Event NBA Lottery 2022

[blazerkor]

And if all else fails we still have a small/big to build around in Simons and Duren.

As long as we don't overpay Nurk and have to attach a pick to him just to get him off our books. Don't get me wrong, I like Duren a lot, so much that I think he would rattle Nurk, so much that I'd probably like to have him over Nurk. He is the ultra athletic big that Dame has been saying he wants to play with since playing with Bam in the Olympics. So I do think Duren is good value at 7 and in fact I think we'll be kicking ourselves if we don't take him but then I think Nurk will be bad value at whatever contract the team seems to already have come to terms with.

 

[LayneStaley]

I think that's a Play In Tourney team at best. Nas simply isn't consistent enough to start and and you don't tank for a backup C. I'd draft Mathurin who has the advanced stats that project well for an NBA wing. Add Grant to the mix and there is a nice offensive squad.

Dame
Ant
Mauthurin
Grant
Nurk

Bench: Hart, Nas, free agents

I’m sick of not having any size or toughness. People drive down the middle on us repeatedly and how often have we struggled desperately to get an offensive rebound. Your team is nice offensively but I think it’s shredded nightly on the other end. What’s wrong with having multiple guys over 6’9?

 

[Pinwheel1]

If that happens I'm confused. You don't tank to draft a guy who sits. If we did pick Duren I would hope that we would cash in Nurk with a sign and trade. .

You need two quality centers. Nurk can't start the whole season. Injuries and fouls are to be expected for bigs. The kid is 18, let him ease into it.

 

[TBpup]

We really need a guy like this.

Didn't Chauncey say something to the effect of, 'wanting a rim-runner, a shot-blocker, and someone who could dunk a lob pass'?

 

[blazerkor]

You need two quality centers. Nurk can't start the whole season. Injuries and fouls are to be expected for bigs. The kid is 18, let him ease into it.

I don't think you need two quality old school centers that don't stretch the floor in today's NBA. I think if you get Duren, which I am not against, you try to get what you can for Nurk in the sign and trade market. Then you put a vet center behind Duren that you can get for the league min or half the TPMLE. I don't think you draft Duren and pay the 15M+ a season that Nurk has probably been promised.

 

[blazerkor]

Didn't Chauncey say something to the effect of, 'wanting a rim-runner, a shot-blocker, and someone who could dunk a lob pass'?

Yeah, not only does the thought of Duren make me call into question Nurk's future with this team, the rumors about Ayton also make me wonder about it. Especially when I think about Dame talking about wanting a really athletic big last summer.

Who knows? I'm probably getting ahead of myself and if we sign Nurk to a three year deal with a team option on the third year you could bring Duren along very similarly to the way the Heat did with Bam.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think that's a Play In Tourney team at best. Nas simply isn't consistent enough to start and and you don't tank for a backup C. I'd draft Mathurin who has the advanced stats that project well for an NBA wing. Add Grant to the mix and there is a nice offensive squad.

Dame
Ant
Mauthurin
Grant
Nurk

Bench: Hart, Nas, free agents

Mathurin was not always consistent in college so why would he be consistent in the NBA his rookie year? Also, his 6'9" wingspan is not that impressive compared to the 7'2" wingspan for Little. I would roll with Little, draft someone bigger, and trade for Grant.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I don't think you need two quality old school centers that don't stretch the floor in today's NBA. I think if you get Duren, which I am not against, you try to get what you can for Nurk in the sign and trade market. Then you put a vet center behind Duren that you can get for the league min or half the TPMLE. I don't think you draft Duren and pay the 15M+ a season that Nurk has probably been promised.

What if he develops an outside shot in 3 years (when he turns 21) will he still be an old school center with the way he runs the court? He has decent form.

 

[blazerkor]

What if he develops an outside shot in 3 years (when he turns 21) will he still be an old school center with the way he runs the court? He has decent form.

Point taken and not to quote my own post but...

Who knows? I'm probably getting ahead of myself and if we sign Nurk to a three year deal with a team option on the third year you could bring Duren along very similarly to the way the Heat did with Bam.

Edit: I guess my issue is remembering last summer, that presser from Dame when he was leaving for Japan and his repetitive use of the word urgency. I don't know if drafting Duren and keeping Nurk screams urgency.

 

[OneSport3]

Mathurin was not always consistent in college so why would he be consistent in the NBA his rookie year? Also, his 6'9" wingspan is not that impressive compared to the 7'2" wingspan for Little. I would roll with Little, draft someone bigger, and trade for Grant.

I agree. I watch a lot of PAC-12 basketball and I project Mathurin to be nothing more than a role player. He may have a higher floor than some prospects, but his ceiling will be the lowest.

 

[craigehlo]

These playoff are showing it's a pick and roll league. If defensive switching and perimeter close outs are needed, you go with Dyson Daniels or Sochan. I don't think a shot blocking center is the answer.

 

[calvin natt]

Please don't be right about that. I just can't see Dame wanting to stick around for a team just as midling as the one that had his boy CJ on it... just without CJ on it. I think if he doesn't see real improvements after what we just went through as a team last season, he'll start to finally want to see if the grass really is greener. That look on his face at the lotto today wasn't one from a guy who is enthusiastic about what's going on around him. I mean none of us are feeling over the moon about today or the Pels pick situation but this is Dame's life and he was willing to give up on the dream of winning with his friend and teammate he'd had the longest probably in his whole life but I think he was only willing to if it meant winning with other teammates, not if it meant doing the same shit with other teammates.

Well, all that you wrote is true and not sure anyone would disagree with any of it. I just think (continue to think) that there are two trains of thought on this.
1. We want to only win a championship with Lillard so build around him
2. We want to win a championship period.

To me - The first isn’t happening. It just isn’t. They don’t have the assets to do it, plain and simple. But everyone is emotional about it, and I understand. It’s risky and sad and unknown etc etc. The second could happen, if they let Lillard go and get a huge return, draft well, and become a team like the Bucks or Celtics- draft and be smart and coach well. There is part of me that thinks Lillard knows this better than anyone. He says the right thing but he knows it isn’t happening here with him. He also painted himself in a corner by repeatedly saying he won’t leave Portland and is Mr Loyal. So we are stuck.

 

[Pinwheel1]

These playoff are showing it's a pick and roll league. If defensive switching and perimeter close outs are needed, you go with Dyson Daniels or Sochan. I don't think a shot blocking center is the answer.

I agree if it is Sochan as he is already 230. He can guard all bigs too.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Is this guy right about Duren guarding the pick n roll? That is what we need.
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2022/5...ft-2022-instant-first-round-picks-final-order


7. Portland Trail Blazers - Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
Duren is the second youngest player in this draft, but his imposing physicality will be his best attribute from day one in the league. Duren is expected to measure at 6’10, 250 pounds with a 7’5 wingspan while possessing arguably more raw power than any prospect in this class. Duren is not a floor spacer at this stage (he didn’t make a three-pointer in college), but he’ll provide value as a lob target, offensive rebounder, and short roll passer on offense. His status as a prospect of this caliber likely depends on how you evaluate his defense. I’m on the optimistic end there because I believe he has the versatility to play multiple coverages against the pick-and-roll. Duren has the length to play drop coverage and the quickness to stick with ball handlers on the perimeter for a few moments when he gets to the level of the screen. He should also be a major deterrent at the rim after posting a 10 percent block rate as a freshman. Centers of Duren’s ilk typically aren’t viewed as super valuable, but his youth, physical gifts, and emerging passing ability provides plenty of reason to believe in him.

 

[craigehlo]

I agree if it is Sochan as he is already 230. He can guard all bigs too.

He's got a lot of Draymond Green in him. Excellent hustle defender and good passing already at a young age. If he had a knock down jumper, he would be a top 4 pick.

 

[Voodoo]

Duren sounds nice but lets not draft a center, as we all remember drafting centers hasn’t worked out well for the Blazers. I am praying we draft a forward, preferably Keegan, Sochan, and Eason which is my order of preference.

 

[BigGameDamian]

Nurk & pick #7 to the Suns for Ayton?

 

[blazerkor]

Well, all that you wrote is true and not sure anyone would disagree with any of it. I just think (continue to think) that there are two trains of thought on this.
1. We want to only win a championship with Lillard so build around him
2. We want to win a championship period.

To me - The first isn’t happening. It just isn’t. They don’t have the assets to do it, plain and simple. But everyone is emotional about it, and I understand. It’s risky and sad and unknown etc etc. The second could happen, if they let Lillard go and get a huge return, draft well, and become a team like the Bucks or Celtics- draft and be smart and coach well. There is part of me that thinks Lillard knows this better than anyone. He says the right thing but he knows it isn’t happening here with him. He also painted himself in a corner by repeatedly saying he won’t leave Portland and is Mr Loyal. So we are stuck.

I'll tell you what, I'm emotionally attached to Dame but if we can't achieve his stated goals I wouldn't hesitate to trade him. I don't know if our front office is capable of being realistic because they've been under the leadership of a liar for so long. So they may be blowing smoke up Dame's ass and believing it themselves. If that's the case I hope losing the Pels pick and not moving up through the lotto is a reality check and they decide to move on.

I hold onto hope that they have a plan or hopefully many many plans like chess players. I hold onto the idea that we have some talent and maybe Chauncey can make it work together. So I'm hoping that my best judgment is flawed and we are on our way to winning a championship with Dame but if we're not, I wish we'd move on.

 

[wizenheimer]

I don't think a shot blocking center is the answer.

I don't think any C is the answer. They just aren't anymore

go cheap on C's or get a all-star level PF and play him at C

 

[BigGameDamian]

What’s your take on Bennedict Mathurin?

 

[BIG Q]

I live in Tempe, Az. Just passing what is being said on the big sports talker here has been a rumor of Kevin Durant loves Scottsdale, is looking for a house to purchase and wants to opt out of Brooklyn and play here. If so, the Suns would have to make at least two moves; first being they would have to move Ayton because they wouldn't be able to afford him and Durant, with the second being moving Cam Johnson because there is no need for him, Durant and Bridges on the same roster. They spit balled about Lillard here in a 3 guard lineup but that is just silly. Nobody dug into if anything works financially, just talking. The guys here are not big on rumors and always mention to take things with a grain of salt. Calling it a night myself as I was just checking in on what everyones views are as I was at my sons soccer training and was enjoying that. Cheers

 

[calvin natt]

What’s your take on Bennedict Mathurin?

I really like him. When he’s good, he’s really good. Seems built for the NBA. He’s got some issues, of course, but if he checks out on the character/personality part I would consider. Not a “need” but very talented guy

 

[CJ_is_Gone]

I live in Tempe, Az. Just passing what is being said on the big sports talker here has been a rumor of Kevin Durant loves Scottsdale, is looking for a house to purchase and wants to opt out of Brooklyn and play here. If so, the Suns would have to make at least two moves; first being they would have to move Ayton because they wouldn't be able to afford him and Durant, with the second being moving Cam Johnson because there is no need for him, Durant and Bridges on the same roster. They spit balled about Lillard here in a 3 guard lineup but that is just silly. Nobody dug into if anything works financially, just talking. The guys here are not big on rumors and always mention to take things with a grain of salt. Calling it a night myself as I was just checking in on what everyones views are as I was at my sons soccer training and was enjoying that. Cheers

Hey neighbor - I'm in Mesa...
Anyhow the KD rumor is bogus. He just signed a new contract & is tied up for the next 4-5 years

 

[HoopsFanAZ]

Hey neighbors, I work in Mesa and commute ...
I'll be surprised if the Ayton issues don't get papered over for him with $$$. Internal growth is needed by the youngsters for one more shot with CP3.

 

[illmatic99]

Yeah, not only does the thought of Duren make me call into question Nurk's future with this team, the rumors about Ayton also make me wonder about it. Especially when I think about Dame talking about wanting a really athletic big last summer.

Who knows? I'm probably getting ahead of myself and if we sign Nurk to a three year deal with a team option on the third year you could bring Duren along very similarly to the way the Heat did with Bam.

In my estimation, Duren is at least (emphasizing AT LEAST) two years away from being a rotational player. He would be an extremely disappointing pick for me.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

What’s your take on Bennedict Mathurin?

I think Ben is going to be really good but we desperately need length. People say draft the best talent, but if there isn't an effort to make room for them and create opportunities, they're value diminishes.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I feel like I’m pretty connected to what’s going on but I may have taken a nap or something and missed why Grant is such a done deal. A couple media rumors? Damian likes him? What did I miss?

I think it stems from me saying “I would be shocked if Grant isn’t in Portland next year”

I got that from someone within the organization.

I know you are connected and you are usually spot on, but that’s what I got.

 

[STOMP]

The Warriors are favored to win their 4th championship in the last 8 seasons & only one guy on their roster was drafted above #7... Wiggins.

Okay conscious... I forgot about a couple of their bench guys and should correct myself. Otto Porter (#3 in 2013) & James Wiseman (#2 in 2020).

STOMP

 

[1 Eye Jack]

Well, all that you wrote is true and not sure anyone would disagree with any of it. I just think (continue to think) that there are two trains of thought on this.
1. We want to only win a championship with Lillard so build around him
2. We want to win a championship period.

To me - The first isn’t happening. It just isn’t. They don’t have the assets to do it, plain and simple. But everyone is emotional about it, and I understand. It’s risky and sad and unknown etc etc. The second could happen, if they let Lillard go and get a huge return, draft well, and become a team like the Bucks or Celtics- draft and be smart and coach well. There is part of me that thinks Lillard knows this better than anyone. He says the right thing but he knows it isn’t happening here with him. He also painted himself in a corner by repeatedly saying he won’t leave Portland and is Mr Loyal. So we are stuck.

100% agree, I can’t see a way that we are able to Make this team a championship contender without trading Dame. Currently our only home run assets

1. Dame- should be able to get you couple of first round picks and good player in return

2. Simons- star potential maybe gets you a star who is problem on another team if combined with a draft pick (player like Ben Simmons)

3. #7 pick unfortunately not real valuable although there are some hidden gems in this draft I like the guard from Arizona but it’s position of least need for us

Here’s how I see this playing out we make a trade for average starter we go into next year and about half way through Dame and the team realize they aren’t going anywhere and they talk about a trade of Dame.

I hate it but this is the only option of becoming a contender.

 

[blazerfan11]

I don't think any C is the answer. They just aren't anymore

go cheap on C's or get a all-star level PF and play him at C

What if it's a center like Bam Adebayo? Quick enough to guard anywhere on the floor.