TBpup
Writing Team
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2013
- Messages
- 22,657
- Likes
- 34,641
- Points
- 113
Since February 24, the Blazers have been doing almost everything they can to secure as high of a Lottery pick as possible while taking a look at who might fill the final 3-5 roster spots. Blazer fans fingers are crossed that they get to celebrate a 2nd Lottery pick as well.
But what will this look like come Training Camp of next season?
THE FRANCHISE:
Damion Lamonte Ollie Lillard - in line to get a massive extension. Blazers trying to build around Dame while also building for the future around Ant. (The Phoenix model)
THE FUTURE:
Anfernee Tyrik Simons - also in line for a massive increase. Being groomed to have the keys handed to him in 3-5 years. Offensively showed he can be 'the guy', but defensively, paired with Dame, looks too similar to Dame/CJ 2.0.
THE PILLAR:
Jusuf 'The Bosnian Beast' Nurkic - You want a 'pillar' to be strong. There are few to match his strength, even if he doesn't use it as often as we would like. Nurk settled into being a bigger number contributor once CJ left, but his efficiency was still not very good. Physical strength aside, it is more about his mental tenacity as to how he contributes on a consistent basis. Also due for a raise this off-season.
BUILDING BLOCKS:
The Blazers have been woefully short in athletic talent and defensive acumen. The 'new' crop, looks like at the least, that will be improved.
Josh 'The Hitman' Hart - the definitive 'grab and go' guy in Chauncey's offense. Plays with an attitude, has some defensive chops, and can get hot at times. Can play 2/3 and push the ball and initiate a bit of offense.
Nassir Shamal Little - maybe the most impressive combination of athleticism and strength on the Blazer roster. Was showing definite signs of potentially being the Blazers SF for next season until, once again, the injury bug hit. Some of them seem fluky, but they are still far too often. HIs energy is effusive, and he rebounds very well (his per/36 rebounding rate is almost 70% higher than Jerami Grant's). Needs to improve his shot and handle, but I think those come with time.
THE 'LIKELYS': (if they are not traded)
Keon Johnson - the 'jump out of the gym' SG acquired in the Powell/RoCo trade, has yet to show much jumping ability. You know he can, but like Ant, doesn't seem to take advantage of it that often. His shot looks good, but doesn't go down that often (Jake Layman syndrome) and while he can be active on defense, gets lost very easily at times.
'Buford T' Justice Winslow - seems like he should find a spot on the roster next year, but that may change depending on how the Draft, Trades, and FA'cy work out. Very strong, can initiate some offense, can play D, and can't shoot a lick. Still, he brings a moxy to the floor that is much needed.
Trendon Nelson Watford - went from a 2-way to a guaranteed deal. Does a lot of the little things, and can fill up a box score. Not a starter, but could be a contributor off the bench and certainly good enough to be an emergency fill-in in spots.
THE POSSIBLES:
Greg Brown - he is signed to a contract, but hasn't shown near what converted 2-way Watford has. Looks entirely lost at times and beyond raw. Incredibly athleticism, but not able to stay on the court or showcase it. For a 'tanking' team, that is quite the low bar.
Kristofer Michael Dunn - having a physical, defensive minded, attack the basket veteran 3rd string PG might not be a back thing. There will be times that is needed. Brandon Williams also falls in this 3rd string PG level, but you would only have one and I'd prefer Dunn as we have lot so smallish shooters.
Drew Eubanks - can think of worse 3rd string centers. Has shot ridiculously well during his time here in Portland, and grew up under Pop. A guy that gets under the opponent's skin.
Joseph Howarth Ingles - there keeps being rumors that he might actually come back here. I see it as more of a salary slot filler for a future trade (see Rodney Hood) with a young asset like Johnson, to get a piece, but who knows. Veteran old that could be a good mentor for a few months.
Ben Edward McLemore - professional sniper off the bench. His 3-pt % has waned as the Blazers have tankes, but he can still light it up and that's not a bad thing to have on a deep bench.
THE VARIABLES:
This is where it gets very interesting. With possibly 2 Lottery picks, and one of those with an as of now, 37% chance of jumping into the Top-4, there is reason for optimism. There is also a $20.8M TPE that would allow the Blazers, if they get the 2nd Lottery pick from the Pelicans, it is long rumored that the they will use that + a pick to get Jerami Grant. The list is quite long of players I would prefer before Grant that 'might' be available. Collins, Wood, and Bamba, to name a few. I also think that might change if the Blazers jump into the Top-3 and get Banchero, Holmgren or Smith.
At #6, you are looking at Sharpe, Griffin, Murray range, and at (currently) #11, you hope someone like Duren falls that far if you're not trading the pick. Either way, the Blazers need to add size and athleticism up front. One would be good, two would be better. There are also 2 2nd round Draft picks. Doubt we use both of them. Maybe consolidate or trade one for a future pick.
The Pelicans need to stay out of the Playoffs, and then on May 17, not have the pick jump into the Top-4. Until then, it's a bit of a waiting game.
But what will this look like come Training Camp of next season?
THE FRANCHISE:
Damion Lamonte Ollie Lillard - in line to get a massive extension. Blazers trying to build around Dame while also building for the future around Ant. (The Phoenix model)
THE FUTURE:
Anfernee Tyrik Simons - also in line for a massive increase. Being groomed to have the keys handed to him in 3-5 years. Offensively showed he can be 'the guy', but defensively, paired with Dame, looks too similar to Dame/CJ 2.0.
THE PILLAR:
Jusuf 'The Bosnian Beast' Nurkic - You want a 'pillar' to be strong. There are few to match his strength, even if he doesn't use it as often as we would like. Nurk settled into being a bigger number contributor once CJ left, but his efficiency was still not very good. Physical strength aside, it is more about his mental tenacity as to how he contributes on a consistent basis. Also due for a raise this off-season.
BUILDING BLOCKS:
The Blazers have been woefully short in athletic talent and defensive acumen. The 'new' crop, looks like at the least, that will be improved.
Josh 'The Hitman' Hart - the definitive 'grab and go' guy in Chauncey's offense. Plays with an attitude, has some defensive chops, and can get hot at times. Can play 2/3 and push the ball and initiate a bit of offense.
Nassir Shamal Little - maybe the most impressive combination of athleticism and strength on the Blazer roster. Was showing definite signs of potentially being the Blazers SF for next season until, once again, the injury bug hit. Some of them seem fluky, but they are still far too often. HIs energy is effusive, and he rebounds very well (his per/36 rebounding rate is almost 70% higher than Jerami Grant's). Needs to improve his shot and handle, but I think those come with time.
THE 'LIKELYS': (if they are not traded)
Keon Johnson - the 'jump out of the gym' SG acquired in the Powell/RoCo trade, has yet to show much jumping ability. You know he can, but like Ant, doesn't seem to take advantage of it that often. His shot looks good, but doesn't go down that often (Jake Layman syndrome) and while he can be active on defense, gets lost very easily at times.
'Buford T' Justice Winslow - seems like he should find a spot on the roster next year, but that may change depending on how the Draft, Trades, and FA'cy work out. Very strong, can initiate some offense, can play D, and can't shoot a lick. Still, he brings a moxy to the floor that is much needed.
Trendon Nelson Watford - went from a 2-way to a guaranteed deal. Does a lot of the little things, and can fill up a box score. Not a starter, but could be a contributor off the bench and certainly good enough to be an emergency fill-in in spots.
THE POSSIBLES:
Greg Brown - he is signed to a contract, but hasn't shown near what converted 2-way Watford has. Looks entirely lost at times and beyond raw. Incredibly athleticism, but not able to stay on the court or showcase it. For a 'tanking' team, that is quite the low bar.
Kristofer Michael Dunn - having a physical, defensive minded, attack the basket veteran 3rd string PG might not be a back thing. There will be times that is needed. Brandon Williams also falls in this 3rd string PG level, but you would only have one and I'd prefer Dunn as we have lot so smallish shooters.
Drew Eubanks - can think of worse 3rd string centers. Has shot ridiculously well during his time here in Portland, and grew up under Pop. A guy that gets under the opponent's skin.
Joseph Howarth Ingles - there keeps being rumors that he might actually come back here. I see it as more of a salary slot filler for a future trade (see Rodney Hood) with a young asset like Johnson, to get a piece, but who knows. Veteran old that could be a good mentor for a few months.
Ben Edward McLemore - professional sniper off the bench. His 3-pt % has waned as the Blazers have tankes, but he can still light it up and that's not a bad thing to have on a deep bench.
THE VARIABLES:
This is where it gets very interesting. With possibly 2 Lottery picks, and one of those with an as of now, 37% chance of jumping into the Top-4, there is reason for optimism. There is also a $20.8M TPE that would allow the Blazers, if they get the 2nd Lottery pick from the Pelicans, it is long rumored that the they will use that + a pick to get Jerami Grant. The list is quite long of players I would prefer before Grant that 'might' be available. Collins, Wood, and Bamba, to name a few. I also think that might change if the Blazers jump into the Top-3 and get Banchero, Holmgren or Smith.
At #6, you are looking at Sharpe, Griffin, Murray range, and at (currently) #11, you hope someone like Duren falls that far if you're not trading the pick. Either way, the Blazers need to add size and athleticism up front. One would be good, two would be better. There are also 2 2nd round Draft picks. Doubt we use both of them. Maybe consolidate or trade one for a future pick.
The Pelicans need to stay out of the Playoffs, and then on May 17, not have the pick jump into the Top-4. Until then, it's a bit of a waiting game.
Last edited:
I enjoy the discussion and interaction and am not going to go sarcastic/petulant on someone because they have a different opinion. It's all variable because so much of it depends on how a player develops, comes back from injury, etc.
