Durant Piece..

[ABM]

FWIW.............(Geoffrey C. Arnold)

http://www.oregonlive.com/nba/index.ssf/2009/04/a_different_durant_is_prosperi.html

 

[MIXUM]

just pray the thunder doesnt win the lottery. imagine blake griffin with them.

Im not worried if they get thabeet... hes overated. good college player but wont do dick in the nba. hes a decent defender but needs to bulk up big time to matter. has no offensive game.

 

[TripTango]

This is a pretty key couple of years for the Son-der. If they don't get some real success soon, all of their big names are going to jump ship for better opportunities, and OK will be locked in Lottoland.

 

[STOMP]

just pray the thunder doesnt win the lottery. imagine blake griffin with them.

Im not worried if they get thabeet... hes overated. good college player but wont do dick in the nba. hes a decent defender but needs to bulk up big time to matter. has no offensive game.

Why do they need more offense? Or another tweener sized forward? Their glaring need is a decent 5 to defend the paint and Thabeet would seem a very good fit. Adding him to Westbrooke & Sefolosha would give them some real nice defensive players.

Durant is a beast

STOMP

 

[illmatic99]

Why do they need more offense? Or another tweener sized forward? Their glaring need is a decent 5 to defend the paint and Thabeet would seem a very good fit. Adding him to Westbrooke & Sefolosha would give them some real nice defensive players.

They don't NEED offense, but they do need more talent. Considering they're still in the pits standings wise, Presti should go for BPA, which is Griffin.

 

[maxiep]

Call me cocky, but I don't care. This is the best collection of talent and fit since the early 90s Blazers. I don't worry about OKC because we're forcing our window open. It won't be important who does what, because it just won't matter. We're going to be so good next year or the year after that the only games we will lose are the ones we don't expend at least 90% effort.

 

[TripTango]

Call me cocky, but I don't care. This is the best collection of talent and fit since the early 90s Blazers. I don't worry about OKC because we're forcing our window open. It won't be important who does what, because it just won't matter. We're going to be so good next year or the year after that the only games we will lose are the ones we don't expend at least 90% effort.

You're so cocky.

 

[STOMP]

They don't NEED offense, but they do need more talent. Considering they're still in the pits standings wise, Presti should go for BPA, which is Griffin.

I'm a proponent of always going for the BPA, but since Griffin doesn't play any D at all and will come in well below average size as a PF, I'm not sold on him as the clear cut BPA that most seem to be. Poor D from the frontcourt is a recipe for losing.

btw... the Thunder have gone 8-8 in their last 16 games. Sefolosha was a nice acquisition and Westbrook has been stepping up. They've an absolute glaring hole at the 5 and I happen to think that Thabeet would be a great addition for them... sue me

STOMP

 

[MickZagger]

Why do they need more offense? Or another tweener sized forward? Their glaring need is a decent 5 to defend the paint and Thabeet would seem a very good fit. Adding him to Westbrooke & Sefolosha would give them some real nice defensive players.

Durant is a beast

STOMP

Blake Griffin's amazing athleticism, strength and quickness make up for the possible inch seperation in height he has against other PF's. He reminds me of last years Beasley, except he is going to be much better NBA player than Beasley. The Thunder would be nuts to pass on Griffin for Thabeet.

 

[STOMP]

Blake Griffin's amazing athleticism, strength and quickness make up for the possible inch seperation in height he has against other PF's. He reminds me of last years Beasley, except he is going to be much better NBA player than Beasley. The Thunder would be nuts to pass on Griffin for Thabeet.

reminds me of your 2005-6 takes. With history as a lesson, do you really think you can look down your nose at the opinions of others and call them names? Has anyone here ever been so spectacularly wrong... you aren't still holding out hope that Adam is going to prove you right are you?

Scoring in and defending the paint are keys to winning hoops, and Blake only does one of the two... as does Thabeet. Like HT, he is poor at the other. He doesn't project to guard starting SFs or PFs proficiently. I very much doubt Blake will measure 6'8 barefoot, which will make him one of the shortest 4's in the league and puts him well under an inch shorter then the average starting PF. Unlike Beasley (your left field example), he doesn't have superior length and isn't an outside threat. While it's easier to sell tickets with an exciting offensive prospect then defensive stopper, I think dude will need to be in the right situation to find success (win) in the pros (like Hasheem). I would not be that surprised to see Presti continue to make bold moves and favor D over O if he were to luck out in the lotto.

STOMP

 

[MickZagger]

reminds me of your 2005-6 takes. With history as a lesson, do you really think you can look down your nose at the opinions of others and call them names? Has anyone here ever been so spectacularly wrong... you aren't still holding out hope that Adam is going to prove you right are you?

STOMP

Where did I call you names in this thread? I stopped reading your drivel after the first paragraph. You must have been seriously teased and bullied as a youngster, cause I can find no other reason for why you always play this boy who cried wolf persona on this board. One player that I have said would be a good NBA player that didn't pan out means everything to you. For someone who trumps out measurements like they're the end all be all of a players career like yourself, it must be a hard pill to swallow with all these undersized 4's excelling in the league. What were Paul Millsap's measurements during the combine?

Look if your going to personally attack me about a player that I was trumpeting out as the next best thing (which I have conceded I was wrong) more than 4 years ago and act as if I have some kind of tarnished track record (if one even exists, or I really give a shit about what you think) then go ahead and be a little puke about it. Just don't get your little panties ruffled when Blake Griffin is collecting All-Star appearance after All-Star appearance.

Capiche?

 

[STOMP]

Where did I call you names in this thread? I stopped reading your drivel after the first paragraph. You must have been seriously teased and bullied as a youngster, cause I can find no other reason for why you always play this boy who cried wolf persona on this board. One player that I have said would be a good NBA player that didn't pan out means everything to you. For someone who trumps out measurements like they're the end all be all of a players career like yourself, it must be a hard pill to swallow with all these undersized 4's excelling in the league. What were Paul Millsap's measurements during the combine?

Look if your going to personally attack me about a player that I was trumpeting out as the next best thing (which I have conceded I was wrong) more than 4 years ago and act as if I have some kind of tarnished track record (if one even exists, or I really give a shit about what you think) then go ahead and be a little puke about it. Just don't get your little panties ruffled when Blake Griffin is collecting All-Star appearance after All-Star appearance.

Capiche?

good grief dude, nuts = crazy right? Challenged you launch into your usual slew of BS about panties, puking, and me being beat up as a child. I'll keep talking hoops and sharing my opinions on prospects without the juvenile stuff you always go back to. To help you with your memory, not only were you predicting a HOF career for Adam, you mocked the pro potential of every other top prospect in that draft including Roy and "LaWussy" Aldridge.

Paul Millsap has very good length, which helps as guys don't play hoops with the top of their heads. He also has always been a solid defender. Like I said, I don't see Griffin as having those things going for him. I actually almost compared BG to Millsap (and Kevin Love) in my last post though because I see him having a similar upside/limitations as a smaller Big. Again, I like Bigs who can defend... I especially like it when frontcourt players are able to adequately defend multiple positions because of all the switches that take place on that end of the court. This is exactly why I supported drafting LA and Batum well before they were Blazers. I'm for getting LA the ball every time Griffin is on him next year.

So a Millsap or a Diekembe... which one would help a team win games? I think they will both need to be in the right situation with complimentary skilled teammates to suceed (win) and wouldn't be surprised if either mostly wins, loses, has multiple AS appearances, or none during their respective careers. Neither looks to be all that to me... so what?

STOMP

 

[MickZagger]

You start shit, then get all pissy when I fire back?

Griffin is way more athletic than Millsap. The comparison doesn't hold water. Millsaps a very good player, Griffin will be better.

Show me a post where you said you wanted us to draft Aldridge or Batum well before they were drafted. I think your just making that up.

 

[Da_O]

I'd say you'd have to be crazy to take Thabeet over Griffin. Thabeet reminds me of Roy Hibbert 2.0.

 

[PapaG]

I actually almost compared BG to Millsap (and Kevin Love) in my last post though because I see him having a similar upside/limitations as a smaller Big.

STOMP

While I certainly don't think Blake Griffin is going to be a superstar, he does have the ability to bring the ball up the court and initiate offense for himself. Comparing Griffin to Love or Millsap is a HUGE stretch. A Beasely comparison is actually more appropriate, except that Griffin doesn't have Beasely's range. Then again, Beasely doesn't have Griffin's handle, and they both are non-factors on defense.

I do think Thabeet would be the correct pick for OKC, however.

 

[STOMP]

You start shit, then get all pissy when I fire back?

wrong again. You responded to me first in this thread and threw out the crazy insult.

Griffin is way more athletic than Millsap. The comparison doesn't hold water. Millsaps a very good player, Griffin will be better.

guess why I backed off on making it? Maybe because I don't think it's that good of one for all the reasons I listed??? He is an undersized Big that is finding some success though.

Certainly there is an exception to most every rule, but generally I like players to bring good size/length, athleticism, and skills to their positions... and I really value D especially in the frontcourt

Show me a post where you said you wanted us to draft Aldridge or Batum well before they were drafted. I think your just making that up.

I was high on Aldridge from his McD's appearance on pining for him to declare following his frosh year as well. Nic I was merely very interested in as his draft profiles fit the sort of player I prefer. Outside highlights, I didn't get to see him actually play until he was a Blazer, but I was very intrigued. I started following him after his excellent showing in the Nike Hoops Summit. I'd rather you just back off then make me wade through past years threads, but if you insist on questioning my integrity, I'll find you threads on both guys saying exactly this for a two week sig bet.

STOMP

 

[MickZagger]

Where did I insult you in my first post? You'll be looking for something thats not there.

Find me those posts, I'd love to read them.

 

[STOMP]

Where did I insult you in my first post? You'll be looking for something thats not there.

you quoted me and called my opinion crazy... simple shit dude

Find me those posts, I'd love to read them.

you want to waste my time wading through past threads??? it will cost you. Sig bet or show some class and back off the liar crap

STOMP

 

[MickZagger]

I said the Thunder would be crazy to draft Thabeet ahead of Griffin. The Thunder. If you want to dig deep to find insults, then prepare to be insulted a lot. This is a message board, quit being soft. Uh oh, I just "insulted" you again.

I'll do a sig bet of your choice if thats what floats your boat.

 

[STOMP]

okay zags, I finally got around to it. Pretty tedious slogging through old threads on the old board.... lots of funny quotes posters would never want to see again. I thought my own pining for Nedzad to turn out to be a decent player (though I never got to see him play) was entertaining.

Anyways, here are a few of the many threads where I post my future Blazer hopes for LA and Batum.

LA
http://www.basketballforum.com/portland-trail-blazers/202477-looking-ahead-2006-draft.html
http://www.basketballforum.com/portland-trail-blazers/272893-gut-reaction-who-do-we-end-up.html

here's one where I grade KP's draft
http://www.basketballforum.com/portland-trail-blazers/283600-blazers-draft-day-grade.html

Batum
http://www.basketballforum.com/portland-trail-blazers/392454-looking-draft.html
http://www.basketballforum.com/port...913-if-we-luck-into-top-pick-draft-again.html
http://www.basketballforum.com/portland-trail-blazers/402875-my-first-08-mock-draft.html

here's my draft grade
http://www.basketballforum.com/portland-trail-blazers/405355-grade-blazers-draft.html

are you ready to see your new sig?

STOMP

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'm a proponent of always going for the BPA, but since Griffin doesn't play any D at all and will come in well below average size as a PF, I'm not sold on him as the clear cut BPA that most seem to be. Poor D from the frontcourt is a recipe for losing.

Griffin reminds me a lot of Carlos Boozer (who also plays mediocre defense), but based on this draft class he's clearly the BPA. I have no doubt that his mix of athleticism, strength and feel around the basket are going serve him well -- maybe not future all-star well, but well enough to be a solid starter.

btw... the Thunder have gone 8-8 in their last 16 games. Sefolosha was a nice acquisition and Westbrook has been stepping up. They've an absolute glaring hole at the 5 and I happen to think that Thabeet would be a great addition for them... sue me

STOMP

I think you might have a point about the 5 being the Thunder's 'only' glaring hole, but I'm not really sure Thabeet is the answer; the dude is severly limited offensively and just doesn't seem to have the strength and aggressiveness you'd look for in an NBA prospect, especially a prospect who is already 22 years old. OKC crapped the bed by rescinding the trade for Chandler, he would have instantly elevated them into a playoff contender next season, by giving them a legitimate 7' low post defender and solid rebounder.

 

[handiman]

Show me a post where you said you wanted us to draft Aldridge or Batum well before they were drafted. I think your just making that up.

I'll vouch for STOMP on this one. I clearly recall him being a huge proponent of Aldridge more than a year before we drafted him. (Same for Chris Paul.)

I do disagree with STOMP with regards to Thabeet, though. He just screams "over-reached for big man" to me... Good athleticism, mobility, and defensive instincts, but I don't see that frame allowing him to beef up much and he plays so much smaller than his listed height.

And, for the record, I'll be surprised if Griffin turns out to be much of a player.

 

[Minstrel]

I do disagree with STOMP with regards to Thabeet, though. He just screams "over-reached for big man" to me... Good athleticism, mobility, and defensive instincts, but I don't see that frame allowing him to beef up much and he plays so much smaller than his listed height.

And, for the record, I'll be surprised if Griffin turns out to be much of a player.

I largely agree on both counts. I see Thabeet's reasonable upside as a prime Theo Ratliff type.

I see Griffin being a solid starter, but not a major star.

 

[Ed O]

This is a pretty key couple of years for the Son-der. If they don't get some real success soon, all of their big names are going to jump ship for better opportunities, and OK will be locked in Lottoland.

Are you talking about Durant? Maybe Green?

I doubt those guys are going anywhere... even after their rookie scale contracts expire.

The Thunder are young and while I'm sure they want to continue to improve, I don't think there's much urgency to show short-term results like you state.

Ed O.

 

[andalusian]

For the record - the Thunder are 3-10 since Durant's return to action - including double-digit losses in their last 4 games.

Reminder - they were 5-2 in the 7 games he was out prior to this much celebrated return.

 

[TripTango]

Time will tell. I'm not claiming insider information here, but I have a sneaking suspicion that KD is the kind of guy that will be tempted by the bigger markets once he has a choice in the matter. This has nothing at all to do with Oklahoma's urgency or lack thereof.

Are you talking about Durant? Maybe Green?

I doubt those guys are going anywhere... even after their rookie scale contracts expire.

The Thunder are young and while I'm sure they want to continue to improve, I don't think there's much urgency to show short-term results like you state.

Ed O.

 

[Tince]

Here are some great calls on the draft day thread....

Minstrel:

Portland traded one of their only two potential stars for a non-premium pick in a weak draft. They then compounded that mistake by trading away Khryapa to move up two spots to select a player who likely would have fallen to their original pick and then passed on possibly the best talent in the draft at #7.

Overall, I can't see any grade but an F. Pretty much a clinic on how to mismanage a draft.

Pain5155:

B+

wouldve been an A+ if they kept Foye.

Foulzilla:

Overall, I give it a C. I liked the move for Aldridge, I don't care for what amounted to Telfair for Roy. However, time will truly tell.

LameR:

C+

I accepted us getting rid of Telfair for the 7 because I assumed we'd get a good pick out of it. I was busy until just now when I read we got Foye. I was pretty excited, only to read on the next line we traded him for Roy.

Mas RipCity

F-
We dealt away the best pg in the draft in Telfair.
Took on a longer contract in Raef.
Traded VK for absolutely nothing.
Lost a bunch of cash in all these deals.
Should have taken Ammo or Thomas at 2.
Since we had 7, should have taken Gay or Foye depending on 2.
Wasted picks 30 and 31.
Sure we stole Spanish Chocolate, but why stockpile picks in a notoriously weak draft?
We took a softy in LA.
We traded Bassy for the next Dough Christie.

Absolutely one of the worst days in franchise history. Not many seem to see it now, but it will appear evident soon as the season progresses.
Just you wat. Doc is gonna know how to use Bassy unlike Nate, and he will flourish dishing to Green, Gomes, and Pierce.

Its a bad thing when we had Foye, a much better guard prospect. Whats the point of having another pg anyways? Now we're back at the same log jam as before, but now with 4 points vying for the job. We didn't make ONE correct move tonight, therefore they get an F-. We could have plaed this SOOOO much better.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Time will tell. I'm not claiming insider information here, but I have a sneaking suspicion that KD is the kind of guy that will be tempted by the bigger markets once he has a choice in the matter. This has nothing at all to do with Oklahoma's urgency or lack thereof.

Maybe after his first extension expires in another 5 or 6 years, but he'd be a fool to walk away from considerable money and a very promising roster unless he was so dissatisfied with management that he couldn't bear to play in OKC.

OKC may suck, but my guess is that most players want to win and get paid (the order varies) playing in a big market can help with endorsements, but I have no doubt the NBA will find a way to get him tons of exposure if he continues to light it up, and especially if his team improves.

 

[Minstrel]

Here are some great calls on the draft day thread....

Minstrel

Yup, I've admitted quite a few times that I miscalled that draft. I thought Telfair had quite a bit of promise and I thought Roy had only solid but not star potential.

I still think Aldridge would have fallen to Portland's original #4 (considering the Bulls preferred Thomas), but considering how much better Aldridge has turned out than everyone else in the top-five, I'm very glad KP traded up for the certainty.

 

[Tince]

Yup, I've admitted quite a few times that I miscalled that draft. I thought Telfair had quite a bit of promise and I thought Roy had only solid but not star potential.

I still think Aldridge would have fallen to Portland's original #4 (considering the Bulls preferred Thomas), but considering how much better Aldridge has turned out than everyone else in the top-five, I'm very glad KP traded up for the certainty.

I wasn't trying to call you out or anything, I've been wrong before too. I just think it's funny how badly people (such as yourself) missed the boat that night. It should make everyone pause before they go-off acting like they know more than the professionals.