Looking ahead

[PCmor7]

I mentioned in other threads what I would like to see the Blazers do in the draft, and what I think is the next step for Dame to make his game even harder to defend (and easier on his body). Here are a few other preferences I have for the Blazers moving forward.

1) Keep this core together. I think we can do that. I think we can keep Rodney and convince Kanter to return. I’d like Curry back, but I think he’ll be the toughest one to retain, even though this is an ideal situation for him. But I also think we can find a shooter to take his place, and maybe a guy who is a little more of a threat handling the ball. Actually, Simons might be the solution, if Stotts will commit to playing him. Anfernee also might be the answer if we can find a way to move Evan’s contract. Turner’s contributions don’t show up in the stats; the Blazers can’t have Dame and CJ doing all the ballhandling for 82 games and the playoffs.

2) We need to stop limiting ourselves to being a half-court offensive team. Look at what the Warriors do defensively and how they can get offense out of it. We play defense as if it’s something to pass the time when we don’t have the ball. We have great guards, and athletic wings. Our bigs, with the exception of Nurk, all run the floor well. We should be running the break like the Drexler-Kersey Blazers. Yet, year-in year-out, we are among the bottom of the league in forcing turnovers. So we pass up the opportunities for easy shots. Then we get into half-court offense all the time, and that leads to guys like Dame getting beaten up because they are driving through multiple defenders constantly.

3) Zach needs to become a consistent finisher around the basket. He needs to get stronger. If he does, he unlocks a whole new level to what the Blazers can be.

 

[Chris Craig]

Trade Turner and Meyers with draft pick/future pick(s)

Waive Bye to Aminu - Collins can start Next year

Resign everyone on the cheap

 

[Labinot41]

I mentioned in other threads what I would like to see the Blazers do in the draft, and what I think is the next step for Dame to make his game even harder to defend (and easier on his body). Here are a few other preferences I have for the Blazers moving forward.

1) Keep this core together. I think we can do that. I think we can keep Rodney and convince Kanter to return. I’d like Curry back, but I think he’ll be the toughest one to retain, even though this is an ideal situation for him. But I also think we can find a shooter to take his place, and maybe a guy who is a little more of a threat handling the ball. Actually, Simons might be the solution, if Stotts will commit to playing him. Anfernee also might be the answer if we can find a way to move Evan’s contract. Turner’s contributions don’t show up in the stats; the Blazers can’t have Dame and CJ doing all the ballhandling for 82 games and the playoffs.

2) We need to stop limiting ourselves to being a half-court offensive team. Look at what the Warriors do defensively and how they can get offense out of it. We play defense as if it’s something to pass the time when we don’t have the ball. We have great guards, and athletic wings. Our bigs, with the exception of Nurk, all run the floor well. We should be running the break like the Drexler-Kersey Blazers. Yet, year-in year-out, we are among the bottom of the league in forcing turnovers. So we pass up the opportunities for easy shots. Then we get into half-court offense all the time, and that leads to guys like Dame getting beaten up because they are driving through multiple defenders constantly.

3) Zach needs to become a consistent finisher around the basket. He needs to get stronger. If he does, he unlocks a whole new level to what the Blazers can be.

I agree with keeping the core together, except for Harkless and Aminu, i think they are not even worth to play in the 2nd unit in the Playoffs

 

[GhostOfPGA]

I think you are correct.

Keep Dame, CJ, and Nurkic together.

Make sure Zach and Simons have the busiest summers of their lives, in the weight room and adding on court skills (Zach developing a softer touch/floater and Simons off ball movement+3 point shooting).

Sign Hood to the MLE, this is an absolute must. I’d like to retain Kanter as well, but idk where the money is for it, I’ll hope for it. Let Curry go and make money, he’s earned it.

Draft night will be very important, as there are two trains of thought; 1) Keep the pick and take either a big to replace Kanter OR take a chance on a skilled wing who needs a couple years to develop a part of his game. 2) Attach the pick (or two) with Evan Turner and Moe and/or Trent+Skal to try and land a veteran player (think Aldridge, Hayward, Love, Griffin, Holiday, Ibaka, Porter Jr, etc.)

Look into the ring chasers too, we made the WCF injured, maybe some vets looking for a fun last ride may want on. Guys like Vince Carter, Z-Bo, maybe even Wes.

 

[HailBlazers]

I mentioned in other threads what I would like to see the Blazers do in the draft, and what I think is the next step for Dame to make his game even harder to defend (and easier on his body). Here are a few other preferences I have for the Blazers moving forward.

1) Keep this core together. I think we can do that. I think we can keep Rodney and convince Kanter to return. I’d like Curry back, but I think he’ll be the toughest one to retain, even though this is an ideal situation for him. But I also think we can find a shooter to take his place, and maybe a guy who is a little more of a threat handling the ball. Actually, Simons might be the solution, if Stotts will commit to playing him. Anfernee also might be the answer if we can find a way to move Evan’s contract. Turner’s contributions don’t show up in the stats; the Blazers can’t have Dame and CJ doing all the ballhandling for 82 games and the playoffs.

2) We need to stop limiting ourselves to being a half-court offensive team. Look at what the Warriors do defensively and how they can get offense out of it. We play defense as if it’s something to pass the time when we don’t have the ball. We have great guards, and athletic wings. Our bigs, with the exception of Nurk, all run the floor well. We should be running the break like the Drexler-Kersey Blazers. Yet, year-in year-out, we are among the bottom of the league in forcing turnovers. So we pass up the opportunities for easy shots. Then we get into half-court offense all the time, and that leads to guys like Dame getting beaten up because they are driving through multiple defenders constantly.

3) Zach needs to become a consistent finisher around the basket. He needs to get stronger. If he does, he unlocks a whole new level to what the Blazers can be.

Why would we want to do anything the Warriors do? Pshhh. Rip City doesn't run.

But I agree, more Ramsey basketball. Can Collin's become our Walton lite? If he did and Nurk came back to form as Enforcer we're Contenders.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

Why would we want to do anything the Warriors do? Pshhh. Rip City doesn't run.

But I agree, more Ramsey basketball. Can Collin's become our Walton lite? If he did and Nurk came back to form as Enforcer we're Contenders.

With the skill our bigs have when healthy, and Dame+CJ, idk why we don’t implement some triangle offense.

 

[James lamphear]

Mind sign Hood and trade Harkless and let Aminu walk. If there way to sign Kanter be all means. My starting lineup next year:
Dame
CJ
Nurk
Collins
Hood
Different between this year 5 and next year is these is new lineup have 5 scorers and they have capability being play makers.

 

[Hey]

Curry is gone, and it won't primarily be because of money. There are some games where he is shooting white hot but CJ or Dame still ignore him to take a contested jumpshot. LeBron will probably convince him to come over for a real chance to beat his brother.

 

[BigGameDamian]

We need a "Summer time trades" thread. Can someone please make one?

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Lets beat GS in 7!

 

[PCmor7]

Adding to my list ...

If Harkless is back, I'd be telling him to look at Draymond Green. Harkless could fill a similar role with the Blazers. But I don't know if you can instill in a guy the ability to play with more energy. I do know that physically he should be able to be close to Draymond that he can make more of an impact in games even when he isn't scoring.

 

[EGame]

Stotts has to go. Until that changes who knows if we could ever reach our potential or not. Still gotta trade for another legit star. Use CJ and whatever else. Keep Dame and Nurk.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

Adding to my list ...

If Harkless is back, I'd be telling him to look at Draymond Green. Harkless could fill a similar role with the Blazers. But I don't know if you can instill in a guy the ability to play with more energy. I do know that physically he should be able to be close to Draymond that he can make more of an impact in games even when he isn't scoring.

He can’t pass... it won’t happen man. We need to do all we can with ET+Moe+Picks+Skal+Gary this summer, get an aging star at least.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Going forward I think the Dame hype must he curbed a tad.

For all his heroics, he's by and large a mediocre Playoff performer when you look past his ppg.

 

[BonesJones]

Going forward I think the Dame hype must he curbed a tad.

For all his heroics, he's by and large a mediocre Playoff performer when you look past his ppg.

Pay attention to the defense, who his forwards are, and how our offense is ran..………..

 

[wizenheimer]

Going forward I think the Dame hype must he curbed a tad.

For all his heroics, he's by and large a mediocre Playoff performer when you look past his ppg.

I think that's a bullshit take

for 4 years opponents have paid no penalty for completely selling out their defense in the playoffs to stop Lillard. Kyrie Irving couldn't even make it to the playoffs till Lebron arrived

Dame has had no teammate...none nada zero...who can consistently punish a defense and force them out of their Dame-centered focus. And Stotts has had no clue how to scheme any kind of a response. It's been on Dame to carry the Blazers when he's had guys draped all over him

he's a 6'2 guard being doubled and tripled and trapped and jumped and hedged by guys in the 6'7 to 6'11 range and when he passes it to teammates like Aminu and Mo and ET and Napier they are launching brick after brick

the fucking problem isn't Dame...it's that he doesn't have a teammate like Lebron or KD or PG13 or Kawhi or Steph or even a Klay. he's got the 7 dwarfs and some of them are myopic

 

[B-Roy]

I think that's a bullshit take

for 4 years opponents have paid no penalty for completely selling out their defense in the playoffs to stop Lillard. Kyrie Irving couldn't even make it to the playoffs till Lebron arrived

Dame has had no teammate...none nada zero...who can consistently punish a defense and force them out of their Dame-centered focus. And Stotts has had no clue how to scheme any kind of a response. It's been on Dame to carry the Blazers when he's had guys draped all over him

he's a 6'2 guard being doubled and tripled and trapped and jumped and hedged by guys in the 6'7 to 6'11 range and when he passes it to teammates like Aminu and Mo and ET and Napier they are launching brick after brick

the fucking problem isn't Dame...it's that he doesn't have a teammate like Lebron or KD or PG13 or Kawhi or Steph or even a Klay. he's got the 7 dwarfs and some of them are myopic

I'd like to add though, with the way the games are called, guards dominate the regular season, forwards dominate the playoffs. We desperately need a wing or PF that can play through contact and punish doubles. Having Nurk back would shore up our defense a lot but I don't think it would actually improve our playoff offense much.

 

[wizenheimer]

I'd like to add though, with the way the games are called, guards dominate the regular season, forwards dominate the playoffs. We desperately need a wing or PF that can play through contact and punish doubles. Having Nurk back would shore up our defense a lot but I don't think it would actually improve our playoff offense much.

no argument there. I've consistently said that 4 years of Aminu and Harkless as the starting forwards is at least 3 years too long

personally, I think that Olshey has been so infatuated with CJ that it's blinded him to the need for a major upgrade on the wing. Wings are where the NBA seems the strongest and unfortunately, it's where Portland is the weakest

 

[TBpup]

Whatever it takes to do the following:

When they inevitably run into a team in the Playoffs smart enough to trap Dame, (OKC, too arrogant to figure that out) that they don't react to it (again) like it is the first time they have ever seen it and don't know what to do to take advantage of the 4-on-3 everywhere else on the court.

 

[perkinsfor3]

Meyers Leonard's transition into Kevin Durant started today. He's the fourth wheel we need.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Looking ahead. It seems like this was the best chance they were going to have and they proved again they couldnt beat GS. GS broke this team, they lost 3 17+ point leads.

GS didnt even play particularly well, they just knew it didnt take much an effort to beat the Blazers. Every game GS would basically screw around for 30 minutes then decide yeah I guess we’ll sort of try, and the Blazers lead would vanish, they would all of a sudden not be able to hit open shots, make intelligent plays.

It was an amazing season, but the head game has been won, its time to get a new coaching staff, and change as many parts of the roster as possible. You gotta keep Dame and Nurk unless something crazy shows up but the rest of them, thanks for your contributions.

 

[wizenheimer]

Meyers Leonard's transition into Kevin Durant started today. He's the fourth wheel we need.

he's already morphing back into the Meyers we know. Tonight was like the 17 year Cicada

 

[TBpup]

If Stotts is back next year, expect more of the same in terms of type of ending to the season.
....and sadly, another year of Dame's prime wasted.

 

[Tince]

I mentioned in other threads what I would like to see the Blazers do in the draft, and what I think is the next step for Dame to make his game even harder to defend (and easier on his body). Here are a few other preferences I have for the Blazers moving forward.

1) Keep this core together. I think we can do that. I think we can keep Rodney and convince Kanter to return.

You think we can convince Hood and Kanter to take a COMBINED $5 million?

 

[wizenheimer]

You think we can convince Hood and Kanter to take a COMBINED $5 million?

my guess he's thinking the 5.5M tax-MLE for Kanter and the 4.1M non-Bird for Hood

 

[James lamphear]

You think we can convince Hood and Kanter to take a COMBINED $5 million?

I think one will stay and there contract will increase over the years it seems like that how olshey likes to contract.

 

[Tince]

my guess he's thinking the 5.5M tax-MLE for Kanter and the 4.1M non-Bird for Hood

Hood qualifies for the non-Bird simply by finishing the season with us, correct? And you got to the $4.1M because that's 120% of his current salary? I'm trying to think of an example of when we've used this in the past. Thanks in advance!

 

[wizenheimer]

Hood qualifies for the non-Bird simply by finishing the season with us, correct? And you got to the $4.1M because that's 120% of his current salary? I'm trying to think of an example of when we've used this in the past. Thanks in advance!

yes and yes

 

[Tince]

I think one will stay and there contract will increase over the years it seems like that how olshey likes to contract.

It would seem to me, the longer the contract the more money the player would be giving up. I think the best pitch we could give Kanter would be to sign for the MLE for 1 year, get starters minutes for half the season, and then come the summer of 2020 we would have his early-bird rights. I do question if Kanter is worth $10M a year, but I can see how you could make a case for it.

 

[Phatguysrule]

If Stotts is back next year, expect more of the same in terms of type of ending to the season.
....and sadly, another year of Dame's prime wasted.

More Western Conference Finals trips? Sign me up! We're bound to break through if we keep getting there...