If KP Were After A Point Guard

[ABM]

...for the sake of argument, would you rather he:

a) Draft one? (such as UNCs Lawson)

or

b) Either trade for one or acquire via FA marketplace?


I believe this team has grown up to the point that it wouldn't be conducive to draft one to "lead" this team. However, if KP were to bring a PG in here, I believe it would be via trade or free agency. I'd love for the team to sign the option on Blake as the "backup", and keep Bayless around to develop. Blake loves it here, so I could see him accepting a backup role on this improving team.

Send Channing walking and draft a PF.

 

[Wheels]

I could see KP going HARD after Rubio in the draft, consolidating some of our cheap talent and picks.

 

[ABM]

I could see KP going HARD after Rubio in the draft, consolidating some of our cheap talent and picks.

You mean, 18-year-old Rubio?

 

[cdub503]

i put trade id rather not have more experiements that may or maynot go sour.... that said if we were to go after one draft pick id go with rubio for sure

 

[Wheels]

You mean, 18-year-old Rubio?

Lol not as our main guy right now... kind of like in Sergio's role... as a somtimes 2nd string/ sometimes 3rd string guy. While still having Blake as our starter, and a FA or Bayless as the primary backup.

 

[anonymous gambler]

I would love to have Rubio as well- but outside of the big three, I don't see what we could offer for him. Would you accept- Rudy, Outlaw, & Bayless for the Rudy pick if you were a lottery team? Would the Blazers actually offer this?

Rubio sounds like the real thing- defense and passing, but I don't think he's worth an Aldridge or an Oden.

 

[alex42083]

I have a feeling that the team believes Steve Blake is our starting PG for the next few years, and they'll try to develop a young PG behind him whether that's Sergio or Jerryd. KP needs to make a decision between those two, or bring in another young PG to groom.

 

[Mediocre Man]

KP has drafted a PG in every drfat he has been apart of. Sergio, Bayless, Green etc.

I really think he would go in the direction of established PG, but I think it will depend on how the playoffs go for us. If we look really overmatched I think he will add someone like Bibby. If we lose, but don't look overmatched I think if he adds one it might be through the draft if he is the BPA. Like Lawson who is a defensive minded PG

 

[Wheels]

I would love to have Rubio as well- but outside of the big three, I don't see what we could offer for him. Would you accept- Rudy, Outlaw, & Bayless for the Rudy pick if you were a lottery team? Would the Blazers actually offer this?

Rubio sounds like the real thing- defense and passing, but I don't think he's worth an Aldridge or an Oden.

I would offer anything outside of our big 3, and Rudy and Joel and Batum. They can have their pick(s) of Bayless, Outlaw, Webster, Draft Picks, Cash.. etc so basically not likely to happen, but KP has made hard decisions before.

 

[hasoos]

I am just wondering why this is being brought up now. It is playoff time, not trade/draft time. In the past, we would have been doing this now because there are no playoffs. But this year there is playoffs, so I am confused as to why this is even being brought up.

 

[ABM]

I am just wondering why this is being brought up now. It is playoff time, not trade/draft time. In the past, we would have been doing this now because there are no playoffs. But this year there is playoffs, so I am confused as to why this is even being brought up.

Truthfully? Because I have a debate going with a friend. I was curious as to what others might think.

Sorry about that.

Go Blazers! Playoffs, Baby!

 

[Sedatedfork]

I have a feeling that the team believes Steve Blake is our starting PG for the next few years, and they'll try to develop a young PG behind him whether that's Sergio or Jerryd. KP needs to make a decision between those two, or bring in another young PG to groom.

I agree with this. Kopo is in the mix too.

 

[ironcrotch]

You mean, 18-year-old Rubio?

haahahahaha

 

[LittleAlex]

KP wouldn't do anything this summer. Portland would have to over pay to get Rubio, who sure sounds like the real deal but so did Marco Jaric when he got drafted.

If anything he will invite Koponen over for the summer league again and see what progress the kid has made. If it isn't enough, then we begin next season with the same 3 dudes. If he has improved enough to make the team, then he will be brought over and become the 4th PG on the team.

Honestly I think KP and Nate are perfectly happy with Blake as the starter. They are in no hurry to replace him. I am under the impression KP is in no hurry to make many changes at all to the team as it stands right now.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Without any specific names, my gut tells me we should trade for a veteran or sign an experienced free agent.

I still think Bayless has the potential to eventually assume a more prominent role, but I really don't think a youngin' running the show (unless named Paul or Williams) is going to get it done as the team enters the early stages of title contention. Of course I could be wrong, but I'd be much more comfortable with a guy like Miller, Kidd, Hinrich, etc. than trying to draft Lawson, Maynor, Teague, Flynn et. al. and putting them out there in a situation where they'd be more likely to fail than to succeed.

I guess all of this is predicated on what kind of play we get out of Blake in the playoffs; if he shows he can perform at a high level in that situation then you start to ask yourself if you can get by with what he gives you ... he might end up surprising us all, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Nikolokolus]

KP wouldn't do anything this summer. Portland would have to over pay to get Rubio, who sure sounds like the real deal but so did Marco Jaric when he got drafted.

If anything he will invite Koponen over for the summer league again and see what progress the kid has made. If it isn't enough, then we begin next season with the same 3 dudes. If he has improved enough to make the team, then he will be brought over and become the 4th PG on the team.

Honestly I think KP and Nate are perfectly happy with Blake as the starter. They are in no hurry to replace him. I am under the impression KP is in no hurry to make many changes at all to the team as it stands right now.

Except this off-season is going to be his one chance to play around with cap-space for many years to come -- it's use it or lose it, which isn't to say he couldn't make a trade down the line, but this summer will be a somewhat unique opportunity for him.

 

[oldmangrouch]

You worded the poll what "WOULD" KP do. The likely answer? Draft someone.

If you had asked what he "SHOULD" do, then I would have given the opposite answer.

 

[Minstrel]

Perfect off-season: Trade assets (Rudy, Bayless, Outlaw, draft pick, cash) for Rubio and then sign Andre Miller. Shift Blake over to the back-up shooting guard, since he's basically a spot-up shooter for the team who can also pass

More realistic off-season: Sign Andre Miller to serve as a veteran point guard for a couple of seasons while Bayless develops

Most likely off-season: Sergio and cash traded for a first-round draft pick, KP selects BPA and point guard situation otherwise remains unchanged

 

[Nikolokolus]

Perfect off-season: Trade assets (Rudy, Bayless, Outlaw, draft pick, cash) for Rubio and then sign Andre Miller. Shift Blake over to the back-up shooting guard, since he's basically a spot-up shooter for the team who can also pass

More realistic off-season: Sign Andre Miller to serve as a veteran point guard for a couple of seasons while Bayless develops

Most likely off-season: Sergio and cash traded for a first-round draft pick, KP selects BPA and point guard situation otherwise remains unchanged

Well, that would change the point guard situation quite a bit, I wouldn't have to cringe every time chacho throws up a prayer from 25 feet.

But Miller is sounding better every day; he's a west coast guy who has said he'd like to come back out here and there aren't too many other serious up and coming contenders with cap space in the west who could out compete us if KP wanted to get aggressive and do a sign and trade for him.

 

[ABM]

Well, that would change the point guard situation quite a bit, I wouldn't have to cringe every time chacho throws up a prayer from 25 feet.

But Miller is sounding better every day; he's a west coast guy who has said he'd like to come back out here and there aren't too many other serious up and coming contenders with cap space in the west who could out compete us if KP wanted to get aggressive and do a sign and trade for him.

I'd be absolutely great with Miller. Not sure what he'd cost, though.

Miller/Blake/Bayless

Roy/Rudy

Martell/Batum

LMA/Outlaw/Draft Pick

Oden/Pryz

That's 12.

 

[Minstrel]

Well, that would change the point guard situation quite a bit, I wouldn't have to cringe every time chacho throws up a prayer from 25 feet.

Yeah, by "otherwise unchanged" I meant that no significant addition would be made, Portland would continue on with players they already have. Removing Sergio would definitely make a difference.

 

[Minstrel]

Miller/Blake/Bayless

Roy/Rudy

Martell/Batum

LMA/Outlaw/Draft Pick

Oden/Pryz

That's 12.

Ideally, Webster would be moved, too. Outlaw backs up the small forward position, Freeland is brought over as a backup power forward and KP drafts the BPA (best player available) and that draft pick is third-string whatever.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'd be absolutely great with Miller. Not sure what he'd cost, though.

Miller/Blake/Bayless

Roy/Rudy

Martell/Batum

LMA/Outlaw/Draft Pick

Oden/Pryz

That's 12.

At his age, probably close to the full MLE (maybe a little bit more) and I guess it would be something like a 3 year deal with a team option on the third.

Rumor has it Kidd is probably going to be offered the MLE by the Knicks ... similar players of a similar age.

If not Miller, then I would love to see KP try to work out a sign and trade for Ramon Sessions; the Bucks are going to be hard put to keep he and Villaneuva without going over the luxury tax line and depending on the direction they want to go he might be attainable with enough inducements.

 

[Minstrel]

If not Miller, then I would love to see KP try to work out a sign and trade for Ramon Sessions; the Bucks are going to be hard put to keep he and Villaneuva without going over the luxury tax line and depending on the direction they want to go he might be attainable with enough inducements.

This is my alternate "unlikely but would be great" scenario. I've said it before, but if I were to pick the next "Devin Harris" (good young player who breaks out into a star point guard) it would be Sessions. Portland can't sign him directly (Milwaukee could, and almost surely would, match)...but Milwaukee may be up for saving on that salary if Portland offered them some value in return.

 

[BrianFromWA]

I come at this from being a huge Rubio fan. Not as much as Webster and Oden, but pretty big.

I think a lot of you are seriously underestimating what "financial considerations" can do for us. It wouldn't be a straight talent swap for Rubio. I keep going back to thinking that something can be done with WAS if we take on Jamison's contract (we missed the window on getting Arenas without giving up something that we won't --like LMA or Oden's contract).

At the draft we could potentially offer to take Jamison+Rubio for Sergio, Outlaw, Blake and Diogu's exception. This gives WAS the opportunity to cut Outlaw and Blake if they want, saving themselves 12M in deals with 3 full years left and 7M or so in luxury tax. Is their pick worth 22M? Or, if they wanted to keep Outlaw or Blake, they'd have some talent there, too.

We get a big long-term deal in Jamison, but he's the epitome of the veteran scorer/rebounder 3/4, right? If you went into the summer and told KP he'd blow his cap space on Jamison and Rubio, would he go for it?

If we're getting Rubio, I'd really like to keep Rudy.

I don't see Flynn or Lawson helping us much. Honestly, though I don't really like the guy's game much, I could see KP and Nate agreeing that Darren Collison would be a good fit for us.

"Veteran" PGs in the NBA don't excite me much, though I'd offer Kidd the MLE if he'd take it if we made the trade for Rubio.

Kidd/Rubio/Bayless/Kopo
Roy/Rudy
Batum/Webs (or Outlaw, if WAS likes Webster more)
LMA/Jamison/Freeland/Shav
Oden/Joel

**EDIT: I was typing when Nik posted about Kidd's MLE. Great minds think alike.

 

[Wheels]

If we're getting Rubio, I'd really like to keep Rudy.

Thats my thought too.. like a competent Sergio throwing Rudy the ball.

 

[LittleAlex]

Perfect off-season: Trade assets (Rudy, Bayless, Outlaw, draft pick, cash) for Rubio and then sign Andre Miller. Shift Blake over to the back-up shooting guard, since he's basically a spot-up shooter for the team who can also pass

More realistic off-season: Sign Andre Miller to serve as a veteran point guard for a couple of seasons while Bayless develops

Most likely off-season: Sergio and cash traded for a first-round draft pick, KP selects BPA and point guard situation otherwise remains unchanged

I think trading Rudy would be a big mistake. He is a good contributor in his rookie season. Shouldn't Portland see how he comes along in the next couple of years before trading him?

The one huge knock against Rubio is his utter lack of an outside shot. Wouldn't that be a huge problem on a team where the point guards main job is to bring the ball up the floor, hand the ball to Mr Roy, then spot of for a three? I remember Roy saying he didn't really want to play with another guard that dominates the ball ala CP-3 and Nash. I am under the impression that in order to be really effective Rubio would need to do the same.


I have no idea if Rubio will be as awesome as everyone seems to think he will be. If Portland drafts him, I hope he turns out that way.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I come at this from being a huge Rubio fan. Not as much as Webster and Oden, but pretty big.

I think a lot of you are seriously underestimating what "financial considerations" can do for us. It wouldn't be a straight talent swap for Rubio. I keep going back to thinking that something can be done with WAS if we take on Jamison's contract (we missed the window on getting Arenas without giving up something that we won't --like LMA or Oden's contract).

At the draft we could potentially offer to take Jamison+Rubio for Sergio, Outlaw, Blake and Diogu's exception. This gives WAS the opportunity to cut Outlaw and Blake if they want, saving themselves 12M in deals with 3 full years left and 7M or so in luxury tax. Is their pick worth 22M? Or, if they wanted to keep Outlaw or Blake, they'd have some talent there, too.

We get a big long-term deal in Jamison, but he's the epitome of the veteran scorer/rebounder 3/4, right? If you went into the summer and told KP he'd blow his cap space on Jamison and Rubio, would he go for it?

If we're getting Rubio, I'd really like to keep Rudy.

I don't see Flynn or Lawson helping us much. Honestly, though I don't really like the guy's game much, I could see KP and Nate agreeing that Darren Collison would be a good fit for us.

"Veteran" PGs in the NBA don't excite me much, though I'd offer Kidd the MLE if he'd take it if we made the trade for Rubio.

Kidd/Rubio/Bayless/Kopo
Roy/Rudy
Batum/Webs (or Outlaw, if WAS likes Webster more)
LMA/Jamison/Freeland/Shav
Oden/Joel

**EDIT: I was typing when Nik posted about Kidd's MLE. Great minds think alike.

I'm not sure if I like it, but you've certainly given us something to think about.

From a talent perspective I believe the Blazers clearly come out ahead on this deal, but I worry a little about what role/position Jamison would play -- does he still have enough athleticism to play the 3 and if not would he be satisfied playing backup power forward to LaMarcus?

Honestly, If I were going to make a play for Jamison (and Rubio of course) you have to seriously consider moving Joel to clear up enough minutes for a guy of Antawn's caliber (ideally you'd play a 3 man rotation of Greg, LaMarcus, and Jamison with LaMarcus sliding back and forth between power forward and center, or move Jamison to the 3 when you want to go ginormous in the front-court.)

Maybe a deal like this?

Bayless and/or Sergio, Travis, Joel, Channing and draft picks for Rubio and Jamison? Salaries wouldn't need to be matched since we're under the cap and Washington would get

I'm not proposing this as a serious idea, but it's something to chew on.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I think trading Rudy would be a big mistake. He is a good contributor in his rookie season. Shouldn't Portland see how he comes along in the next couple of years before trading him?

The one huge knock against Rubio is his utter lack of an outside shot. Wouldn't that be a huge problem on a team where the point guards main job is to bring the ball up the floor, hand the ball to Mr Roy, then spot of for a three? I remember Roy saying he didn't really want to play with another guard that dominates the ball ala CP-3 and Nash. I am under the impression that in order to be really effective Rubio would need to do the same.


I have no idea if Rubio will be as awesome as everyone seems to think he will be. If Portland drafts him, I hope he turns out that way.

I seriously doubt the offense is that way by design, the fact is our starting point guard has a helluva time penetrating into the paint and just so happens to be a great spot up shooter on threes, so Nate has devised a system to take advantage of his talent and to minimize his shortcomings. As for Roy stating he doesn't want to play with a ball dominant point guard I can't say I've ever seen hard evidence of that -- I hear it repeated a lot, but I haven't ever seen a source (not to say it didn't happen).

But you are right that ideally we would have a point guard who can shoot (even if it that is just a decent mid-range game) but if they can also drive and create in the lane so much the better.

 

[Minstrel]

For what it's worth, a Milwaukee sports writer on the unlikelihood that the Bucks will keep both, or even one, of their two restricted free agents:

"We stand here with the intention, going into the offseason, of wanting to re-sign both Ramon and Charlie," general manager John Hammond said Tuesday.

That's the kind of statement guaranteed to draw applause from a roomful of season-ticket holders, but "wanting" and "doing" are two very different things when the idea is to eventually get control of the unreasonable-against-results $71 million payroll that Hammond inherited a year ago.

Nothing should trump winning in professional sports. But where the Bucks are concerned, reality bounce-passes this question your way:

If you trust Hammond and Scott Skiles as the right people to make decisions for the future, then you almost have to let them get through next season before payroll flexibility will start giving them the chance to build the roster as they see fit.

No one wants to hear it but it's almost as if the Bucks were operating for the short term with both hands tied because of some very large contracts they could not easily move until the end of next season.

In the meantime, owner Herb Kohl will not allow the Bucks to become subject to the luxury tax, sensible for this franchise. With the Bucks about $2 million below the threshold, it would be virtually impossible for them to keep Sessions and Villanueva.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/42640872.html