Free Agency

[Chuck Taylor]

Well, most people around the league would argue that we drafted for need, not BPA. Yet, we still have a significant amount of cap room. Are Lillard and/or Leonard starting caliber guys? Do we still go after a PG like Dragic?

The only thing I can see somewhat clearly, is that it is highly unlikely we don't match any offer Batum gets. I just hope we don't end up spending our money on a bunch of "filler" players like Hickson, Freeland, Claver, etc. We rarely have this amount of money to spend - hopefully we get a good F.A. to show for it, or make a trade acquiring a nice asset by taking on a bad contract. Thoughts?

 

[maxiep]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Yeah, I think we lose Nico. I don't think we attract anyone without overpaying them. PA is looking to sell the team, so I think the bottom line and future financial flexibility will be the calling card of the day.

Frankly, I think we should think about trading LA.

 

[Chuck Taylor]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Yeah, I think we lose Nico. I don't think we attract anyone without overpaying them. PA is looking to sell the team, so I think the bottom line and future financial flexibility will be the calling card of the day.

Frankly, I think we should think about trading LA.

Paul Allen sure just spent an awful lot of time watching workouts if he was just going to sell the team. Not to mention, wouldn't you have chosen Barnes/Lamb (most people's BPA) if you were just going to sell?

 

[Chuck Taylor]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Then again, why is P.A. selling picks???

 

[Pinwheel1]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Well for all those Jose Calderon fans, he was amnestied by Toronto so you can probably get him cheap.

 

[ironcrotch]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Well for all those Jose Calderon fans, he was amnestied by Toronto so you can probably get him cheap.

When did this happen?

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Re-sign Batum or find a S&T.

Personally I like K. Leonard. I think this would be a good move.

 

[Tortimer]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Re-sign Batum or find a S&T.

Personally I like K. Leonard. I think this would be a good move.

I agree and would like this trade instead of losing Batum.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

When did this happen?

Sorry, I saw the big headline and missed one keyword........may

http://hoopshype.com/

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

So, current roster, counting draftees & euros:

Lillard/Smith
Matthews/Williams/Barton
Batum/Babbitt/Claver
Aldridge/Hickson/Freeland
Leonard/Thomas

Who would be the best realistic additions to that group?

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Hibbert, Eric Gordon, Asik, Barnes, Sam Young, Lou Williams, OJ Mayo.

Babbitt or Claver, cash, future second or something for a backup PG.

 

[glazeduck]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I think you've got to identify THE one young available player (via trade or FA) that you want as another *piece* and overpay for them to ensure you're able to capitalize on our cap space (and it must be done BEFORE Batum signs an offer somewhere).

Whether that's OJ Mayo, George Hill, Jeremy Lin, Landry Fields, Javale McGee, Illyasova, Asik... find the guy you want and buy him before you lose out on your opportunity to do so completely.

 

[Sinobas]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I still think we need a PG. I don't understand why the Blazers took Lillard....they should have just kept Jerryd Bayless, because they are basically the same player. Portland will go after Dragic, Lin, Nash and maybe JaVale McGee or Chris Kaman.

 

[glazeduck]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I still think we need a PG. I don't understand why the Blazers took Lillard....they should have just kept Jerryd Bayless, because they are basically the same player. Portland will go after Dragic, Lin, Nash and maybe JaVale McGee or Chris Kaman.

They're nowhere near the same player. Like, not even close.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I think Kaman would be ideal to have while we bring Leonard along slowly.

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

They're nowhere near the same player. Like, not even close.

Yeah, I completely agree with this.

Athletically, physically, mentally, they are both completely different.

Lillard is actually a PG, doesn't have T-Rex arms, extraordinary in the PnR, great shooter, solid slasher.

Bayless is a SG, tiny arms, creates for himself, head down and goes to the rim.

Everyone for SOME reason, still doesn't understand that Lillard is a willing passer and frequently looks for his teammate... He is one of the very few PG's that wants to pass, but is literally forced to score because he's the best scorer as well, on his -former- team. That is, except for the scouts.

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I think Kaman would be ideal to have while we bring Leonard along slowly.

Actually agree with you for once. Don't particularly want Meyers starting - but I prefer getting Hibbert or Eric Gordon (although rather pie in the sky)

 

[glazeduck]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Actually agree with you for once. Don't particularly want Meyers starting - but I prefer getting Hibbert or Eric Gordon (although rather pie in the sky)

I'd rather have Javale McGee

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I think Kaman would be ideal to have while we bring Leonard along slowly.

I like that. Sign Kaman, and Calderon too if Toronto amnesties him. Would make for a great team in 2008.

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I'd rather have Javale McGee

Uh, why...

 

[ironcrotch]

Uh, why...

The comedy

 

[Sinobas]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

What makes you say "Lillard is a PG, Bayless is a SG"? Bayless plays PG, and Lillard plays PG like a SG. Look at Bayless' college stats, they were very similar to Lillards, and he was playing at a much better school, and was younger, Lillard was a senior. Bayless shot 40% from 3pt range in college as well.

Lillard won't be any better than Jerryd.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Bayless played well last year. Go look it up. Dude shot 42% from 3. He is not the same player he was for us.

 

[Blaze01]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

Let's see...

BAsed on tonight's epic failure...


An overpay for Batum at\around $10mil a year

and an overpay of some other FA reject for twice what he is worth...

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

What makes you say "Lillard is a PG, Bayless is a SG"? Bayless plays PG, and Lillard plays PG like a SG. Look at Bayless' college stats, they were very similar to Lillards, and he was playing at a much better school, and was younger, Lillard was a senior. Bayless shot 40% from 3pt range in college as well.

Lillard won't be any better than Jerryd.

Once again bro, if you read the entire post, you would know. I clearly outlined this... anyway:

LILLARD IS A WILLING PASSER WHO ACTUALLY LOOKS TO PASS AND DISTRIBUTE RATHER THAN TO SCORE - BUT DUE TO HIS TEAM - HE WAS FORCED TO SCORE.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

If we can't sign someone good, I'd like to see us score some amnestied players, or make trades to take guys off other teams along with picks and other considerations.

 

[Sinobas]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I thought we should have kept Bayless. He'd be a good scoring SG off the bench. But he's not exactly the quality of player that will elevate a team. He's a mediocre player overall, not the kind of player you want to spend a #6 pick on.

You're going to tell me Lillard is "not even close" to be the same player Bayless is?
[video=youtube;LkBxoDwEEEw]

 

[glazeduck]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

You're going to tell me Lillard is "not even close" to be the same player Bayless is?

Not in terms of comparrison, no. They're very different players.

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I thought we should have kept Bayless. He'd be a good scoring SG off the bench. But he's not exactly the quality of player that will elevate a team. He's a mediocre player overall, not the kind of player you want to spend a #6 pick on.

You're going to tell me Lillard is "not even close" to be the same player Bayless is?
[video=youtube;LkBxoDwEEEw]

Yeah, I am.

Compare the PnR numbers, passing ability, and floor vision. It's not even close, honestly.

The primary difference is, Jerryd Bayless scores because thats who he is and what he does.

Lillard scored because he had to, he was the best scorer on his team, and it was the only way to lead his team to victory. Bayless played with much more talented players, but was still hell bent on shooting and not playing PG.

So in summary, while yes, in college they both were scorers, Lillard has much better court vision, is a more adept passer and is a more willing passer, and was forced to play a scoring role.

Bayless was just focused on scoring, period.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Re: Now what? i.e. Free Agency

I think you've got to identify THE one young available player (via trade or FA) that you want as another *piece* and overpay for them to ensure you're able to capitalize on our cap space (and it must be done BEFORE Batum signs an offer somewhere).

Whether that's OJ Mayo, George Hill, Jeremy Lin, Landry Fields, Javale McGee, Illyasova, Asik... find the guy you want and buy him before you lose out on your opportunity to do so completely.

Agree with this philosophy. I'll go on and say match Batum at almost any price. But it's not my money and we actually just witness Allen sell a pick . . . who knows what is going on.

Unfortunately I think the position they should spend the money on is PG . . . which could likely cause a PG controversy. Nash for 3 years and front load it?