Blazers....What If? Draft Edition

[OR-84]

1997...what was the trade that landed Blazers #15 Kelvin Cato from Dal for #18 pick Chris Anstey?

 

[OR-84]

What happened to the Blazers' draft capitol in the 90's? Also, did that era hurt them for not having many picks (one year even without any picks, and then two years with just a late round pick)?

 

[OR-84]

2001...I was interested in the "what if" scenario of Collins over Boumtje-Boumtje, though I suppose nobody saw his heart condition coming which ended his career, but Collins would have been a good backup for 10 years (ended his career a Blazer anyways). Also, on the case of Boumtje-Boumtje I found this:
"On January 21, 2004, when he was traded along with guard Jeff McInnis to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for small forward Darius Miles. He was waived soon afterwards, having never played a game for them. In July 2005, Boumtje-Boumtje was drafted in the 2005 AAPBL " from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruben_Boumtje-Boumtje .

I had no clue about the AAPBL league or draft (at that time of my life I was a skateboarder and thought I was going to make it in our band), so I looked it up and found this: The All-American Professional Basketball League was a minor basketball league formed in 2005 by Worth Christie. Announced on January 23, 2005 the league viewed itself as a direct minor league outlet for the National Basketball Association (NBA). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-American_Professional_Basketball_League

Ouch! that sucks for those that got hosed the $1,000. What a scam! Anyways, it looks like The Blazers affiliate was The Butte Bandits...anyone have any flare, or did it never make it that far? From the looks of things it was cancelled within days/weeks/months?

And back to the Boumtje-Boumtje topic, IF they had taken Collins instead...would the Darius Miles trade have happened?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

2001...I was interested in the "what if" scenario of Collins over Boumtje-Boumtje, though I suppose nobody saw his heart condition coming which ended his career, but Collins would have been a good backup for 10 years (ended his career a Blazer anyways). Also, on the case of Boumtje-Boumtje I found this:
"On January 21, 2004, when he was traded along with guard Jeff McInnis to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for small forward Darius Miles. He was waived soon afterwards, having never played a game for them. In July 2005, Boumtje-Boumtje was drafted in the 2005 AAPBL " from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruben_Boumtje-Boumtje .

And back to the Boumtje-Boumtje topic, IF they had taken Collins instead...would the Darius Miles trade have happened?

2002 is much more interesting, given that they took Qyntel Woods 2 spots ahead of Tayshaun Prince. And then in the second round, guys like Matt Barnes and Luis Scola were available when the Blazers took guys who never played.

 

[OR-84]

2002 is much more interesting, given that they took Qyntel Woods 2 spots ahead of Tayshaun Prince. And then in the second round, guys like Matt Barnes and Luis Scola were available when the Blazers took guys who never played.

I agree completely! These are the little details I am noticing that it isn't just the "big" names that were missed, but in the case of 2002, were Kammerichs and Scola both just crapshoots and just happened that Scola turned out to be Scola? Both from Argentina...both Forwards..so pretty odd. Same exact thing with Woods over Prince. Was it just bad scouting, or is it like @Whyachi is saying about agents too. Too many strange things.

 

[OR-84]

Also, I know that 2nd round picks are a hot topic in itself, however I kind of see that by picking players that are not intended to actually play (maybe draft and stash, or just practice fodder?) and even in some cases of trading 2nd rounders or like last draft, gulp...selling 2nd rounders for cash considerations, etc. is really a HUGE downfall for a small organization like Portland.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I agree completely! These are the little details I am noticing that it isn't just the "big" names that were missed, but in the case of 2002, were Kammerichs and Scola both just crapshoots and just happened that Scola turned out to be Scola? Both from Argentina...both Forwards..so pretty odd. Same exact thing with Woods over Prince. Was it just bad scouting, or is it like @Whyachi is saying about agents too. Too many strange things.

I think it was more that the front office at the time was looking for "home runs". Qyntel was seen as a potential diamond in the rough, an undiscovered future superstar, whereas Prince was so skinny, he wasn't perceived as having a high ceiling. As to Kammerichs/Scola--I don't think anyone could have predicted that one would choose to stay in Europe his entire career.

 

[OR-84]

I think it was more that the front office at the time was looking for "home runs". Qyntel was seen as a potential diamond in the rough, an undiscovered future superstar, whereas Prince was so skinny, he wasn't perceived as having a high ceiling. As to Kammerichs/Scola--I don't think anyone could have predicted that one would choose to stay in Europe his entire career.

Yeah, that makes sense. Another component to the draft...the unknown of a players potential or ceiling. Shoot, if Prince was too skinny then and they whiffed, they sure overcompensated for some of the recent players on the team...looking at you Butler III...
As for Kammerichs, I did not know that he chose to stay in Europe. I guess that definitely does change things. I wonder if there should be like a clause in the draft that if you are selected by a team you have to (if team wants) honor at least 1 year. Would that be crazy?

 

[Whyachi]

I think it was more that the front office at the time was looking for "home runs". Qyntel was seen as a potential diamond in the rough, an undiscovered future superstar, whereas Prince was so skinny, he wasn't perceived as having a high ceiling. As to Kammerichs/Scola--I don't think anyone could have predicted that one would choose to stay in Europe his entire career.

I read a Tracy McGrady comp for Qyntel Woods... Blazer management caught wind of that scouting report. If the Blazers did send scouts, they must have been enamored watching an athletic 6'7" NBA framed Forward rampaging through the Mississippi community college circuit.

"Qyntel could be the next Jerome Kersey!" (Kersey had also played for a small university in Virginia).

Portland used a #21 FRP to draft Qyntel. The number of ballers who had a better career then Woods is off the charts. One of the biggest "whoops" in Blazers draft history.

"What if" Portland drafted Duke big man Carlos Boozer ?? We watched the #35 2002 pick make the All-Rookie team, and wondered why Portland didn't grab Booze at #21 ?!?

Sabonis was basically retired, Dale Davis was aging quickly, Sheed was yelling at refs to get double technicals.. just so he could hit the showers early.

Portland needed another big man. The decision to go All-In on Zach Randolph and his Thug Life double doubles was influenced by terrible management.

the 2004-2006 Jail Blazers tank lost a huge chuck of the fanbase. The "official attendance numbers" are entirely misleading. People in town would see me wearing my Blazers hat, and ask me what's wrong with the team.... >management decisions, the Blazers needed to be rescued.

Portland got hella lucky after the tanking years with Jail Blazers 2.0. The 2006 NBA draft landed #2 pick LaMarcus Aldridge, and also the #6 pick Brandon Roy. Incredible talent & competitive edge. It was a moderately quick 3 year turnaround that re-vitalized this very patient Portland fanbase.

 

[OR-84]

I read a Tracy McGrady comp for Qyntel Woods... Blazer management caught wind of that scouting report. If the Blazers did send scouts, they must have been enamored watching an athletic 6'7" NBA framed Forward rampaging through the Mississippi community college circuit.

"Qyntel could be the next Jerome Kersey!" (Kersey had also played for a small university in Virginia).

Portland used a #21 FRP to draft Qyntel. The number of ballers who had a better career then Woods is off the charts. One of the biggest "whoops" in Blazers draft history.

"What if" Portland drafted Duke big man Carlos Boozer ?? We watched the #35 2002 pick make the All-Rookie team, and wondered why Portland didn't grab Booze at #21 ?!?

Sabonis was basically retired, Dale Davis was aging quickly, Sheed was yelling at refs to get double technicals.. just so he could hit the showers early.

Portland needed another big man. The decision to go All-In on Zach Randolph and his Thug Life double doubles was influenced by terrible management.

the 2004-2006 Jail Blazers tank lost a huge chuck of the fanbase. The "official attendance numbers" are entirely misleading. People in town would see me wearing my Blazers hat, and ask me what's wrong with the team.... >management decisions, the Blazers needed to be rescued.

Portland got hella lucky after the tanking years with Jail Blazers 2.0. The 2006 NBA draft landed #2 pick LaMarcus Aldridge, and also the #6 pick Brandon Roy. Incredible talent & competitive edge. It was a moderately quick 3 year turnaround that re-vitalized this very patient Portland fanbase.

Great post! Lol about the Mississippi CC circuit...wow, yeah, what were they thinking? I remember watching college ball during those years. Zebo and Boozer were so fun to watch. I was also upset that we didn't draft Boozer, but I bet he would have been bullied out of that PDX team. Hearing stories of how some of those players used to scrap even in the locker room. I bet Sheed would have sent him home with his lunch pail...man, yeah that Jail Blazers era really was not a good idea. What was management thinking? I remember reading an article one day as I was washing dishes at the Polar King about Blazers missing the playoffs again, or some incident and just feeling so deflated. Thank goodness for 2006. No matter the opinion of LMA now, or even ROY in regards, they definitely need to go down as being Blazer greats for simply being...them...not wife beating, animal fighting, coked-out, drug smuggling, stealing, laundering, gambling, fart sniffing, fast food eating, lazy MF'ers.....Gosh Darnit I need a drink.

 

[Whyachi]

Great post! Lol about the Mississippi CC circuit...wow, yeah, what were they thinking? I remember watching college ball during those years. Zebo and Boozer were so fun to watch. I was also upset that we didn't draft Boozer, but I bet he would have been bullied out of that PDX team. Hearing stories of how some of those players used to scrap even in the locker room. I bet Sheed would have sent him home with his lunch pail...man, yeah that Jail Blazers era really was not a good idea. What was management thinking? I remember reading an article one day as I was washing dishes at the Polar King about Blazers missing the playoffs again, or some incident and just feeling so deflated. Thank goodness for 2006. No matter the opinion of LMA now, or even ROY in regards, they definitely need to go down as being Blazer greats for simply being...them...not wife beating, animal fighting, coked-out, drug smuggling, stealing, laundering, gambling, fart sniffing, fast food eating, lazy MF'ers.....Gosh Darnit I need a drink.

lol

I was getting trolled by my own peeps for wearing Blazers gear. Laker fans were chewing me to peices with stories of Kobe & Shaq & Gasol. All I could do was agree with Lakers fans. That era SUCKED

 

[OR-84]

lol

I was getting trolled by my own peeps for wearing Blazers gear. Laker fans were chewing me to peices with stories of Kobe & Shaq & Gasol. All I could do was agree with Lakers fans. That era SUCKED

We at least had Sheed. Love him or hate him, but he WAS that Blazer era...2nd of course was Mighty Mouse, but yeah...I still loved watching. Blazer cards were sure cheap then too. Unfortunately, most still are

 

[OR-84]

2012...another absolutely pivotal draft year. Dame is my all time favorite player. Respect to Walton, Drexler, Sheed, Roy...but Dame...is the GOAT Blazer for me (Baby come back....you can blame it all on _____...).

 

[OR-84]

Certainly I know that hindsight is 20/20, but what really stands out to me is the 2010-2013 draft.

Potential of:
G: Dame, Stephenson, Barton, Thomas, Neto
F: Giannis, Butler, Middleton, Ennis III
C: Whiteside, Muscala, O'Quinn

that team wins multiple championships....plus.

 

[OR-84]

Ok, well that wraps it up for now. I have gone through 1970-2023. Whew!

 

[Whyachi]

We at least had Sheed. Love him or hate him, but he WAS that Blazer era...2nd of course was Mighty Mouse, but yeah...I still loved watching. Blazer cards were sure cheap then too. Unfortunately, most still are

that was the winning Jail Blazers era. Fans were totally cool with the scrappy action and fun competition. Sheed got traded, Stoudamire coasted until he could bail. The Blazers tried to rebuild the team around Zach Randolph and super rookies Sebastian Telfair & Martell Webster.

The losses piled up and Blazer fans were not happy. Somewhere in there Portland grabbed Darius Miles. But his knees got wonky and he couldn't prevent the bad Blazers team from collapsing.

Steve Blake was a bright spot in 2005, and whoever was the GM put Blake in a trade package for Jamaal Magloire. Not Blakey... noooo! Magloire played soo bad in Portland, the Blazers ended up with the #1 pick.... honk once for Oden, honk twice for Durant.

 

[OR-84]

that was the winning Jail Blazers era. Fans were totally cool with the scrappy action and fun competition. Sheed got traded, Stoudamire coasted until he could bail. The Blazers tried to rebuild the team around Zach Randolph and super rookies Sebastian Telfair & Martell Webster.

The losses piled up and Blazer fans were not happy. Somewhere in there Portland grabbed Darius Miles. But his knees got wonky and he couldn't prevent the bad Blazers team from collapsing.

Steve Blake was a bright spot in 2005, and whoever was the GM put Blake in a trade package for Jamaal Magloire. Not Blakey... noooo! Magloire played soo bad in Portland, the Blazers ended up with the #1 pick.... honk once for Oden, honk twice for Durant.

That is correct. That is when I checked out as a fan (though was still watching a few games now and then), mainly because I was just out of high school and working 2-3 jobs. The worst part about that era is when I checked out….I also stopped card collecting during those pivotal years. I missed the LeBron rookie card…Damnit Blazers!!!! I blame you! lol

Also Darius Miles, man that guy was like my first villain in a Blazers jersey. I remember him sitting out and then kind of like F’ing the Blazers. Is that correct?

 

[Hoopguru]

That is correct. That is when I checked out as a fan (though was still watching a few games now and then), mainly because I was just out of high school and working 2-3 jobs. The worst part about that era is when I checked out….I also stopped card collecting during those pivotal years. I missed the LeBron rookie card…Damnit Blazers!!!! I blame you! lol

Also Darius Miles, man that guy was like my first villain in a Blazers jersey. I remember him sitting out and then kind of like F’ing the Blazers. Is that correct?

I commend you for working 2-3 jobs right out of HS!

 

[Whyachi]

That is correct. That is when I checked out as a fan (though was still watching a few games now and then), mainly because I was just out of high school and working 2-3 jobs. The worst part about that era is when I checked out….I also stopped card collecting during those pivotal years. I missed the LeBron rookie card…Damnit Blazers!!!! I blame you! lol

Also Darius Miles, man that guy was like my first villain in a Blazers jersey. I remember him sitting out and then kind of like F’ing the Blazers. Is that correct?

the usual suspects, the local newpaper reporters started a rumor mill."Darius Miles is having arguments with Coach McMillan. Darius is boycotting games."

I don't know if Darius was skipping games because he was disgruntled. But the idea of faking injuries to miss games is now administered and celebrated by the Blazers & the fan base.

 

[OR-84]

I commend you for working 2-3 jobs right out of HS!

Thank you! It was a grind, but most of my friends were not doing much and it landed me my first car, apartment, food in the fridge, paid bills and then I decided enough was enough and went to school (while working two jobs, lol). Now I get summers off and holidays and get to enjoy my life.

 

[OR-84]

the usual suspects, the local newpaper reporters started a rumor mill."Darius Miles is having arguments with Coach McMillan. Darius is boycotting games."

I don't know if Darius was skipping games because he was disgruntled. But the idea of faking injuries to miss games is now administered and celebrated by the Blazers & the fan base.

That makes sense. Totally how times have changed and I wonder what the situation would be like if it happened now. Would it have been like the Simons or Porzingis situation, or just something that didn’t even matter like just sitting out some occasional games to pout or whatever. For some reason I remembered it as if he just chose to sit out and not play for us.

 

[Hoopguru]

Thank you! It was a grind, but most of my friends were not doing much and it landed me my first car, apartment, food in the fridge, paid bills and then I decided enough was enough and went to school (while working two jobs, lol). Now I get summers off and holidays and get to enjoy my life.

Teacher?

 

[OR-84]

Teacher?

Yes, sir

 

[Hoopguru]

Yes, sir

Thanks for your service. My wife taught 2-3 grade for 40 years...

 

[OR-84]

Thanks for your service. My wife taught 2-3 grade for 40 years...

Thank you! That is amazing that your wife was able to do that. She must be a very dependable and strong woman. You are lucky I have been in education for 15 years now and it is getting harder and harder these past few years. Not due to burnout or workload or anything like that, but the expectations that we are now also behavior specialists (most schools have some sort of “hands-on” training that we have to go through to be able to do legal restraints on students). It is really becoming disheartening. I can hope that I will be able to make an impact on students for the next 25 years such as your wife was able too, but with how districts are so quick to push quality teachers out now it is much harder to advocate for our children’s future if it doesn’t meet the new check marks for the few that are “in charge”.
Sorry for the long rant….now back to your amazing wife

 

[Hoopguru]

Thank you! That is amazing that your wife was able to do that. She must be a very dependable and strong woman. You are lucky I have been in education for 15 years now and it is getting harder and harder these past few years. Not due to burnout or workload or anything like that, but the expectations that we are now also behavior specialists (most schools have some sort of “hands-on” training that we have to go through to be able to do legal restraints on students). It is really becoming disheartening. I can hope that I will be able to make an impact on students for the next 25 years such as your wife was able too, but with how districts are so quick to push quality teachers out now it is much harder to advocate for our children’s future if it doesn’t meet the new check marks for the few that are “in charge”.
Sorry for the long rant….now back to your amazing wife

The last several years for her, was a real challenge.

 

[Whyachi]

What if, in 2019, the Blazers selected Jordan Poole at #25 instead of Nassir Little ?? Traded McCollum sooner ?? Maybe Terry Stotts could have run 4 guard lineups ..

Dame
CJ
Poole
Simons
Nurk
= championship

 

[OR-84]

What if, in 2019, the Blazers selected Jordan Poole at #25 instead of Nassir Little ?? Traded McCollum sooner ?? Maybe Terry Stotts could have run 4 guard lineups ..

Dame
CJ
Poole
Simons
Nurk
= championship

Yeah.....not sure about the championship part there....lol. Poole is a fool

 

[Whyachi]

Yeah.....not sure about the championship part there....lol. Poole is a fool

before he became a fool, before Draymond beat him up in practice... Poole averaged 18 points a game and helped Golden State win a championship. There is some context to my "what if" scenario

 

[OR-84]

before he became a fool, before Draymond beat him up in practice... Poole averaged 18 points a game and helped Golden State win a championship. There is some context to my "what if" scenario

Okay, I WILL give you that context then!