LA gone before or on draft day

[Charcoal Filtered]

Since we have number guys in here, wouldn't the probability of Ben mclemore or victor oladipo becoming all stars be higher than say trading for or signing a max deal all star? I'd say history would suggest so.

I would agree with this.

 

[magnifier661]

People didn't expect lillard to be an all star, how did that turn out?

People expected Oden to be superstar. How did that turn out?

The fact is, nothing is certain via draft. But one things for certain. Aldridge is currently an all-star. And I would rather have certainty than prospect.

 

[magnifier661]

They don't dump them for nothing unless they have serious warts.

They usually get traded for assets, which is why dealing lma for waiters, #1 and another pick is better than letting lma walk for nothing. Not saying we will trade him, that it is the right or wrong move, just that trading him for a package like that is way smarter than letting him walk for nothing

Well so far, we've only heard from the media. Well if you want to call them media (Quick and the beat writer for Chicago).

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

People expected Oden to be superstar. How did that turn out?

The fact is, nothing is certain via draft. But one things for certain. Aldridge is currently an all-star. And I would rather have certainty than prospect.

You're right. So to write off this draft because espn yells you it's weak is interesting. Most likely some all stars will be in this draft

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

People expected Oden to be superstar. How did that turn out?

The fact is, nothing is certain via draft. But one things for certain. Aldridge is currently an all-star. And I would rather have certainty than prospect.

Everything in life is a gamble. Keeping Aldridge and expecting young talent in return if we do have to trade him in the future is another huge gamble.

 

[blazerboy30]

They don't dump them for nothing unless they have serious warts.

And like I said, that's how we built a good/great team in 2000.

 

[Natebishop3]

This argument reminds me a lot of the Oden debate from years ago. There was a lot of emotion and denial invested in that one as well. The people who saw the future, knew Oden would never be the great player we had thought he would be, and the people who kept apologizing for his injuries and saying that he could come back. I get it, some of you want to believe that Aldridge will want to stay if we add a couple pieces and make the team slightly better, but if you believe Quick it doesn't seem to be the case. He's cutting his ties to the city. This is two years in advance. We're not even talking about the last year of his contract. He's cutting ties now. Does this sound like a guy who wants to be here? Does this sound like a guy who will change his mind if we add a couple players this summer?

We can't turn around the team in one summer. Olshey can add one or two nice free agents this summer. Maybe someone like Tony Allen or Dalembert. That's great. The team would improve and maybe we make the playoffs. Aldridge hasn't said what exactly he expects for improvement. Does he merely want to see us in the playoffs again? The second round? 55+ wins during the season? His statements are very ambiguous, and probably done so intentionally. The way Trader Bob turned around the mid-90's Blazers was by taking risks. He got Rider for virtually nothing. He signed Kenny Anderson. He traded our established point guard for Sheed. In one summer we went from very old to very young, and it paid off in the long run. I'm not saying Olshey couldn't get the team back in the playoffs by next season, but he'd have to take some risks and trade some assets because the cap space alone won't do it.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

And like I said, that's how we built a good/great team in 2000.

The only guy dumped for nothing was pippen because he wanted out and we had the pieces to compete for a title. Totally different situation.

 

[magnifier661]

This argument reminds me a lot of the Oden debate from years ago. There was a lot of emotion and denial invested in that one as well. The people who saw the future, knew Oden would never be the great player we had thought he would be, and the people who kept apologizing for his injuries and saying that he could come back. I get it, some of you want to believe that Aldridge will want to stay if we add a couple pieces and make the team slightly better, but if you believe Quick it doesn't seem to be the case. He's cutting his ties to the city. This is two years in advance. We're not even talking about the last year of his contract. He's cutting ties now. Does this sound like a guy who wants to be here? Does this sound like a guy who will change his mind if we add a couple players this summer?

We can't turn around the team in one summer. Olshey can add one or two nice free agents this summer. Maybe someone like Tony Allen or Dalembert. That's great. The team would improve and maybe we make the playoffs. Aldridge hasn't said what exactly he expects for improvement. Does he merely want to see us in the playoffs again? The second round? 55+ wins during the season? His statements are very ambiguous, and probably done so intentionally. The way Trader Bob turned around the mid-90's Blazers was by taking risks. He got Rider for virtually nothing. He signed Kenny Anderson. He traded our established point guard for Sheed. In one summer we went from very old to very young, and it paid off in the long run. I'm not saying Olshey couldn't get the team back in the playoffs by next season, but he'd have to take some risks and trade some assets because the cap space alone won't do it.

How can this even remotely remind you of the Oden situation. For one, Aldridge is (knock on wood) an iron man that rarely missed games. Second, Aldridge is a two time all-star that doesn't look like he will let that production up next season. Third, Aldridge is one of the league leaders at the PF position; Oden never hit the tip of the iceberg in this regard.

Nothing is similar

 

[magnifier661]

The only guy dumped for nothing was pippen because he wanted out and we had the pieces to compete for a title. Totally different situation.

Actually no.... We contended before Pippen. We got Rider for nothing. We also obtained Grant via free-agency. We drafted well and made significant great mid round picks (Bonzi, Jerm, and Cato). We contended before Smith and Pippen came to town.

 

[BlazerWookee]

The only guy dumped for nothing was pippen because he wanted out and we had the pieces to compete for a title. Totally different situation.

COUGHCOUGHSTEVEFRANCISCOUGH

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Actually no.... We contended before Pippen. We got Rider for nothing. We also obtained Grant via free-agency. We drafted well and made significant great mid round picks (Bonzi, Jerm, and Cato). We contended before Smith and Pippen came to town.

Pippen was 34 and wanted to come here because we could contend

We can sign Brian grants all day long as I've repeatedly said.

Jr rider was traded for James Robinson. A young prospect with potential and a future 1st rounder.

Thanks for ptoving my point mags

 

[BlazerWookee]

Does this sound like a guy who will change his mind if we add a couple players this summer?

It sounds EXACTLY like that.

 

[blazerboy30]

The only guy dumped for nothing was pippen because he wanted out and we had the pieces to compete for a title. Totally different situation.

Doesn't have to be dumped for nothing. You keep ignoring the $16M.

 

[RoyToy]

The Rockets might have the pieces to get something done

Asik/Motiejunas/Jones/Robinson/picks

 

[blazerboy30]

This argument reminds me a lot of the Oden debate from years ago. There was a lot of emotion and denial invested in that one as well. The people who saw the future, knew Oden would never be the great player we had thought he would be, and the people who kept apologizing for his injuries and saying that he could come back. I get it, some of you want to believe that Aldridge will want to stay if we add a couple pieces and make the team slightly better, but if you believe Quick it doesn't seem to be the case. He's cutting his ties to the city. This is two years in advance. We're not even talking about the last year of his contract. He's cutting ties now. Does this sound like a guy who wants to be here? Does this sound like a guy who will change his mind if we add a couple players this summer?

Seriously dude. You're the only one getting emotional about this.

See your quote below:

This is my favorite time of the year and some of you negative Nancy's are ruining it.

 

[magnifier661]

Pippen was 34 and wanted to come here because we could contend

We can sign Brian grants all day long as I've repeatedly said.

Jr rider was traded for James Robinson. A young prospect with potential and a future 1st rounder.

Thanks for ptoving my point mags

Proving your point? If we can sign Brian Grants all day long; then what's the problem? Those are the type of players we need around Aldridge, Lillard and Batum. If they are easy to obtain, then we don't need a serious rebuild.

James Robinson was hardly a "OMG he's gonna dominate" type player. He would be at the level of maybe a Barton type player. The first rounder was a guaranteed mid-top mid pick; which isn't as valuable as you think.

Pippen wanted to come because we were winners. Winning attracts older vets that want to win. You aren't making a good case brother.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Doesn't have to be dumped for nothing. You keep ignoring the $16M.

I'm not ignoring it, it just isn't a good reason.

The #1 pick this year and Dion waiters have a higher chance of being all stars than what we net with your 16 million and no assets we can move

 

[magnifier661]

It sounds EXACTLY like that.

If we somehow got into the playoffs and go to the next round; I suspect Aldridge would be more than happy to resign with the team. If we are in complete "rebuild mode"; then he will most likely want to leave.

Personally, I think we are just two players away from contending. I'm talking players of a Brian Grant caliber (6-8 mil per role players)

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Proving your point? If we can sign Brian Grants all day long; then what's the problem? Those are the type of players we need around Aldridge, Lillard and Batum. If they are easy to obtain, then we don't need a serious rebuild.

James Robinson was hardly a "OMG he's gonna dominate" type player. He would be at the level of maybe a Barton type player. The first rounder was a guaranteed mid-top mid pick; which isn't as valuable as you think.

Pippen wanted to come because we were winners. Winning attracts older vets that want to win. You aren't making a good case brother.

Stay on top of things mags. If we can sign s someone like a Brian grant to play with Aldridge and he is happy we keep him ivelong said that

My point is getting young cheap assets is better than letting lma walk.

Those young cheap assets can becone all stars or be used in trades in the future while maintaining cap flexibility

 

[blazerboy30]

I'm not ignoring it, it just isn't a good reason.

The #1 pick this year and Dion waiters have a higher chance of being all stars than what we net with your 16 million and no assets we can move

Disagree.

 

[magnifier661]

Stay on top of things mags. If we can sign s someone like a Brian grant to play with Aldridge and he is happy we keep him ivelong said that

My point is getting young cheap assets is better than letting lma walk.

Those young cheap assets can becone all stars or be used in trades in the future while maintaining cap flexibility

Okay, but why wouldn't Aldridge stay if we get a "Brian Grant" type player? All we need to do is make it past the first round. We actually have the talent to do that, we just need to get there.

And remember, we were contenders before Pippen and Smith came to town. They were brought in to get us over the hump.

 

[Reep]

I'm not ignoring it, it just isn't a good reason.

The #1 pick this year and Dion waiters have a higher chance of being all stars than what we net with your 16 million and no assets we can move

No way to really know that. Guys like Buck Williams and Grant liked the NW and it worked out well. You just have to find the right player who wants to come to Portland. I'm not sure who that would be in today's NBA. I would vote for the pick at this point, just because I can't finger a FA that would fit that description.

The reality is that Portland is more likely to get a second tier max player. The top players go to the big endorsement markets, leaving the guys who got barely maxed to go to the smaller markets.

 

[blue9]

I'm not ignoring it, it just isn't a good reason.

The #1 pick this year and Dion waiters have a higher chance of being all stars than what we net with your 16 million and no assets we can move

And let's not forget the fact that we'd have, I believe, somewhere in excess of $16M in cap space now. So, if letting him walk for "nothing"/$16M is good, then isn't trading him for multiple draft picks, players, AND $16M+ in cap space even better?

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Okay, but why wouldn't Aldridge stay if we get a "Brian Grant" type player? All we need to do is make it past the first round. We actually have the talent to do that, we just need to get there.

And remember, we were contenders before Pippen and Smith came to town. They were brought in to get us over the hump.

True, and the only reason pippen wanted to come was because we could contend.

I'd rather us keep lma, and if we can get someone that makes him happy, I'll be happy.

If we cannot, trading him for a star would work.

If we can't trade him for a star, picks and cheap assets are fine.

If we let him walk for nothing it will be so stupid

 

[magnifier661]

True, and the only reason pippen wanted to come was because we could contend.

I'd rather us keep lma, and if we can get someone that makes him happy, I'll be happy.

If we cannot, trading him for a star would work.

If we can't trade him for a star, picks and cheap assets are fine.

If we let him walk for nothing it will be so stupid

I 100% agree with everything you said in this post.

 

[Reep]

True, and the only reason pippen wanted to come was because we could contend.

I'd rather us keep lma, and if we can get someone that makes him happy, I'll be happy.

If we cannot, trading him for a star would work.

If we can't trade him for a star, picks and cheap assets are fine.

If we let him walk for nothing it will be so stupid

We obviously need bench help, but I think Blazers are focused on getting a solution at center by the end of next season. Having one or two bigs that assure LMA he won't play center, and then finding a bench may be enough. That plus Lillard and Batum developing may do it.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

We obviously need bench help, but I think Blazers are focused on getting a solution at center by the end of next season. Having one or two bigs that assure LMA he won't play center, and then finding a bench may be enough. That plus Lillard and Batum developing may do it.

I hope so because Aldridge is my favorite player on the team.

 

[magnifier661]

I hope so because Aldridge is my favorite player on the team.

You and me both. Lillard is a very close second.

 

[Natebishop3]

How can this even remotely remind you of the Oden situation. For one, Aldridge is (knock on wood) an iron man that rarely missed games. Second, Aldridge is a two time all-star that doesn't look like he will let that production up next season. Third, Aldridge is one of the league leaders at the PF position; Oden never hit the tip of the iceberg in this regard.

Nothing is similar

I didn't say the situations were similar. I said the argument was similar. Lots of emotion and denial. How did you even get that?