Bad summer still a bummer for struggling Trail Blazers

[SlyPokerDog]

To understand the state of the team, one must examine what occurred last summer....

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18400380/nba-bad-summer-bummer-trail-blazers

 

[illmatic99]

Oh boy.

After suffering a challenging, 115-107 loss to Milwaukee, Ezeli, in street clothes, addressed the team in the locker room with a stern speech centered on playing with urgency, sources told ESPN. Then two games later, after a crushing defeat in Memphis, Ezeli once again started giving a team speech, but he was cut short.

McCollum interrupted Ezeli in midsentence and told him that was enough, sources told ESPN. Portland was in the midst of an emotionally draining December, losing 11 of 13 games. Players were desperately pouring out every ounce of effort trying to change the trajectory of the season, and being lectured by someone who wasn't even playing wasn't received favorably.

Nearly a week into free agency, Portland was still without a shot-blocking center. And then there was the matter of the four-year, $75 million offer sheet Brooklyn handed Crabbe. Sources told ESPN that Blazers owner Paul Allen never thought twice about matching. There was no dialogue, no consultation. Crabbe was being retained.

So that was a PA decision?

A trade for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins or disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel could help the team, but sources say they are not on Portland's radar.

Oh well.

Olshey is open to a roster-tinkering trade, but not just for the sake of executing one. In the meantime, the Blazers will try to right the ship. Lillard is not expected to return to the lineup until Thursday's home game against the Lakers after missing the past three games with a sprained left ankle, and the team recently incorporated an aggressive defensive approach to manufacture more turnovers and easy baskets.

Olshey told ESPN that he accepts responsibility for the team's slow start, but made it clear that he believes the first 36 games have not revealed who the Blazers truly are.

"You'd be surprised by what my shoulders can handle," Lillard told ESPN. "I'm built for this. Bring it on."

That's good.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

"Hey guys, I was the 3rd string center on a championship team, you need to listen to me!"

- Festus Nokneeli

 

[illmatic99]

I feel for Fes. His input, coming from such a successful team, should be priceless. But I also see where CJ comes from-- it's hard to take criticism from someone who isn't out there in the trenches with you.

 

[illmatic99]

"Hey guys, I was the 3rd string center on a championship team, you need to listen to me!"

- Festus Nokneeli

He's lost nearly as much as he has in the last two seasons combined, less than halfway into this season. Even if he didn't play much, his input should not be completely discarded.

 

[e_blazer]

I'll just go with: Chris Haynes?

 

[illmatic99]

I'll just go with: Chris Haynes?

At least ESPN edits his stuff better than CSN did. No more obvious typos. And he seems to have Dame's ear for some reason.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

He's lost nearly as much as he has in the last two seasons combined, less than halfway into this season. Even if he didn't play much, his input should not be completely discarded.

It would be like if Meyers stood up in front of the team and lectured everyone on not taking so many jump shots.

 

[Boob-No-More]

A trade for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins or disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel could help the team, but sources say they are not on Portland's radar.

Until either Noel is traded elsewhere, or the trade deadline passes, I'm just going to tell myself this is just the typical Olshey loose lips sink ships approach. Otherwise, I'd have to completely give up all hope of substantial improvement and lose all faith and respect for Neil Olshey. Whether a trade happens, or not, anything that has the potential to improve the team HAS to at least be on the radar.

Trading Crabbe for Noel solves two of Neil's biggest blunders of last summer. It let's us get out from under Crabbe's ridiculous contract (relative to his role and his production). And, it actually gets us an elite defensive big man, not a guy in a suit who yells at the teammates he's never played a single minute with.

BNM

 

[illmatic99]

Until either Noel is traded elsewhere, or the trade deadline passes, I'm just going to tell myself this is just the typical Olshey loose lips sink ships approach. Otherwise, I'd have to completely give up all hope of substantial improvement and lose all faith and respect for Neil Olshey. Whether a trade happens, or not, anything that has the potential to improve the team HAS to at least be on the radar.

Trading Crabbe for Noel solves two of Neil's biggest blunders of last summer. It let's us get out from under Crabbe's ridiculous contract (relative to his role and his production). And, it actually gets us an elite defensive big man, not a guy in a suit who yells at the teammates he's never played a single minute with.

BNM

Takes two to tango. What if Colangelo is not interested in moving Noel? Or getting Crabbe?

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Dwight Howard was the Blazers' next option. Cap wise, Portland wasn't in a position to commit to extending him a max offer. The team would have had to renounce one of three restricted free agents (Moe Harkless, Allen Crabbe or Meyers Leonard), a move Olshey wasn't inclined to exercise.
​

Dump Meyers to sign Howard? I would have packed his bags and driven him to the airport. Even pay for the in flight movie. Bye Meyers!

 

[e_blazer]

Dwight Howard was the Blazers' next option. Cap wise, Portland wasn't in a position to commit to extending him a max offer. The team would have had to renounce one of three restricted free agents (Moe Harkless, Allen Crabbe or Meyers Leonard), a move Olshey wasn't inclined to exercise.
​

Dump Meyers to sign Howard? I would have packed his bags and driven him to the airport. Even pay for the in flight movie. Bye Meyers!

It takes two to tango. What makes Haynes think that Howard was interested in signing here even if the Blazers were inclined to clear cap space for a max offer?

 

[Minstrel]

I feel for Fes. His input, coming from such a successful team, should be priceless. But I also see where CJ comes from-- it's hard to take criticism from someone who isn't out there in the trenches with you.

I also don't think Ezeli is a bad guy here. I think he's just trying to contribute somehow. It must be crushingly disappointing for him not to be able to play, so he's trying to provide emotional support and leadership.

Obviously, though, no matter how well-meaning it may be meant, players aren't going to want to hear from a guy who isn't in the trenches with them. As I mentioned in another thread, Joe Posnanski once asked an end-of-career Terry Pendleton (who was brought to a team for "veteran leadership") how he leads and Pendleton said that while he makes himself available, no one's interested in advice from him. "If you ain't hitting, you ain't leading," was how he put it.

It's just how it is.

 

[Minstrel]

Takes two to tango.

It takes two to tango.

Are you sure? I've always heard the best tangos involve three, though it's also an extreme risky maneuver.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Dwight Howard was the Blazers' next option. Cap wise, Portland wasn't in a position to commit to extending him a max offer. The team would have had to renounce one of three restricted free agents (Moe Harkless, Allen Crabbe or Meyers Leonard), a move Olshey wasn't inclined to exercise.
​

Dump Meyers to sign Howard? I would have packed his bags and driven him to the airport. Even pay for the in flight movie. Bye Meyers!

Yeah, if I could trade Meyers and Turner for Howard today, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I still doubt that he would have chosen Portland over his hometown, but if it were to come out that we would have signed Dwight had we renounced MyLe, I'm going to fall into a deep depression.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

It takes two to tango. What makes Haynes think that Howard was interested in signing here even if the Blazers were inclined to clear cap space for a max offer?

I would still offer to drive Meyers to the airport.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Takes two to tango. What if Colangelo is not interested in moving Noel? Or getting Crabbe?

You at least put it on your radar, which is what I said.

How do you know he's not interested if you don't at least ask? If he's not interested in Crabbe for Noel straight up, sweeten the pot by throwing in CLEs 1st round pick. PHI definitely NEEDS to trade one of Noel or Okafor. Colangelo will listen to offers and take the one that he feels is best for his team.

You may not be the one he chooses, but when a player is available that addresses your biggest weakness, you at least "put him on the radar" and do your due diligence.

Which why I suspect, whether we get Noel or not, this is just typical Olshey keeping his cards close to his vest. To not at least inquire about Noel would be negligent given our needs.

BNM

 

[Boob-No-More]

It takes two to tango. What makes Haynes think that Howard was interested in signing here even if the Blazers were inclined to clear cap space for a max offer?

This. Dwight is from ATL and wanted to go home given the shit shows he's been in with his last two teams. Once ATL lost Horford, Dwight to ATL was a done deal.

BNM

 

[e_blazer]

I would still offer to drive Meyers to the airport.

Well, sure, but that's probably only because you think his wife is cute.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Are you sure? I've always heard the best tangos involve three, though it's also an extreme risky maneuver.

2's the key number here. Think about it. 2 sides of a coin. 2's company, 3's a crowd. 2, man, that's the number. 2 little monkeys jumping on a bed, one fell off and bumped his head. You know that old children's nursery rhyme. It's like you're dreamin' about Gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly Brie time, baby. Step into my office!

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Well, sure, but that's probably only because you think his wife is cute.

That and she seems to have a thing for big dorky dudes.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

2's the key number here. Think about it. 2 sides of a coin. 2's company, 3's a crowd. 2, man, that's the number. 2 little monkeys jumping on a bed, one fell off and bumped his head. You know that old children's nursery rhyme. It's like you're dreamin' about Gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly Brie time, baby. Step into my office!

 

[PtldPlatypus]

 

[SlyPokerDog]

 

[oldfisherman]

 

[Blazinaway]

I hope that article was a lot of BS because there was not much I liked abour the little or no trading and no hesitation on signing Crabbe.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

 

[Nikolokolus]

I hope that article was a lot of BS because there was not much I liked abour the little or no trading and no hesitation on signing Crabbe.

You'll know by the trade deadline. Overall though? I'd say it has the ring of truth.

 

[LicketyBrindle]

Olshey states "He believes the first 36 games have not revealed who the Blazers truly are".

I actually agree with this. I think its reasonable to think that with a more favorable schedule later in the year and some good health we can start to surge a little in the standings and sew up a playoff spot(#8) and perhaps approach or even match last years win total..

And that is who the Blazers truly are. A team that spent a shitload of bread on some dubious or questionable contracts and in the end did not move the ball forward one inch. I don't see the point of a trade simply for the sake of a trade but I think we need more than just a little "roster tinkering" here. Neil's plan is starting to feel a little ambiguous to me. I'll reserve judgment on Olshey until after the offseason is over, but I'm looking for more than more than mediocre/treadmill/1st round playoff fodder basketball. I've been watching that shit for 35 years now. Just give me a reason to believe and I'd gladly take the leap. In fact, just give me Boogie and I'll accept whatever may come our way.

 

[Minstrel]

And that is who the Blazers truly are. A team that spent a shitload of bread on some dubious or questionable contracts and in the end did not move the ball forward one inch. I don't see the point of a trade simply for the sake of a trade but I think we need more than just a little "roster tinkering" here. Neil's plan is starting to feel a little ambiguous to me. I'll reserve judgment on Olshey until after the offseason is over, but I'm looking for more than more than mediocre/treadmill/1st round playoff fodder basketball. I've been watching that shit for 35 years now.

Yeah, that's the main issue I have with Olshey's summer. That he didn't accumulate "assets" that will drive a true contention cycle but, rather, he locked the team into mediocrity.

I fully recognize that reality may prove me wrong but, right now, I think Crabbe, Leonard and Turner have negative trade value. They might be tradeable, but only as the cost of doing business to another team interested in Portland draft picks or McCollum. If so, then either Portland is largely locked into this roster or else they'll need to weaken themselves in order to create flexibility going forward.

I hope I'm wrong but currently I don't think so or else I wouldn't hold this opinion.