Future of the Blazers w/o Oden (1 Viewer)

[Fez Hammersticks]

This was an idea I heard on 1080 the other day and thought about it a little bit and it makes a lot of sense.

With close to $40m off the cap after this season we're only going to have three contracts on the books that exceed $6m a year. LaMarcus ($13m), Wesley ($6m), Batum ($TBD); we're going to have a lot of flexibility to basically build the roster around these three from scratch.

Step 1: Ease LaMarcus into the Center position. He had a PER of 23-ish last season while playing the five and has been durable throughout his career. His body has matured and was very comfortable playing close to the hoop -- this was key to his breakout.

Step 2: Throw a front-loaded max (or near max) offer to Kevin Love. His high-post passing and consistent mid-range jumpshot, he'd be a perfect fit next to LaMarcus. He's a hometown guy and loves in here. With Derrick Williams waiting in the wings, a natural PF, they'll have a big decision to make. Kevin Love has already dropped hints that he wants out, too.

Step 3: Sign Freeland. He's eligible to come over after this season ($2m buyout). Has polished his game and will be 25 and likely an instant impact guy. His game will translate.

PG: TBD (Felton?)
SG: Matthews
SF: Batum
PF: Love
C: Aldridge

The slow torture of waiting for Oden has taken it's toll. Four years in a row is too much. It's time to cut bait and except it and build for a future we can count on.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I personally think Love should be the #1 target next season.

 

[e_blazer]

Given that Love's going to be a restricted free agent, I wouldn't hold my breath on this plan working out.

 

[HailBlazers]

While LMA excelled at C last year it's not making the most out of him IMO

In order for him to have lots of energy on the offensive end and be that #1 option we need another big-man in the game to guard the opposing teams C. The less LMA has to do on the defensive end, the more productive and clutch he'll be on O (see Dirk).

 

[Pinwheel1]

Not a bad Plan. I do agree he and LMA would fit well together. They would be solid on offense, but the D would be so so.

 

[Draco]

TWolves would be guaranteed to match. Love would have trade value greater than his contract value. Even if Williams ends up being better than Love and they only want one they'd keep Love to ship him out in a trade. There would be plenty of enticing offers.

 

[<-=*PdX*=->]

I was think about this earlier myself. I think bringing in Love would be a great move. It would be nice to have a home town kid on the team once again, even though I know a lot of people dislike him. He would be an instant fan favorite once playing in a Blazers uni.