Hickson or Pekovic

[Nikolokolus]

I'd say his footwork is pretty finesse.

That's not finesse, that's just skill.

 

[Rhal]

I really don't know what the best option is. I like all the of/c options coming due this offseason. But I keep hearing that player X is not a good match for LA. So, what should we be looking for? Next to LA I would think we want a rebounder and rim protector. Hick, pek, Millsap and big al all seem like good rebounders, but none are rim protectors

We don't need a Rim protector as much as a paint protector which all 4 of those guys can do. 2 of them are okay to good defenders (pek/millsap) and 2 are big bodies that are below average defenders (Big Al/Hick). A rim protector would be nice, but if we have guys who know how to prevent open slashers from getting into the paint then that will take out the need for a big who gets over 1.5 blocks a game. For the record, only 9 PF's and 11 C's avg more then 1.5 blocks a game. 3 of those C's, and 4 of the PF's avg under 25m a game.
LA is almost there with 1.4B a game. Having a big who blocks shots isn't really a staple anymore, we can do just fine with a B who doesn't let people into the paint and closing the Slashing lanes on offense.

 

[Further]

We don't need a Rim protector as much as a paint protector which all 4 of those guys can do. 2 of them are okay to good defenders (pek/millsap) and 2 are big bodies that are below average defenders (Big Al/Hick). A rim protector would be nice, but if we have guys who know how to prevent open slashers from getting into the paint then that will take out the need for a big who gets over 1.5 blocks a game. For the record, only 9 PF's and 11 C's avg more then 1.5 blocks a game. 3 of those C's, and 4 of the PF's avg under 25m a game.
LA is almost there with 1.4B a game. Having a big who blocks shots isn't really a staple anymore, we can do just fine with a B who doesn't let people into the paint and closing the Slashing lanes on offense.

Interesting, and I like that way of looking at it. However, just want to point out that Hickson has a Drtg of 105 and Pek's is 103, pretty close.

 

[Further]

Just looked it up, Millsap has the Drtg as Hickson 105, and Jefferson has the same as Pekovic at 103.

 

[Rhal]

Just looked it up, Millsap has the Drtg as Hickson 105, and Jefferson has the same as Pekovic at 103.

Well I guess im overrating millsap/Jefferson because I dont watch many Jazz games. I know Pek isnt a good defender at the moment but I think he could become good.

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[Further]

Well I guess im overrating millsap/Jefferson because I dont watch many Jazz games. I know Pek isnt a good defender at the moment but I think he could become good.

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I usually think about players having potential based on youth and/or athleticism. Pek is two years older than Hickson and I don't think he is terribly athletic. I'm not saying he won't improve his D, but I don't see anything pointing to him having some massive well of untapped potential.

That being said, I do worry that Hickson will not display the right mentality long term. How will he be after his contract? How will he react if ML improves and takes his starting spot? I don't know. I trust that both Millsap and Jefferson will continue to work hard because they have demonstrated as much over a long time. Pek I have no idea about, but have never heard anything negative when I t comes to personality. Hickson is the only one who worries me in the keep-the-mind-right category.

 

[Rhal]

I usually think about players having potential based on youth and/or athleticism. Pek is two years older than Hickson and I don't think he is terribly athletic. I'm not saying he won't improve his D, but I don't see anything pointing to him having some massive well of untapped potential.

That being said, I do worry that Hickson will not display the right mentality long term. How will he be after his contract? How will he react if ML improves and takes his starting spot? I don't know. I trust that both Millsap and Jefferson will continue to work hard because they have demonstrated as much over a long time. Pek I have no idea about, but have never heard anything negative when I t comes to personality. Hickson is the only one who worries me in the keep-the-mind-right category.

I dont think hickson will ever be a good defender and as it has been pointed out the players he defends put up the same per as him so I think his defensive rating is overrated at the moment.
Pek is big with decent not great footwork but what I like about him is his help defense and how he doesnt allow players to move him around. Reminds me of a less athletic Gortat with a better offensive game.

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[handiman]

Forget the numbers, we have to sign him just so we can cheer for the Big Pekker.

 

[jailblazer]

What about Trading LMA for a position of need or Biyombo? You would have Hickson at the PF spot then with bismack as the rim protector and a nice 3 big rotation.

If that not a good straight deal, maybe throw in Kemba Walker or Gerald Henderson. I've heard Gerald may be available.

 

[BigGameDamian]

Biyombo and Henderson for Hickson? Would you do the trade?

 

[Rhal]

What about Trading LMA for a position of need or Biyombo? You would have Hickson at the PF spot then with bismack as the rim protector and a nice 3 big rotation.

If that not a good straight deal, maybe throw in Kemba Walker or Gerald Henderson. I've heard Gerald may be available.

I wouldn't trade LA for anything save as part of a package for a superstar.

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[Nikolokolus]

Biyombo and Henderson for Hickson? Would you do the trade?

Ummmm ... maybe. Biyombo looks pretty limited on offense and Henderson is not exactly a difference maker on the wing IMO. I would only do it if it looked like the team was going to lose JJ for nothing in the off-season.

 

[Further]

I understand people around here being unhappy that the Blazers are a middle of the road team and they want to see us contend. However, I think we finally have a good core group to build around, and I don't see why everyone is trying to ship out certain players. Both Hickson and Aldridge are good and can be very important as the team improves. The PG is obviously a star in the making, so he stays. Batum was just signed, and is proving to be worth every penny of his contract. Wes is very good for his contract, has a great heart, and is a wonderful motivator that every team needs. Meyers is raw but shows some potential to one day be a quality starting center, and over the next couple years should make a good three man rotation with Hickson and Aldridge, as they all bring different strengths to the table, but all seem to work well together.

Use the pick if we have it, buy some picks with PA money, do some trades, bring over the greek, and sign a backup PG. all these things are doable, and as the team grows together, be ready if any monster trade comes available, but otherwise stick with the core of what we have. Good shit man!

 

[DaLincolnJones]

I understand people around here being unhappy that the Blazers are a middle of the road team and they want to see us contend. However, I think we finally have a good core group to build around, and I don't see why everyone is trying to ship out certain players. Both Hickson and Aldridge are good and can be very important as the team improves. The PG is obviously a star in the making, so he stays. Batum was just signed, and is proving to be worth every penny of his contract. Wes is very good for his contract, has a great heart, and is a wonderful motivator that every team needs. Meyers is raw but shows some potential to one day be a quality starting center, and over the next couple years should make a good three man rotation with Hickson and Aldridge, as they all bring different strengths to the table, but all seem to work well together.

Use the pick if we have it, buy some picks with PA money, do some trades, bring over the greek, and sign a backup PG. all these things are doable, and as the team grows together, be ready if any monster trade comes available, but otherwise stick with the core of what we have. Good shit man!

nice post

blows me away how short peoples memories are. OKC sucked with the same core players for the first few years... took time to develope those player.....

 

[Nikolokolus]

nice post

blows me away how short peoples memories are. OKC sucked with the same core players for the first few years... took time to develope those player.....

Not exactly the same thing and by "Core" you're talking about players that were 19 years old coming into the league with a sky-is-the-limit ceiling (Durant and to a lesser extent Westbrook) beyond that Presti completely turned that roster over making smart, cap-friendly trades for more young assets and being judicious with whatever free agent money he had at his disposal.

Aside from Lillard and perhaps Aldridge, there shouldn't be anybody on this roster safe from trades in the name of getting better. This is absolutely not a set team.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Aside from Lillard and perhaps Aldridge, there shouldn't be anybody on this roster safe from trades in the name of getting better. This is absolutely not a set team.

Agreed, and really, honestly, truly, nobody is safe. Not even Lillard. If OKC thought they wanted Lillard instead of Westbrook, we should (a) consider it, and (b) wonder what OKC knows that we don't about Westbrook.

Olshey has the guts to pull the trigger. That's how the Clips landed Chris Paul.

 

[Sinobas]

We'll have 15 mil to sign free agents with, with only 8 guys under contract. (that's if we don't count the non guaranteed contracts of Price, Pav, and Jefferies). And we could very well not have a 1st round pick either.

What sucks is the contract we gave to Freeland. 3 mil a year, and the guy has been trash so far.

Anyway, 8 mil for Hickson, 4 mil for a backup PG(jack/udrih), then 3 mil for a few scrubs...I'm thinking Babbit and someone else....

 

[jailblazer]

Biyombo and Henderson for Hickson? Would you do the trade?

yes.

LMA costs more and j.j gives you the same on the court value. It just makes more sense to trade LMA.

The issue is, everyone needs a super stud Shooting guard and there isn't any.

I've heard Josh smith wants out of Atlanta what about a straight up swap?

 

[Further]

yes.

LMA costs more and j.j gives you the same on the court value. It just makes more sense to trade LMA.

The issue is, everyone needs a super stud Shooting guard and there isn't any.

I've heard Josh smith wants out of Atlanta what about a straight up swap?

Douche

 

[Further]

yes.

LMA costs more and j.j gives you the same on the court value. It just makes more sense to trade LMA.

The issue is, everyone needs a super stud Shooting guard and there isn't any.

I've heard Josh smith wants out of Atlanta what about a straight up swap?

Just cause there are 15 threads on rube chat about how shitty Love is, you think we are the same with Aldridge? Hell no! Love sucks and hates the wolves. Rubio can't defend and his shot is atrocious. If it weren't for AK you might be the worst team in the association.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Interesting quote from Keith Smart after the game:

Kings coach Keith Smart said the opportunity for Hickson to play next to All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has helped Hickson. "He's playing with a power forward who really is a low-post scorer," Smart said. "He's really not playing the power-forward position where we tried to play him last (season). It just wasn't something he had adjusted to yet. He's playing more center than he is power forward with Aldridge playing the bulk of the minutes there."

Not sure what his point was. Didn't he play PF in Cleveland?

 

[jlprk]

Smart's point is to defend himself to keep his job. All he said is that Hickson's a center now.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Smart's point is to defend himself to keep his job. All he said is that Hickson's a center now.

I get he was trying to save face by saying he plays better as a center. But the part that confuses me is that he said he had not adjusted to playing PF when he was in Sac town. Is he implying that he played center in Cleveland too. Is that why it was a hard adjustment? I thought he played PF with the Cavs.

He also said that Hickson is playing better alongside LMA because LMA is a really good low post scorer. I would have thought just the opposite. That Hickson benefits from playing with a PF that plays away from the basket, allowing JJ to play underneath and clean up on the boards.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I get he was trying to save face by saying he plays better as a center. But the part that confuses me is that he said he had not adjusted to playing PF when he was in Sac town. Is he implying that he played center in Cleveland too. Is that why it was a hard adjustment? I thought he played PF with the Cavs.

He also said that Hickson is playing better alongside LMA because LMA is a really good low post scorer. I would have thought just the opposite. That Hickson benefits from playing with a PF that plays away from the basket, allowing JJ to play underneath and clean up on the boards.

Think about how Hickson scores the basketball. It's not exactly through good footwork and technique, he picks up a ton of garbage buckets on putbacks off of misses (often his own) and from pick and rolls where Lillard (or Batum) is feeding him on his way to the hoop. When he's asked to put his back to the basket and create he's very deliberate and not particularly good.

Conversely, Aldridge has definitely been taking more long jumpers than are probably wise, but give his recovery from hip surgery that was probably to be expected. And whatever you want to say about LMA's shot selection, the guy is still incredibly skilled from the post and the elbow, and aside from Lillard is Portland's only player capable of consistently generating his own offense.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Think about how Hickson scores the basketball. It's not exactly through good footwork and technique, he picks up a ton of garbage buckets on putbacks off of misses (often his own) and from pick and rolls where Lillard (or Batum) is feeding him on his way to the hoop. When he's asked to put his back to the basket and create he's very deliberate and not particularly good.

Conversely, Aldridge has definitely been taking more long jumpers than are probably wise, but give his recovery from hip surgery that was probably to be expected. And whatever you want to say about LMA's shot selection, the guy is still incredibly skilled from the post and the elbow, and aside from Lillard is Portland's only player capable of consistently generating his own offense.

So Hickson plays better alongside LMA. He would not play as well if LMA was traded. And he would not play as well with Pekovic.

Hickson over Pekovic.

 

[Harry's Raincoat]

Does anyone know whether Blazers have bird rights on Hickson? If so, we can sign free agent(s) AND re-sign JJ. Hadn't seen mention yet.

I think JJ is doing well, but he isn't a playoff team starting center IMO. He's a tweener. He's a Center in a PF body.

But, the pickin's are slim this summer for free agents too. He may be one of the best available.

Our re-tool is going to be longer than expected I'm afraid and may result in trading LMA at some point in the future to gain more and younger assets. At current pace, LMA will be 30+ when we get ready to even sniff the postseason.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Does anyone know whether Blazers have bird rights on Hickson? If so, we can sign free agent(s) AND re-sign JJ. Hadn't seen mention yet.

We do have his Bird Rights however we can't sign him after other Free Agents because he will have a high cap hold that counts against us. So even though we have his Bird Rights we are likely going to release those if we see something (some person rather) out there that we just have to have for 12 mil. If we are content with only having 5 mil in free agency then we can keep JJ's Bird Rights.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

Does anyone know whether Blazers have bird rights on Hickson? If so, we can sign free agent(s) AND re-sign JJ. Hadn't seen mention yet.

I think JJ is doing well, but he isn't a playoff team starting center IMO. He's a tweener. He's a Center in a PF body.

But, the pickin's are slim this summer for free agents too. He may be one of the best available.

Our re-tool is going to be longer than expected I'm afraid and may result in trading LMA at some point in the future to gain more and younger assets. At current pace, LMA will be 30+ when we get ready to even sniff the postseason.

i think hicksons cap hold will be around 7.6 million, so anything we have over that could be used before signing hickson

the cap hold for a player with bird rights for a full bird player not coming off a rookie scale contract and currently being paid less than the league average is 190% of the previous years salary, so 7.6 (he is making 4 right?)

 

[Further]

I think it's too big of a risk with very little reward, to renounce our bird rights and have no cap hold in order to go after Pek, Jefferson or Millsap. I love how hard Hickson plays, and I like Meyers having him as an influence.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Jefferson would be a mistake IMO. From what I have heard the Jazz can't wait to see him go. His D is horrible. He certainly would not solve our biggest need.