Finding that elusive center

[Fez Hammersticks]

This (apparently) is one of two top priorities this summer for the Vulcans and their puppets

You have three obvious options:

*Cap -- Let Batum walk; go after Brook Lopez or (a cheaper alternative) Asik

*Draft -- There is only one true center worth going after (Drummond) and it's unlikely we'd have that chance unless we trade into the top-3.

*Trade -- This is where I'd focus my energy. I know I'm in the minority here but I'd go hard after DeMarcus Cousins. A legit post threat and a willing passer (eh, when he feels like it);

The Kings are in the early stages of a rebuild and with their two pillars not meshing well with anyone else other than themselves (DeMarcus/Tyreke) I think they'd at least consider trading DeMarcus for the right package.

For this team not many players in this draft make a lot of sense if we stay at #6/#11 -- Bradley Beal will not be there and I doubt Marshall gets past Utah, either.

For the Kings, on the verge of relocating and a roster in disarray, I think going into this summer with picks: #5/#6/#11 is enticing, at least it should be. Of course this all depends on the NJ pick and they don't leapfrog into the top-3.

His attitude and on-court body language is an issue but you can't deny that he's a big you can build around (with the right coach?):

18.1 PPG
11.0 RPG
1.2 BPG
21.7 PER
AGE: 21

 

[RR7]

they've had a ton of picks the last 5 or so years. No way they move cousins for 6 and 11. None.
Also no reason we have to let Batum walk to get lopez.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

The way he played this season I think you start with the draft picks.

As late as the past January he was rumored to be on the block and I think we can put together an attractive offer.

I think we'd have to trade for our COTF -- You look at all the prospects, HS/College/FIBA, and there just aren't any real true centers out there. IMO, with Cousins size and scoring ability there aren't many more attractive than him.

 

[RR7]

not happening unless you start a package with aldridge.

 

[barfo]

If you don't mind taking a chance on someone with a little bit of a history of injury, that guy Oden is a free agent.

barfo

 

[bigbailes]

why in the world would you need to start by including LA in a package for DeMarcus Cousins? There is no way Cousins value is that high.

 

[RR7]

No, but it is higher than the other pieces. Basically, there isn't a trade to be had there, IMO. They won't deal him for less than that from the pieces on our team, and we wouldn't go that high.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

If you don't mind taking a chance on someone with a little bit of a history of injury, that guy Oden is a free agent.

barfo

Who won't even be cleared to practice until next February.

 

[barfo]

Who won't even be cleared to practice until next February.

So he'll be fresh for the playoffs!

barfo

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Why do we need a center? There are approximately 2 legitimate centers in the league: Dwight Howard, who just had back surgery, and Andrew Bynum (who is looking pretty durable these days, but who doesn't have the best injury history). Neither of them are expected to win a title.

You know who's a pretty incredible center when he plays there? LaMarcus Aldridge. The catch is, like Tim Duncan, he doesn't like to be CALLED a center (and who can blame him with Portland's history - it's like being the drummer of Spinal Tap) so you can't start him there, even if you play him there the bulk of the minutes. But all you have to do is have a guy to play there for ten mpg and foul a few people.

I nominate BIG SOFO:

[video=youtube;1f_x9obHeOg]

He bounces round the top Euro teams. I think he was playing for Olympiakos last year, but now he's playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv:

[video=youtube;v9zTDWF1O7w]

What's great about him is that nobody in the entire league could stop him getting position. And he's surprisingly skilful.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Dear Lord, he's like Tractor Traylor if he grew six inches!

 

[bigbailes]

Why do we need a center? There are approximately 2 legitimate centers in the league: Dwight Howard, who just had back surgery, and Andrew Bynum (who is looking pretty durable these days, but who doesn't have the best injury history). Neither of them are expected to win a title.

I agree there aren't a lot of great centers out there but there are more than two very good ones. Al Jefferson, Tyson Chandler, Roy Hibbert, Nene, and if you listen to kingspeed then Haywood is up there too.

To me it isn't so much about finding a great center because you're right Aldridge does a nice job there. What i'm more interested in is a guy who can be a defensive stopper, collect rebounds and be able to work down low when LA decides to drift to the top of the key. I don't care if he's labeled a center, power forward or whatever they want to call it.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I agree there aren't a lot of great centers out there but there are more than two very good ones. Al Jefferson,

Jefferson improved a lot this season, but he's still a total defensive liability. And San Antonio, supposedly suffering up front, are DESTROYING the Jazz. To call Jefferson a "very good center" is an extreme stretch.

Tyson Chandler,

Ah, how things change. Chandler was a bench player for the Bobcats two seasons ago. He's sort of the ANTI Jefferson in that he's practically Przybillesque in his offensive ineptitude. If you could merge Jefferson's offense with Chandler's D, THEN you'd have a very good center.

Roy Hibbert

He's solid. But check the stats: he's being badly outplayed by... Big Baby in the Orlando series. Yes. Big Baby.

Nene

Nene's good enough when he plays. But he never plays.

and if you listen to kingspeed then Haywood is up there too.

If you listen to Eric long enough, anyone is everything.

To me it isn't so much about finding a great center because you're right Aldridge does a nice job there. What i'm more interested in is a guy who can be a defensive stopper, collect rebounds and be able to work down low when LA decides to drift to the top of the key. I don't care if he's labeled a center, power forward or whatever they want to call it.

Well, that might be Freeland. Let's see.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Why do we need a center? There are approximately 2 legitimate centers in the league: Dwight Howard, who just had back surgery, and Andrew Bynum (who is looking pretty durable these days, but who doesn't have the best injury history). Neither of them are expected to win a title.

Forgot Marc Gasol. He's pretty awesome.

 

[bigbailes]

good call on gasol, i agree that none of those guys are great but they all serve a purpose and are better than average. i think chandler's game is underrated on offense a bit, in that he never looks to shoot but when he does it goes in much more often than not.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Two players I'd love us to target:
1. (as I've said MANY TIMES) Anderson Varejao. He really showed that he was more than a role player this year - which is why the Cavs would want to keep him, but also that he can't stay healthy.
2. Ekpe Udoh, just because he's a total glue guy and a great defender. But the Bucks insisted they get him in the Bogut trade, so I don't see them trading him.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Dear Lord, he's like Tractor Traylor if he grew six inches!

...around his waist.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Two players I'd love us to target:
1. (as I've said MANY TIMES) Anderson Varejao. He really showed that he was more than a role player this year - which is why the Cavs would want to keep him, but also that he can't stay healthy.
2. Ekpe Udoh, just because he's a total glue guy and a great defender. But the Bucks insisted they get him in the Bogut trade, so I don't see them trading him.

The reason why I suggested DeMarcus is because I think we need a legit low-post threat. LaMarcus has the ability but it's obvious he's a lot more comfortable mid-range shooting jumpers. Coach Canales knows this and when he took over LMA was out of the post and did most of his scoring from 15' away -- a move that prompted LMA to say it's the most fun he's had in his career.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

If we can't land a potential decent center in the draft, then I too like the idea of LA at center. He may not rebound much, but he will draw other centers away from the basket and Hickson and a good PF draft pick can get the rebounds and do the dirty work.

 

[julius]

I'm still looking for that elusive butterfly.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

The reason why I suggested DeMarcus is because I think we need a legit low-post threat. LaMarcus has the ability but it's obvious he's a lot more comfortable mid-range shooting jumpers. Coach Canales knows this and when he took over LMA was out of the post and did most of his scoring from 15' away -- a move that prompted LMA to say it's the most fun he's had in his career.

That's nice for him. How many games did we win again?

Rasheed liked that, too. But Larry Brown made him play in the post, the big meanie.

 

[jlprk]

I'm still looking for that elusive butterfly.

Don't be concerned. It will not harm you.

 

[DeanMoriarty]

Hey, is it possible to sign Batum to a 8-9 million per year contract and trade him+Mathews (6 mil)+6th pick (2-3 mil) for Dwight Howard? It'd give Orlando good pieces to rebuild around and the Blazers could try to lure in Deron Williams for cheap afterward.

 

[Rhal]

Hey, is it possible to sign Batum to a 8-9 million per year contract and trade him+Mathews (6 mil)+6th pick (2-3 mil) for Dwight Howard? It'd give Orlando good pieces to rebuild around and the Blazers could try to lure in Deron Williams for cheap afterward.

They would probably ask for both picks and a resigned Batum + babbit. I would say yes in a heartbeat but no way in hell Dwight signs an extension here. Would make sure we got Derron in FA though.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Hey, is it possible to sign Batum to a 8-9 million per year contract and trade him+Mathews (6 mil)+6th pick (2-3 mil) for Dwight Howard? It'd give Orlando good pieces to rebuild around and the Blazers could try to lure in Deron Williams for cheap afterward.

The reason that fails is because we are desperately short of talented players. We only have 3 or 4 right now. Why trade two of them for 1 in return? It makes us a worse team. We need to add talented players quantitatively at this point in time. If we can build up to 7-9 talented players we can start thinking of a 2 for 1.

 

[Sinobas]

The reason that fails is because we are desperately short of talented players. We only have 3 or 4 right now. Why trade two of them for 1 in return? It makes us a worse team. We need to add talented players quantitatively at this point in time. If we can build up to 7-9 talented players we can start thinking of a 2 for 1.

 

[Rhal]

The reason that fails is because we are desperately short of talented players. We only have 3 or 4 right now. Why trade two of them for 1 in return? It makes us a worse team. We need to add talented players quantitatively at this point in time. If we can build up to 7-9 talented players we can start thinking of a 2 for 1.

If that nets us Dwill to I don't care what other players we put next to them, thats scary as shit just in its own right.

 

[DeanMoriarty]

The reason that fails is because we are desperately short of talented players. We only have 3 or 4 right now. Why trade two of them for 1 in return? It makes us a worse team. We need to add talented players quantitatively at this point in time. If we can build up to 7-9 talented players we can start thinking of a 2 for 1.

If D-Will were to take a pay cut, the Blazers could land free agents.

Then, the Blazers play their poker face and convince Orlando not to take the 11th pick by informing them Batum+6th pick+filler is the best they'll get. This rings true since the other lottery teams are rebuilding and the contending teams don't have high enough draft picks.

If the Blazers retain the 11th pick, they draft a Rip Hamilton type of player in Jeremy Lamb or go after Terrence Jones, a less explosive Josh Smith. If not, go after free agents.

Either way, this leaves the Blazers cap space to re-sign Hickson and a few options:

• If they have Lamb, they bring over Claver or convince Gerald Wallace to sign for cheap (long shot).
  
• If they have Jones (Portland kid), Blazers sign a weak SG like Shannon Brown. Or gamble on an old McGrady.
  
• If they have neither (traded #11 to ORL), bring in Claver, draft Evan Fournier, and spend on left-over free agents to fill space up.
  
• Another option is to trade the 11th for Orlando's 19th pick. Then, focus on getting Terrence Ross (another Portland kid), who'll provide the shooting that is needed to get attention off of Dwight and LMA. Also, bring in Claver for further shooting ability.

Ideally, the offense will flow through our Big 3. Everyone else will be a roleplayer.

Then, the Blazers bring B-Roy in as the head coach. Okay, not really, but he does have the leadership qualities necessary. Otherwise, hire a coach that Dwight and D-Will won't have bad history with (no Van Gundy or Sloan). Maybe Phil will see this an another opportunity to acquire rings?


This plan is a long shot, sure. But I think it's worth the risks involved. Otherwise, we're doomed to mediocrity and first/second round exits.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

If D-Will were to take a pay cut, the Blazers could land free agents.

Then, the Blazers play their poker face and convince Orlando not to take the 11th pick by informing them Batum+6th pick+filler is the best they'll get. This rings true since the other lottery teams are rebuilding and the contending teams don't have high enough draft picks.

If the Blazers retain the 11th pick, they draft a Rip Hamilton type of player in Jeremy Lamb or go after Terrence Jones, a less explosive Josh Smith. If not, go after free agents.

Either way, this leaves the Blazers cap space to re-sign Hickson and a few options:

• If they have Lamb, they bring over Claver or convince Gerald Wallace to sign for cheap (long shot).
  
• If they have Jones (Portland kid), Blazers sign a weak SG like Shannon Brown. Or gamble on an old McGrady.
  
• If they have neither (traded #11 to ORL), bring in Claver, draft Evan Fournier, and spend on left-over free agents to fill space up.
  
• Another option is to trade the 11th for Orlando's 19th pick. Then, focus on getting Terrence Ross (another Portland kid), who'll provide the shooting that is needed to get attention off of Dwight and LMA. Also, bring in Claver for further shooting ability.

Ideally, the offense will flow through our Big 3. Everyone else will be a roleplayer.

Then, the Blazers bring B-Roy in as the head coach. Okay, not really, but he does have the leadership qualities necessary. Otherwise, hire a coach that Dwight and D-Will won't have bad history with (no Van Gundy or Sloan). Maybe Phil will see this an another opportunity to acquire rings?


This plan is a long shot, sure. But I think it's worth the risks involved. Otherwise, we're doomed to mediocrity and first/second round exits.

First, DWill isn't taking a pay cut to play in Portland. Get serious.

Next, stop dreaming about draft picks being go to players. It may happen eventually, but to think we're just going to get two NBA ready can't miss in the lottery isn't sound judgment. Lastly, for those who think we can trade the team away for one greatly talented player who will carry us to the promised land by themselves... this is the NBA, kids. Any player can be defended. It makes several talented players to make the grade.

 

[DeanMoriarty]

First, DWill isn't taking a pay cut to play in Portland. Get serious.

Next, stop dreaming about draft picks being go to players. It may happen eventually, but to think we're just going to get two NBA ready can't miss in the lottery isn't sound judgment. Lastly, for those who think we can trade the team away for one greatly talented player who will carry us to the promised land by themselves... this is the NBA, kids. Any player can be defended. It makes several talented players to make the grade.

But why not dream about these far-fetched scenarios? I think it's better than pretending that waiting will somehow help this current Blazers team ascend further into the playoffs (if they even make it next year).

You're definitely right that draft picks don't pan out right away. Thus, the Blazers have to do something drastic if they want to "reload". Boston had to give up their future for their Big 3 and the Clips had to give up Eric Gordon+1st rounder+decent player for CP3. At this point, the risk either leads to success or a massive rebuild. I'd prefer either of those to 1st/2nd round exits for the next decade.


Also, D-Will has made it clear that he doesn't care about small markets or large markets. He just wants to win. You get Howard, Williams will want to join.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/nets/2012/04/deron-williams-discusses-his-decision

“I want to win....I want to go where I feel we have the best chance to win. I know we might not win a championship in the first year or 2, but hopefully there’s the chances of building something special and having flexibility and somewhere where I believe they’re headed in the right direction,” Williams said, adding, “The big-small market doesn’t really matter to me. I just want to win."

And if you get Howard-LMA-Williams, then veteran free agents will follow, if not this summer, then the next (more cap space). That's the kind of direction and flexibility Williams is talking about right there.

As for being stopped? Almost anyone can be stopped. That's why you have three elite players, not just one or two, who can score at any time.

Aldridge, Williams, and Howard are in their primes. Physically, Howard can't be stopped. It doesn't hurt Howard that Aldridge compliments his game extremely well. Last but not least, Williams will score and dish the ball to the big men and three point shooters. Statistically, he has played his worst ball in New Jersey, so he would want no part in Brooklyn's rebuild. Put him next to two all-stars and his game will thrive.

Sure, having depth and versatility helps. But the last thing I want the Blazers to be is the Hawks, Pacers, or Sixers of the West...teams with potential star players who play team ball but have no star power.


That's just my opinion though. We'll just have to agree to disagree for the time being.