Rumor Damian Lillard Would Like Blazers To Acquire Deandre Ayton

[KSF-ERIC]

Do you think Dame and Ayton alone are a contender? I think we'd have to give up Simons, and all of our expirings and trade Nurk. So we'd end up keeping 7 as well (since we'd have to renounce the expirings to make the Nurk for Ayton deal happen).

So you'd basically have Dame, Hart, Ayton, #7... And the scrubs we had last season.

Do you think that would be worth it? Seems like that could theoretically be a pretty potent team if we hit on #7... But we wouldn't have any money left over.

Winslow isn't a scrub.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Winslow isn't a scrub.

Yeah, I thought about listing him as well... But he's also not a legit starter for a contender, IMO.

 

[blazerfan11]

Winslow isn't a scrub.

Definitely not a scrub.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CYqQexuk2u8

 

[Phatguysrule]

To be clear. As I’ve stated before- with Lillard there is no championship here. So it’s who would I rather watch. And it sure as shit isn’t Nurkic throwing half ass passes and missing layups

I hear that, but I think I might prefer to add a 2 of the 3s/4s we've been talking about if I had to choose...

Nurk is a decent center. We don't have as capable of a 3 or 4, and it seems like we could add good enough players to make Nurk our 5th best starter, and maybe our 6th best player...

That seems like a team that could have a better shot than we've had since 2000.

 

[calvin natt]

I hear that, but I think I might prefer to add a 2 of the 3s/4s we've been talking about if I had to choose...

Nurk is a decent center. We don't have as capable of a 3 or 4, and it seems like we could add good enough players to make Nurk our 5th best starter, and maybe our 6th best player...

That seems like a team that could have a better shot than we've had since 2000.

I don’t think good, young, athletic big men are as unimportant as maybe it’s considered now. I think that might be a bit overblown. I think you can have a strong core around Ayton. You draft a wing at 7. You lose Hart, which is fine. Simons, Ayton and #7 is your young core going forward.

 

[blazerfan11]

I don’t think good, young, athletic big men are as unimportant as maybe it’s considered now. I think that might be a bit overblown. I think you can have a strong core around Ayton. You draft a wing at 7. You lose Hart, which is fine. Simons, Ayton and #7 is your young core going forward.

Here is an athletic big man. We won't have to pay him $30 million or give up Josh Hart. #2 in the middle running the court.

 

[Phatguysrule]

I don’t think good, young, athletic big men are as unimportant as maybe it’s considered now. I think that might be a bit overblown. I think you can have a strong core around Ayton. You draft a wing at 7. You lose Hart, which is fine. Simons, Ayton and #7 is your young core going forward.

I don't think we can keep Simons and trade for Ayton though, can we? Or maybe we can if we send Hart out in the deal?

I get confused on this stuff, but it seemed like we'd have to give up on a ton of assets to get Ayton.

 

[calvin natt]

I don't think we can keep Simons and trade for Ayton though, can we? Or maybe we can if we send Hart out in the deal?

I get confused on this stuff, but it seemed like we'd have to give up on a ton of assets to get Ayton.

I was going off the original post. Not sure it’s realistic but just had a couple future firsts and Hart

 

[calvin natt]

Here is an athletic big man. We won't have to pay him $30 million or give up Josh Hart. #2 in the middle running the court.

But we need wings. 7th is a good pick.

 

[cheesehoff]

Re: value of centers, Robert Williams 3 has probably been the Celtics most impactful player in the Finals thus far. Warriors wouldn't be here without Looney. And Ayton was in the Finals just last year.

It seems the importance of centers on this forum is at a low point...until we don't have one. Then people will bitch about that. I remember getting eaten up in the key when Plumlee was our center. Hopefully we don't have to go through anything like that again.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

To be clear. As I’ve stated before- with Lillard there is no championship here. So it’s who would I rather watch. And it sure as shit isn’t Nurkic throwing half ass passes and missing layups

Not sure about that but i can understand the point. I still think with the right players around Lillard they can win a championship. Just got to find that magic mix and the perfect storm to ride.

 

[STOMP]

But we need wings. 7th is a good pick.

If you draft for need instead of talent, you miss out on talent. Portland is several quality players away for contending and it's unlikely any rookie they might acquire could be a difference maker in the short term. How about regardless of position they add the guy who they feel has the highest ceiling? I'm still going to be a fan next year and the year after, lets build a winner again.

STOMP

 

[calvin natt]

If you draft for need instead of talent, you miss out on talent. Portland is several quality players away for contending and it's unlikely any rookie they might acquire could be a difference maker in the short term. How about regardless of position they add the guy who they feel has the highest ceiling? I'm still going to be a fan next year and the year after, lets build a winner again.

STOMP

Feels like 7 is high enough that you have a mixture of fairly equally talented dudes. Grab a wing.

 

[calvin natt]

Not sure about that but i can understand the point. I still think with the right players around Lillard they can win a championship. Just got to find that magic mix and the perfect storm to ride.

Not sure about what? Not winning a title with him? I have no clue how they can assemble a Championship team with their assets and keep Lillard, and surpassing about five teams in front of them just in the West.

 

[TBpup]

Here is an athletic big man. We won't have to pay him $30 million or give up Josh Hart. #2 in the middle running the court.

That is impressive that he is even with the deepest players on the defensive end, and outsprints everyone on the court to finish with a dunk at the basket. Seems like he might have enough athletic ability to at least do a decent job of switching out on smaller players.

 

[STOMP]

Feels like 7 is high enough that you have a mixture of fairly equally talented dudes. Grab a wing.

Equally talented? Thats rarely how they appear in hindsight... personally I don't feel they're equal right now either.

Again, the draft is where you acquire raw talent. A GM has the rest of the year to piece together a team. Lets stop pretending we're contending next season and get the best player for a day we might. Most of the Warriors core was picked #7 or below... they've been in the finals 6 of the last 8 years. Lets draft a core player this year even if it's going to take them a couple seasons to shine as many of these guys are just 18-19. Hey, I'd even be open to drafting another 6'2 guard (Ivey) if he's clearly the best option available at #7. I hate the draft for need talk

STOMP

 

[SlyPokerCat]

Equally talented? Thats rarely how they appear in hindsight... personally I don't feel they're equal right now either.

Again, the draft is where you acquire raw talent. A GM has the rest of the year to piece together a team. Lets stop pretending we're contending next season and get the best player for a day we might.

STOMP

It will never stop. We will either draft someone at #7 or trade the pick for a Collins, OG, Grant etc. No matter what happens you'll have people here trying to say Joe is amazing and we will contend.

 

[calvin natt]

It will never stop. We will either draft someone at #7 or trade the pick for a Collins, OG, Grant etc. No matter what happens you'll have people here trying to say Joe is amazing and we will contend.

Huh

 

[calvin natt]

Equally talented? Thats rarely how they appear in hindsight... personally I don't feel they're equal right now either.

Again, the draft is where you acquire raw talent. A GM has the rest of the year to piece together a team. Lets stop pretending we're contending next season and get the best player for a day we might. Most of the Warriors core was picked #7 or below... they've been in the finals 6 of the last 8 years. Lets draft a core player this year even if it's going to take them 2 seasons as many of these guys are 18-19. Hey, I'd even be open to drafting another 6'2 guard (Ivey) if he's clearly the best option available at #7. I hate the draft for need talk

STOMP

Yes. Right now. Not knowing how anyone is going to develop. I don’t see a huge variation between 5-9. I just don’t. So…if you (I) was drafting and I have been in need a fucking wing for a decade maybe I would take a wing over a raw big man. Maybe Duren ends up in the HOF. Who knows. But if I think his upside is the same as another player who is a wing which is critical in this league that’s who I take. If Ivey inexplicably drops I take him. He won’t.

 

[SlyPokerCat]

Huh

Not saying you specifically. Acquiring Ayton or Collins or Grant or OG is not enough to contend. But if we acquire any of those guys you'll see people here acting like Cronin is a God and we are contenders. Until the season starts.

 

[calvin natt]

Not saying you specifically. Acquiring Ayton or Collins or Grant or OG is not enough to contend. But if we acquire any of those guys you'll see people here acting like Cronin is a God and we are contenders. Until the season starts.

Ok. But I don’t really think so. I don’t think there are very many in here who think this team is close. Besides our resident rose colored glasses former actor, most everyone else knows they aren’t close. Personally I would rather watch Ayton than Nurk. And I’d rather take a chance on a wing than a big. That’s just me.

 

[SlyPokerCat]

Ok. But I don’t really think so. I don’t think there are very many in here who think this team is close. Besides our resident rose colored glasses former actor, most everyone else knows they aren’t close. Personally I would rather watch Ayton than Nurk. And I’d rather take a chance on a wing than a big. That’s just me.

We shall see after they make some moves. The spin is real.

 

[STOMP]

Yes. Right now. Not knowing how anyone is going to develop. I don’t see a huge variation between 5-9. I just don’t. So…if you (I) was drafting and I have been in need a fucking wing for a decade maybe I would take a wing over a raw big man. Maybe Duren ends up in the HOF. Who knows. But if I think his upside is the same as another player who is a wing which is critical in this league that’s who I take. If Ivey inexplicably drops I take him. He won’t.

We disagree on the draft class, which is fine. I've been upset about our forwards since Batum was dealt & I didn't even like him that much. Portland has obvious needs there. Besides PG, everything else is meh at best for me with the Blazer roster. With what we're looking at #7, I've more concerns with the forwards developing into reasonable shooters then I do about Duren continuing to get better doing what he does. From my experience, having a good sense for your shot is sort of a god given gift. Guys improve from terrible to okay but those who aren't naturals rarely become above average no matter how much they practice. I want my wings to be able to shoot.

The only team in the top 6 who I see as a good fit with Ivey is Detroit, but I won't be surprised in the least if they select Duren. Maybe someone trades up for Jaden?

STOMP

 

[calvin natt]

We disagree on the draft class, which is fine. I've been upset about our forwards since Batum was dealt & I didn't even like him that much. Portland has obvious needs there. Besides PG, everything else is meh at best for me. With what we're looking at, I've more concerns with the forwards developing into reasonable shooters then I do about Duren continuing getting better doing what he does. From my experience, having a good sense for your shot is sort of a god given gift. Guys improve from terrible to okay but those who aren't naturals rarely become above average no matter how much they practice. I want my wings to be able to shoot.

The only team in the top 6 who I see as a good fit with Ivey is Detroit, but I won't be surprised in the least if they select Duren. Maybe someone trades up for Jaden?

STOMP

I need to watch more of Duren, I admit. But the one game of Memphis’ that I watched this season he just looked so raw and didn’t see how he fits on the offensive end. Clearly freakish athlete and size. Wouldn’t be upset with the pick, I’m sure he will be a solid pro. Just didn’t seem skilled. I just can’t believe how hard it feels like it is to get someone who is just a 6’6/7 wing. Just get one for gods sake.

 

[STOMP]

I need to watch more of Duren, I admit. But the one game of Memphis’ that I watched this season he just looked so raw and didn’t see how he fits on the offensive end. Clearly freakish athlete and size. Wouldn’t be upset with the pick, I’m sure he will be a solid pro. Just didn’t seem skilled. I just can’t believe how hard it feels like it is to get someone who is just a 6’6/7 wing. Just get one for gods sake.

I'm on record last year liking Scottie Barnes the most of any of the prospects, but each draft is it's own deal. I'd like to like this year's forwards more then I do... but it is what it is. Sochan is probably my favorite of the forward options.

Duren is young & raw. In a couple years though, I think he could be great.

STOMP

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Not sure about what? Not winning a title with him? I have no clue how they can assemble a Championship team with their assets and keep Lillard, and surpassing about five teams in front of them just in the West.

Old saying in the NBA. The difference between a good team and a bad team in this league is really rather slight. Any team can beat another team on any given night.
The difference between a good team and another good team is even less. Pretty much the schedule they happen to be playing can make a bunch of difference.
Really good teams make it past the first round in the playoffs.
The difference at that point usually comes to light in a 7 game series. Coaching and experience coupled with lack of injuries tends to make a huge difference.
I believe Lillard can run the team on the floor. I also believe given the right players around him he can win in this league. He has shown he can carry the team. Just need another couple players that can also take the load off and cover when he is on the bench. Then they need some luck. Even last year could have been a bunch different in the playoffs had a couple things happened that were simply "Unlucky". CJ stepping on the line instead of drilling a three changes the entire series.
Lets look at next year? Is Utah going to be the same team? Is Phoenix going to be the same team? From the sounds of it even GS looks to be changing? What 5 teams are you expecting to be the same? Are you expecting the Lakers to get better? Clippers? T-Wolves? Grizzlies? Personally I'm more looking at the Mavs right now?
Portland could very easily put together a team that not only makes the playoffs but could be top 4 in the west. Like i said in the other post just takes the right mix and a little luck.

 

[BIG Q]

I'm on record last year liking Scottie Barnes the most of any of the prospects, but each draft is it's own deal. I'd like to like this year's forwards more then I do... but it is what it is. Sochan is probably my favorite of the forward options.

Duren is young & raw. In a couple years though, I think he could be great.

STOMP

And Portland will not be contending for a couple of years. I think Duren will be great in a couple years as well. The draft is where you should be getting the best upside if you can scout. When you are trading for players, you are jumping into a hornets nest;

Collins- Salary dump because some say he is not producing to the level to earn his contract. Others say he does not get along with his shoot first pg. Missed a ton of games.
Randle- Salary dump for so many reasons that have been discussed on this board.
Grant- Salary dump. Getting older. Doesn't fit in Detroits rebuild, especially with Bagley there and the possibility they can draft anther young forward. Wants a new, big contract. Been on mediocre teams.
Anunoby- Salary dump. Has missed many games. Is he playing up to his contract?

I would not give up the 7 in trades for any of these players. I would draft and then address trade after. Everyone looking to dump salary like Portland did at the trade deadline. How did that go for Portland? They got serviceable players and a future draft pick. I'm sure Portland can send out serviceable players and a future pick.

 

[Hoopguru]

I'm on record last year liking Scottie Barnes the most of any of the prospects, but each draft is it's own deal. I'd like to like this year's forwards more then I do... but it is what it is. Sochan is probably my favorite of the forward options.

Duren is young & raw. In a couple years though, I think he could be great.

STOMP

Im really high on Sochan also, as I think he's a 1st team defensive player in a few. He will be better than Grant, Collins in year two or three.

 

[Haakzilla]

I believe Dame liked a tweet about Ayton coming here. So we did hear it from Dame himself.

...I suppose a 'like' can be interpreted a number of different ways. Maybe Dame liked the part that said Ayton should do what's best for him. Maybe he liked the idea of winning a ring. Maybe all of the above. Either way, everyone is still trying to speak for Lillard and his thoughts. He liked a tweet, oh my!!

 

[wizenheimer]

Not saying you specifically. Acquiring Ayton or Collins or Grant or OG is not enough to contend. But if we acquire any of those guys you'll see people here acting like Cronin is a God and we are contenders. Until the season starts.

I haven't seen anybody saying anything like that. Just that the move, whatever it is would be a start.

no single move is going to make Portland a contender; but it's the false gauge some of you are using in order to shit on every idea and suggestion for a roster upgrade