Lowe podcast with Woj

[lamlor]

ESPN Article on NBA

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22263630/nba-financial-crunch-coming

 

[ripcityboy]

Neil's attitude when entertaining trades as he listens to us.....

 

[hoopsjock]

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse in here today. The concept of opportunity cost clearly isn't gaining any traction. Having nothing on the roster with a bit of capspace is better than having three immovable deals for which we would need to give up assets to get rid of. We have nearly 120 mil tied up in contracts for players who will give us nothing for three years. It would be have been close to 200 mil if we didn't find the AC trade dump.

Even Houston got fucked to an extent with the Gordon and Anderson deals, but Gordon has surprisingly remained healthy and is putting up numbers. Anderson is trash. But the rest of their roster was flexible enough and comprised of the right contracts to get a guy like CP. Most teams have one or two bad deals like this. We have three. In this market where players don't consider POR a destination to force trades to, these mistakes are so much more magnified.

First of all, there is a difference between flexibility and opportunity cost.

Second of all, the Rockets got CP3 because he chose to go there. No other explanation is correct. The Clippers got an ultimatum that they could either trade him to Houston or he'd opt out and would leave for nothing. It had nothing to do with them having more trade assets or a better package than we could trade. To use that as your argument is just completely irrational.

 

[tester551]

So the rest of Dame's tenure is two seasons? Because all 3 of those contracts come off the books then. All 3 become expiring after next season which also makes them more valuable.

Total BS. They aren't more valuable. They may become more palatable, or less terrible - but in no way will those contracts ever have ANY value.

 

[KingSpeed]

They went to the WCF in 2015 (after winning 56 games), won 55 games last year before flaming out against the SAS buzzsaw. And they have a bonafide MVP candidate. Besides the fact that they still had the pieces needed to make a deal for CP in the first place, which we clearly do not.

Not seeing what you are.

You skipped the year where Houston got 8 seed and "superstar" Harden didn't make an All NBA team.

 

[AFully22]

It’s so obvious Neil thinks this roster is a lot better than it is lol. He’s absolutely unwilling to admit any fault in getting us into this mess and I wouldn’t doubt that he’s calling for Stotts to be fired behind the scenes to bite the bullet for his fuck ups.

If he doesn’t make us clearly better by the summer then PA needs to bring in a new GM who’s intial sole task is to find a good deal for one or more of CJ, Collins, and Nurk. We’re not going to somehow sky rocket into contending by developing what we have, making bargain deals, and drafting in the mid to late first round. This is hell.

 

[hoopsjock]

Total BS. They aren't more valuable. They may become more palatable, or less terrible - but in no way will those contracts ever have ANY value.

We don't know what the climate is right now but if those contracts were expiring right now they'd have a TON of value. We could get just about any name available right now since most teams are asking for no long term money.

If expiring...

Harkless, Leonard, and a 1st for Jordan would be possible.

Turner for George Hill.

Leonard for Jordan Clarkson.

Turner, Leonard, and a 1st plus a young guy for Gasol.

I'm not saying I'd make these trades but our players instantly become this valuable once the summer of 2019 gets here.

 

[hoopsjock]

It’s so obvious Neil thinks this roster is a lot better than it is lol. He’s absolutely unwilling to admit any fault in getting us into this mess and I wouldn’t doubt that he’s calling for Stotts to be fired behind the scenes to bite the bullet for his fuck ups.

If he doesn’t make us clearly better by the summer then PA needs to bring in a new GM who’s intial sole task is to find a good deal for one or more of CJ, Collins, and Nurk. We’re not going to somehow sky rocket into contending by developing what we have, making bargain deals, and drafting in the mid to late first round. This is hell.

Dame, CJ, Collins, and Nurk IS a decent core to build around. The problem is that they need a huge upgrade on the wing to make it work. That is a difficult task considering our salary position but not impossible.

 

[kjironman1]

I'm not saying I'd make these trades but our players instantly become this valuable once the summer of 2019 gets here.

Or even as early as the trade deadline next year.

 

[AFully22]

We don't know what the climate is right now but if those contracts were expiring right now they'd have a TON of value. We could get just about any name available right now since most teams are asking for no long term money.

If expiring...

Harkless, Leonard, and a 1st for Jordan would be possible.

Turner for George Hill.

Leonard for Jordan Clarkson.

Turner, Leonard, and a 1st plus a young guy for Gasol.

I'm not saying I'd make these trades but our players instantly become this valuable once the summer of 2019 gets here.

The thing is, all those other guys that signed contracts in 2016 will be expiring too. And expirings have lost value over the last couple years. I don’t doubt we’ll be able to move those contracts but it’s not going to be for a nice piece in return unless we attach a valued asset to them. Even the Clippers who are clearly wanting to shed salary asked for Harris and Bradley to get out from BG’s contract. The ET, Leonard, Harkless contracts will be dealt to simply get out from under them but I doubt they will met us anything of value in return unless we attach picks or young players.

 

[AFully22]

Dame, CJ, Collins, and Nurk IS a decent core to build around. The problem is that they need a huge upgrade on the wing to make it work. That is a difficult task considering our salary position but not impossible.

If it’s true that’s a decent core than we wouldn’t NEED a “huge upgrade” on the wing to make it work. One we will never be able to acquire without shipping out one of the players from said decent core. I think this team is a lot further off then people assume.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I think Olshey understands what a mess we are in and is doing whatever possible to try to make the situation better. Whether that is possible, who knows? Also, I wouldn't assume that he isn't willing to trade CJ; the sentiments being leaked could be just to try to inflate his trade value.

 

[BBert]

When Olshey says certain players are not for sale, it just means if you're going to inquire, it better be a damn good offer or don't waste my time. Everyone is for sale. Just sayin'.

 

[BBert]

I think Olshey understands what a mess we are in and is doing whatever possible to try to make the situation better. Whether that is possible, who knows? Also, I wouldn't assume that he isn't willing to trade CJ; the sentiments being leaked could be just to try to inflate his trade value.

Shoot I just posted that same thought, more or less. Oh, well.

 

[Scalma]

Dame, CJ, Collins, and Nurk IS a decent core to build around. The problem is that they need a huge upgrade on the wing to make it work. That is a difficult task considering our salary position but not impossible.

I agree that we’re not that far off and have a nice core in place. We’re really only missing a 3&D wing. Problem is they’re not easy to find and a bunch of other teams are looking for one as well so Olshey has his work cut out

 

[kjironman1]

I think Olshey understands what a mess we are in and is doing whatever possible to try to make the situation better. Whether that is possible, who knows? Also, I wouldn't assume that he isn't willing to trade CJ; the sentiments being leaked could be just to try to inflate his trade value.

Sounds like wishful thinking. I really doubt CJ is on the block after just going off for 50 and while he is having a monster year in general. The Blazers need a long strong SF that can shoot. A solid 3&D player. Harkless should have been that player. At times he is that player. But obviously between him and Turner the Blazers have got to have at least one of them having a good game.

 

[Scalma]

Might be too late but maybe we should just give Harkless another shot. He’s quietly shooting over 38% from outside. He reminds me a little of Trob in that he thinks he’s a lot better than he actually is and deserves more, but if he just accepted his role he’d have a long career in the league.

 

[Scalma]

I think Olshey understands what a mess we are in and is doing whatever possible to try to make the situation better. Whether that is possible, who knows? Also, I wouldn't assume that he isn't willing to trade CJ; the sentiments being leaked could be just to try to inflate his trade value.

Maybe but I didn’t get that vibe from Woj and it’d go against everything I’ve come to think of Neil. I honestly believe his backcourt is untouchable. He’s going down with that ship and we should just deal with it.

 

[AFully22]

Just look at the rosters of Houston, GSW, Boston, Minnesota, even Philly and Milwaukee and try and justify how our current roster, without drastic change, can compete with that. Without a PG level talent at the 3 or 4 I just don’t see how we even come close to the level of some of those rosters.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Might be too late but maybe we should just give Harkless another shot. He’s quietly shooting over 38% from outside. He reminds me a little of Trob in that he thinks he’s a lot better than he actually is and deserves more, but if he just accepted his role he’d have a long career in the league.

I see it slightly differently. I agree with you about the entitlement mindset likely being a big hindrance to Harkless, but I don't see it as him thinking he's better than he is, so much as not realizing how good he could be if he just went out and took the role he wanted.

Either way, though--I don't think he has the mentality necessary to be the kind of wing we need for this team to take the next step, and I don't see it as something he'll develop any time soon.

 

[e_blazer]

They went to the WCF in 2015 (after winning 56 games), won 55 games last year before flaming out against the SAS buzzsaw. And they have a bonafide MVP candidate. Besides the fact that they still had the pieces needed to make a deal for CP in the first place, which we clearly do not.

Not seeing what you are.

41-41 last year is about as treadmill as it gets. The CP3 deal was a fire sale, unless you count Beverly, Williams (who they’re trying to move), a bunch of bench players, and a protected pick that’s looking like it’s going to be a late first rounder as fair value.

 

[TBpup]

Dame, CJ, Collins, and Nurk IS a decent core to build around. The problem is that they need a huge upgrade on the wing to make it work. That is a difficult task considering our salary position but not impossible.

As mentioned, if a huge upgrade at the wing will make it work, then Dame, CJ and Nurk aren't that great to begin with.

I agree that we’re not that far off and have a nice core in place. We’re really only missing a 3&D wing. Problem is they’re not easy to find and a bunch of other teams are looking for one as well so Olshey has his work cut out

I think we have a 3&D wing. Stotts says he's our best 'D' player, he's shooting .399 from '3' and he's 220 lbs. Sounds like a SF to me. Too bad Stotts REFUSES to play him at anything but PF.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Ultimately, and unfortunately, I think our best chance to contend with this group lies in the draft, but NOT the draft lottery. As long as Dame is here, we won't be in the lottery. So, we need to hit, not a home run, but a fucking grand slam with one of our mid-first to mid-second round picks. We need to find the next Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green outside of the draft lottery. The odds are long, but every couple years, a game changing star it taking outside of the lottery.

Neil has been a total fuck up when signing free agents, that's only partly his fault as this market doesn't attract the top names, but he's given into the market conditions and overpaid non-needle movers. That's on him and smacks of desperation.

His trading history is a mixed bag, but most of the deals have been reactionary, based on current needs rather part of some longer term plan.

The one area where he's found above market value has been the draft. Lillard and McCollum are obvious gems that have played better than many/most players taken ahead of them. We're all hopeful Collins will also turn into a gem. He's also found good value in the second round, with Barton, Crabbe and Connaughton all outperforming their draft positions.

But now, he needs to strike gold. Good value and outperforming their draft positions is no longer good enough. He needs to find a fucking superstar outside of the lottery. That's a nearly, but not quite, impossible task and it sucks that POR is in that position. Rather than trading picks to move bad contracts, he should actually be trying to accurate as many picks between 15 and 35 as possible. And then, he needs to say the hell with need and absolutely draft BPA with every single pick, or bundle multiple picks to move up and grab THAT guy, regardless of position. He needs to find a superstar.

Even if that star plays the same position as Dame or C.J. they would become our most valuable trade asset. It's a lot easier to trade a young star for a proven Paul George/Jimmy Butler level player than it is to try to bundle our garbage in hope of getting something worthwhile in return. And lets face it, no way does any of our garbage get us back a player that would make us contenders - not even close.

BNM

 

[illmatic99]

So, we need to hit, not a home run, but a fucking grand slam with one of our mid-first to mid-second round picks. We need to find the next Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green outside of the draft lottery. The odds are long, but every couple years, a game changing star it taking outside of the lottery.

BNM

This is the absolute best hope, but there is a caveat. Kawhi came into his own in year 4. Giannis, year 3. Draymond, year 4. Butler, year 4. CJ, year 3. PG, year 3. By the time the dude we draft develops to a star or even a top level prospect to garner trade value, we might be nearing the end of Dame's prime (or his tenure in POR). You can say this same strategy/hope was applied in the Zach Collins pick. Realistically, where do we see Collins in year 3?

 

[Scalma]

As mentioned, if a huge upgrade at the wing will make it work, then Dame, CJ and Nurk aren't that great to begin with.

What does this even mean? Make what work? A 3&D player would just take this team from playoffs to contention. Doesn’t have to be a star. And no not this year either, since Collins and Nurk still have developing to do. Doesn’t mean it can’t happen soon though or that we need a major shakeup

 

[illmatic99]

41-41 last year is about as treadmill as it gets. The CP3 deal was a fire sale, unless you count Beverly, Williams (who they’re trying to move), a bunch of bench players, and a protected pick that’s looking like it’s going to be a late first rounder as fair value.

No.

They won 55 games last year, not 41. The summer prior (when they had won 41 games), they splurged on their free agents in the summer of 16 like everyone else.

We won 44 games that same year they won 41. Splurged on free agents in the summer. Then, won 41 games.

They improved, we stagnated.

 

[julius]

Didn't we make the playoffs every year from 77 to like 2004?

Nope, they missed the playoffs in 81-82, and again in 03-04.

 

[BrianFromWA]

Lets hope so. Let's also hope he doesn't ask out before then.

Dame isn't stupid. And I would humbly submit that getting rid of all the good players and draft picks to minimize the short-term impact of how bad you fucked up is probably not the best GM strategy to keep a waffling star, if he is a waffling star.

 

[Boob-No-More]

This is the absolute best hope, but there is a caveat. Kawhi came into his own in year 4. Giannis, year 3. Draymond, year 4. Butler, year 4. CJ, year 3. PG, year 3. By the time the dude we draft develops to a star or even a top level prospect to garner trade value, we might be nearing the end of Dame's prime (or his tenure in POR). You can say this same strategy/hope was applied in the Zach Collins pick. Realistically, where do we see Collins in year 3?

I'm hoping said player, if we get one, will just be the next in the pipeline of young talent we are developing. That starts with Nurk and then Collins and finally Player X.

Tangent Alert: And please, hire the best fucking big man coach money can buy to accelerate the development of Nurk and Collins.

Even if players like Kawhi, Greek Freak, Butler, etc. did not become superstars until their 3rd or 4th seasons, you could tell within a year, or two tops, that they we're destined for greatness. As long as our other young assets are improving, we will be getting better, eventually have HCA in the first round and poised for a deep playoff run. That will be enough to keep Dame here and engaged. It will also help us start to attract veteran talent at below market pay.

I was looking through current salaries looking for possible targets for out $13 million TPE and noticed there really isn't much of a middle class in the NBA these days. Almost every team has three or four players making $14 - $28 million a year followed by a bunch of young players on cheap rookie deals and rounded out with multiple veterans making the vet min. There are very few players making between the MLE ($8 million) and $13 million a year. We need to become a legitimate top 3 or 4 team in the West to start attracting below market price veterans.

So, develop the two young bigs we have (hire a fucking big man coach already), draft BPA regardless of position with every draft pick and start attracting below market veterans to round out the roster.

It's not ideal, but I can't think of any easy way to get out of our current mess. Like I said, we aren't getting a needle mover for any combination of our garbage, no matter how we package it. Garbage is garbage and more is not better. We should be looking for more draft picks not trading them away to dump our bad contracts.

BNM

 

[OSUBlazerfan]

Re-live the horror: http://www.sportstwo.com/threads/evan-turner-becomes-a-blazer.302179/

Can't believe that sticker shock. Even I was trying to rationalize that in the end. smh.

My initial thought was "fuck me". nothing has changed.