Assumption game

[Mediocre Man]

This is literally the ass / u / me game

Purely for off season entertainment

Let's say for shits and giggles that Aldridge goes to Olshey and says he plans to look around after next year unless he can add a third star.

1. Who do you think we could get

2. Who do you think would be acceptable to LA

3. At that point should we trade him for a loaded lottery

4. What would you give up to get said player

Try to make it as realistic as possible. No Lebron to Portland for Leonar_ or whatever

 

[RR7]

I think you obviously look to land that player before moving Aldridge. If you get the sense he is likely to move on, you move him for the best package possible. Not just a pick in this draft.

 

[RR7]

I'd give up anyone besides damian to bring in the right player. Obviously the player determines the package.

I'll also add that I still don't necessarily think it's as simple as needing 3 stars to win. The "Big 3" necessary to get to a title. I think you ideally need a few excellent role players, or stars being willing to be role players. Chris Bosh has taken himself from star to superb role player. Garnett for the most part did the same thing going to Boston. Bringing in a 3rd star works if guys are willing to sacrifice time/touches.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

In order to properly complement LA & Dame, I think it would need to be a slashing wing player with both the ability to finish at the rim, as well as a decent 3-point shot. Someone like what Paul Pierce used to be would be ideal. I don't think that player exists. Gay or Derozan, if they were more efficient. Can Aaron Afflalo finish well?

 

[illmatic99]

I really don't understand the premise.

Nic in these playoffs put up: 15/8/5 on 47/35/80% while being our best defender and doing all the little things.

I'd like to find some other guys who can be better #3s. Ibaka maybe? Parsons? Kawhi? Deron? Bosh??

I'd take Nic's play and impact over almost all of those guys.

 

[Mediocre Man]

In order to properly complement LA & Dame, I think it would need to be a slashing wing player with both the ability to finish at the rim, as well as a decent 3-point shot. Someone like what Paul Pierce used to be would be ideal. I don't think that player exists. Gay or Derozan, if they were more efficient. Can Aaron Afflalo finish well?

Are those players "sexy" enough for Aldridge to stay?

 

[illmatic99]

The problem with our team isn't with the #3 star. It's with the lack of any talent whatsoever when you consider #s 6-13.

 

[Mediocre Man]

The problem with our team isn't with the #3 star. It's with the lack of any talent whatsoever when you consider #s 6-13.

Another opinion. not a wrong one necessarily, but I disagree. A bench would obviously help though

 

[Scalma]

The problem with our team isn't with the #3 star. It's with the lack of any talent whatsoever when you consider #s 6-13.

This. Then again who knows, stotts hasn't really given them a chance yet. Mainly talking about McCollum, Crabbe and Barton. If crabbe can develop into a belinelli that would be great.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Are those players "sexy" enough for Aldridge to stay?

Gay probably is. Derozan too. Afflalo, not so much. Stephenson, maybe?

Deng might be the most available guy that would fit the presumed criteria. What are the chances that Cleveland would work with us in setting up an S&T for him?

 

[Schilly]

Melo

 

[e_blazer]

I think the Spurs are proving this season that the "Big Three" model of team-building is overrated and not the only, or even the best, path to success. They have only one current All-Star on the roster, but they've got so much depth that they're crushing opponents. Tying up $45-$50M in three players kills any opportunity to have great depth. The Blazers should build around the Spurs' model, IMO. I can't think of any contending teams that are going to have the cap space to make LA a max offer and don't see Aldridge bailing from a situation where the team is on the cusp of being a contender to go to another rebuilding situation.

Screw this premise. I say continue building with the current base and add to the bench this summer. Push as far as possible next season and then look to be opportunistic in the Summer of 2015 when there will be plenty of cap space available to shuffle the roster with a FA signing or a sign-and-trade deal.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Melo

Ding ding.

Not sure we'd b any good, but that's the name I think

 

[Mediocre Man]

I think the Spurs are proving this season that the "Big Three" model of team-building is overrated and not the only, or even the best, path to success. They have only one current All-Star on the roster, but they've got so much depth that they're crushing opponents. Tying up $45-$50M in three players kills any opportunity to have great depth. The Blazers should build around the Spurs' model, IMO. I can't think of any contending teams that are going to have the cap space to make LA a max offer and don't see Aldridge bailing from a situation where the team is on the cusp of being a contender to go to another rebuilding situation.

Screw this premise. I say continue building with the current base and add to the bench this summer. Push as far as possible next season and then look to be opportunistic in the Summer of 2015 when there will be plenty of cap space available to shuffle the roster with a FA signing or a sign-and-trade deal.

Duncan, Ginobili, Parker have been a big three for a billion years They are the absolute definition of a big three

 

[e_blazer]

Duncan, Ginobili, Parker have been a big three for a billion years They are the absolute definition of a big three

They WERE a big three. Age has changed that and Pop and Buford have done a great job of adjusting the model to something that is sustainable as the stars age. He's also been able to get Ginobili and Duncan to accept being paid well under big three dollars.

 

[Pinwheel1]

In order to properly complement LA & Dame, I think it would need to be a slashing wing player with both the ability to finish at the rim, as well as a decent 3-point shot. Someone like what Paul Pierce used to be would be ideal. I don't think that player exists. Gay or Derozan, if they were more efficient. Can Aaron Afflalo finish well?

I agree with this. And again I think we can be somewhat patient with obtaining one. But yes someone like Derozan is needed. We can't rely on Damian to be the only one attacking the basket. You never know, maybe Will Barton will continue to improve and be that guy..............

 

[blue9]

This is literally the ass / u / me game

Purely for off season entertainment

Let's say for shits and giggles that Aldridge goes to Olshey and says he plans to look around after next year unless he can add a third star.

1. Who do you think we could get

2. Who do you think would be acceptable to LA

3. At that point should we trade him for a loaded lottery

4. What would you give up to get said player

Try to make it as realistic as possible. No Lebron to Portland for Leonar_ or whatever

#1 - Don't really know. But my shopping list would look like this:
---LBJ (no draft pick)
---Melo (plus draft pick)
---DMC (plus draft pick)
---CLE #1 pick (plus right to swap picks two years from now, and probably some 2nd rounders or protected 1st rounders)

#2 - Who cares?

#3 - I don't get the question. At what point? Isn't the premise already about trading LMA?

#4 - Depending on what we're getting back I would add any of the following to a package centered around LMA:
---CJ
---Leonard
---Wright
---Claver
---Freeland
---Crabbe
---Barton

 

[RR7]

#1 - Don't really know. But my shopping list would look like this:
---LBJ (no draft pick)
---Melo (plus draft pick)
---DMC (plus draft pick)
---CLE #1 pick (plus right to swap picks two years from now, and probably some 2nd rounders or protected 1st rounders)

#2 - Who cares?

#3 - I don't get the question. At what point? Isn't the premise already about trading LMA?

#4 - Depending on what we're getting back I would add any of the following to a package centered around LMA:
---CJ
---Leonard
---Wright
---Claver
---Freeland
---Crabbe
---Barton

The premise is what 3rd star we could add, for question 1

 

[Schilly]

It would take Wes and Nic minimum starting offer to get Melo. We would need to keep either CJ or Barton to be or starting SG

 

[blue9]

The problem with our team isn't with the #3 star. It's with the lack of any talent whatsoever when you consider #s 6-13.

I agree. I think our problems are, in descending order:
#1 - Bench
#2 - Coaching
#3 - Our #1 option isn't good enough at being a #1 option.

It seems a lot of people seem to think that improving problem #1 will be enough to overcome problem #3. Unless Dame takes a HUGE leap and becomes a Championship-level #1 option, I don't think I agree. I think he's a great #2, and I like his ability to take/make the big shots, but I generally don't feel like PGs can be the best player on a Championship team. Of course there are exceptions - the most recent being Parker. But I feel that's more about Pops than it is about Parker. Plus, Parker has always played next to the best pivot in the game.

 

[blue9]

The premise is what 3rd star we could add, for question 1

D'oh. I completely misinterpreted the post. Too little sleep last night...

 

[BlazerWookee]

It would take Wes and Nic minimum starting offer to get Melo. We would need to keep either CJ or Barton to be or starting SG

(shudder)

 

[KingSpeed]

I don't think we need a 3rd "star." We have a great Big 5. What we need is scoring off the bench and more time and experience for the Big 5 to grow and get better.

 

[Schilly]

(shudder)

I'm just playing along with the premise of the OP.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I don't think we need a 3rd "star." We have a great Big 5. What we need is scoring off the bench and more time and experience for the Big 5 to grow and get better.

I love your enthusiasm, but great big 5 is overstating it. A LOT

 

[Norman Dale]

I think you sign Brook Lopez, if he opts out. Moves Robin to the bench, makes Leonard and Freeland expendable. I think Brook and Robin can play together at times, and I think Brook gives LA another low post scoring option that teams can't relax on, like they do with Robin. Hopefully CJ and Will develop to be strong backups at the 1 & 2, and TRob continues to get better as a backup 4. They will need to find a solid 3 who can score to help the bench. Maybe they acquire that person this year with their MLE.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

This. Then again who knows, stotts hasn't really given them a chance yet. Mainly talking about McCollum, Crabbe and Barton. If crabbe can develop into a belinelli that would be great.

I kinda think it's that and more importantly to be better defensively and team defensively, players 1-8. I don't think they need a third star. They need better depth and be better defensively. That will get it done IMO.

 

[Natebishop3]

Melo is really the only third star that is available. I also hope Neil at least makes an attempt with LeBron. Just make a pitch and see what he says. If he says no, you've lost nothing.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

I kinda think it's that and more importantly to be better defensively and team defensively, players 1-8. I don't think they need a third star. They need better depth and be better defensively. That will get it done IMO.

And if they are opposed to improving one of those two areas. You're prob right, they will need a third star.

I think Neil is a stats guy though. He will look at the overall picture and when he concludes he will again see that he needs to get better off the bench and defensively. Stats from the starters are fine. And his moves will be driven by these two areas.

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

Going back to my post yesterday, Kevin Love is my target.

1. Who do you think we could get: Can we get him? Maybe.

2. Who do you think would be acceptable to LA: I think he'd be acceptable, if Love played Center and we managed to keep Lopez.

3. At that point should we trade him for a loaded lottery: This is the best part - if we trade for Love, I don't give a fuck what LMA does in 2015. He can walk and it would just give us some capspace and we'd still have DAME & LOVE to build around. I'd only trade him if he requested a trade or wanted $127 mill.

4. What would you give up to get said player
Anything outside of Damian and Aldridge. (Batum, McCollum, Leonard, Wes, draft picks?)

Also, I really want Jimmy Butler on our team.

I just can't think of anyone outside of Melo & Love who would be available. I'd be fine with Melo also.