"KP testing the market on Miller's worth?"

[illmatic99]

From Adrian Wojandsk;fsdkfjwe: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...F?slug=aw-tradebuzz120309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Blazers coaches have privately insisted to confidants throughout the league that Miller isn’t working out, and the belief is that Pritchard is testing the market on Miller’s worth. Portland could stay with Steve Blake or use Miller to bring back another playmaker.

Sources say that Brandon Roy clearly prefers playing with Blake over Miller, and that’s an issue that Pritchard must contend with.

This pisses me off to no end. They haven't even tried ONE GAME with Miller starting at PG with Roy as his back court mate, and they're already trying to gauge his value in a trade? That too, in favor of Blake staying here?! WOW.

 

[HailBlazers]

BS Smoke and Mirrors

 

[THE HCP]

Bullshit!

 

[illmatic99]

Bullshit!

What's bullshit?

The idea of the AWoj knowin something, or KP bailing on Miller without giving him a fair chance?

 

[bemac]

BS Smoke and Mirrors

Smoke and mirrors on who's part? It doesn't accomplish a thing on our side, other than further damage the chemistry of this team.

 

[alex42083]

Wojo continues his hate on KP. Who's his source? Dwight Jaynes?

 

[THE HCP]

What's bullshit?

The idea of the AWoj knowin something, or KP bailing on Miller without giving him a fair chance?

Sorry, I don't think KP or anybody who has knowledge of the game would give up on a player with Dre's hoop IQ this quickly.

 

[Natebishop3]

Sorry, but this sounds like it's dead on. What is so hard to believe that the coaches have given up on Miller, Roy prefers Blake, and we're trying to move Miller off the team because he's our scapegoat.

It's like that scene from the movie Celtic Pride when they blame the fan who shows up late to the game for the team playing poorly. Miller is apparently our "bad luck guy."

 

[number 10]

Wojo continues his hate on KP. Who's his source? Dwight Jaynes?

The ever bitter Mark Warkentien, probably.

 

[illmatic99]

What is so hard to believe that the coaches have given up on Miller, Roy prefers Blake, and we're trying to move Miller off the team because he's our scapegoat.

I think you're spot on, Nate. Our coach is giving Miller the Sergio treatment (who ironically is having a career year).

IF we are trading Miller, Washington has to be the first destination to consider. They need a PG because Arenas can't play that position, and they have a glut of forwards we could use; namely Jamison or Butler (or Mike Miller).

 

[PapaG]

Wojo stirring in some chum, and the usual suspects are devouring it.

 

[Natebishop3]

Wojo stirring in some chum, and the usual suspects are devouring it.

He's been pretty damn accurate at breaking news.

 

[PapaG]

He's been pretty damn accurate at breaking news.

Really? He's been pretty accurate at blasting Kevin Pritchard. Perhaps I'm missing something factual?

 

[MIXUM]

I think KP knows what we all dont want to admit... unless we make a move for a quality SF or PF... maybe both... we aren't making the playoffs. Plain and simple.

And that would be a monster step back for this franchise. With Paul Allens health getting worse... there might start to be a sense of urgency for KP to right the ship. Perhaps Allen might say do whatever it takes to fix it. We have to replace outlaw with a scorer. We also need some defensive help. Im afraid KP needs to act with a sense of urgency.

 

[Blazer_Hippie]

He's been pretty damn accurate at breaking news.

Once deals are done he gets a call and reports it...but a lot of the more nebulous "insider stuff" is manipulation of him by the GMs for their own means. (IMHO)

 

[MIXUM]

the wiz are our only hope.

 

[Blazer_Hippie]

I think KP knows what we all dont want to admit... unless we make a move for a quality SF or PF... maybe both... we aren't making the playoffs. Plain and simple.

And that would be a monster step back for this franchise. With Paul Allens health getting worse... there might start to be a sense of urgency for KP to right the ship. Perhaps Allen might say do whatever it takes to fix it. We have to replace outlaw with a scorer. We also need some defensive help. Im afraid KP needs to act with a sense of urgency.

Urgency or panic?

 

[oldmangrouch]

Really? He's been pretty accurate at blasting Kevin Pritchard. Perhaps I'm missing something factual?

Compared to most reporters, he has a decent track record for predicting trades. OTOH, he does have some odd grudge against KP, so who knows which side of his mouth this is coming from.

 

[hasoos]

I think KP knows what we all dont want to admit... unless we make a move for a quality SF or PF... maybe both... we aren't making the playoffs. Plain and simple.

And that would be a monster step back for this franchise. With Paul Allens health getting worse... there might start to be a sense of urgency for KP to right the ship. Perhaps Allen might say do whatever it takes to fix it. We have to replace outlaw with a scorer. We also need some defensive help. Im afraid KP needs to act with a sense of urgency.

Everybody who watches this team knows Aldridge starts slow and ends strong. He has done that every year through his career. Go back. Look at the numbers. Every year by end of year he is playing much better than the start. Including rebounding.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Send him to Miami and somehow get Chalmers in return

 

[Buzz Killington]

Imaginary Player Trade Value!

 

[Nikolokolus]

Awoj definitely likes to put KP on blast but his sources and his stories are usually pretty dead on. Just because he has a grudge (or whatever you want to call it with KP) doesn't mean he's wrong or doesn't know what he's talking about.

On the other hand does anybody think the Miller signing has worked out? I don't blame Miller necessarily, but clearly there's some kind of disconnect between he and Nate and He and Brandon

EDIT:
Just want to add one more thing, Awoj doesn't sound like he's blasting KP in this article at all, if anything it sounds like Nate or some of his assistants have talked with other guys around the league (shocking I know that these guys have relationships with people not on the Blazers) and have expressed doubts about Miller's fit in P-town, Wojnarwoski is simply relaying the murmurs he's picked up -- totally credible in my opinion.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Wojo was the best this summer at calling where free agents would end up. He has credibility and I didn't see this as a cheap shot at KP. But the article does read more like speculation than when he would report signings before anyone else.

 

[BBert]

I think you're spot on, Nate. Our coach is giving Miller the Sergio treatment (who ironically is having a career year).

IF we are trading Miller, Washington has to be the first destination to consider. They need a PG because Arenas can't play that position, and they have a glut of forwards we could use; namely Jamison or Butler (or Mike Miller).

Butler would be sweet.

I'd rather trade Blake. At this point, I'd be happy if KP would trade Blankey for a draft pick, just to force Nate to play Miller and Bayless.

 

[hasoos]

I have given up on KP ever trading Blake or Outlaw.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I have given up on KP ever trading Blake or Outlaw.

But the big question to drive the anti-Blake and Outlaw fans crazy all season is will the Blazers resign them.

 

[hasoos]

But the big question to drive the anti-Blake and Outlaw fans crazy all season is will the Blazers resign them.

No, it doesn't drive me crazy. Because I know KP will re-sign them. I fully expect both of them to retire Blazers and pretty much fuck up any chance of a run for the next 5 years.

 

[Natebishop3]

No, it doesn't drive me crazy. Because I know KP will re-sign them. I fully expect both of them to retire Blazers and pretty much fuck up any chance of a run for the next 5 years.

Sad but true.

 

[illmatic99]

But the big question to drive the anti-Blake and Outlaw fans crazy all season is will the Blazers resign them.

The anti-Blake and Outlaw sentiment you reference is in direct relation with Nate's overuse of the two.

They're decent role players who would make average to above average bench players, but they play more than 27-30mpg.

It's all on Nate.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Butler would be sweet.

I'd rather trade Blake. At this point, I'd be happy if KP would trade Blankey for a draft pick, just to force Nate to play Miller and Bayless.

Here's some scenarios I could see helping (as for their chances of happening I have no idea):

Miller, Travis and Rudy for Caron Butler and filler.

Miller, Travis and/or Rudy for Chalmers, Jones and filler

Miller, Webster, and/or Rudy for Battier, Lowry and filler

Ideally I think the Blazers would like to get a defensive minded point guard who can shoot a little and a wing who can either shoot really consistently from three or can handle the ball and create for himself a little while also being able to play D.

Whatever happens I don't expect KP to get everything he wants without parting with some fairly attractive pieces and to me that means Rudy is probably going to have to be very available, Travis' expiring deal will be needed and Miller will almost certainly be moved.