Marshall and Andre?

[shamelessblazer]

All the similarities are there in the draft profiles. Do any of you think it would make sense to sign back Andre (would he consider), and have Marshall play as his understudy. You could give them both 24 mpg. It'd be really nice to have a real PG on the floor all the time (this helps Aldridge tremendously I think).

I'd like to do this and go after someone like Beauboius who's basically a 2 but can guard 1's. I think I'd like to hide Andre (or Marshall) against other team's 1's.

Obviously I'd rather get Deron, Harden, or Ibaka. But if we were able to head into next season with a rotation looking like this I think I'd be fairly happy.

Miller/Marshall
Matthews/Beauboius
Batum/Babbit
Hickson/Freeland
Aldridge & BIGS

Obviously holes at C, but Aldridge could play there half the time (to give room to Hickson anyways0 and I bet we could sign a few vets.

I think we could get Beaubious fairly easy if the Mavs are clearing space for Deron. If they're not, then I think we're one of the most likely teams he signs w/anyways.

 

[RR7]

No. If we draft Marshall, I'd like to see this organization finally commit to a PG by starting him immediately, not finding him a mentor to learn from.

 

[PapaG]

No. If we draft Marshall, I'd like to see this organization finally commit to a PG by starting him immediately, not finding him a mentor to learn from.

It's moments like this offseason when I wish that the FA period was before the draft. Say Marshall is available and the Blazers draft him, but then Deron Williams likes what he sees and signs with the Blazers (pipe dream, for sure). Marshall kind of becomes a wasted lottery pick, at least for the next few years, unless he can become a decent back-up in limited minutes, which can't be easy for young players.

 

[RR7]

It's moments like this offseason when I wish that the FA period was before the draft. Say Marshall is available and the Blazers draft him, but then Deron Williams likes what he sees and signs with the Blazers (pipe dream, for sure). Marshall kind of becomes a wasted lottery pick, at least for the next few years, unless he can become a decent back-up in limited minutes, which can't be easy for young players.

I agree and am surprised the player's union didn't ask for something like that. It's in their best interest, as current members, to have free agency beforehand, to give them a chance to actually sign somewhere. Having it after the draft leads more the the possibility a team drafts someone,a nd then decides against signing you.

 

[Natebishop3]

It's moments like this offseason when I wish that the FA period was before the draft. Say Marshall is available and the Blazers draft him, but then Deron Williams likes what he sees and signs with the Blazers (pipe dream, for sure). Marshall kind of becomes a wasted lottery pick, at least for the next few years, unless he can become a decent back-up in limited minutes, which can't be easy for young players.

I'd deal Marshall at that point.

 

[Mediocre Man]

If we draft a PG, or sign a young PG like Dragic then fucking start him from day 1 and move on. In the lottery, if you select a PG and still need to play him behind a vet, then it was a shitty pick

 

[PapaG]

I agree and am surprised the player's union didn't ask for something like that. It's in their best interest, as current members, to have free agency beforehand, to give them a chance to actually sign somewhere. Having it after the draft leads more the the possibility a team drafts someone,a nd then decides against signing you.

Completely out of left field, but how about an "early-signing period" 2-3 weeks after the NBA Finals, then a "dead period" for the draft, and start up FA again in late July. You'd have to move the draft back a bit. I know it's impossible now because of the new CBA, but it would be in the best interest of both owners and players, and the marquee FAs/difference-makers would likely land on their new team before the draft.

 

[Natebishop3]

If we draft a PG, or sign a young PG like Dragic then fucking start him from day 1 and move on. In the lottery, if you select a PG and still need to play him behind a vet, then it was a shitty pick

If we draft Marshall, do we still go after a PG in free agency? Or do we try to use the money on something else?

 

[Blazinaway]

David Thorpe thinks Marshall is a "perfect fit" for POR, check it out

http://blogs.trailblazers.com/Broad...188/EntryID/3840/BroadcasterID/4/Default.aspx

 

[RR7]

Completely out of left field, but how about an "early-signing period" 2-3 weeks after the NBA Finals, then a "dead period" for the draft, and start up FA again in late July. You'd have to move the draft back a bit. I know it's impossible now because of the new CBA, but it would be in the best interest of both owners and players, and the marquee FAs/difference-makers would likely land on their new team before the draft.

Similar to what football does. Have always thought basketball should do the same.

 

[Nikolokolus]

If we draft Marshall, do we still go after a PG in free agency? Or do we try to use the money on something else?

I think you still go after a point guard in free agency if he's in the upper echelon (Williams).

Failing that the team still needs somebody who can play backup at the point -- I don't trust Smith -- so they should probably pursue a journeyman type with the intent of that guy maybe starting a few games to begin with but who can go back to the bench when Marshall is ready to take the reins fully (hopefully) by mid-season.

Having said that I like Marshall a lot ... I know he's got limitations and there's some concern about his ability to generate his own offense in crunch time situations, but he's so elite at such a critical skill I think the team can live with whatever shortcomings he possesses provided they can find a true scorer/slasher/ball-handler to play at the two spot.

 

[RR7]

If we draft Marshall, do we still go after a PG in free agency? Or do we try to use the money on something else?

I think at that point, it'd be Deron or bust as far as PGs in free agency. Get a quick answer from him, and then move on. Would not bother with Dragic level guys at that point.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Similar to what football does. Have always thought basketball should do the same.

It would also be smart because the NBA really isn't in the news in August/September, and this structure could allow for more/better spaced news cycles. For this year, how cool would this be?

Playoffs--through June
Early FA signings--July 1-15
Build-up to Draft--July 16-30
NBA Draft--July 31st
Dead Period--August 1-10
FA resumes--August 11
Summer Leagues begin--August 20
Training camps begin--September 15

Basically, the league would have something going on at all times. You'd think that's exactly the kind of thing that Czar Stern would want.

 

[Mediocre Man]

If we draft Marshall, do we still go after a PG in free agency? Or do we try to use the money on something else?

As much as the front office blindly believes they are going to retool the roster to compete next year, they are fooling themselves. If they draft Marshall, or better yet Teague, then play them with Nolan as back up. If the team shows signs of life, or gets lucky with their picks, then sign a vet to back up whoever we have the following year for a playoff push

 

[PapaG]

I'd deal Marshall at that point.

That's still an unknown, though. I assume you're drafting Marshall early because you think he's your guy, or you're drafting him for somebody else as part of a draft day trade. Trading him a month later after getting a FA commitment would seemingly lower his value, unless there is another team in the exact same situation, but at another position (say SG, which is a Blazer need).

 

[Blaze01]

I think Marshall could be ok as an NBA player, but for POR to take him at #11, let alone at #7 would be reaching for a NEED pick, IMO there is far better talent that they should be drafting before they would consider Marshall.

What this team needs most isn't a PG...

it isn't a center.....

it isn't a starting caliber SG....

it is a TALENT UPGRADE....

Regardless of position, this team needs BETTER talent...I don't care what position they play, get better players in here...

That should be priority NUMBER ONE for BOTH picks...

and I think that WILL be available for POR to address at #7 & #11.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Step 1: Draft Kendall Marshall

Step 2: Sign Steve Nash to a two year deal

There's no better mentor for Marshall than Steve Nash.

 

[RR7]

Step 1: Draft Kendall Marshall

Step 2: Sign Steve Nash to a two year deal

There's no better mentor for Marshall than Steve Nash.

If you draft him, start him. don't sit him on the bench for two years. So, so stupid.
You know what's better than someone showing him what they do? Playing time and a commitment from the team.

 

[Natebishop3]

I think Marshall could be ok as an NBA player, but for POR to take him at #11, let alone at #7 would be reaching for a NEED pick, IMO there is far better talent that they should be drafting before they would consider Marshall.

What this team needs most isn't a PG...

it isn't a center.....

it isn't a starting caliber SG....

it is a TALENT UPGRADE....

Regardless of position, this team needs BETTER talent...I don't care what position they play, get better players in here...

That should be priority NUMBER ONE for BOTH picks...

and I think that WILL be available for POR to address at #7 & #11.

He could definitely be a reach, but I also remember people saying that Russell Westbrook was a reach before he started climbing the draft boards. A lot can change over the course of all the combines, private workouts, etc etc etc. Maybe he gets into 1v1 matchups and just kills it.

 

[Mediocre Man]

What is the infatuation with a PG born when Disco was king?

 

[Natebishop3]

That's still an unknown, though. I assume you're drafting Marshall early because you think he's your guy, or you're drafting him for somebody else as part of a draft day trade. Trading him a month later after getting a FA commitment would seemingly lower his value, unless there is another team in the exact same situation, but at another position (say SG, which is a Blazer need).

I guess I'm under the assumption that we took him to hedge our bets and then somehow signed Deron Williams, making Marshall unnecessary. Deron is still young enough that you wouldn't need a guy like Marshall waiting in the wings. Someone like Steve Nash on the other would be not change our window and you could still draft Marshall as the primary backup. I don't know if his draft stock would be too low. The Blazers could still sit on him if they wished. Deron is a good enough scorer that you could possibly play them both at times.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I think Marshall could be ok as an NBA player, but for POR to take him at #11, let alone at #7 would be reaching for a NEED pick, IMO there is far better talent that they should be drafting before they would consider Marshall.

What this team needs most isn't a PG...

it isn't a center.....

it isn't a starting caliber SG....

it is a TALENT UPGRADE....

Regardless of position, this team needs BETTER talent...I don't care what position they play, get better players in here...

That should be priority NUMBER ONE for BOTH picks...

and I think that WILL be available for POR to address at #7 & #11.

No that's not really reaching at all. Most mocks have him going in that 8-13 range and every team has their board set up differently. In this case need and value line up pretty well.

Reaching is spending a first round pick on Nolan Smith when most draftniks had him as a second rounder (in a piss-poor draft).

 

[Blaze01]

He could definitely be a reach, but I also remember people saying that Russell Westbrook was a reach before he started climbing the draft boards. A lot can change over the course of all the combines, private workouts, etc etc etc. Maybe he gets into 1v1 matchups and just kills it.

I remember that draft I wanted POR to get Westbrook badly. I remember seeing Bayless projected to go to SEA and I couldn't see why they would do that (although I was hoping they would), but even then I didn't think Westbrook would make it out of the top 10...The buzz out of his workouts was too good and he showed some highlight stuff during the NCAAA tourney if I recall...

Marshall is nowhere NEAR Westbrook in terms of being considered a reach....He may climb boards if there are teams stupid enough to fall for the "He's the best PG in the draft" and reach for a need....I agree that he may go higher than he should, but it shouldn't be POR that reaches for him...Especially when you know they are going to go after a vet PG, so what is the point here? (no pun intended)

Draft talent, regardless of position...Address FA PG and C in Free Agency...

 

[RR7]

I don't understand why you write off Marshall as if he isn't talented, but like guys like Perry Jones and Wroten more than him. Is it you like raw ability, and ignore the ability of guys to actually use their talent? Is it that a solid basketball IQ can't be considered a talent? Is it because Marshall will never be a 20 PPG scorer that he isdn't talented, even though he could likely be top 5 in assists maybe as a rookie? I don't see why he isn't talented just because he isn't flashy, isn't as athletic, and doesn't have the 20 PPG scorer potential.

 

[Blaze01]

No that's not really reaching at all. Most mocks have him going in that 8-13 range and every team has their board set up differently. In this case need and value line up pretty well.

Reaching is spending a first round pick on Nolan Smith when most draftniks had him as a second rounder (in a piss-poor draft).

No they don't....

Better than Harrison Barnes?
Jeremy Lamb?
John Henson?
JAred Sullinger?
Austin Rivers?
Perry Jones II?
Terrance Jones?

I don't think so, take him over those guys and you ARE reaching for a need...

Draft Express has him listed at #14, barring some team reaching for him this is about the area where he should go IMO....

Again, POR needs a talent upgrade more than a positional upgrade....

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Do you guys know how much better Aldridge, Batum, and the the rest of the roster will play on the floor because of Marshall? I want a guy who can make everyone around him better. I think he can and will do that.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Do you guys know how much better Aldridge, Batum, and the the rest of the roster will play on the floor because of Marshall? I want a guy who can make everyone around him better. I think he can and will do that.

Marshall would absolutely make everyone better.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Give me Marshall and Lamb. I don't care the order. Get it done! Please?

 

[Mediocre Man]

Give me Marshall and Lamb. I don't care the order. Get it done! Please?

That would be a solid draft, IMO. Sullinger at 11 would be ok with me as well. He and LA would be a nice combo. That is unless the Blazers can add a late first because I think there are a ton of good bigs that will go late in the first.

 

[Nikolokolus]

No they don't....

Better than Harrison Barnes?
Jeremy Lamb?
John Henson?
JAred Sullinger?
Austin Rivers?
Perry Jones II?
Terrance Jones?

I don't think so, take him over those guys and you ARE reaching for a need...

Draft Express has him listed at #14, barring some team reaching for him this is about the area where he should go IMO....

Again, POR needs a talent upgrade more than a positional upgrade....

"positional upgrade?" I think you completely underestimate two things. 1. How important it is to have a competent to good point guard (which automatically raises a players value if they are good at this position) and how little difference there is between the prospects you list. Is Austin Rivers really a better pro prospect? Sullinger, Henson, the Joneses? I'd line Marshall up against any of those players in 3 years and guess that he's as good a chance or better than any of having a home in the league and the chance at a second contract.

If Marshall were projected as a late teens guy or early twenties and we reached for him, then by all means I'd agree that the team shouldn't reach, but just because Givony has him ranked at 14 doesn't mean he is absolutely the 14th best prospect in this draft, that's one evaluator's opinion.