Olshey interview with Jaynes

[Scalma]

Washington isn't going to trade Oubre for #24. We'd probably have to use the bigger TPE to take on Jason Smith, Jodi Meeks (if he opts in), and Oubre for the 24th pick. I don't know if even that is enough.

Trading Porter makes more sense for them.

BTW, Plumlee had two years left on his rookie deal when we traded for him. Oubre, Johnson, and Winslow all have just one year. I'm not saying that means we won't pursue those guys though.

Oubre is good but not as untouchable as you make it seem. He had a PER around 11 with below average shooting percentages. He’s got youth and talent on his side, which gives him value and is a personal favorite of mine. Harkless put up comparable numbers in Orlando at a younger age and he only went for a protected second. I was similarly high on him and that was more potential based as well. As for trading Porter, most of the league is looking to dump money, no one is going to give Washington equal value for him. Take Portland for example. We could use Porter, but what do we have to give them?

 

[hoopsjock]

Oubre is good but not as untouchable as you make it seem. He had a PER around 11 with below average shooting percentages. He’s got youth and talent on his side, which gives him value and is a personal favorite of mine. Harkless put up comparable numbers in Orlando at a younger age and he only went for a protected second. I was similarly high on him and that was more potential based as well. As for trading Porter, most of the league is looking to dump money, no one is going to give Washington equal value for him.

C'mon, there is a difference between untouchable and not trading him for just the 24th pick and cap relief. Part of the reason he hasn't broken out is because he is stuck behind Porter.

 

[Scalma]

C'mon, there is a difference between untouchable and not trading him for just the 24th pick and cap relief. Part of the reason he hasn't broken out is because he is stuck behind Porter.

He averaged almost 28 minutes a game this season. And while he’s young, he’s still the same age as most seniors in college. I think a late first is pretty fair all things considered.

 

[Mediocre Man]

From RealGM:

A heads up about Ed Davis...

I work for the USPS and understand Ed Davis has sold his house in Portland and it seems very likely from
NO's comments about wanting to move Zach closer to the basket that he knows he's leaving in free
agency.

While I think the person who posted this on realgm is completely full of horse shit, this would be so stupid of NO.....which probably makes it true. Rough, defensive minded big, who WANTS to be in Portland. Gotta find a way

 

[Sarni]

He’d get two years of an aging player while Cleveland gets a guy entering his prime. It’s not that crazy to pass on, especially if someone like Bamba or Porter jr is off the board at 8.

Two of Jackson Jr, Bamba, Porter, Bridges, Young, Carter will be available at 8. That's good enough,.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Two of Jackson Jr, Bamba, Porter, Bridges, Young, Carter will be available at 8. That's good enough.

Go ahead and eliminate the first 3 names from that list--they all will go top 7.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

As for trading Porter, most of the league is looking to dump money, no one is going to give Washington equal value for him. Take Portland for example. We could use Porter, but what do we have to give them?

Harkless and Collins, as part of a larger deal?

 

[Pinwheel1]

From RealGM:

A heads up about Ed Davis...

I work for the USPS and understand Ed Davis has sold his house in Portland and it seems very likely from
NO's comments about wanting to move Zach closer to the basket that he knows he's leaving in free
agency.

I assume they (Neil) think Zach will eventually start at PF, so I don't see how that part effects Davis. Aminu would work well next to him.

However if the Blazers have already told him what they will offer and Ed does not like it.....then I can see him selling his house. He can always buy a new one if things change.

 

[CupWizier]

While I think the person who posted this on realgm is completely full of horse shit, this would be so stupid of NO.....which probably makes it true. Rough, defensive minded big, who WANTS to be in Portland. Gotta find a way

Why do you often call Olshey or someone else stupid for something they haven't done and likely wouldn't do? Deal with the facts not with fantasy.

 

[illmatic99]

Can't believe some of you want Blake.

His contract is toxic. He has a player option in 2022 for $39 million. That is one year after Dame's contract expires. He's a guy who plays 60 games a year and a game that is heavily reliant on his declining athleticism.

There was a reason why SVG was fired. No way he should be on our radar.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Why do you often call Olshey or someone else stupid for something they haven't done and likely wouldn't do? Deal with the facts not with fantasy.

So no speculating. Got it.

Sly, please delete the CJ trade, 2018 draft and all prediction game threads.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Why do you often call Olshey or someone else stupid for something they haven't done and likely wouldn't do? Deal with the facts not with fantasy.

Ok


FACT
NO have Meyers 10 mil per
Signed Turner to a ridiculous contract
Did not trade Aldridge even after being told he wanted out
Drafted Swanigan ove Bell and Kuzma
Kept Stotts even after clearly seeing ball movement is key in the playoffs

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Can't believe some of you want Blake.

His contract is toxic. He has a player option in 2022 for $39 million. That is one year after Dame's contract expires. He's a guy who plays 60 games a year and a game that is heavily reliant on his declining athleticism.

There was a reason why SVG was fired. No way he should be on our radar.

He's also developed a solid jumpshot, and really is a very good passer as well. If the cost of acquisition is low enough (ie, Turner/Aminu), then the contract size/length is of little concern to me. Acquiring Blake would be an "all-in" type of move, not concerned about 2022, but focused on 2018-19.

 

[CupWizier]

Ok


FACT
NO have Meyers 10 mil per
Signed Turner to a ridiculous contract
Did not trade Aldridge even after being told he wanted out
Drafted Swanigan ove Bell and Kuzma
Kept Stotts even after clearly seeing ball movement is key in the playoffs

You forgot one key fact

all but the first year Olshey has put together a team that has made the playoffs every year even while having to replace 4 starters. and essentially retool a team after the strike shortened season. Selective memory?

 

[CupWizier]

So no speculating. Got it.

Sly, please delete the CJ trade, 2018 draft and all prediction game threads.

Quit whining.

 

[tlongII]

While I think the person who posted this on realgm is completely full of horse shit, this would be so stupid of NO.....which probably makes it true. Rough, defensive minded big, who WANTS to be in Portland. Gotta find a way

I think it's probably true. It is in line with Neil's public comments about Zach. I think it would be stupid too.

 

[Mediocre Man]

You forgot one key fact

all but the first year Olshey has put together a team that has made the playoffs every year even while having to replace 4 starters. and essentially retool a team after the strike shortened season. Selective memory?

Led us to purgatory. Yay Neil

 

[Mediocre Man]

Quit whining.

By saying quit whining to someone not whining, makes you a whiner.....I think?

 

[Boob-No-More]

Led us to purgatory. Yay Neil

Weird definition of purgatory. 49 wins, up from 41. 8th ranked defense, up from 24th. Two best players just entering their primes. Two key players (Nurk and Collins) still very young with lots of room for improvement.

Sure, we shit the bed in the playoffs, but I'd rather be POR than MIN (missed the playoffs 13 years in a row and also lost in the first round, 27th ranked defense and not getting better anytime soon), or LAC, or SAC, or DAL, or DEN, or ...

Yeah, we're not on the same level as GSW or HOU, but our window hasn't opened yet. We need Dame and C.J. to continue to play well and improve in a couple areas, but both are smart, dedicated and hard working. So, I don't see that as a problem. We need Nurk to continue to improve offensively (he was MUCH better after the first of the year when he increased his FG% from .450 to .547 and reduced his TOV from > 3 to <2) and Collins to develop.

We still need some additional pieces and need to aggressively pursue those pieces, either via trades and/or using the TPE and tax payer MLE.

15 months ago, our front court was ranked as the worst in the entire NBA. In that time, Neil has added Nurk and Collins. Nurk completely transformed our defense and Collins has the potential, tools and work ethic/attitude to develop into a very solid 2-way player. Things may not be moving forward as fast as some would like, but they are moving forward.

It's not like there were any moves/draft picks that would have instantly put us on the same level as GSW and HOU. Those teams will gradually decline as POR continues to improve. Will we eventually pass them and win a title? Too soon to tell, but to blow it all up and start over would be a short-sighted panic move. Even if we had the top pick in the draft for the next three years, what are the odds we'd get one player as good as Damian Lillard who is committed to this organization and wants to be a Blazer for life?

BNM

 

[CupWizier]

By saying quit whining to someone not whining, makes you a whiner.....I think?

Well, it's not the first time and I am sure not the last time what you think would be wrong. No reason to respond again as this part of the discussion is over on my end. Have a nice day.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Weird definition of purgatory. 49 wins, up from 41. 8th ranked defense, up from 24th. Two best players just entering their primes. Two key players (Nurk and Collins) still very young with lots of room for improvement.

Sure, we shit the bed in the playoffs, but I'd rather be POR than MIN (missed the playoffs 13 years in a row and also lost in the first round, 27th ranked defense and not getting better anytime soon), or LAC, or SAC, or DAL, or DEN, or ...

Yeah, we're not on the same level as GSW or HOU, but our window hasn't opened yet. We need Dame and C.J. to continue to play well and improve in a couple areas, but both are smart, dedicated and hard working. So, I don't see that as a problem. We need Nurk to continue to improve offensively (he was MUCH better after the first of the year when he increased his FG% from .450 to .547 and reduced his TOV from > 3 to <2) and Collins to develop.

We still need some additional pieces and need to aggressively pursue those pieces, either via trades and/or using the TPE and tax payer MLE.

15 months ago, our front court was ranked as the worst in the entire NBA. In that time, Neil has added Nurk and Collins. Nurk completely transformed our defense and Collins has the potential, tools and work ethic/attitude to develop into a very solid 2-way player. Things may not be moving forward as fast as some would like, but they are moving forward.

It's not like there were any moves/draft picks that would have instantly put us on the same level as GSW and HOU. Those teams will gradually decline as POR continues to improve. Will we eventually pass them and win a title? Too soon to tell, but to blow it all up and start over would be a short-sighted panic move. Even if we had the top pick in the draft for the next three years, what are the odds we'd get one player as good as Damian Lillard who is committed to this organization and wants to be a Blazer for life?

BNM

I want a title, others are content with nice guys as and first round of the playoffs

 

[CupWizier]

I want a title, others are content with nice guys as and first round of the playoffs

tell us which fans in this forum don't want a title and let them tell you themself that's not true. I have yet to come across any true Blazer fan that doesn't want a title.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

tell us which fans in this forum don't want a title and let them tell you themself that's not true. I have yet to come across any true Blazer fan that doesn't want a title.

What he's saying is that there are some fans--like myself, for example--who want a title, but are basically satisfied with a team that wins more than it loses and represents this city with character. The kind of fan who would give the team a B grade for this season thanks to the basic enjoyment he derived from the team over the course of 7 months, despite the epic flame-out in the first week of the playoffs. Fans who would prefer the team put forth their best effort to win as many games as possible each season rather than tanking for 3-5 years for a chance at stumbling upon a super-duper-star.

Of course I want a title, but it's not the be-all-and-end-all for me. I am the kind of fan that @Mediocre Man is talking about, which is ironic, since despite his username, I am the one content with mediocrity.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Well, it's not the first time and I am sure not the last time what you think would be wrong. No reason to respond again as this part of the discussion is over on my end. Have a nice day.

We've done this before and it wasn't over. You're the cup who cried wolf

tell us which fans in this forum don't want a title and let them tell you themself that's not true. I have yet to come across any true Blazer fan that doesn't want a title.

I only want a title. Others are fine with trying

 

[Boob-No-More]

I want a title, others are content with nice guys as and first round of the playoffs

Well, yay you! What does that have to do with my post that you quoted?

Please show me where I said I don't want a title and am content with nice guys and a first round exit.

We may have different opinions on the best route to build a title contender, but that doesn't mean I want a title any less that you do.

I see building a contender as a relatively slow, deliberate process - at least for a small market team that doesn't attract top name free agents.

You seem to want to blow it all up and build through the draft lottery (if not, please tell me your plan to get us that title).

We spent six consecutive years in the lottery and never got past the first round. MIN was in the lottery 13 years in a row and still hasn't made it past the 1st round. SAC had 8 top 8 picks in 8 years and can't even come close to making the playoffs.

We have a player who has just entered his prime and is 1st team All NBA. I say we continue to build around that. Having an All NBA player (who happens to be a nice guy) doesn't guarantee a title (nothing does), but who was the last team to win a title without at least one All NBA level talent? Seems like a good starting point to me.

My post was about steady forward progress. Our biggest weaknesses in 2016-17 were our front court and one of the worst defenses in the league. Both those issues were addressed, and while our young big men still have a long way to go, at least we are much better in both of those areas than we were 15 months ago.

Our biggest weaknesses (as I see it) are now lack of ball movement and a reliable 3rd scorer. I'd like to see us at least attempt to address those issues before we blow it all up, dive deep into the lottery and become a 20-something win team for the next six years.

That doesn't mean I don't want a title, I just view the odds as greater by building on success than tearing it all down and hoping to get lucky in the lottery.

BNM

 

[Boob-No-More]

We've done this before and it wasn't over. You're the cup who cried wolf

I only want a title. Others are fine with trying

When, exactly, were you appointed to speak for "others"? You sure as hell don't speak for me.

BNM

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Can't believe some of you want Blake.

His contract is toxic. He has a player option in 2022 for $39 million. That is one year after Dame's contract expires. He's a guy who plays 60 games a year and a game that is heavily reliant on his declining athleticism.

There was a reason why SVG was fired. No way he should be on our radar.

Not sure, maybe it's.....
#needrefcalls

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Well, yay you! What does that have to do with my post that you quoted?

Please show me where I said I don't want a title and am content with nice guys and a first round exit.

We may have different opinions on the best route to build a title contender, but that doesn't mean I want a title any less that you do.

I see building a contender as a relatively slow, deliberate process - at least for a small market team that doesn't attract top name free agents.

You seem to want to blow it all up and build through the draft lottery (if not, please tell me your plan to get us that title).

We spent six consecutive years in the lottery and never got past the first round. MIN was in the lottery 13 years in a row and still hasn't made it past the 1st round. SAC had 8 top 8 picks in 8 years and can't even come close to making the playoffs.

We have a player who has just entered his prime and is 1st team All NBA. I say we continue to build around that. Having an All NBA player (who happens to be a nice guy) doesn't guarantee a title (nothing does), but who was the last team to win a title without at least one All NBA level talent? Seems like a good starting point to me.

My post was about steady forward progress. Our biggest weaknesses in 2016-17 were our front court and one of the worst defenses in the league. Both those issues were addressed, and while our young big men still have a long way to go, at least we are much better in both of those areas than we were 15 months ago.

Our biggest weaknesses (as I see it) are now lack of ball movement and a reliable 3rd scorer. I'd like to see us at least attempt to address those issues before we blow it all up, dive deep into the lottery and become a 20-something win team for the next six years.

That doesn't mean I don't want a title, I just view the odds as greater by building on success than tearing it all down and hoping to get lucky in the lottery.

BNM

Just to play Devil's Advocate for a minute or 2....

MM has had very serious health problems, and it's very reasonable for him to want us to win a championship ASAP. However, we're basically pinning our hopes on
1) a 20 year old WABC who didn't even start for his college team or make an all-rookie team
2) a PG whose attitude was so bad that he was cut in the middle of his rookie-scale contract to make room for Mario Chalmers...

That's discouraging for someone who wants to win now.

Personally, I am excited by those 2 young dudes, but I don't think there going to help us win a championship next year.

 

[Mediocre Man]

When, exactly, were you appointed to speak for "others"? You sure as hell don't speak for me.

BNM

Guess that's why I didn't say everyone

 

[Boob-No-More]

Just to play Devil's Advocate for a minute or 2....

MM has had very serious health problems, and it's very reasonable for him to want us to win a championship ASAP. However, we're basically pinning our hopes on
1) a 20 year old WABC who didn't even start for his college team or make an all-rookie team
2) a PG whose attitude was so bad that he was cut in the middle of his rookie-scale contract to make room for Mario Chalmers...

That's discouraging for someone who wants to win now.

Personally, I am excited by those 2 young dudes, but I don't think there going to help us win a championship next year.

I'm just not seeing how diving deep into the lottery gets us a title any sooner than continuing to build around a 1st team All NBA player just entering his prime.

Your examples actually seem to contradict the point you are trying to make. Adding more lottery picks means we will be relying on even more, very young, very unproven players.

While Collins improvement is highly desirable, we also have the option of including him in a trade package for a proven player. I'm not specifically recommending this particular trade one way or the other, just using it as an example, but he could be a key piece in a possible trade for Blake Griffin, should DET decide to move Blake and go all in on a youth movement.

I don't think anyone here considers Wade Baldwin an irreplaceable part of our championship plans. I think most are excited that he has the potential to be a young role player that we got for nothing. Wade Baldwin is the NBA equivalent of a free lunch at an unexpectedly good restaurant.

BNM