Game Thread GAME# 71: MAVERICKS @ BLAZERS - MARCH 20, 2019 - WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM, NBCSNW

[Scalma]

Ehhh, this is much like the discussions we had when Blake Griffin was a free agent last. Our current salary structure makes it a pretty good guess that any free agent this summer who will make more than the MLE is unattainable. We need to find teams with both a player we want and that would be interested in CJ.

Obviously these are just guesses but Pistons would probably be interested in CJ. Same with New Orleans, especially if Boston isn’t willing to give up Tatum, or if Irving walks.

 

[hoopsjock]

Obviously these are just guesses but Pistons would probably be interested in CJ. Same with New Orleans, especially if Boston isn’t willing to give up Tatum, or if Irving walks.

The Pistons to me are going to go one of two ways: Keep trying to add pieces to Griffin or blow it up. If they blow it up I find it hard to believe it would cost CJ to take on Blake's contract.

For the Pelicans, an offer of CJ, Collins, Simons/Trent, and a 1st or two is still a solid offer for Davis and Solomon Hill.

 

[H.C.]

Poeltl has averaged over 20 minutes a game the past two months, and over 23 in March, which coincides with San Antonio’s recent success. You want to be aggressively ignorant, fine, just keep it away from me.

WOW THE SPURS ONLY PLAYED 7 GAMES IN TWO MONTHS?
Calls someone ignorant when Poeltl only got over 20 minutes in 7 games in the last two months.
Shut the front door.
I wonder why that is? Hm... Could it be because Aldridge is too slow to play the 4 in todays NBA?
Could it be that he's a 5 nowadays?
Or could it be that pop is a moron who doesn't play Poeltl enough.
Yeah I'm going with pop is a moron. Worst coach in the NBA.
I mean shit the guy plays Rudy Gay at the 5.

 

[Scalma]

WOW THE SPURS ONLY PLAYED 7 GAMES IN TWO MONTHS?
Calls someone ignorant when Poeltl only got over 20 minutes in 7 games in the last two months.
Shut the front door.
I wonder why that is? Hm... Could it be because Aldridge is too slow to play the 4 in todays NBA?
Could it be that he's a 5 nowadays?
Or could it be that pop is a moron who doesn't play Poeltl enough.
Yeah I'm going with pop is a moron. Worst coach in the NBA.
I mean shit the guy plays Rudy Gay at the 5.

Poeltl last ten games: 25mpg. San Antonios record? 9-1. But yeah Aldridge could neeeever play next to Nurkic. FOH.

Go away.

 

[kjironman1]

Ehhh, this is much like the discussions we had when Blake Griffin was a free agent last. Our current salary structure makes it a pretty good guess that any free agent this summer who will make more than the MLE is unattainable. We need to find teams with both a player we want and that would be interested in CJ.

Not really. At least this time you actually agreed there is always a way.

 

[kjironman1]

.....to me are going to go one of two ways:

This is why i say we don't know. You are just guessing. Not that you could not be right. But still just a fan guessing.

 

[hoopsjock]

Not really. At least this time you actually agreed there is always a way.

Brogdon will be a restricted free agent but I'll play along (just as I did 2 years ago with Blake when I said "virtually impossible").

What would it take to get the Bucks to let him go? A max offer? Lets say for the sake of this discussion it's a 4 year deal for $20 million per year.

The Blazers would have to clear at least $40 million in salary AND let Aminu, Curry, and Hood walk. Keeping Layman would be tricky if he signed an offer sheet before we got Brogdon to sign. Kanter would be gone as well.

So it would require somehow dumping Turner, Harkless, and Leonard for nothing in return too. Or trading CJ and Turner for nothing. Then we run into problems with roster holds but I'll ignore that for your sake.

After pulling all that off we would still have to convince Brogdon to leave the Bucks for the Blazers and get the Bucks to not match.

What about a sign-and-trade though? Our current salary situation basically restricts it. On top of that the Bucks aren't going to want guys like Turner and Leonard for Brogdon as they are trying to win not tank.

Virtually. Impossible.

 

[hoopsjock]

This is why i say we don't know. You are just guessing. Not that you could not be right. But still just a fan guessing.

Actually I do know. I know for a fact that Detroit's problem is that their owner wants to win now and hasn't yet budged on that stance. If he doesn't budge, they aren't trading Griffin. If he does budge there are only a couple of teams that would risk trading for Griffin and that mega contract.

 

[Scalma]

The Pistons to me are going to go one of two ways: Keep trying to add pieces to Griffin or blow it up. If they blow it up I find it hard to believe it would cost CJ to take on Blake's contract.

For the Pelicans, an offer of CJ, Collins, Simons/Trent, and a 1st or two is still a solid offer for Davis and Solomon Hill.

Blake does have a massive contract but if we’re looking at this objectively, he’s still a better player than CJ. I just can’t see a guy like Blake being salary dumped. They’ll want more than just cap savings, even if that’s their primary motivation.

 

[hoopsjock]

Blake does have a massive contract but if we’re looking at this objectively, he’s still a better player than CJ. I just can’t see a guy like Blake being salary dumped. They’ll want more than just cap savings, even if that’s their primary motivation.

I do agree that they'd want more than a salary dump. The problem is I don't think they'd get what they want. A salary dump with Collins, Simons/Trent, and 2 1sts isn't exactly just a dump either and I doubt they'd get more than that.

 

[Scalma]

I do agree that they'd want more than a salary dump. The problem is I don't think they'd get what they want. A salary dump with Collins, Simons/Trent, and 2 1sts isn't exactly just a dump either and I doubt they'd get more than that.

What would you rather give up as a Blazer fan though; CJ McCollum and salary filler (think Meyers) or Collins, one of Trent and Simons, and two firsts? I’d rather just give them CJ. I also don’t know how a Dame, CJ, Blake trio would work. CJ would have to sacrifice what he likes to do the most.

 

[Labinot41]

Barton is a 3 and D SG? That's news to me. I appreciate that you've wanted CJ traded for 4 years now but Barton is a pretty big downgrade.

Offtopic question, in the english lesson i had to write an essay, and i wrote the same sentence as you: thats news to me, and my english teacher said that was wrong Grammatical, wtf is wrong with that sentence if even you as a native speaker write that

 

[hoopsjock]

What would you rather give up as a Blazer fan though; CJ McCollum and salary filler (think Meyers) or Collins, one of Trent and Simons, and two firsts? I’d rather just give them CJ. I also don’t know how a Dame, CJ, Blake trio would work. CJ would have to sacrifice what he likes to do the most.

Not giving up CJ allows us to trade him somewhere else though. I know you want CJ off the team but we could likely use him to balance the roster around Dame, Nurk, and Blake.

 

[hoopsjock]

Offtopic question, in the english lesson i had to write an essay, and i wrote the same sentence as you: thats news to me, and my english teacher said that was wrong Grammatical, wtf is wrong with that sentence if even you as a native speaker write that

Often in texts and posts we shorten statements/words or take out words that we know are not necessary. For example the first question would have to be something like "Would you consider Barton to be a shooting guard who is a three point shooter and plays defense well?

 

[Scalma]

Not giving up CJ allows us to trade him somewhere else though. I know you want CJ off the team but we could likely use him to balance the roster around Dame, Nurk, and Blake.

I actually don’t want him off the team unless I know we’re getting an upgrade. For example, I wouldn’t do that CJ/Aaron Gordon trade that’s been thrown around before.

 

[jlprk]

Offtopic question, in the english lesson i had to write an essay, and i wrote the same sentence as you: thats news to me, and my english teacher said that was wrong Grammatical, wtf is wrong with that sentence if even you as a native speaker write that

Je ne le savais pas. C'est nouveau pour moi.

 

[kjironman1]

Brogdon will be a restricted free agent but I'll play along (just as I did 2 years ago with Blake when I said "virtually impossible").

What would it take to get the Bucks to let him go? A max offer? Lets say for the sake of this discussion it's a 4 year deal for $20 million per year.

The Blazers would have to clear at least $40 million in salary AND let Aminu, Curry, and Hood walk. Keeping Layman would be tricky if he signed an offer sheet before we got Brogdon to sign. Kanter would be gone as well.

So it would require somehow dumping Turner, Harkless, and Leonard for nothing in return too. Or trading CJ and Turner for nothing. Then we run into problems with roster holds but I'll ignore that for your sake.

After pulling all that off we would still have to convince Brogdon to leave the Bucks for the Blazers and get the Bucks to not match.

What about a sign-and-trade though? Our current salary situation basically restricts it. On top of that the Bucks aren't going to want guys like Turner and Leonard for Brogdon as they are trying to win not tank.

Virtually. Impossible.

So many assumptions but i can play along also. Okay he can't come here. Like i said. This is an entertainment business and we ain't the ring leader.

 

[kjironman1]

Actually I do know. I know for a fact that Detroit's problem is that their owner wants to win now and hasn't yet budged on that stance. If he doesn't budge, they aren't trading Griffin. If he does budge there are only a couple of teams that would risk trading for Griffin and that mega contract.

But you just said they are either going to continue to try to "Win Now" or they will "Blow it up". Now you are saying you "Know for a fact that Detroit's problem is that their owner wants to win now...."
You're all over the place Hoops. I totally understand that you are very knowledgeable but you just don't know what is happening and when. Pure speculation on your part. Usually very complete and interesting to read but still speculation. You just don't know because you are a fan. Plain and simple.

 

[CupWizier]

So many assumptions but i can play along also. Okay he can't come here. Like i said. This is an entertainment business and we ain't the ring leader.

Also seems strange that a game thread turned into a trade thread, lol.

 

[hoopsjock]

But you just said they are either going to continue to try to "Win Now" or they will "Blow it up". Now you are saying you "Know for a fact that Detroit's problem is that their owner wants to win now...."
You're all over the place Hoops. I totally understand that you are very knowledgeable but you just don't know what is happening and when. Pure speculation on your part. Usually very complete and interesting to read but still speculation. You just don't know because you are a fan. Plain and simple.

KJ, you don't know if I have some sort of connection to the Detroit front office or not so you can dismiss me as just a Blazer fan that knows nothing about other teams but please don't mischaracterize what I said. I am not all over the place, your interpretation of what I'm saying is the issue.

Here is what is going on in Detroit:

The owner wants to win. He doesn't want to rebuild, hence them trading for Griffin in the first place. At the same time he has people in his ear letting him know this version of the Pistons is just too far away from competing even with Drummond and Griffin. He entertained starting the rebuild at the trade deadline but ultimately decided against it. IF he doesn't soften that stance they aren't going to trade Griffin, it's pretty much that simple.

Logically it makes sense to rebuild. The team is barely in the playoffs in the East with Griffin and Drummond having huge years. I think that is pretty clear to everyone but the owner. So yes there are too possible outcomes, he could continue demanding this team competes in which case they will be stuck around the same spot they currently reside in at best or he could see the light and rebuild.

 

[hoopsjock]

So many assumptions but i can play along also. Okay he can't come here. Like i said. This is an entertainment business and we ain't the ring leader.

What in that post is an assumption?

You don't think the Bucks will make Brogdon a restricted free agent for the really small qualifying offer?

Or do you think the Blazers can somehow magically erase guaranteed contracts this summer to be players in free agents?

 

[CupWizier]

KJ, you don't know if I have some sort of connection to the Detroit front office or not so you can dismiss me as just a Blazer fan that knows nothing about other teams but please don't mischaracterize what I said. I am not all over the place, your interpretation of what I'm saying is the issue.

Here is what is going on in Detroit:

The owner wants to win. He doesn't want to rebuild, hence them trading for Griffin in the first place. At the same time he has people in his ear letting him know this version of the Pistons is just too far away from competing even with Drummond and Griffin. He entertained starting the rebuild at the trade deadline but ultimately decided against it. IF he doesn't soften that stance they aren't going to trade Griffin, it's pretty much that simple.

Logically it makes sense to rebuild. The team is barely in the playoffs in the East with Griffin and Drummond having huge years. I think that is pretty clear to everyone but the owner. So yes there are too possible outcomes, he could continue demanding this team competes in which case they will be stuck around the same spot they currently reside in at best or he could see the light and rebuild.

Do you have connections to the Pistons front office and do they share trade information with you?

 

[hoopsjock]

Do you have connections to the Pistons front office and do they share trade information with you?

I'm certainly not going to share the extent of my connections on a public forum but I'm not privy to specific trade scenarios or every transaction they are considering. Otherwise I'd know if Blake Griffin was the player with a significant contract Olshey said he almost acquired at the trade deadline.

I do hate when someone says or implies that someone's posts are bullshit because they're just a fan or haven't played the game or haven't been a coach/GM. It's possible to be well informed and know what you talking about but not have the opportunity to be a part of a pro sports team.

 

[CupWizier]

I'm certainly not going to share the extent of my connections on a public forum but I'm not privy to specific trade scenarios or every transaction they are considering. Otherwise I'd know if Blake Griffin was the player with a significant contract Olshey said he almost acquired at the trade deadline.

I do hate when someone says or implies that someone's posts are bullshit because they're just a fan or haven't played the game or haven't been a coach/GM. It's possible to be well informed and know what you talking about but not have the opportunity to be a part of a pro sports team.

We all have opinions. I think the point kj was making that it's pure speculation which is fine. You never did answer my question though as it had nothing to do with revealing anything. You told kj that he didn't know if you had connections with the Pistons management so I simply asked if you did.

 

[Scalma]

I'm certainly not going to share the extent of my connections on a public forum but I'm not privy to specific trade scenarios or every transaction they are considering. Otherwise I'd know if Blake Griffin was the player with a significant contract Olshey said he almost acquired at the trade deadline.

I do hate when someone says or implies that someone's posts are bullshit because they're just a fan or haven't played the game or haven't been a coach/GM. It's possible to be well informed and know what you talking about but not have the opportunity to be a part of a pro sports team.

It’s usually a last resort when they’ve got nothing else.

 

[kjironman1]

KJ, you don't know if I have some sort of connection to the Detroit front office or not so you can dismiss me as just a Blazer fan that knows nothing about other teams but please don't mischaracterize what I said. I am not all over the place, your interpretation of what I'm saying is the issue.

Here is what is going on in Detroit:

The owner wants to win. He doesn't want to rebuild, hence them trading for Griffin in the first place. At the same time he has people in his ear letting him know this version of the Pistons is just too far away from competing even with Drummond and Griffin. He entertained starting the rebuild at the trade deadline but ultimately decided against it. IF he doesn't soften that stance they aren't going to trade Griffin, it's pretty much that simple.

Logically it makes sense to rebuild. The team is barely in the playoffs in the East with Griffin and Drummond having huge years. I think that is pretty clear to everyone but the owner. So yes there are too possible outcomes, he could continue demanding this team competes in which case they will be stuck around the same spot they currently reside in at best or he could see the light and rebuild.

Okay. I guess i'll just assume you have a connection to the Detroit Pistons and we will leave it at that. Honestly i'm not really sure how this got on Blake Griffin because i personally don't think he would fit here anyway. But I AM just a fan so what do i know? Originally this was about CJ and finding a player that might work in his stead. @BonesJones brought up Brogdon and i really like that idea but what i posted was i think he is gonna get paid. I think you agreed with that? But again I AM just a fan so what do i know? This is exactly why i don't even post here in the off season. The conversation never stays on topic and the results of the conversation never yield anything "Entertaining". From now on i will assume you have ties to the Detroit Pistons and you are completely in tune with that organization. So that would mean you probably are not allowed to be privy to what is going on with the Blazers as that would be like corporate espionage or something. Pretty sure Olshey doesn't want the Pistons knowing all his info. Pretty safe to assume Woj isn't in your back pocket either right?
Seriously though just keep on doing what you do. It's fun to read sometimes.

Kjironman is a fan of @hoopsjock !!!

 

[kjironman1]

It’s usually a last resort when they’ve got nothing else.

Honestly i wasn't even disagreeing. I was just saying "We are fans so it's all speculation". Which in my case it most certainly is just speculation.

 

[kjironman1]

It's possible to be well informed and know what you talking about

Sure it's possible. But how many times have you actually called a trade or a move a team makes before it's common knowledge? When you make 20 or 30 different possibilities and say "That's one of the scenarios i was talking about" after Woj breaks the story then it kind of loses it's luster. Look everyone was sure Davis was going to LA. Didn't happen YET! Will it happen? Sure maybe. Could it be somewhere else? Sure. But to say i called that if he signs with Boston would be a little weak at this point. Unless you go on record saying that is what will happen and there ain't no other option. Seriously. Would Detroit be in the mix for Davis? Could they be?

 

[hoopsjock]

Okay. I guess i'll just assume you have a connection to the Detroit Pistons and we will leave it at that. Honestly i'm not really sure how this got on Blake Griffin because i personally don't think he would fit here anyway. But I AM just a fan so what do i know? Originally this was about CJ and finding a player that might work in his stead. @BonesJones brought up Brogdon and i really like that idea but what i posted was i think he is gonna get paid. I think you agreed with that? But again I AM just a fan so what do i know? This is exactly why i don't even post here in the off season. The conversation never stays on topic and the results of the conversation never yield anything "Entertaining". From now on i will assume you have ties to the Detroit Pistons and you are completely in tune with that organization. So that would mean you probably are not allowed to be privy to what is going on with the Blazers as that would be like corporate espionage or something. Pretty sure Olshey doesn't want the Pistons knowing all his info. Pretty safe to assume Woj isn't in your back pocket either right?
Seriously though just keep on doing what you do. It's fun to read sometimes.

Kjironman is a fan of @hoopsjock !!!

You replied twice to posts Scalma and I had discussing Blake Griffin, that's how it got to Detroit.

As for Brogdon, please tell me what in my post was an assumption? You tend to do this kind of stuff every once in awhile where you call out a post but then don't really back up why that person is wrong.

 

[hoopsjock]

Sure it's possible. But how many times have you actually called a trade or a move a team makes before it's common knowledge? When you make 20 or 30 different possibilities and say "That's one of the scenarios i was talking about" after Woj breaks the story then it kind of loses it's luster. Look everyone was sure Davis was going to LA. Didn't happen YET! Will it happen? Sure maybe. Could it be somewhere else? Sure. But to say i called that if he signs with Boston would be a little weak at this point. Unless you go on record saying that is what will happen and there ain't no other option. Seriously. Would Detroit be in the mix for Davis? Could they be?

What? You are confusing knowledge of the cap and directions of franchises with being a journalist who breaks stories. I've known you for a long time, when have I ever tried to give myself props for calling a trade like that? I was one of the people who thought what the Lakers were offering was crap and I wouldn't have taken it either.

Take the Brogdon thing for example, as I laid out it is almost impossible for the Blazers to acquire him this summer. That doesn't mean that the Blazers don't want him or that they couldn't pursue him at the deadline next year or that he ends up with another team. I'm not trying to brag about being right about it, but that is pretty much a fact not an assumption. I also don't think it's speculation that the #1 team in the East wouldn't want to give away one of their best players for a bunch of crappy players on expiring contracts and draft picks so it's weird to just dismiss that opinion.