Game Thread GAME# 16: BLAZERS @ WIZARDS - NOVEMBER 18, 2018 - SUNDAY, 3:00 PM , NBCSNW

[illmatic99]

After the game, someone from the Wizards was talking to Dame for an extended time on the court. All I saw was the back of his head but it looked like maybe Porter? He could've been saying to get him outta Washington.

Wall.

 

[Scalma]

Yeah no thanks to Porter. $80m to hope this year is just a fluke? Nope. Rather have Oubre, but I’m not even sure he’s better than Layman. You give Layman ten shots a game and he might put up superior numbers. I’d take another Layman though, especially if we’re not getting Harkless back.

 

[PHXBlazer1]

I'd take Morris

 

[kjironman1]

I'd take Morris

Yeah Morris 8.6 mil and expiring.

 

[kjironman1]

Wall.

And there is absolutely no way Wall comes here for that money. Jumps from 19 to 37 million next year.

 

[hoopsjock]

Wall.

Are you sure? It might not have been Porter but I was 99% sure it wasn't Wall.

 

[hoopsjock]

For 26 million, he's not going anywhere easy.

We complain about Meyers and Turner, but holy shit is he overpaid.

No question he's overpaid but I think he's being used completely wrong in that system. Porter can shoot, create his own shot, and is an above average defender with length. The only real negative about him is that his assist numbers aren't great but it's hard to tell sometimes if that is due to the selfish nature of the Wizards or if he lacks court vision. Look at guys like Plumlee and Nurkic who didn't have a reputation of being decent passers until they came to Portland.

 

[kjironman1]

No question he's overpaid but I think he's being used completely wrong in that system. Porter can shoot, create his own shot, and is an above average defender with length. The only real negative about him is that his assist numbers aren't great but it's hard to tell sometimes if that is due to the selfish nature of the Wizards or if he lacks court vision. Look at guys like Plumlee and Nurkic who didn't have a reputation of being decent passers until they came to Portland.

There isn't a system anywhere that could use him RIGHT for the money he will make in the next few years. He just isn't that good.
I agree Porter could help and even Morris could help this team.
Fixed that.

 

[hoopsjock]

There isn't a system anywhere that could use him RIGHT for the money he will make in the next few years. He just isn't that good.
I agree Porter could help and even Morris could help this team.
Fixed that.

I agree that his contract makes it near impossible to produce enough to warrant it, but I think Porter could be a much better player on a team where he was more of a focal point. For example if Washington didn't match Brooklyn's offer sheet I think he'd probably be putting up about 20 points and 7 boards a game for the Nets on somewhat similar percentages, unlike Crabbe who saw his percentages plummet when he was asked to do more on offense. Porter also is a decent defender.

So not worth the money but a definite upgrade in my opinion. The question becomes is it worth overpaying someone who would upgrade your lineup when you are over the cap and can't get that upgrade via free agency?

 

[kjironman1]

I agree that his contract makes it near impossible to produce enough to warrant it, but I think Porter could be a much better player on a team where he was more of a focal point. For example if Washington didn't match Brooklyn's offer sheet I think he'd probably be putting up about 20 points and 7 boards a game for the Nets on somewhat similar percentages, unlike Crabbe who saw his percentages plummet when he was asked to do more on offense. Porter also is a decent defender.

So not worth the money but a definite upgrade in my opinion. The question becomes is it worth overpaying someone who would upgrade your lineup when you are over the cap and can't get that upgrade via free agency?

You know i always like the way you look at it. We are going to have to go over the cap and stay there to get this team better. I guess the only question is are they close enough to make a real run? Seems like this year could be a good year to try. The Warriors are obviously the best but they have a few chinks in the armor. Lebron is great but he can be beat this year. Maybe not next? Houston can be beat by the right team. The rest are not substantially better than Portland. This might be the year to go for it and try to get lucky? It is sad that ownership right now is up in the air? The Blazers need Paul Allen right about now.

 

[hoopsjock]

You know i always like the way you look at it. We are going to have to go over the cap and stay there to get this team better. I guess the only question is are they close enough to make a real run? Seems like this year could be a good year to try. The Warriors are obviously the best but they have a few chinks in the armor. Lebron is great but he can be beat this year. Maybe not next? Houston can be beat by the right team. The rest are not substantially better than Portland. This might be the year to go for it and try to get lucky? It is sad that ownership right now is up in the air? The Blazers need Paul Allen right about now.

Also, trading for a guy like Porter would only have an effect on the cap in the 3rd year assuming we gave them some combination of Leonard, Turner, or Harkless (if he could pass a damn physical).

Does getting Porter get them closer to contending?
I think it makes them better this year but not over the top unless GS completely implodes (keep in mind they will most likely still be adding Cousins to the mix later on this year). So you would have neutral salary impact for two years and then a big cap hit for one year in 2020-2021 for what likely will amount to a slight to moderate tick up in the playoffs but definitely not a title contender still. Another thing is that Dame, CJ, and Porter would all be on the same contract length so in the summer of 2021 they could just decide to tear it all down like in 2015 with a new owner, GM, and coach.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Also, trading for a guy like Porter would only have an effect on the cap in the 3rd year assuming we gave them some combination of Leonard, Turner, or Harkless (if he could pass a damn physical).

Does getting Porter get them closer to contending?
I think it makes them better this year but not over the top unless GS completely implodes (keep in mind they will most likely still be adding Cousins to the mix later on this year). So you would have neutral salary impact for two years and then a big cap hit for one year in 2020-2021 for what likely will amount to a slight to moderate tick up in the playoffs but definitely not a title contender still. One thing to keep in mind is that Dame, CJ, and Porter would all be on the same contract length so in the summer of 2021 they could just decide to tear it all down like in 2015 with a new owner, GM, and coach.

Im not sure if that makes them better, it kind of depends on if Harkless’ knee works itself out. I think Aminu is somewhat untradeable right now because of defense. Not that he’s Scottie Pippen but he’s the only guy on the team right now you can put on the other teams best player and at least expect him to make it tough on them. Is Porter that guy? I dont think so. Harkless could be if his knee is right and if theres no lasting marks on his athleticism from this injury.
I guess I just wonder how much they lose defensively with Porter compared to Aminu.

 

[kjironman1]

Im not sure if that makes them better, it kind of depends on if Harkless’ knee works itself out. I think Aminu is somewhat untradeable right now because of defense. Not that he’s Scottie Pippen but he’s the only guy on the team right now you can put on the other teams best player and at least expect him to make it tough on them. Is Porter that guy? I dont think so. Harkless could be if his knee is right and if theres no lasting marks on his athleticism from this injury.
I guess I just wonder how much they lose defensively with Porter compared to Aminu.

That’s what I’m thinking also. I don’t think it makes them much better if any at all? To me why not just take on Morris and get an expiring contract for like Meyers? Of course they would have to agree to it which might be a pipe dream?

 

[hoopsjock]

Im not sure if that makes them better, it kind of depends on if Harkless’ knee works itself out. I think Aminu is somewhat untradeable right now because of defense. Not that he’s Scottie Pippen but he’s the only guy on the team right now you can put on the other teams best player and at least expect him to make it tough on them. Is Porter that guy? I dont think so. Harkless could be if his knee is right and if theres no lasting marks on his athleticism from this injury.
I guess I just wonder how much they lose defensively with Porter compared to Aminu.

Are you assuming we'd give up Aminu? I know I posted that crazy one with getting Melo too in the Trade Idea thread but most of the other ideas seem to be built around Turner and Leonard.

In my opinion Porter is about equal to Aminu defensively. If it was possible to just swap those two (I know it doesn't work, just making a point), I think you wouldn't notice much difference defensively but you'd see a noticeable upgrade offensively as Porter is a career 40% 3 point shooter, is 7% higher for his career on 2pt attempts, and can create his own shot better than Aminu.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Are you assuming we'd give up Aminu? I know I posted that crazy one with getting Melo too in the Trade Idea thread but most of the other ideas seem to be built around Turner and Leonard.

In my opinion Porter is about equal to Aminu defensively. If it was possible to just swap those two (I know it doesn't work, just making a point), I think you wouldn't notice much difference defensively but you'd see a noticeable upgrade offensively as Porter is a career 40% 3 point shooter, is 7% higher for his career on 2pt attempts, and can create his own shot better than Aminu.

I dunno, maybe team defense you’re right. I admit I try not too watch too many wizards games (lol). Porter has never struck me as a dude you could stick on an island and think he’s gonna at least make it tough, but maybe Im wrong. I agree he’s an offensive upgrade.
In my opinion though when the Blazers lose its usually about defense and thats where I think Zach and Aminu make their money.
Maybe Porter id better on that end then I think?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Are you assuming we'd give up Aminu? I know I posted that crazy one with getting Melo too in the Trade Idea thread but most of the other ideas seem to be built around Turner and Leonard.

In my opinion Porter is about equal to Aminu defensively. If it was possible to just swap those two (I know it doesn't work, just making a point), I think you wouldn't notice much difference defensively but you'd see a noticeable upgrade offensively as Porter is a career 40% 3 point shooter, is 7% higher for his career on 2pt attempts, and can create his own shot better than Aminu.

Oh and sorry I was looking at the trade machine thing you linked. If they could get him for ET and ML or something like that, definitely a yes from me. I should look at Porter more before I pass judgement on his defense.

 

[hoopsjock]

Oh and sorry I was looking at the trade machine thing you linked. If they could get him for ET and ML or something like that, definitely a yes from me. I should look at Porter more before I pass judgement on his defense.

Porter is quick, super lengthy, and gets steals. There is no reason he couldn't in theory do everything that Aminu does defensively.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Porter is quick, super lengthy, and gets steals. There is no reason he couldn't in theory do everything that Aminu does defensively.

Fair enough. I've just never seen him really do it. I think there a lot of guys who could be good defenders if they wanted too... I'll assume you've watched more wizards games than I have, so if you think he could do what Aminu does (or close to it) on defense than I guess I don't really have much to say about it.

 

[B-Roy]

Porter is the perfect fit for this team. I would trade anything outside of our big 3 and Collins for him.

 

[illmatic99]

Porter is the perfect fit for this team. I would trade anything outside of our big 3 and Collins for him.

Even with that contract? I agree on his fit. But that $ is glaring.

 

[CupWizier]

Im not sure if that makes them better, it kind of depends on if Harkless’ knee works itself out. I think Aminu is somewhat untradeable right now because of defense. Not that he’s Scottie Pippen but he’s the only guy on the team right now you can put on the other teams best player and at least expect him to make it tough on them. Is Porter that guy? I dont think so. Harkless could be if his knee is right and if theres no lasting marks on his athleticism from this injury.
I guess I just wonder how much they lose defensively with Porter compared to Aminu.

Word last night was that Harkless was working out and said that he expected to play some time on the road trip. Hopefully he can get on the floor.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Word last night was that Harkless was working out and said that he expected to play some time on the road trip. Hopefully he can get on the floor.

I hope so, I feel like Ive heard he’s almodt ready all season so far. I realize the seasons still young.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

Porter is quick, super lengthy, and gets steals. There is no reason he couldn't in theory do everything that Aminu does defensively.

Although Aminu weighs about 20 pounds more and his wingspan is longer by 1 3/4 inch. Does Porter guard Lebron when they play him?

 

[illmatic99]

Did we break them?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Did we break them?

I think Wall and Beal did. I know the numbers like them, but I've never seen either one as franchise guys, but they both think they are.

 

[hoopsjock]

I think Wall and Beal did. I know the numbers like them, but I've never seen either one as franchise guys, but they both think they are.

Beal was a lot better when Wall was out and he was the one leading the team. I'm not sure how a guy in Oregon can notice that and the Wizards can't.

 

[JDC]

Great video from a former Wizards employee.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Beal was a lot better when Wall was out and he was the one leading the team. I'm not sure how a guy in Oregon can notice that and the Wizards can't.

I maybe see 6-7 wizards games a year, so take that for what its worth. Beal can flat out score but he’s a me first player, and I dont just mean he’s a ball stopper, I just mean he takes the credit when things are good, dishes the fault when things go bad. He’s selfish from everything Ive ever seen or heard.
Walls kind of the same and he and Beal kind play into each other. When the teams good their quick to jump up and say how awesome they are. When the team struggles they both jump up and down and whine about all the other guys on the team.
Dame doesnt do that, heck even CJ doesnt do that and you could argue that CJ’s game is selfish to an extent.

 

[hoopsjock]

I maybe see 6-7 wizards games a year, so take that for what its worth. Beal can flat out score but he’s a me first player, and I dont just mean he’s a ball stopper, I just mean he takes the credit when things are good, dishes the fault when things go bad. He’s selfish from everything Ive ever seen or heard.
Walls kind of the same and he and Beal kind play into each other. When the teams good their quick to jump up and say how awesome they are. When the team struggles they both jump up and down and whine about all the other guys on the team.
Dame doesnt do that, heck even CJ doesnt do that and you could argue that CJ’s game is selfish to an extent.

This is exactly why I think Porter would be a much better player here.

All I know is that when Wall was out they played cohesively and just about every one of them made some sort of remark on twitter or in an interview about the mood or passing or whatever being better. When an organization is that dysfunctional it's hard to tell if a player really is a problem or just a product of that system, especially since guys like Wall, Beal, and Porter have only played for them.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Great video from a former Wizards employee.

I'm only about half way into this and some of his calls are good but I think he's wrong on a couple of those. A few of those he points out Wall for his defense, but there was NO ONE on the interior, your PF or Center gotta be down there to help out, Dwight shouldn't be 20 feet away from the basket...
edit: for the record I like the video it's an interesting perspective!