Lillard's and Aldridge's relationship. (He will come back Portland one day)

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I'm saying both LMA and Derozan would be a waste of those assets and wouldn't make us better. I don't think Nurk can be counted on to play big minutes this season so Whiteside will be valuable and if he's tradeable I'd rather it be for someone that's a better fit than Aldridge.

I think Zach is better than Skal but both have high ceilings. I'm not saying they'll get anywhere close but they both have useful skillsets.

I agree that Nurks probably not going to be ready to really contribute again until the 20-21 season.

If they trade Whiteside Im not sure if they could do better than LMA or not. For as crappy as we act like LMA is he’s still a good / borderline NBA allstar type, if they had him in their playoff run this year I believe they take care of Denver quicker and probably win a game or two against GS.

I dont think his fit is as bad as you seem too. He’s an excellent pick and roll (or pop) player and Dame also excels there too. Id sure rather have him playing Center over Kanter with one arm, or ML. Or PF than Aminu.

I dont know what to make of Skal or Zach. Every time I think Zach looks really good he makes a couple plays that drive me crazy lol.

 

[hoopsjock]

I agree that Nurks probably not going to be ready to really contribute again until the 20-21 season.

If they trade Whiteside Im not sure if they could do better than LMA or not. For as crappy as we act like LMA is he’s still a good / borderline NBA allstar type, if they had him in their playoff run this year I believe they take care of Denver quicker and probably win a game or two against GS.

I dont think his fit is as bad as you seem too. He’s an excellent pick and roll (or pop) player and Dame also excels there too. Id sure rather have him playing Center over Kanter with one arm, or ML. Or PF than Aminu.

I dont know what to make of Skal or Zach. Every time I think Zach looks really good he makes a couple plays that drive me crazy lol.

Ha, you mean the guy who completely quit on us in the playoffs and took his own flight home separate from the team is all of a sudden going to be the difference when he's 35?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Ha, you mean the guy who completely quit on us in the playoffs and took his own flight home separate from the team is all of a sudden going to be the difference when he's 35?

That whole team quit when Matthews got hurt, at least the starters did. CJ and Meyers Leonard were there best players cause everyone else checked out. Dame is the guy now and the leader, it wouldnt be on LMA to lead.

 

[hoopsjock]

That whole team quit when Matthews got hurt, at least the starters did. CJ and Meyers Leonard were there best players cause everyone else checked out. Dame is the guy now and the leader, it wouldnt be on LMA to lead.

This is probably a hot take but I don't think Aldridge's style of play is conducive to winning a championship. I'd be fine with him as a backup center in a couple years but not as a starting PF on this roster.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

This is probably a hot take but I don't think Aldridge's style of play is conducive to winning a championship. I'd be fine with him as a backup center in a couple years but not as a starting PF on this roster.

Well if the team is built around him as the best player, yeah Id agree. Which is why when I had the Spurs I cleaned house. The whole team they've assembled is at best a playoff contender but they arent even close to a championship type team. I think LMA can be a good player for a championship team, but he cant be “the guy”.

 

[BonesJones]

Well if the team is built around him as the best player, yeah Id agree. Which is why when I had the Spurs I cleaned house. The whole team they've assembled is at best a playoff contender but they arent even close to a championship type team. I think LMA can be a good player for a championship team, but he cant be “the guy”.

The problem is that he has to be the guy in order to make good use of the skills he has.

Otherwise, he's not good playing off the ball and he's not a good defender. Hed need to be the guy on the 2nd unit of a good team. In the starting lineup though, it doesn't work.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

The problem is that he has to be the guy in order to make good use of the skills he has.

Otherwise, he's not good playing off the ball and he's not a good defender. Hed need to be the guy on the 2nd unit of a good team. In the starting lineup though, it doesn't work.

He’s been a plus defender for SAS, of course that takes a coach who actually schemes legit defenses, but whatever lol...

I sort of agree that his offensive skillset works best as a primary scorer, but Im not sure it has to be that way or weve just never seen him when he wasnt the main offensive weapon for a team. He does have heck of a smooth mid range game.

 

[hoopsjock]

He’s been a plus defender for SAS, of course that takes a coach who actually schemes legit defenses, but whatever lol...

I sort of agree that his offensive skillset works best as a primary scorer, but Im not sure it has to be that way or weve just never seen him when he wasnt the main offensive weapon for a team. He does have heck of a smooth mid range game.

And what happened on the Spurs when he didn't get his way?

 

[BonesJones]

He’s been a plus defender for SAS, of course that takes a coach who actually schemes legit defenses, but whatever lol...

I sort of agree that his offensive skillset works best as a primary scorer, but Im not sure it has to be that way or weve just never seen him when he wasnt the main offensive weapon for a team. He does have heck of a smooth mid range game.

As a 34 year old lumbering big, he's not a good option defensively at PF.

He settles for his mid-range shot, its not a product of him trying to attack them rim and it doesnt open him up to do so, so it doesn't help him create more efficient shots elsewhere (like CJ). Hes never scored 1 PPP on the shot.

The two years he played next to a superstar, he averaged 17-18ppg on mediocre efficiency and did nothing else well.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

And what happened on the Spurs when he didn't get his way?

When he asked to be traded? I think that was just the start of Pop realizing that his antics were fine with Timmy and Parker but new younger players didnt want to put up with his crap, and dont have to. Kawhi forced himself out of there too. Ive had a coach who flipped out all the time like Pop seemed too and a lot of guys quit on him too.

Like I said LMA is not a leader and you cant build around him, but the Blazers would never be built around him again.

Its strange, Im not a huge proponent of go get LMA, Id rather they do other moves. I just dont seem to dislike him, or his fit here as much as others do.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

As a 34 year old lumbering big, he's not a good option defensively at PF.

He settles for his mid-range shot, its not a product of him trying to attack them rim and it doesnt open him up to do so, so it doesn't help him create more efficient shots elsewhere (like CJ). Hes never scored 1 PPP on the shot.

The two years he played next to a superstar, he averaged 17-18ppg on mediocre efficiency and did nothing else well.

Thats better than our starting forwards have combined the last few years. There only redeeming qualities were being pretty good defenders.

I mean the thing is were basically talking about who could we trade Bazemore or Whiteside for. Chances are were not getting Giannis for one of those guys...
Not really sure who the Blazers have a realistic chance of getting who wouldnt have giant holes in there games, or massive red flags.

 

[BonesJones]

Thats better than our starting forwards have combined the last few years. There only redeeming qualities were being pretty good defenders.

I mean the thing is were basically talking about who could we trade Bazemore or Whiteside for. Chances are were not getting Giannis for one of those guys...
Not really sure who the Blazers have a realistic chance of getting who wouldnt have giant holes in there games, or massive red flags.

Aminu last season was more efficient than Aldridge had been his entire career up until that point. And he's a versatile defender. And he's on a solid contract and wont get overpaid. And hes not 34. And we wouldnt have had to trade assets for him. But it's not about Aminu.

Aldridge isn't the way to go and it sucks to see everyone on a nostalgia trip and/or not considering how Aldridge would fit.

Covington, Porter, and Griffin are all much better targets than Aldridge. I might even take Love over Aldridge.

 

[Phatguysrule]

I remember when people fell in love with Zach Randolph. He was also once young and untouchable.

If Collins has a breakout season like Zbo had we won't need Aldridge. We'll win titles.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Aminu last season was more efficient than Aldridge had been his entire career up until that point. And he's a versatile defender. And he's on a solid contract and wont get overpaid. And hes not 34. And we wouldnt have had to trade assets for him. But it's not about Aminu.

Aldridge isn't the way to go and it sucks to see everyone on a nostalgia trip and/or not considering how Aldridge would fit.

Covington, Porter, and Griffin are all much better targets than Aldridge. I might even take Love over Aldridge.

Not sure how Im on a nostalgia trip for LMA lol...

Sure those guys sound great but Portland would have to pay a lot more for all of them but maybe love. I dont think the Blazers have the assets to really get any of those guys, without digging into future 1sts.

 

[hoopsjock]

Thats better than our starting forwards have combined the last few years. There only redeeming qualities were being pretty good defenders.

I mean the thing is were basically talking about who could we trade Bazemore or Whiteside for. Chances are were not getting Giannis for one of those guys...
Not really sure who the Blazers have a realistic chance of getting who wouldnt have giant holes in there games, or massive red flags.

See that kind of goes to my point if we're just getting Aldridge because he's the best option we have then I'd rather just keep the flexibility next summer and not trade our expiring contracts or 1st round picks. I don't like Iggy's current fit either but if a situation came up like that (it definitely will since teams don't have much room next summer) where we get Iggy and a future 1st for having room instead of giving up a 1st for Aldridge then I'd much rather have that.

Then we still have all our own future 1sts and an extra one to go after bigger trades.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Aminu last season was more efficient than Aldridge had been his entire career up until that point. And he's a versatile defender. And he's on a solid contract and wont get overpaid. And hes not 34. And we wouldnt have had to trade assets for him. But it's not about Aminu.

Aldridge isn't the way to go and it sucks to see everyone on a nostalgia trip and/or not considering how Aldridge would fit.

Covington, Porter, and Griffin are all much better targets than Aldridge. I might even take Love over Aldridge.

I'd much rather have those guys than Aldridge too... But we'd have to give up a lot more to get them than I'd be willing to give up for Aldridge.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

See that kind of goes to my point if we're just getting Aldridge because he's the best option we have then I'd rather just keep the flexibility next summer and not trade our expiring contracts or 1st round picks. I don't like Iggy's current fit either but if a situation came up like that (it definitely will since teams don't have much room next summer) where we get Iggy and a future 1st for having room instead of giving up a 1st for Aldridge then I'd much rather have that.

Then we still have all our own future 1sts and an extra one to go after bigger trades.

Iggy would be like 36 or 37 and he’s already pretty bad on offense. How are they getting a 1st and iggy out of this?

 

[hoopsjock]

I'd much rather have those guys than Aldridge too... But we'd have to give up a lot more to get them than I'd be willing to give up for Aldridge.

Not sure how Im on a nostalgia trip for LMA lol...

Sure those guys sound great but Portland would have to pay a lot more for all of them but maybe love. I dont think the Blazers have the assets to really any of those guys, without digging into future 1sts.

Why do people keep saying this?

Minnesota wants to clear salary cap for next summer apparently. We can help them do so.

Chicago is notoriously cheap and didn't give up anything of significance to get Porter. If they are out of the playoff picture this year why not get something for him.

Detroit is mediocre and if they are again they don't want to be saddled with Griffin's contract. I could see them cutting bait too.

And all of this is assuming the Spurs would want to just give Aldridge away. Why do people think they wouldn't ask for more since you're arguing how good LMA still is?

 

[hoopsjock]

Iggy would be like 36 or 37 and he’s already pretty bad on offense. How are they getting a 1st and iggy out of this?

Huh? Was it that difficult to follow? I said a trade similar to that one next summer. There were a bunch of those this year and will continue to be each year.

Edit: Not trying to be snarky, I guess that wasn't clear enough.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Why do people keep saying this?

Minnesota wants to clear salary cap for next summer apparently. We can help them do so.

Chicago is notoriously cheap and didn't give up anything of significance to get Porter. If they are out of the playoff picture this year why not get something for him.

Detroit is mediocre and if they are again they don't want to be saddled with Griffin's contract. I could see them cutting bait too.

And all of this is assuming the Spurs would want to just give Aldridge away. Why do people think they wouldn't ask for more since you're arguing how good LMA still is?

Covington plays the “key” role player position in the NBA right now and so does Porter and their both still relatively young. Long 3 and D players are all the rage in the NBA today.

Detroit I have no idea what they’d want or what they’re even doing but Blakes just flat out better than LMA.

So thats why people say it.

Im not argueing how “good LMA still is”, just that I don't think his fit is as bad its being made out to be. I think he would be a better PF/C for them then Zach will be next year. Zach may, make a big jump, thats what the Blazers are banking on.

 

[hoopsjock]

Covington plays the “key” role player position in the NBA right now and so does Porter and their both still relatively young. Long 3 and D players are all the rage in the NBA today.

Detroit I have no idea what they’d want or what they’re even doing but Blakes just flat out better than LMA.

So thats why people say it.

Im not argueing how “good LMA still is”, just that I don't think his fit is as bad its being made out to be. I think he would be a better PF/C for them then Zach will be next year. Zach may, make a big jump, thats what the Blazers are banking on.

So if Covington plays a key position why would we trade for LMA knowing that a move like that does nothing to stop Kawhi and Paul George?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Huh? Was it that difficult to follow? I said a trade similar to that one next summer. There were a bunch of those this year and will continue to be each year.

Edit: Not trying to be snarky, I guess that wasn't clear enough.

Yeah but Iggy’s a UFA next summer, so they cant trade for him then. Are you proposing they trade for him at the deadline for one of our expiring’s and try to get Memphis to add a pick? That seems unlikely when Memphis is trying to stock up on young guys and draft picks.

 

[hoopsjock]

Covington plays the “key” role player position in the NBA right now and so does Porter and their both still relatively young. Long 3 and D players are all the rage in the NBA today.

Detroit I have no idea what they’d want or what they’re even doing but Blakes just flat out better than LMA.

So thats why people say it.

Im not argueing how “good LMA still is”, just that I don't think his fit is as bad its being made out to be. I think he would be a better PF/C for them then Zach will be next year. Zach may, make a big jump, thats what the Blazers are banking on.

When considering health and contract LMA and Griffin have similar trade value. Any other opinion is based in a world where Griffin is healthy all the time. No one is giving Detroit a big offer for him.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

So if Covington plays a key position why would we trade for LMA knowing that a move like that does nothing to stop Kawhi and Paul George?

To give us another guy who can create offense for themselves, thats really LMA’s only skill. Kawhi and PG cant guard everybody and the Blazers have a grand total of 0 guys who can stop either of them so you’re gonna have to score a lot.

 

[hoopsjock]

Yeah but Iggy’s a UFA next summer, so they cant trade for him then. Are you proposing they trade for him at the deadline for one of our expiring’s and try to get Memphis to add a pick? That seems unlikely when Memphis is trying to stock up on young guys and draft picks.

Oh my god Tortured, I don't know why you're back to Iggy. I SAID A TRADE SIMILAR TO THAT ONE!!!! NOT TRADING FOR IGGY THIS YEAR.

 

[hoopsjock]

To give us another guy who can create offense for themselves, thats really LMA’s only skill. Kawhi and PG cant guard everybody and the Blazers have a grand total of 0 guys who can stop either of them so you’re gonna have to score a lot.

Is offense our problem?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Is offense our problem?

Part of it. They go through terrible lapses offensively when teams decide to trap our guards. If offense isnt one of there problems Im not sure why all of us get so mad that still cant beat a trap...

Their other huge issue in the playoffs was defensive rebounding.

I mean Im not quite sure what you want me to say.

I dont think LMA is the answer to winning a ring, but I dont think Covington or Porter are either. Maybe Blake is if he’s ever healthy.

 

[hoopsjock]

Yeah but Iggy’s a UFA next summer, so they cant trade for him then. Are you proposing they trade for him at the deadline for one of our expiring’s and try to get Memphis to add a pick? That seems unlikely when Memphis is trying to stock up on young guys and draft picks.

Off the top of my head:

Iggy and a future 1st

Baynes and a 1st

TJ Warren and the 32nd pick

Harkless and a future 1st

Crabbe and 2 future 1sts (Prince going back probably cancels 1 of those but you get my point)

Those are just what I can remember real quick, I'm sure there were others.

 

[hoopsjock]

Part of it. They go through terrible lapses offensively when teams decide to trap our guards. If offense isnt one of there problems Im not sure why all of us get so mad that still cant beat a trap...

Their other huge issue in the playoffs was defensive rebounding.

I mean Im not quite sure what you want me to say.

I dont think LMA is the answer to winning a ring, but I dont think Covington or Porter are either. Maybe Blake is if he’s ever healthy.

LMA can't dribble. So he actually hurts us just as much as Aminu if Stotts doesn't change how we attack Dame getting trapped. At least Love can pass and shoot the 3 better and at least dribble enough to keep the defense honest.

I just don't get how adding an inefficient player who needs touches helps an offense get better.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Off the top of my head:

Iggy and a future 1st

Baynes and a 1st

TJ Warren and the 32nd pick

Harkless and a future 1st

Crabbe and 2 future 1sts (Prince going back probably cancels 1 of those but you get my point)

Those are just what I can remember real quick, I'm sure there were others.

I mean I get that if we keep our expirings maybe we can get someone’s bad player and a pick with our flexibility.

I also get that, that may be better than over paying for LMA. Im not sure theres one of those deals that puts them over the top.

Flexibility has its benefits though and pushing their chips in for LMA is probably not worth it. My only point was I dont think Aldridge is a terrible fit.