Hollinger Projects Blazers: 27 Wins, Matthews traded

[SlyPokerDog]

http://www.blazersedge.com/2012/10/...lazers-to-win-27-games-finish-tied-13-in-west

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I think we'll trade Hickson before we trade Matthews.

 

[PapaG]

I think we'll trade Hickson before we trade Matthews.

Hickson and Matthews could bring something of value, or at least a larger expiring contract for more cap space this summer.

 

[THE HCP]

Hollinger

More realistically, it looks like the Blazers can plan on another high draft pick this June.

Second, any health problems are going to be a real issue because the depth just isn't there

Amazingly, it appears five of the top 10 players are going to be rookies.

 

[THE HCP]

Hollinger

Stotts will have to shape this, somehow, and improve on last season's 22nd-place finish in defensive efficiency -- an area that, historically, has not been his forte. The Blazers likely will talk playoffs as a goal, but realistically this team is playing for a year or two out. Don't be surprised if the Blazers deal Matthews at midseason, which would allow them to take another spin on the free-agent wheel in 2013. This is particularly true if the young guards play well. Remember, soon the clock will start ticking on Aldridge and his 2015 free agency, and this program will have to show results.

 

[Nikolokolus]

It's a good article and worth the read if you have an ESPNinsider account. Some People will probably take issue with the win-loss prediction, but everything in the analysis is pretty much spot on.

 

[THE HCP]

I can't argue with the win prediction. I said 32 wins, but wouldn't be surprised with 27.

 

[Natebishop3]

So Hollinger punched in some numbers into a computer and the answer that came out was, "Wesley Matthews will be traded.".....?

 

[THE HCP]

So Hollinger punched in some numbers into a computer and the answer that came out was, "Wesley Matthews will be traded.".....?

The PER fairies told him.

 

[THE HCP]

Nate, what are you doing for a living? Still in the media world?

 

[Natebishop3]

Nate, what are you doing for a living? Still in the media world?

Nah, I left a loooooong time ago. I'm almost done with my bachelors in Geography/Community development and I'm thinking about getting a masters.

You know, sometimes I miss covering the team, but mostly I just miss being around the players and shootin the shit. I hated making sports my career. It almost ruined them for me and it took a few years to actually start caring about sports again.

 

[Denny Crane]

What "young guards" (plural) is he talking about playing well? Lillard obviously, but who's the other... Nolan Smith?

 

[The_Lillard_King]

What "young guards" (plural) is he talking about playing well? Lillard obviously, but who's the other... Nolan Smith?

Lillard, Barton and Smith (used to add Williams to this list)

 

[Natebishop3]

Matthews is so old at 26.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Operation Showcase Wessy Wes.

 

[HailBlazers]

I can't argue with the win prediction. I said 32 wins, but wouldn't be surprised with 27.

What do you know!?!? You can't even watch the games!!!

 

[DeanMoriarty]

I only see us trading Mathews if we get cap space+20-30th pick.

Also, I only wish we won 27 games. We're more likely to win in the mid 30's. I'm thinking 37-38 at best.

 

[RoyToy]

Wes is a good player and I like the way he grinds out games

If the offer is right though....

 

[e_blazer]

It's a good article and worth the read if you have an ESPNinsider account. Some People will probably take issue with the win-loss prediction, but everything in the analysis is pretty much spot on.

I don't have ESPNInsider, but I don't have a problem with this type of a prediction about the Blazers. It makes sense given the lack of experience on the team. That said, I think that there's an outside chance this team performs better than expected. Although we have a lot of rookies, some of those rookies have a lot of years of playing experience in Europe and Lillard is one of those rare 4-year college guys who looks like he can have an immediate impact the way Brandon Roy did. I guess we'll find out as this season progresses how "spot on" Hollinger and others who are predicting a lousy season for the Blazers are.

 

[Denny Crane]

Hollinger is certainly right about the bench and depth.

Matthews in trade might get you a replacement at SG and someone to shore up the bench. And for about what Wes' salary is.

Something to consider is aside from Harden, who could you get who is better than Wes?

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I'd be real surprised if we trade Matthews. We're not good at drawing free agents and he's now a solid veteran- something a young team desperately needs. Williams is perpetually injured, Smith isn't a SG and with Barton a rookie I doubt we'll see enough of him to think he's the next great thing at SG. Now Batum can play SG but his ball handling skills are good enough to run a fast break effectively.

 

[Rhal]

I don't think were trading Mathews, but other then that Hollinger pretty much hits everything. Our bench is unproven therefor considered weak.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Our bench is unproven therefor considered weak.

A bench full of rookies and fringe NBA players is, indeed, weak. But it's a start.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Sour Grapes. His prediction was that Lillard would suck. He was obviously wrong, so he's now saying that the blazers will suck anyway.

 

[maxiep]

A bench full of rookies and fringe NBA players is, indeed, weak. But it's a start.

It's not so much that your characterization describes our bench, but half of our starting lineup.