Fuck it! Let the damn thing Bake.

[Further]

I would love a quality upgrade at the point, or even at SF, but in the end, I think we have most of the parts and would not be bad off to just let things cook a little longer. Make some small moves, Ruffin, LaFrentz, Frye and Randolph, Sergio out, Freeland, Koponen in along with 3 more spots to be filled by picks and free agency. That would not be that bad. We start the year with Blake at PG and Bayless backing him with Kop at 3rd string. As time goes on, hopefully Bayless takes over. Webster is back and Rudy has a year under him making SF much more solid. And if things just aren't clicking, pull the trigger before the deadline.

My main point is not that we should "let the cake bake", just that we don't NEED a change as much as many around here seem to think. If the right guy does not come available for a decent price, then we can do just fine as is.

 

[Tince]

I would love a quality upgrade at the point, or even at SF, but in the end, I think we have most of the piees and would not be bad off to just let things cook a little longer. Make some small moves, Ruffin, LaFrentz, Frye and Randolph, Sergio out, Freeland, Koponen in along with 3 more spots to be filled by picks and free agency. That would not be that bad. We start the year with Blake at PG and Bayless backing him with Kop at 3rd string. As time goes on, hopefully Bayless takes over. Webster is back and Rudy has a year under him making SF much more solid. And if things just aren't clicking, pull the trigger before the deadline.

My main point is not that we should "let the cake bake", just that we don't NEED a change as much as many around here seem to think. If the right guy does not come available for a decent price, then we can do just fine as is.

I think that is always true. Knowingly overpaying for a guy is not the way to build a team in the long-term, which is clearly our goal.

 

[Wheels]

AMEN! Well except for the not getting rid of Outlaw and Blake thing.

 

[B-Roy]

That gif is amazing!!!

 

[Wheels]

That gif is amazing!!!

lol beauty of the internet.. you do something stupid and are famous.. its EVERYWHERE in hours.

 

[B-Roy]

I can't help looking at House's headband and their faces!

Sorry for the OT.

 

[Wheels]

I can't help looking at House's headband and their faces!

Sorry for the OT.

LOL yeah thats the best part.. watching Houses Headband do this wave halfway around his head.

I too apologize to the OP for the OT.

 

[Sug]

Hey baby, you still got to frost it! So why not upgrade the PG spot.

 

[GriLtCheeZ]

Hey baby, you still got to frost it! So why not upgrade the PG spot.

You gotta bake it before you can frost it!

Frost it!

 

[blue32]

whatever gets bayless into the starting PG role , then do it.
the kid needs a chance and major minutes.
i bet he'd be the perfect asset next to Roy.

 

[MAS RipCity]

I would love a quality upgrade at the point, or even at SF, but in the end, I think we have most of the parts and would not be bad off to just let things cook a little longer. Make some small moves, Ruffin, LaFrentz, Frye and Randolph, Sergio out, Freeland, Koponen in along with 3 more spots to be filled by picks and free agency. That would not be that bad. We start the year with Blake at PG and Bayless backing him with Kop at 3rd string. As time goes on, hopefully Bayless takes over. Webster is back and Rudy has a year under him making SF much more solid. And if things just aren't clicking, pull the trigger before the deadline.

My main point is not that we should "let the cake bake", just that we don't NEED a change as much as many around here seem to think. If the right guy does not come available for a decent price, then we can do just fine as is.

We still need to sign a vet with playoff experience to be a consistent 3rd scorer for us.

 

[Nikolokolus]

When I look at the roster right now I see it as a perennially good enough team to make the playoffs, but probably not tough enough or well rounded enough to get out of the first round (maybe the second round). Sure I think Oden has lots of room to improve, Nicolas has room to improve, but in the areas where this team is weakest (point guard, small forward, and backup power forward) there are holes that probably can't be filled adequately just with the players that are currently on the roster.

General observations:
The team is still minus a reliable backup point guard (The Sergio experiment has run its course and I have questions about Bayless)
The team is probably still minus championship level starting point guard
The team is minus another wing or a guard who can consistently put the ball on the floor and get to the rack
The team is minus an effective backup power forward who can come in and give you a different look than LaMarcus' mostly jumper oriented game.
The team is minus veteran leadership, and frankly there's not enough 'nastiness'; they need an infusion of a little bit of both.

Secondly, this off-season's capspace is a use it or lose it commodity; this will be the last time for a very long time that KP will have the flexibility to sign an impact free agent, do lopsided trades, or otherwise take on a player another team doesn't want to pay anymore.

As for just continuing to 'let it bake,' that's certainly an option, and if KP decides to do that this will still be a good team, but probably not a great team.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

As for just continuing to 'let it bake,' that's certainly an option, and if KP decides to do that this will still be a good team, but probably not a great team.

Put another way, Letting it Bake will cost us in Losses, just like a poor trade or draft choice would.

 

[hasoos]

I actually think the Blazers have little choice but to let things bake. The draft this year is poor in talent, and the Blazers pick late. The type of players the Blazers need (point guard) just really aren't that available because when teams get them, they keep them. Really since the Blazers chose not to deal RLEC, they have gone from having the golden ticket, to having no ticket to trade.

My only hope is that Bayless comes into camp pissed off next year ready to fight for playing time, shoring up one spot, and that Webster actually gets to come back and play next year, and solidifies the 3 spot. To be honest, both of those are huge dice rolls IMO.

 

[roydezlaw]

Put another way, Letting it Bake will cost us in Losses, just like a poor trade or draft choice would.

How can that cost us?

Oden, Batum, Rudy, Webster and Bayless have so much room for improvement. We should be much stronger next year without any additions.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I actually think the Blazers have little choice but to let things bake. The draft this year is poor in talent, and the Blazers pick late. The type of players the Blazers need (point guard) just really aren't that available because when teams get them, they keep them. Really since the Blazers chose not to deal RLEC, they have gone from having the golden ticket, to having no ticket to trade.

This is pessimistic, and I think and hope it is wrong. My prevailing theory on RLEC has been that KP blew it. However, it may be that other teams actually didn't want Outlaw - they wanted Batum - KP said "no, how about Webster" - they said "not until he's recovered". Hence, no RLEC trade.

My only hope is that Bayless comes into camp pissed off next year ready to fight for playing time, shoring up one spot, and that Webster actually gets to come back and play next year, and solidifies the 3 spot. To be honest, both of those are huge dice rolls IMO.

I was really hoping Bayless would take over starting PG in the second half of the season - didn't happen. Now I'm hoping it happens in training camp.

 

[crandc]

I actually think the Blazers have little choice but to let things bake. The draft this year is poor in talent, and the Blazers pick late. The type of players the Blazers need (point guard) just really aren't that available because when teams get them, they keep them. Really since the Blazers chose not to deal RLEC, they have gone from having the golden ticket, to having no ticket to trade.
QUOTE]

In KP we trust! He's had a knack for coming out of drafts with more than he had going in. And the Blazers should have cap room. Through in that they are a rising team, in a city known for its support, with an owner known for his deep pockets, and Portland could be a very attractive destination.

Speaking of cakes, I'm creating one for a special birthday next week, the Trellis Restaurant's Death by Chocolate. It takes 3 lbs of chocolate, a quart of cream, 10 eggs. A layer of cocoa meringue and two (round) brownie layers separated by dark chocolate mousse, the whole covered with dark chocolate ganache, then the top covered with concentric circles of stars piped in mocha mousse, served with mocha rum sauce. As a friend once joked, in a line that has become a classic, "all this and no calories!"

 

[Wizard Mentor]

How can that cost us?

Oden, Batum, Rudy, Webster and Bayless have so much room for improvement. We should be much stronger next year without any additions.

Simple. In fact "Letting it bake" has already cost us. If we had Gerald Wallace or Caron Butler, we'd still be playing this postseason. We are paying for our inaction right now. Even KP has acknowledged this. His point, which is very debatable, is that we will have more net wins down the road by our current inaction.

 

[Reep]

In KP we trust! He's had a knack for coming out of drafts with more than he had going in. And the Blazers should have cap room. Through in that they are a rising team, in a city known for its support, with an owner known for his deep pockets, and Portland could be a very attractive destination.

At some point, when KP calls other GMs up with a check for $3M, they would have to think "wait a minute, haven't I seen this somewhere before?" However, every year it seems to happe again. With the team economies they way they are (and a relatively weak draft) this may be the best year to spend that $3M.

I pretty much agree with the let it bake part. My only concern is that if Bayless doesn't step up as a starter, I think we have a real problem for our window. Sergio is done, I don't think PK is the answer. Blake is solid, but we need a little more.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

This is the summer for the Blazers to make a move:

-only summer Blazers will have cap space for a long time

-NBA is hurting financially and you are going to see teams salary dump this summer like never before . . I'm predicting trades that fans will be sratching their heads and owners will be doing to cut costs

-Blazers have an additional salary cap relief to offer teams via the trade exception they own

-Blazer have several players with reasonable contracts (relative to their production) to trade.

-Blazers have a rich and dedicated owner

I think this summer comes down to how much does PA want to open up the wallet. And this is not a given for PA. He will already have to max out Brandon and possibly Aldridge. To convince PA to shell out another 8 million escalating contract to bring in key player (knowing Oden will be looking for an extention, bastard can blow out the summer and still command a fat contract ) . . . in this fininacial environment is asking a lot, even from PA.

 

[hasoos]

At some point, when KP calls other GMs up with a check for $3M, they would have to think "wait a minute, haven't I seen this somewhere before?" However, every year it seems to happe again. With the team economies they way they are (and a relatively weak draft) this may be the best year to spend that $3M.

You know while I think it is great that KP has picked up draft picks over the years, the Blazers don't need any more young guys to develope. First of all, I don't see any draft picks this year that are worth obtaining. I would trade completely out of this draft. Secondly, the teams needs more guys to develope like they need a hole in the head.

 

[MAS RipCity]

People have been saying that Milwaukee could be in the market to selling their pick or severely trading down to save room to sign Sessions and Charlie V..24 and 3 mill for 10?

 

[crandc]

Yes, I've also heard that teams in financial trouble may sell picks. KP was able to buy Sergio & Rudy for (relatively) minor amounts of money; not even a draft pick was lost, let alone a player. If the Blazers can offer cash AND a retiring contract, they could buy a higher pick.

I am absolutely certain KP will work his magic again.

 

[Minstrel]

Really since the Blazers chose not to deal RLEC, they have gone from having the golden ticket, to having no ticket to trade.

Not true. The Blazers have cap space, which they can use similarly to the RLEC...to match salary on a bad contract. They also have expiring contracts in Blake and Outlaw, who also happen to be useful players. A team trading with the Blazers could trade for Blake and Outlaw, get two useful role-players for one season, and trim $16 million from their cap by next off-season...$8 million of it instantly.

That's a major trading chip, IMO.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Yes, I've also heard that teams in financial trouble may sell picks. KP was able to buy Sergio & Rudy for (relatively) minor amounts of money; not even a draft pick was lost, let alone a player. If the Blazers can offer cash AND a retiring contract, they could buy a higher pick.

I am absolutely certain KP will work his magic again.

I agree, but what's the point of the magic any more? Suppose we get a, say, #10 pick.

Are we going to draft a center?
Are we going to draft a PF? There may be some marginal minutes. (Which is why someone, MAS?, has Blair in their sig)
Are we going to draft another freaking SF?
Are we going to draft a third string 2G?
Are we going to draft PG #4?

There are no really good options. We've needed a consolidation trade for 2 years - we still need one. It is very unlikely we can get Rubio, so again, what's the point? With Raef gone and another draft pick in the fold, we'll likely again be the youngest team in the league - not a goal for a team that wants to compete for a championship immediately.

 

[Reep]

You know while I think it is great that KP has picked up draft picks over the years, the Blazers don't need any more young guys to develope. First of all, I don't see any draft picks this year that are worth obtaining. I would trade completely out of this draft. Secondly, the teams needs more guys to develope like they need a hole in the head.

I agree that Blazers don't really need young talent. However, I also believe that teams (outside of Memphis) don't give up quality player without baggage. You don't get the Chris Pauls, Deron Williams, Rajon Rondos through trades after they are established. The only way to get that level of talent is to bring it in through the draft.

I don't want to see another college Freshman on the roster, but a very experienced Junior or Senior (like Brandon was) could make an impact even next year. I'm thinking Lawson or Maynor (or Curry?). Some guys with real game and NCAA playoff experience. Nobody has played on as big a stage as Lawson over the last couple years. I think he could step in and run a team better than Bayless now (I do like Bayless though) because of his PG experience. Bayless may come on this next year. But if he doesn't, I would rather have someone other than Sergio or PK in the fold.

 

[Reep]

I agree, but what's the point of the magic any more? Suppose we get a, say, #10 pick.
. . . .
Are we going to draft PG #4?

Yes.

Although it is really PG #3. Sergio is done. PK is not ready (or talented enough?). You have Blake and Bayless (who also is not ready). If Sergio goes this summer, you have to bring someone in. Assuming you can't get the PG of your dreams through a trade, why not take choose between Flynn, Curry, Maynor and Lawson?

 

[Minstrel]

I agree, but what's the point of the magic any more?

To keep a constant infusion of young talent coming into the organization. You don't just build one team, shut off the talent pipeline and wait for that team to reach their mid-30s before you start looking for more players. If Pritchard is successful at finding good young talent every year, it allows the team to have replacements as players depart due to trades, free agent defections, injuries or age. In addition, the young talent can either be used in trade or can replace established players that you can trade for an upgrade elsewhere.

Every addition doesn't have to be aimed at being a crucial part of the next championship team. Draftees can add to depth and be the next wave. Or be trade bait. More talent is always good.

 

[LittleAlex]

I trust KP to draft well. I don't trust him to make any other kind of deal, mostly because he hasn't done any other kind of deal.

I believe Portland will stand pat. I haven't seen any quotes from the guys in charge that would lead me to believe otherwise.

That being the case, we better hope that Bayless, and Batum come into camp WAY better then they were this year.

The sad fact is that those guys can't just be better then the players we would like them to supplant. They have to be way better. Otherwise Nate will go with guys (Blake and Outlaw) he trusts and doom Portland to a first round exit in the playoffs for yet another year.

KP made a lot of noise about waiting to see how guys responded in the playoffs. Now that the playoffs are over, he says that it is unfair to judge a player based on a few games. WTF? Sounds like a cop out to me. Even if Portland goes to the finals every year for 5 years they won't play even one regular season's worth of games. How many games are you going to allow a player to lose for you before you decide they aren't the answer?

 

[hasoos]

I agree that Blazers don't really need young talent. However, I also believe that teams (outside of Memphis) don't give up quality player without baggage. You don't get the Chris Pauls, Deron Williams, Rajon Rondos through trades after they are established. The only way to get that level of talent is to bring it in through the draft.

I don't want to see another college Freshman on the roster, but a very experienced Junior or Senior (like Brandon was) could make an impact even next year. I'm thinking Lawson or Maynor (or Curry?). Some guys with real game and NCAA playoff experience. Nobody has played on as big a stage as Lawson over the last couple years. I think he could step in and run a team better than Bayless now (I do like Bayless though) because of his PG experience. Bayless may come on this next year. But if he doesn't, I would rather have someone other than Sergio or PK in the fold.

I agree with you on the having somebody besides Sergio and PK in the fold. The thing about the baggage though, is there is talk that their is a player available if you will take the financial baggage. That guy is Chris Paul, but you would have to take a bad contract or two along with it. There have been several rumors, and the whole fact they tried to trade Tyson Chandler, tends to speak to this. New Orleans has 70 million dollars on the books for a team that got whiped out in the first round and underachieved. I think there is an opportunity there, but the question is, how much would it cost.