How Much Risk with Ramon Sessions?

[Crimson the Cat]

The one hitch I can't help but be fearful of, with trying to bring Sessions in, is having to wait to do it. Who are we passing up in draft? What other desired players get traded to another team while we wait for July 1st. What if other teams join the pursuit and negotiations extend into July? What if Milwaukee matches, which they could (not likely, but they could do it)?

At this point, I'm not keeping my hopes up for Harris and Rubio. I want to put all my eggs in the Sessions' basket, but what indications would Pritchard have at this point that he's interested in us.

Finally, what's his cost if we're completing a sign in trade.

 

[RickyRubio]

For some reason, I would rather have Bayless then Sessions. I don't know if I am just a homer that bad, but I just think he is the right fit for our team. If he can get his shot down and learn to pass a little.

 

[Minstrel]

For some reason, I would rather have Bayless then Sessions. I don't know if I am just a homer that bad, but I just think he is the right fit for our team. If he can get his shot down and learn to pass a little.

I wouldn't mind both. Getting Sessions shouldn't require trading Bayless, because Milwaukee likely can't afford to retain Sessions anyway. It would just be a courtesy offering by Portland in order to ensure Portland gets Sessions rather than another team with cap space.

 

[Miksaid]

I, too, am inclined to put all my eggs in the Sessions basket barring any miracle that Harris is really available (I highly doubt he gets moved anywhere).

KP's the man. I trust he'll do the right thing... until of course, doesn't. In any case, we'll all have to put our blind faith in him anyways since that's all we can really hope to do. GO KP! Get us Ramon!

 

[Tince]

I'd really like PG who can knock down that corner 3 as long as we have Brandon Roy on this team.

Sessions makes Bayless' and Sergio's jumpers look pure.

 

[RickyRubio]

I wouldn't mind both. Getting Sessions shouldn't require trading Bayless, because Milwaukee likely can't afford to retain Sessions anyway. It would just be a courtesy offering by Portland in order to ensure Portland gets Sessions rather than another team with cap space.

True, but I would be worried that JayBay would get mad if we brought over a young PG like Sessions. I dunno. It's Friday and I am tired. Almost off work.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Even if KP is mounting a campaign to get Sessions I doubt he is putting all of his eggs in one basket just hoping and praying that all of cards get dealt his way. My guess is that right now and leading up to the draft KP has a dozen or so plans he's trying to orchestrate simultanesouly and if one door closes he moves on to the next plan until he gets a deal that he can't pass up, if none of those deals materialize I'm sure he'll look at multiple sign and trade options or free agent signings throughout the summer hoping to get what he wants.

Strangely I feel completely detached and almost uninterested in this draft and off-season not because I think nothing is going to happen, but mostly because I have this weird feeling that no matter what moves are made, at the end of August this roster will have a lot of balance (positions and experience) and a lot more clarity than we've seen since the Clyde, Kersey, Porter teams.

 

[PapaG]

I'd really like PG who can knock down that corner 3 as long as we have Brandon Roy on this team.

Sessions makes Bayless' and Sergio's jumpers look pure.

The biggest surprise with Bayless for me last season was Bayless' weak outside shot. At Arizona, he was a really good shooter. I have to think it was a confidence issue, and I trust he'll be a much better shooter this season.

He has good size, he showed he can distribute that ball at UA as well as score...I really hope the team doesn't give up on him. That said, short-term, he's not ready to be the starting PG on a title contender.

 

[oldmangrouch]

IMHO, the most credible rumor making the rounds, is that the Bucks will not let both Sessions and Villanueva walk. ONE of those 2 will be retained. That leaves 2 questions:

A) Who would the Bucks rather have?
B) Is Sessions pushing to get out of town?

My gut feeling is that they will let Charlie V walk, and keep Sessions.

 

[Idog1976]

The biggest surprise with Bayless for me last season was Bayless' weak outside shot. At Arizona, he was a really good shooter. I have to think it was a confidence issue, and I trust he'll be a much better shooter this season.

He has good size, he showed he can distribute that ball at UA as well as score...I really hope the team doesn't give up on him. That said, short-term, he's not ready to be the starting PG on a title contender.

I've also heard that the Blazer's shooting coach broke down Bayless' shot from the shot put style into something with better mechanics. It hurt his % last season with the hopes that he will be a better shooter once he has got in the necessary reps. I also am sure that as you say confidence and consistent minutes (both are interrelated of course) hampered his shooting.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

IMHO, the most credible rumor making the rounds, is that the Bucks will not let both Sessions and Villanueva walk. ONE of those 2 will be retained. That leaves 2 questions:

A) Who would the Bucks rather have?
B) Is Sessions pushing to get out of town?

My gut feeling is that they will let Charlie V walk, and keep Sessions.

We can offer Sessions more than the Bucks can. If we want him, we got him.

 

[Idog1976]

We can offer Sessions more than the Bucks can. If we want him, we got him.

Are you sure about that? Wonderful news if you are right. Might as well do a courtesy trade as mentioned above. I think Sessions is a possible fit but Bayless could end up better by virtue of his desire to play defense and his once wonderful mid to long range shot. I still feel his shot is just a matter of time and I have this gut feeling Bayless is going to be a beast in this league. Never hurts to have multiple shots at a winner though. Trading away Blake and leaving us with Sessions and Bayless presents a new problem down the line when one establishes dominance and the other becomes peeved at lack of playing time. Although you could also have a 3 guard rotation of Roy and Sessions with Bayless spelling them both. The mind delights at that thought, or mine does anyways.

 

[Minstrel]

Although you could also have a 3 guard rotation of Roy and Sessions with Bayless spelling them both. The mind delights at that thought, or mine does anyways.

What happens to poor Rudy?

 

[Idog1976]

What happens to poor Rudy?

Good point and duh. Um...Bayless and Rudy elope to Hawaii where Rudy gains 4 inches of height and 70 lbs becoming the back up powerforward we all crave with range out to three point land?

 

[Minstrel]

Good point and duh. Um...Bayless and Rudy elope to Hawaii where Rudy gains 4 inches of height and 70 lbs becoming the back up powerforward we all crave with range out to three point land?

Sounds workable. As workable as having Bayless and Rodriguez merge into the Perfect Point Guard.

 

[number 10]

we'll see what the Bucks do in the draft, as that will likely indicate which one of Sessions and Villanueva they'll keep. Jordan Hill and Blair seem like the only PFs we should worry about. If Hill is already gone and they don't take Blair, chances are they'll go with a PG, and Sessions will be available. If Sessions does come here, I doubt Blake will leave, it's too risky leaving Sessions and Bayless as our only PGs.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

We can offer Sessions more than the Bucks can. If we want him, we got him.

That is not true. Yes, we'll be under the cap, and yes because of that we can offer a greater raise in the 3rd year than other teams not under the cap, but even though Milwaukee is over the cap, they are allowed to match an offer that's greater than the MLE to retain Sessions.

The question is will they?

 

[Nikolokolus]

That is not true. Yes, we'll be under the cap, and yes because of that we can offer a greater raise in the 3rd year than other teams not under the cap, but even though Milwaukee is over the cap, they are allowed to match an offer that's greater than the MLE to retain Sessions.

The question is will they?

Do you really think KP would break the bank to offer Sessions a big time 3rd year raise? I'm pretty high on him, but he's still got a long ways to go before I'd think that he's worth 9+ million a year in the 3rd-5th years of his deal. Sessions is a toughie for me. You wonder just what the market will be like for him and just how strapped Milwaukee really is.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

That is not true. Yes, we'll be under the cap, and yes because of that we can offer a greater raise in the 3rd year than other teams not under the cap, but even though Milwaukee is over the cap, they are allowed to match an offer that's greater than the MLE to retain Sessions.

The question is will they?

You're right, I forgot about that. They have stated on numerous occassions that they are preparing to lose Sessions and they will look to draft a PG. Ramon's agent also sounded as if his client staying in a Bucks' uniform was unlikely. Again, I think if we show him the money we have him. It's up to us if we want to go in that direction. I think what happens on draft day will dictate what happens with free agency.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

You're right, I forgot about that. They have stated on numerous occassions that they are preparing to lose Sessions and they will look to draft a PG. Ramon's agent also sounded as if his client staying in a Bucks' uniform was unlikely. Again, I think if we show him the money we have him. It's up to us if we want to go in that direction. I think what happens on draft day will dictate what happens with free agency.

Completely agree. I could see us prepare an offer sheet that's just above the mid-level, using up to around $7M of our cap space. Maybe we send them a marginal asset (2nd rounder) to thank them for not matching.

I'd much rather use our cap space on Sessions than Turk or Kidd. In fact, unless Harris, Rubio, or Paul are truly available, Sessions is my preference so far this off season.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Completely agree. I could see us prepare an offer sheet that's just above the mid-level, using up to around $7M of our cap space. Maybe we send them a marginal asset (2nd rounder) to thank them for not matching.

I'd much rather use our cap space on Sessions than Turk or Kidd. In fact, unless Harris, Rubio, or Paul are truly available, Sessions is my preference so far this off season.

If it comes down to that, maybe the Bucks would be interested in Sergio in a sign and trade for Sessions? Chacho is pretty cheap and I'm sure the Blazers wouldn't mind an extra 1.6 million of cap room to play around with which could help to add some players to the roster to help flesh it out ... plus it's not like we're going to be able to carry 4 point guards anyway.

 

[Idog1976]

Completely agree. I could see us prepare an offer sheet that's just above the mid-level, using up to around $7M of our cap space. Maybe we send them a marginal asset (2nd rounder) to thank them for not matching.

I'd much rather use our cap space on Sessions than Turk or Kidd. In fact, unless Harris, Rubio, or Paul are truly available, Sessions is my preference so far this off season.

I think you have to have Mike Conley Jr. in that list (Harris, Rubio, Paul, Sessions). He had a fanstastic second half and shot the 3 ball well. You also can't underestimate the chemistry he has with Oden. If MCJ is available he has to be on your short list. Obviously Paul is tops probably followed by Harris and to me Sessions and MCJ are both potential stars. I almost go for MCJ over Sessions to guarantee Oden's happiness and loyalty to the team. I also think their chemistry could make something special. Of course with the workout pact that Bayless and Oden have we might have dare I say "Organic Chemistry".

Edit:

Forgot to mention Rubio. Rubio seems the highest risk and the highest reward of the guys I think are available. Rubio could be better then MCJ or Sessions but we don't know that yet. We know what you get in Sessions and MCJ.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

If it comes down to that, maybe the Bucks would be interested in Sergio in a sign and trade for Sessions? Chacho is pretty cheap and I'm sure the Blazers wouldn't mind an extra 1.6 million of cap room to play around with which could help to add some players to the roster to help flesh it out ... plus it's not like we're going to be able to carry 4 point guards anyway.

Yeah, I had thought of that too. It makes sense. Milwaukee needs to rebuild. Serg would give them a young buck to begin a new era. He could showcase his talents. It's a good fit. Another good fit for Serg IMO is Washington.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

I think you have to have Mike Conley Jr. in that list (Harris, Rubio, Paul, Sessions). He had a fanstastic second half and shot the 3 ball well. You also can't underestimate the chemistry he has with Oden. If MCJ is available he has to be on your short list. Obviously Paul is tops probably followed by Harris and to me Sessions and MCJ are both potential stars. I almost go for MCJ over Sessions to guarantee Oden's happiness and loyalty to the team. I also think their chemistry could make something special. Of course with the workout pact that Bayless and Oden have we might have dare I say "Organic Chemistry".

Edit:

Forgot to mention Rubio. Rubio seems the highest risk and the highest reward of the guys I think are available. Rubio could be better then MCJ or Sessions but we don't know that yet. We know what you get in Sessions and MCJ.

MCJ is right up there as well, but I have just one tiny notch below Sessions. RS has gotten to the point where MCJ appears to be headed. Sessions wins out because he's fulfilling his potential. MCJ appears to be headed down that same road. As Minstrel pointed out in another thread, Sessions is posted a career high 18+ PER.

I wouldn't be disappointed if we got either guard.

 

[Tince]

Sessions couldn't beat out Luke Ridinour for the starting spot on a crappy Bucks team.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

Sessions couldn't beat out Luke Ridinour for the starting spot on a crappy Bucks team.

Sessions beat out Ridnour.

 

[Tince]

Sessions beat out Ridnour.

How do you figure? Luke started the first 49 games of the season before getting hurt. Redd got hurt a few games later which subsequently led to Sessions getting a starting job.

 

[Miksaid]

Sessions couldn't beat out Luke Ridinour for the starting spot on a crappy Bucks team.

Oden, the number one pick, couldn't beat out Joel for our starting center position. Each team has their reasons, and I guarantee you that Sessions not being good enough to start in Milwaukee was not one of them.

Despite the fact that he did end up starting.

 

[Tince]

Oden, the number one pick, couldn't beat out Joel for our starting center position. Each team has their reasons, and I guarantee you that Sessions not being good enough to start in Milwaukee was not one of them.

Despite the fact that he did end up starting.

Joel is considerably better than Luke. Oden was a rookie, Sessions was not. Greg lost his starting job due to injury, Sessions got his due to someone else being injured.

So since you seem to know why he didn't start, why don't you share it with us all...

Was it because the Bucks had such a good team and Luke Ridnour was going to lead them deep into the playoffs? No, the Bucks suck and would clearly start Sessions if he was as good as Luke.

Was it because Scott Skiles hates playing young guys and wanted to go with the "experienced" PG? No, Skiles started rookie Mbah a Moute in 52 games.

His inability to beat out Ridnour is almost as big of a red flag as him shooting 17% behind the three point arc last season.

 

[Miksaid]

Joel is considerably better than Luke. Oden was a rookie, Sessions was not. Greg lost his starting job due to injury, Sessions got his due to someone else being injured.

So since you seem to know why he didn't start, why don't you share it with us all...

Was it because the Bucks had such a good team and Luke Ridnour was going to lead them deep into the playoffs? No, the Bucks suck and would clearly start Sessions if he was as good as Luke.

Was it because Scott Skiles hates playing young guys and wanted to go with the "experienced" PG? No, Skiles started rookie Mbah a Moute in 52 games.

His inability to beat out Ridnour is almost as big of a red flag as him shooting 17% behind the three point arc last season.

Just trust me, he's good.