy that's better than both of them.

I think you will be surprised with how good Lillard will be next season. I actually think he will be a superstar in 2 years.

I think we have the core. We just need that defensive anchor and defensive coach.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Hmm if the topic is finding a "Big Three" why are Evans and Mayo even in the discussion? No way Evans would be a consideration. Not saying they are not decent players, but can either take over a game? That third guy needs to be able to.
I am sure their stats are fine, but that tells me nothing.

 

[magnifier661]

Hmm if the topic is finding a "Big Three" why are Evans and Mayo even in the discussion? No way Evans would be a consideration. Not saying they are not decent players, but can either take over a game? That third guy needs to be able to.
I am sure their stats are fine, but that tells me nothing.

I think many are trying to go the clippers olshey team that had a surplus of players; then used those assets to get a disgruntled superstar that demands a trade.

 

[RoyToy]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

The Blazers need a big 3 before this question can be answered

 

[BigGameDamian]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

If Paul is willing I say the Blazers need to try to sign Nikola Pekovic and OJ Mayo or Tyreke Evans. Get a decent draft pick. I think if the Blazers want to go deep in the playoffs they need a deep team and Paul needs to be willing to shell out money. Lillards shoulders are wide and he can put the team on his back but you still need players around you and the Blazers need to be deep and strong. Much like the 2000 and 2001 team.

 

[BigGameDamian]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

If Paul is willing I say the Blazers need to try to sign Nikola Pekovic and OJ Mayo or Tyreke Evans. Get a decent draft pick. I think if the Blazers want to go deep in the playoffs they need a deep team and Paul needs to be willing to shell out money. Lillards shoulders are wide and he can put the team on his back but you still need players around you and the Blazers need to be deep and strong. Much like the 2000 and 2001 team.

Or Kevin Martin.

 

[BigGameDamian]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

The Blazers need a big 3 before this question can be answered

Well they seem to be pretty high on Lillard, Aldridge and Batum and thats the big three I'm talking about.

 

[RoyToy]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

Well they seem to be pretty high on Lillard, Aldridge and Batum and thats the big three I'm talking about.

Well then you know my answer.

This team needs another player that has a big impact and is consistent. The Blazers only have 2 of those guys right now. From there they have nice role player types in Wesley, Nic and Hickson.

 

[Hobbesarable]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

I think you will be surprised with how good Lillard will be next season. I actually think he will be a superstar in 2 years.

I think we have the core. We just need that defensive anchor and defensive coach.

We need another Dikembe Mutombo!

[video=youtube;BUyqp3kSYIs]

 

[BigGameDamian]

Re: Are the Blazers big three good enough to wheel this team to a championship in the

When I think of a big three who will lead a team to a championship, I think of all star caliber players with 1 or 2 of them being superstars.

I don't think the Blazers will ever have that as Ptd is not a town that attacts superstars. I think Blazers will have to go with a very good top 8 players that have chemistry to be a championship contender team.

If you don't think Aldridge, Batum and Lillard is our big three as of right now they sure are getting paid like a big three. Not so much Lillard now but you know he will be.