Round reaction to the Lopez trade

[RR7]

Ever since he got that SI/CBS gig, Ben has been awful. Dude's a tool for sure. You should read Dave's dumbass report on BEdge on why picking up assets for cheap is a bad move. God these fools are being sensationalists to drive up hits, and it's an awful look

Yeah, what bothers me about their articles primarily is they react to a move(often) with negativity. But going into this offseason, what was he expecting, exactly? Dwight wasn't coming here. Is he looking at who else is available? I don't get where they want that money utilized

 

[Natebishop3]

You have to forgive Ben. He came along when you had to bash the team to be taken seriously by the other members of the media. I refused to play ball and was ostracized from the community for not joining in, so I'm sure he only did what he thought he had to do to be accepted. Of course, it seems once you've gone down that path you can never go back. Just look at Dwight Jaynes.

 

[crandc]

I know what you mean. It made me feel icky twice: once when I read it and actually agreed with him and a second time when I quoted him and admitted it publicly.

I think I'll go take a shower - in Lysol - to wash away the stench of my shame.

BNM

No need for shame, BNM. You know what they say about stopped clocks.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Well said, let me put it another way. If we sign a rotation player with #10, we have $12M cap space for 4 positions - that's $3M/position.

We're supposed to move the needle for $3M?

We got a starting C, backup PF, and both a backup PG AND backup SG with #10 and we still have cap space left. All we need is a backup SF, and push come to shove Wes can hold that down.

At the same time, we

• got young players with potential (not old players)
• didn't have to give up any of our core 4
• didn't give up any future 1sts.
• got a replacement SG if we need to trade Wes, now or in the future.

p.s. I generally find the blazersedge guys interesting and inciteful, but they've been fucking stupid about this offseason's moves.

Damn, y'all gonna make me start repeating myself.
The assets we had this summer were #10, a bunch of 2nds, 11.9M in cap space and obtw our pick next year goes to CHA.

From a team that started out 21-18 before injuries to Batum (and later, Wes, and later, LMA), Olshey kept the Core 4 starters, upgraded from Hickson to Robin Lopez at C, brought in McCollum to be 6th man, Robinson and Leonard to be 7/8 in some order, and made it so that Freeland and Claver may never see the floor. We still have ~3.5M in cap space, a 2.6M room exception, and all of our future firsts (aside from the aforementioned CHA one).

We didn't have enough for Splitter. We didn't have enough for Jefferson. We may have had enough for Millsap. We didn't have enough for Tyreke, and though we had enough for JJ Redick, who's to say he would've chosen us over playing with CP3 and Griffin? We could've taken Biedrins with our cap space, but had no other upgrades. Asik may still be a pipe dream, and Horford never was even that.

At this point we have a defined 8-man rotation, some wiggle room left under the cap, our room exception, and still the chance to trade LMA and remain a playoff team.

 

[Reep]

Olshey has repeatedly said that we are in talent acquisition phase. His hands were tied this draft because he didn't have pieces. So, he goes out and buys low, hoping at least one of the acquisitions increases in value this next year. If so, he can either keep it, or use it in the draft or FA next season (before needing to trade LMA) to see if he can get one really good piece. So far it looks like he is doing a very good job. I think Robinson will show a lot this year--unless he has totally lost his drive. Lopez is more of a mystery, but could be a good trade piece if you are trading for a center, and the team needs a replacement. Everything Olshey has done to this point looks like chess moves for a set up for next summer. I like what he is doing.

 

[BBert]

Listening to Golliver on 1080 right now. Didn't realize it was him at first, and was thinking "who IS this tool?!" ... Absolutely ridiculous.

You are too kind. As much as Quick and Canzano bug me sometimes, they are like Mensa members compared to Golliver.

 

[BBert]

I know what you mean. It made me feel icky twice: once when I read it and actually agreed with him and a second time when I quoted him and admitted it publicly.

I think I'll go take a shower - in Lysol - to wash away the stench of my shame.

BNM

I had the same reaction as you. I wanted to post a reaction, but my fingers were speechless. I just logged out and went home.

 

[blazedanugz]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 3m
RT @WindhorstESPN: Rockets center Omer Asik has no interest in backing up or playing next Dwight Howard, sources say. Could force trade

is it possible we can still get asik and flip lopez to Houston? among other things im sure as well

 

[RoyToy]

I don't really blame anyone that isn't excited about Robin Lopez. It's Robin Lopez........

The team still has a ton of work to do with the hardest decisions yet to be made. Right now they're just a .500 team.

Big whoop

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Asik is only considered so much better than Lopez because he's been on much better teams. He's an elite defensive rebounder, but that's where his advantage over Lopez stops.

 

[RoyToy]

And Robin Lopez played on a crappy team and inflated his scoring numbers

It works both ways

 

[jlprk]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 3m
RT @WindhorstESPN: Rockets center Omer Asik has no interest in backing up or playing next Dwight Howard, sources say. Could force trade

is it possible we can still get asik and flip lopez to Houston? among other things im sure as well

Not for 30 days after the July 9 signing. Asik will be gone.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Listening to Golliver on 1080 right now. Didn't realize it was him at first, and was thinking "who IS this tool?!" Various opinions he's sharing:

• Olshey's not delivering on what he's promised
• Aldridge is as good as gone
• Olshey's going to get fired within the next couple years if he doesn't make a major move
• Olshey has basically burned all his assets
• Picking up Lopez is "not a total disaster" (but that's the best thing he said about it)

Absolutely ridiculous.

And nik thought I was jumping to conclusions... Pretty obvious that soup kitchen comment was derogatory

I dunno, it seems pretty blunt, but I don't think he's wrong necessarily.

 

[magnifier661]

I dunno, it seems pretty blunt, but I don't think he's wrong necessarily.

Maybe, but he tried defending the soup kitchen comment; referring to mixing up talent. Obviously it wasn't the case

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I get what he's saying though -- Lopez is a bit underwhelming. He hasn't developed like I thought he would.

OTOH he was still a better option than what was left on the market.

Pachulia? As a backup with spot minutes perhaps.
Gortat? Totally overvalued by PHX. The #10 pick? Gtfo
Kaman? Declining and wants at least the MLE.

This offseason' success will totally be hinged on the development of Robinson.

 

[PapaG]

Maybe, but he tried defending the soup kitchen comment; referring to mixing up talent. Obviously it wasn't the case

A soup kitchen is where you put the crappy leftovers together to try and make a decent meal for homeless people. It was meant as an insult to Olshey, who likely isn't giving Ben interviews, nor should he.

Either Golliver didn't know this and was defensive for his stupid comment, or he regretted saying it once it became clear what his comment implied.

Either way, I think the guy is a gigantic douchebag, which is why I never ventured to his website as a contributor.

 

[magnifier661]

A soup kitchen is where you put the crappy leftovers together to try and make a decent meal for homeless people.

Either Golliver didn't know this and was defensive for his stupid comment, or he regretted saying it once it became clear what his comment implied.

Either way, I think the guy is a gigantic douchebag, which is why I never ventured to his website as a contributor.

Tell me how you really feel!

 

[Nikolokolus]

I don't really blame anyone that isn't excited about Robin Lopez. It's Robin Lopez........

The team still has a ton of work to do with the hardest decisions yet to be made. Right now they're just a .500 team.

Big whoop

This is pretty close to my take. The team is definitely better than what they were at the end of the season, but they look kind of like a 40 to 44 win team; enough for a 9th to a 7th seed but probably not a whole lot more and I don't think he did enough to convince his All-star power forward to commit for another tour of duty.

Maybe there are more moves to be made?

 

[PapaG]

This is pretty close to my take. The team is definitely better than what they were at the end of the season, but they look kind of like a 40 to 44 win team; enough for a 9th to a 7th seed but probably not a whole lot more and I don't think he did enough to convince his All-star power forward to commit for another tour of duty.

Maybe there are more moves to be made?

How the fuck are there other moves to be made? There is no trade that puts the Blazers into title contention next year. The future at this point hinges on Lillard becoming a superstar, LMA continuing to be an elite PF, and Batum raising his game even more. The bench was what let the team down last year, anyhow. Adding a real "third" player without giving up your top 2 is how a contender is made.

Are you really thinking that there is some deal out there that makes this a 55 win team? The only way I see it is with the Roy approach with Lillard, which is to let your RoY become an All-Star talent who creates his own offense at the end of games. I think the team improves at least 10 games alone next year based on stability in coaching, an improved starting C, and Lillard/Batum expanding on their games while LMA remains the anchor to the franchise.

 

[magnifier661]

How the fuck are there other moves to be made? There is no trade that puts the Blazers into title contention next year. The future at this point hinges on Lillard becoming a superstar, LMA continuing to be an elite PF, and Batum raising his game even more. The bench was what let the team down last year, anyhow. Adding a real "third" player without giving up your top 2 is how a contender is made.

Are you really thinking that there is some deal out there that makes this a 55 win team? The only way I see it is with the Roy approach with Lillard, which is to let your RoY become an All-Star talent who creates his own offense at the end of games. I think the team improves at least 10 games alone next year based on stability in coaching, an improved starting C, and Lillard/Batum expanding on their games while LMA remains the anchor to the franchise.

I actually think our team last season could have a 50 win team with maynor at the start and a semi decent bench

 

[Pinwheel1]

One thing about reading multiple internet sites and message boards, is it reinforces that there is absolutely zero difference between what sports writers think about players/teams and what some of you think. There opinion means no more then any of us. And in many instances much less because they are often spread thin. The fact that some of these guys get interviewed as if they are experts is really quite hilarious. (and sad at the same time)

 

[Nikolokolus]

How the fuck are there other moves to be made? There is no trade that puts the Blazers into title contention next year. The future at this point hinges on Lillard becoming a superstar, LMA continuing to be an elite PF, and Batum raising his game even more. The bench was what let the team down last year, anyhow. Adding a real "third" player without giving up your top 2 is how a contender is made.

Are you really thinking that there is some deal out there that makes this a 55 win team? The only way I see it is with the Roy approach with Lillard, which is to let your RoY become an All-Star talent who creates his own offense at the end of games. I think the team improves at least 10 games alone next year based on stability in coaching, an improved starting C, and Lillard/Batum expanding on their games while LMA remains the anchor to the franchise.

I was mostly musing, I don't really have a strong reaction to what's happened so far one way or another (yet). I think the moves Olshey has orchestrated are "good" from a value perspective, in that he didn't give up much to get what he got and maybe they were the best he could do? (likely). I just sort of doubt they were enough to appease Aldridge's desire to win sooner rather than later.

But go ahead and rage against my lukewarm feelings about the trades if it makes you feel better.

EDIT: In any case, aren't we agreeing then that the team will probaby win about 10 more games over last year?

 

[RR7]

I think 10 more wins is too little, but that's more my faith in Lillard, currently.

 

[magnifier661]

I think 10 more wins is too little, but that's more my faith in Lillard, currently.

I would another 10?

 

[Natebishop3]

One thing about reading multiple internet sites and message boards, is it reinforces that there is absolutely zero difference between what sports writers think about players/teams and what some of you think. There opinion means no more then any of us. And in many instances much less because they are often spread thin. The fact that some of these guys get interviewed as if they are experts is really quite hilarious. (and sad at the same time)

I will take this one step further and say that there are many posters who probably know more about hoops than some of the front office people in the league.

Also, the great Chad Ford was a lawyer before he and his buddy started a small rumor site, so the only difference between someone like Chad Ford and the rest of us is access. That's it.

 

[RR7]

Sam Amico ‏@SamAmicoFSO 3m
RT @MySportsLegion: Blazers have quietly had great offseason. Added: CJ McCollum, Dorell Wright, Allen Crabbe, Robin Lopez & Thomas Robinson

seems a lot of people outside of Portland like what we're doing. Seems the guys in Portland thought we'd land like Dwight or something

 

[THE HCP]

I will take this one step further and say that there are many posters who probably know more about hoops than some of the front office people in the league.

Also, the great Chad Ford was a lawyer before he and his buddy started a small rumor site, so the only difference between someone like Chad Ford and the rest of us is access. That's it.

Well said. And the funny thing is, a few local people even prove that WITH access, they still don't know shit!


Sent from my baller ass iPad FAMS!

 

[B-Roy]

Well said. And the funny thing is, a few local people even prove that WITH access, they still don't know shit!


Sent from my baller ass iPad FAMS!

I'm shocked by the number of Portland guys panning what we've done this offseason. I would think, after watching fucking Nolan Smith and Luke Babbitt play significant minutes for a whole season, they of all people could appreciate the huge upgrades we've made on the bench. Our starters were never the problem, they could always hang with the best teams. They just always had to come back from behind because the bench would come in and fuck things up. Then they were exhausted and tired at the end of the season from playing too many minutes.

 

[RR7]

Another:

Nate Jones ‏@JonesOnTheNBA 7m
Portland's GM is very good. Hopefully this convinces Aldridge that he's in a good spot. If not, move him.

 

[RR7]

Another:

Bill Simmons ‏@BillSimmons 5m
I love what Rip City did this summer. Went from zero depth whatsoever to Thomas Robinson, Robin Lopez, Dorrell Wright + CJ McCollum. Nice.