Crawford picks Portland!!!

[JfizzleBlazer]

when, exactly, did trading a SF who'll be 29 this season (and with a lot of miles) for a bunch of draft picks -- opening up time for potentially our 2nd-best player to start-- become "tanking?"

Explain to me how batum is potentially our second best player

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm excited about this move because I would like to give this group a shot. We don't know how this team will do with Felton and Wallace. Now adding Crawford, I feel like we have a lot more firepower than we did this time last year. I would still like to see us add some more size up front. Is Landry off the market?

 

[Nikolokolus]

when, exactly, did trading a SF who'll be 29 this season (and with a lot of miles) for a bunch of draft picks -- opening up time for potentially our 2nd-best player to start-- become "tanking?"

You're right, that isn't tanking. That would have been the best of both worlds had it gone through (ie. getting enough picks that it becomes possible to parlay them into a higher pick -- pseudo-tanking).

 

[oldmangrouch]

Hows that half empty glass taste?

Like grief and despair with subtle undertones of impotent rage. They are selling it under the "Paul Allen Private Reserve" label.

 

[BrianFromWA]

Explain to me how batum is potentially our second best player

Um, ok.

LMA = #1.
Wallace, Batum, Felton next tier. If Wallace's back acts up again, Batum's #2. If Batum makes any kind of leap in production, he's #2. If Felton plays like NYC Felton, maybe he's #2

Was it that difficult a stretch? Why do you think he doesn't have the potential to be #2?

 

[mook]

Nice pickup. We were a Felton injury away from starting Armon Johnson at PG. Not just playing Armon, but actually STARTING him. Yeeesh.

Those who are complaining about the acquisition are probably too comfortable with having rock-solid-reliable iron men point guards like Andre Miller and Damon Stoudamire. Even the short guys can get injured, despite Felton's very solid health record. And if that happened for even 10 games it could've been enough to bounce us from the playoffs. We are much less exposed to that risk than we were a day ago.

But there's another benefit. The versatility of Gerald Wallace converts the acquisition of Crawford to not just having better coverage at PG/SG, but also better coverage at PF. Before this acquisition, all 35 mpg for Matthews was to be dedicated to SG. You can now run small ball lineups like Felton/Crawford/Matthews/Wallace/Aldridge. It's not ideal (Matthews played SF in college, but he's pretty undersized), but it's better in many cases than relying on Chris Johnson.More guys available to play SF means Gerald can play more minutes backing up PF.

I don't look for Crawford to lead the team (or maybe even start). But he's a significant upgrade over last year's SG tandem of Roy/Rudy. He makes us more versatile, he's something of a relief valve for the problem at backup PF, and he's some insurance for injury at PG.

 

[magnifier661]

Nice pickup. We were a Felton injury away from starting Armon Johnson at PG. Not just playing Armon, but actually STARTING him. Yeeesh.

Those who are complaining about the acquisition are probably too comfortable with having rock-solid-reliable iron men point guards like Andre Miller and Damon Stoudamire. Even the short guys can get injured, despite Felton's very solid health record. And if that happened for even 10 games it could've been enough to bounce us from the playoffs. We are much less exposed to that risk than we were a day ago.

But there's another benefit. The versatility of Gerald Wallace converts the acquisition of Crawford to not just having better coverage at PG/SG, but also better coverage at PF. Before this acquisition, all 35 mpg for Matthews was to be dedicated to SG. You can now run small ball lineups like Felton/Crawford/Matthews/Wallace/Aldridge. It's not ideal (Matthews played SF in college, but he's pretty undersized), but it's better in many cases than relying on Chris Johnson.More guys available to play SF means Gerald can play more minutes backing up PF.

I don't look for Crawford to lead the team (or maybe even start). But he's a significant upgrade over last year's SG tandem of Roy/Rudy. He makes us more versatile, he's something of a relief valve for the problem at backup PF, and he's some insurance for injury at PG.

Great post.... Repped....

 

[THE HCP]

He makes up for it in volume.

That's what MMs wife said of me!

 

[Pinwheel1]

Nice pickup. We were a Felton injury away from starting Armon Johnson at PG. Not just playing Armon, but actually STARTING him. Yeeesh.

My guess is we are a Felton injury away from Smith starting, while Crawford and Armon back him up. Sounds like Smith is running with the 2's.

 

[THE HCP]

I did not know this:

Three times in his career he has scored 50 or more points, including a career-high 52 in 2007 with New York. He also scored 50 with Golden State and 50 with Chicago.

You guys...... I posted this 3 days ago! Also, he is the all-time leader in NBA history in 4-point plays!

 

[Denny Crane]

I did not know this:

Three times in his career he has scored 50 or more points, including a career-high 52 in 2007 with New York. He also scored 50 with Golden State and 50 with Chicago.

He's shot 1-20 on more nights than three. Just saying' ...

 

[BrianFromWA]

must've been while I was reading about Southern Oregon Meth Labs and avoiding Eric's sex life.

 

[BrianFromWA]

He's shot 1-20 on more nights than three. Just saying' ...

so you're saying there's a chance....

 

[Pinwheel1]

You guys...... I posted this 3 days ago! Also, he is the all-time leader in NBA history in 4-point plays!

I guess I have to start reading your whole post.

 

[THE HCP]

^HATER

 

[THE HCP]

Great news to wake up to! I said this somewhere else on here. Prior to the Thomas/Crawford signing I didn't think we were making the playoffs...... now, I believe we get the 6th spot. HCP very happy now!

 

[RR7]

He's shot 1-20 on more nights than three. Just saying' ...

A player has actually NEVER attempted 20 or more shots in a game and only made 1. Any player. Let alone 3 times by one player. just saying....

 

[mook]

My guess is we are a Felton injury away from Smith starting, while Crawford and Armon back him up. Sounds like Smith is running with the 2's.

I haven't had a chance to see Smith play, so I could be wrong there. Smith could be something special for all I know. But if he's not and he's just another Patty Mills/Jarret Jack/Armon Johnson/Telfair level of rookie PG, we have to have a more proven option. I'd rather take my chances on Crawford.

 

[THE HCP]

Thread lightly..... Denny can erase your S2 existence with one click!

 

[The_Lillard_King]

It should be said . . . hats of to Mr. Crossover.

Think about it. You are offered 5 million to work in one city or 6.7 million to do the same job in another city. This is the primary way you are going to make a living and the number of years of work are very limited. In the industry an injury is very possible and could mean this is your final contract ever. You have extended family and friends all wanting a better life through you.

Crawford choose to play near his family and friends with the Blazers for less money. Thank you Jamal, hope the fans of Ptd embrace you.

 

[gatorpops]

I'll be honest I don't think he moves the win-loss needle much at all; he'll provide some offense, but he could end up giving it all back with his _efense. The cap room issue and PT for young guys is a valid concern though. Oh well.

Again, I comment, he is better than Rudy and his D is better also.

 

[magnifier661]

It should be said . . . hats of to Mr. Crossover.

Think about it. You are offered 5 million to work in one city or 6.7 million to do the same job in another city. This is the primary way you are going to make a living and the number of years of work are very limited. In the industry an injury is very possible and could mean this is your final contract ever. You have extended family and friends all wanting a better life through you.

Crawford choose to play near his family and friends with the Blazers for less money. Thank you Jamal, hope the fans of Ptd embrace you.

No sales tax was the main reason. Tax here is almost 10%.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

Thread lightly.....

if this was on purpose

 

[RoyToy]

Good signing. 2nd unit with Batum/Crawford has a chance now.

 

[noknobs]

I guess Wesley actually played a part in his recruitment.

Wesley Matthews, who stands to be impacted by Crawford’s addition as much as anyone on the Blazers’ roster, reached out to the free agent guard on Twitter Wednesday night and the two ended up talking at length on the phone. Throughout their conversation, Matthews lobbied hard for Crawford to sign with the Blazers while Crawford peppered Matthews with questions.

 

[THE HCP]

if this was on purpose

Dude C'Mon! You know how I roll!

 

[gatorpops]

I guess Wesley actually played a part in his recruitment.

Ah, Wes for GM!

 

[Brock]

damn too bad landry couldnt have signed too!!!!

 

[magnifier661]

damn too bad landry couldnt have signed too!!!!

There is still hope Brock. The Landry isn't official yet. And we do have the possibility to work a deal as a "sign and trade" too.

 

[magnifier661]

damn too bad landry couldnt have signed too!!!!

There is still hope Brock. The Landry isn't official yet. And we do have the possibility to work a deal as a "sign and trade" too.