Building around Avdija and Sharpe

[STOMP]

So you are saying we don't need a dominant player to be a contender?
I would agree.

I think Duncan was absolutely a dominant player, one of the top 10 difference makers/winners I've ever seen. That I'm comparing Flagg to him is high praise. It seems we may have different defintions of what a dominant player is.

As far as Portland becoming a contender, internal improvement from the current roster could get them there as well. I see lots of upside from the 3 lotto picks and promise from the roster. Time will tell if Shaedon's handle & shot become money, Scoot evolves into a Bball savant & how far Clingan gets above this baby giraffe physical stage. This season has been very encouraging... next season should be telling

STOMP

 

[Phatguysrule]

but my point was that everyone seems to think the only way the Blazers can compete for a title is if we draft a wing who can take over games and dominate offensively.

Just to clarify. I do not think this. I think we need to have as much or more talent than other championship contenders.

Once you have that much talent you can then set about balancing your team. But you first need to have the excess talent.

 

[STOMP]

And this is the crux of the issue so many have had with way this season has been handled.

it's as if you don't think posters have grasped your point the previous hundreds of times you've stated it. The season went this way because they traded for Deni who has made a huge difference and gives them real hope. Tanking for a single player is always a longshot at best and the actions of a desperately undermanned team.

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

If there is a fan base that deserves it it’s us.
Problem with it is if it was to happen immediately Steven A Smith would start saying how Flagg needed to get out of Portland.

How is that an actual problem for Portland? If any smaller market evolves into a contender network honks won't be pleased, but whatever... part of me will enjoy the whining if Cleveland and OKC make the finals

STOMP

 

[Phatguysrule]

it's as if you don't think posters have grasped your point the previous hundreds of times you've stated it. The season went this way because they traded for Deni who has made a huge difference and gives them real hope. Tanking for a single player is always a longshot at best and the actions of a desperately undermanned team.

STOMP

You clearly do not grasp what I'm saying because I've never suggested tanking for a single player...

Posts like that encourage me to keep restating my position to clarify that dealing for Deni likely cost us at least two very high draft picks and possibly a 3rd very high pick via trade, which is only protected if it's the #1 pick.. As well as any other value we could have gotten out of the mid first and MB.

Now. On the face that is a good trade. If we have enough talent to give up that kind of haul then that's good. The question is, do we have enough?

That remains to be seen. That's why I don't say it was a bad deal and why I make sure to say I'm happy about having Deni. It's why I don't hold it against Cronin and am happy the team extended him.

But it is worth considering, IMO.

 

[kjironman1]

How is that an actual problem for Portland?

You cannot expect the next great player that Portland gets to have the same values as Dame.

 

[STOMP]

You cannot expect the next great player that Portland gets to have the same values as Dame.

to want to get maxed out? I do expect that to likely be a much higher priority for anyone Portland might draft then appeasing Screamin A who I view as completely irrelevant in their career path

STOMP

 

[kjironman1]

to want to get maxed out? I do expect that to likely be a much higher priority for anyone Portland might draft then appeasing Screamin A who I view as completely irrelevant in their career path

STOMP

I guess maybe you didn’t understand the statement.

 

[STOMP]

You clearly do not grasp what I'm saying because I've never suggested tanking for a single player...

you absolutely just did in this response to my previous post.

STOMP

 

[Phatguysrule]

you absolutely just did in this response to my previous post.

STOMP

I disagree. You obviously don't grasp the point. I'm sorry I don't have the communication skills to get it across in a way you can understand.

 

[STOMP]

I disagree. You obviously don't grasp the point. I'm sorry I don't have the communication skills to get it across in a way you can understand.

Sorry but you wrote poorly then and additional similar posts isn't going to help. In responding to my contention that adding Flagg (a single player) to this mix would absolutely make this roster a contender you called that the crux of the issue of why you're upset of the way the roster has been handled. Of course adding talented players is likely to improve most young rosters and Portland will still have that chance in this next draft. Outside of Flagg though, it's quite possible that no one in this draft will become the level of player that Deni has shown to be and I truly don't think that the pick from the last poor draft is anything to still fret about moving

STOMP

 

[Phatguysrule]

Sorry but you wrote poorly then and additional similar posts isn't going to help. In responding to my contention that adding Flagg (a single player) to this mix would absolutely make this roster a contender you called that the crux of the issue of why you're upset of the way the roster has been handled. Of course adding talented players is likely to improve most young rosters and Portland will still have that chance in this next draft. Outside of Flagg though, it's quite possible that no one in this draft will become the level of player that Deni has shown to be and I truly don't think that the pick from the last poor draft is anything to still fret about moving

STOMP

No I was pretty clear that there was a lot more involved than the pick from last year and the pick from this year.

It's pretty clear you're either deliberately misstating what I'm saying or you have a comprehension problem.

That's okay. I have my opinion and you're not going to change my mind by lying about what I've said.

I'm not trying to change your mind. You're free to ignore my posts.

 

[STOMP]

I guess maybe you didn’t understand the statement.

Maybe though I think I did. My contention is that the main thing most young players want is to secure as big of a contract as possible with the second priority being on a team thats a winnr/contender

For all of the talk about Dame's supposed loyalty, he always insisted on getting totally maxed out to stay and then left shortly after he'd done so again for a perceived better chance at winning

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

No I was pretty clear that there was a lot more involved than the pick from last year and the pick from this year.

It's pretty clear you're either deliberately misstating what I'm saying or you have a comprehension problem.

That's okay. I have my opinion and you're not going to change my mind by lying about what I've said.

Completely revisionist history... here is your entire post in respose to my contention that Flagg added to this roster makes the team elite

And this is the crux of the issue so many have had with way this season has been handled.

where is your clarity that there is a lot more involved then the pick from last year? How in the world am I the one deliberately mistating what you said or that I'm the one with a comprehension problem? You added more posts later on, but I can't be expected to read every single thing you wrote in a long thread. I respond to your response to me

STOMP

 

[PtldPlatypus]

In responding to my contention that adding Flagg (a single player) to this mix would absolutely make this roster a contender you called that the crux of the issue of why you're upset of the way the roster has been handled.

Hmm...was that post to which he responded only about a single player?

If they luck into Flagg, they will immediately be among the league's elite teams. Bailey would be a tremendous add as well

STOMP

And this is the crux of the issue so many have had with way this season has been handled.

Seems that multiple players were mentioned. Safe to assume PGR would share the same sentiment if Harper were named.

His post history (for months, ad nauseum) has been clear about wanting the Blazers to pursue the best chance at drafting a difference-maker, not only one specific player.

 

[kjironman1]

Maybe though I think I did. My contention is that the main thing most young players want is to secure as big of a contract as possible with the second priority being on a team thats a winnr/contender

For all of the talk about Dame's supposed loyalty, he always insisted on getting totally maxed out to stay and then left shortly after he'd done so again for a perceived better chance at winning

STOMP

Interesting take on that. It’s true so probably has some validity because I’m pretty sure without the money he would not have stayed. Though that goes against most people’s perception of what Damian Lillard was all about.

 

[Everything Beagle]

Interesting take on that. It’s true so probably has some validity because I’m pretty sure without the money he would not have stayed. Though that goes against most people’s perception of what Damian Lillard was all about.

I don’t trust anyone who loudly proclaims they are this or that to actually be this or that. Actions over words, always. It’s easy to be loyal when you get everything you want.

 

[kjironman1]

I don’t trust anyone who loudly proclaims they are this or that to actually be this or that. Actions over words, always. It’s easy to be loyal when you get everything you want.

Another take that I certainly cannot prove wrong but we are talking about Damian Lillard here and there were plenty of opportunities for him to leave. Certainly could have got more money other places through endorsements.

 

[Everything Beagle]

Another take that I certainly cannot prove wrong but we are talking about Damian Lillard here and there were plenty of opportunities for him to leave. Certainly could have got more money other places through endorsements.

And like I'm not here to begrudge a guy for getting the most out of a situation that is still profiting off of him. But I feel like (in retrospect) the loyalty thing was a rebrand of the Roy-era "hometown heroes" marketing strategy.

 

[blazerfan11]

Avdija led the Trail Blazers in Points, Rebounds, and Assists per game in March and so far in April (although he only played in 3 games in April).

When was the last time a Trail Blazers led the team in points, rebounds, and assists per game in two consecutive months ? (I don't know the answer)

 

[Phatguysrule]

Avdija led the Trail Blazers in Points, Rebounds, and Assists per game in March and so far in April (although he only played in 3 games in April).

When was the last time a Trail Blazers led the team in points, rebounds, and assists per game in two consecutive months ? (I don't know the answer)

View attachment 73216

View attachment 73217

Walton?

 

[wizenheimer]

Walton?

maybe Clyde....but probably not after Porter arrived

 

[andalusian]

Interesting discussion of Deni and a comparison to Mikal Bridges

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Interesting discussion of Deni and a comparison to Mikal Bridges

Deni’s contract is the best in the NBA for sure. Especially when you factor in that Bridges netted 5 picks and we didn’t give up all that much, Deni gets my vote over Bridges.

 

[dviss1]

He's basically bigger Tatum.

I think the difference between them is ballhandling. Flagg isn't nearly as good as Tatum but he's a rook.

 

[wizenheimer]

Interesting discussion of Deni and a comparison to Mikal Bridges

52 minutes?

any cliff notes?

 

[andalusian]

Basically they debate deni vs mikal bridges when taking into account salary and not, no questions when salary is considered, might prefer deni even without.

You can fast forward to the chapters rather easily

 

[SheedSoNasty]

52 minutes?

any cliff notes?

One argues he’d rather have Deni than Bridges straight up. Both agree that Deni has more value when factoring in contracts.

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Basically they debate deni vs mikal bridges when taking into account salary and not, no questions when salary is considered, might prefer deni even without.

You can fast forward to the chapters rather easily

jinx

 

[wizenheimer]

One argues he’d rather have Deni than Bridges straight up. Both agree that Deni has more value when factoring in contracts.

reasonable positions. I think which player a team would rather have might depend on needs and roster. Avdija likely has wider appeal to more teams and he's 4 years younger