Martell Article

[ABM]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/97205824.html?page=1&c=y

The Timberwolves' draft-night trade for Martell Webster, David Kahn said Friday, came down to a simple calculus: Whether Webster is more talented than anyone who was still available at No. 16.

"There was one player that I would have wanted to have [in that area of the draft] rather than Martell, but only one," said Kahn, the Wolves president of basketball operations. "And he was gone."

Kahn wouldn't identify that player, but once he was drafted, the Wolves quickly decided to consummate a trade they had discussed with Portland for several days, sending the 16th pick and Ryan Gomes to the Blazers for Webster, a 23-year-old swingman who has already earned NBA paychecks for five seasons..........

...............Rambis called Webster after the trade was made Thursday night, and "he was incredibly excited," Kahn said. "He wanted this very badly because he felt playing time would continue to be an issue there, and he is ready to make a mark for himself."...........

..........Portland agreed to the trade, but only on the condition that the player they wanted -- whom they didn't reveal -- was still available. If the Blazers had backed out, Kahn said, the Wolves had worked out a second deal to trade the selection for two later first-round picks, presumably with Memphis, to add additional depth.

When Milwaukee took Larry Sanders with the 15th pick, Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard -- who had been fired earlier in the day -- called and finalized the trade...............

 

[maxiep]

Interesting. I think Webster will do well with a regular role. He may never be the star we had hoped when he was drafted, but I think he'll be a solid starting quality SF in this league. I wish Webs nothing but the best.

 

[andalusian]

Given Kahn's draft history so far (Flynn over Lawson, for example) - I think this trade was a very good option for the Blazers. It might backfire - but I trust Pritchard's golden gut better than they Kahn's.

I was never a huge fan of Webster the player - but I always appreciated his maturity and what he seemed like as a human being - so all the best for Webster from me.

 

[Mediocre Man]

The way I look at it is this. I don't think Babbitt will be any worse than Martell, so it can't be a bad move to get him at a lower salary. If he turns out the same, then no harm done. If he turns out better great deal.

 

[Sedatedfork]

On courtside I think the explanation for the trade that made the most sensse is that this was to open minutes up for Batum and reduce a logjam at SF. Babbit should be happy to get 10 to 15 minutes a game, Webster... eh not so much. If we trade Rudy I hope we get a veteran shooter back, because if shooting is something this team needs (and it does) Webster and Rudy for a rookie shooter seems like a step back in the shooting department. Maybe there is a FA they make an offer for like JJ Reddick,.

 

[maxiep]

The way I look at it is this. I don't think Babbitt will be any worse than Martell, so it can't be a bad move to get him at a lower salary. If he turns out the same, then no harm done. If he turns out better great deal.

I think getting out of Martell's mid-level contract and replacing his minutes with someone cheaper was a primary driver. Webster thrives off more minutes, and with Nico's emergence he wasn't going to get them here. We've also managed to tie up a little bit more of the Wolves cap. I'm fine with the deal. We still managed to keep all our cheap young talent that will be valuable in any future trade.

 

[Mediocre Man]

If Nico doesn't get 30 minutes plus from the beginning, AssClown should be gone. It's irritating that he didn't do it last year, even though Batum was better. Now that Martell has been traded, and can't get his precious feelings hurt by not playing more minutes, Nate has no excuses

 

[maxiep]

If Nico doesn't get 30 minutes plus from the beginning, AssClown should be gone. It's irritating that he didn't do it last year, even though Batum was better. Now that Martell has been traded, and can't get his precious feelings hurt by not playing more minutes, Nate has no axcuses

If I were the Blazers, I would treat Nico's shoulder like raising a cow to make Kobe beef. I hope he does a little bit of strength training over the summer to be able to handle starters minutes, because we're a better team with him on the floor.

 

[STOMP]

On courtside I think the explanation for the trade that made the most sensse is that this was to open minutes up for Batum and reduce a logjam at SF. Babbit should be happy to get 10 to 15 minutes a game, Webster... eh not so much.

Webster was decent as a starter but long struggled in a limited role off the bench. He'd often press and fall into a downward spiral if things didn't go well right off the bat. Since Nic was clearly the better option at 3, limited minutes loomed in PDX for MW. He should be able to settle in and earn 25+ MPG there... best of luck to him and the Wolves, I like the move from both team's perspectives

STOMP

 

[Pinwheel1]

The only think that keeps Batum on the bench are fouls and injuries. Nate loves Nic's game. He may save him a little too much for the 4th quarter, but that's because he knows how valuable he is guarding the opponents best player down the stretch. Hell he started him the second game of his career.

 

[BGrantFan]

If Nico doesn't get 30 minutes plus from the beginning, AssClown should be gone. It's irritating that he didn't do it last year, even though Batum was better. Now that Martell has been traded, and can't get his precious feelings hurt by not playing more minutes, Nate has no excuses

Let's just hope Nic doesn't need shoulder surgery again. I don't have a problem with his limited minutes last season, because as it was, he was still injured in the playoffs and again was injured going into the off-season. Perhaps you would have wanted him to play more regular season minutes, and then miss the playoffs or not even make it through the regular season? There were questions if Nic would play at all last year, and you're complaining that he wasn't played more? You have some valid criticisms at times, but a lot of what you post about Nate looks very ignorant when held up against reality.

I hope Nic plays 36 minutes/per this season, and if he is healthy, he will. It's like people forget he had an MRI on his shoulder in the Suns' series and was doubtful to play at one point. If Nic plays limited minutes, it will be because he is ineffective (unlikely) or injured, like he was for much of this season.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Nic got hurt because someone wapped his shoulder, not because he was playing too much. That could have happened the first game back, or might not have happened at all.


More excuses though, I get it.

 

[BGrantFan]

Nic got hurt because someone wapped his shoulder, not because he was playing too much. That could have happened the first game back, or might not have happened at all.


More excuses though, I get it.

How do you know, though? Saying Nate should be fired for the minutes Nic played after his injury, without knowing any restrictions or soreness Nic may have had, is an opinion based in ignorance. Nate didn't have Nic as his full disposal last season. Nic played what, 28 games, and still ended up injured? The AssClown stuff is enough to take anything you post about Nate as nothing more than the rants of a hater, though, so I guess we're done here. You're the MIXUM of the hate Nate posse.