Should the Blazers extend Meyers Leonard contract for $3.1 million?

[The_Lillard_King]

Man Leonard is a tough call. If he improved from his first year I would think it would be a no brainier. But it almost like he took a step backwards this past year.

I still think they extend because 3 million isn't that much of a dent into the salary cap and it's one yr so could have value in a trade . . . he just needs to be a minimally serviceable big man with potential to be worth it.

 

[jlprk]

I'll just insert my answers.

Making jokes and exaggerating are always fun. I made no jokes. I assume you refer to the exaggerations you are about to make.

Leonard is still RAW that's the whole point, he has not improved in 2 years and we barely got to see him on the court next year and why would that happen?, what the coaching staff sees is completely different then what we see they see a player who needs development, so they won't play him? more likely, they don't develop him because they see it's useless. If his option gets picked up then obviously they see potential and its worth it, not at all obvious, an alternate reason is Olshey sentimentally holding on to his error if it doesn't then he is the next Athletic big who couldn't make it in the NBA. I see a guy on the court who is still learning, I see no learning whatsoever he isn't even 23, irrelevant, the 2 years is what matters in any job, are you saying we should wait till he's 40 and grows up? You don't take potential after 2 years, you need to reassess his estimated amount of potential who works hard and is constantly trying to improve his game and failing and throw it away for no reason have you read any of the reasons in this or many other threads? especially when its a big and there are tons of cases of bigs who looked like they were on there way out of the league their first few seasons and then year 3 to 5 they just clicked. none were this bad, all others improved in their first 2 years

Meyers may never amount to anything but its worth sticking with him through his rookie contract before tossing him into the scrap heap if he can't make it. he takes a valuable roster spot from some FA who would play more and wastes the coaches' time, like Webster did for many years

 

[barfo]

Greg Oden is available isn't he?

barfo

 

[dviss1]

Someone would probably give him a chance, but 3 million? I don't think so.

And wouldn't say he's "super" athletic. He's athletic, but not outstandingly so.

He has a higher vertical than Deandre Jordan.

 

[jlprk]

GMs are judge by how a team does this year not by who they drafted 2 years ago. If Meyers wins 6th man of the year and the Blazers don't make the playoffs then Olshey will be gone.

I believe you just set the record for the most falsehoods ever made in 38 words. But I'll take your record in fewer words:

When Olshey is fired for Meyers Leonard winning NBA 6th Man of the Year, no one will talk about Olshey's draft history.

Hmm. I can do better.

 

[Sinobas]

Making jokes and exaggerating are always fun.

Leonard is still RAW and we barely got to see him on the court next year, .

Are you writing this from the future?

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Greg Oden is available isn't he?

barfo

Word is he going to re-sign with Miami for a buck and a couple of beers.

 

[riverman]

Anyone else think that he's playing out of position?

He's a PF.

I've been sayin that since we drafted him. in a couple of years he's Channing Frye. Kid's got a great shot and is a money free throw shooter. Name another 22 year old 7"1 guy who runs like a deer and makes 3 mil next season. We're invested enough to see him through his rookie contract and we can move him at the trade deadline if he's not panning out.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I've been sayin that since we drafted him. in a couple of years he's Channing Frye. Kid's got a great shot and is a money free throw shooter. Name another 22 year old 7"1 guy who runs like a deer and makes 3 mil next season. We're invested enough to see him through his rookie contract and we can move him at the trade deadline if he's not panning out.

I agree with the deer part . . . only I was thinking headlights.

 

[riverman]

It's really possible Meyers and TRob can be a dangerous front court duo in the future. Their skills balance each other in a way but folks have to stop seeing meyers as a defensive 5

 

[MARIS61]

He's worth so much more, and we won't get a second chance.

Only a severely clueless individual would entertain the thought of letting him slip through our grasp.

 

[HailBlazers]

It's really possible Meyers and TRob can be a dangerous front court duo in the future. Their skills balance each other in a way but folks have to stop seeing meyers as a defensive 5

Riverman playing a tune. Good call.

If our second unit were to develop like that we could become a really dangerous squad.

 

[Sinobas]

He has a higher vertical than Deandre Jordan.

So did Jason Jennings, Martin Gortat and Andrew Bogut (they had higher verticals than Leonard), and I don't hear anyone calling them "super athletes".

BTW, Meyer's standing reach is only 9ft., Deandre's is 9'6".

9 flat is about the standing reach of guys that are ~6'10. That's why Meyer's height is misleading. He's 7-1 so people think he should be a center, but in basketball terms, he's really more the size of a PF.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

So did Jason Jennings, Martin Gortat and Andrew Bogut (they had higher verticals than Leonard), and I don't hear anyone calling them "super athletes".

BTW, Meyer's standing reach is only 9ft., Deandre's is 9'6".

9 flat is about the standing reach of guys that are ~6'10. That's why Meyer's height is misleading. He's 7-1 so people think he should be a center, but in basketball terms, he's really more the size of a PF.

 

[Sinobas]

BTW, the center with the best overall combine measurements was Miles Plumlee, with a 40.5 inch vertical, and a 10.6 agility. That's better than many point guards.

 

[Sinobas]

Bah! Where did you come up with that?

 

[The_Lillard_King]

The yes crowd is slowly catching up with the no crowd. I see a rally here . . . let go yes voters!

 

[Rhal]

So did Jason Jennings, Martin Gortat and Andrew Bogut (they had higher verticals than Leonard), and I don't hear anyone calling them "super athletes".

BTW, Meyer's standing reach is only 9ft., Deandre's is 9'6".

9 flat is about the standing reach of guys that are ~6'10. That's why Meyer's height is misleading. He's 7-1 so people think he should be a center, but in basketball terms, he's really more the size of a PF.

What do all those guys have in common? They are all White and white players in the NBA are hardly ever called elite athletes. Meyers is very athletic and you can see that by just watching him, when he actually gets time. I won't say he is a smooth athlete because sometimes it looks like his body is doing one thing and his mind is telling it to do something else.

 

[RoyToy]

Meyers Leonard looks athletic when he has a running start and just runs and jumps. That's it.

When he has to move his feet side to side or change directions he looks no better than Przybilla. His footwork is truly awful.

He's a dreadful basketball player with 0 redeeming qualities for a center and shouldn't be in the NBA

 

[Haakzilla]

...absolutely not, there is no hope for this kid!

 

[Pinwheel1]

Yes I would keep him for that. I think he gets better enough to play or trade.

 

[e_blazer]

I'd like to think that the Blazers' coaching staff have a pretty good idea as to whether Meyers has the goods to become a decent center in the NBA. I'll trust their judgement and I'm betting they give him the extension.

 

[riverman]

I'm just glad Meyers is working out right now with Joel and the assistant coaches. This upcoming season will tell if he is a keeper or trade fodder. He's better at this point than Greg Oden or Hasheem Thabeet. The tone seems to be judging him now as a back up center but he's a 3rd string big now. He would have to beat TRob and Joel to be a backup anything. When Lopez or TRob or Joel have foul trouble, it's good to have his 5 fouls and freethrow shooting. People had doubts about DeAndre Jordan and Serge Ibaka their first couple years in the league. Now they're glad they were patient. I agree with Sly that the staff knows what improvements he's made. Joel Freeland said Meyers has a high IQ but lack of confidence and tendency to overthink the game. Yeah, he's not Steven Adams. If I were Olshey, I'd keep him around for the time being.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I have obviously been one of Leonar_'s biggest detractors, but I heard during the playoffs he was scout team Dwight Howard and killed everyone. That being said, I hope he embraces his success at that.....I don't think he will though

 

[Strenuus]

I'm just glad Meyers is working out right now with Joel and the assistant coaches. This upcoming season will tell if he is a keeper or trade fodder. He's better at this point than Greg Oden or Hasheem Thabeet. The tone seems to be judging him now as a back up center but he's a 3rd string big now. He would have to beat TRob and Joel to be a backup anything. When Lopez or TRob or Joel have foul trouble, it's good to have his 5 fouls and freethrow shooting. People had doubts about DeAndre Jordan and Serge Ibaka their first couple years in the league. Now they're glad they were patient. I agree with Sly that the staff knows what improvements he's made. Joel Freeland said Meyers has a high IQ but lack of confidence and tendency to overthink the game. Yeah, he's not Steven Adams. If I were Olshey, I'd keep him around for the time being.

im better than greg oden and hasheem thabeet... that means nothing. haha

 

[riverman]

im better than greg oden and hasheem thabeet... that means nothing. haha

Just goes to show you sometimes have to coach 7' players. Rolo is the best thing that could happen for the kid. Sarcasm usually does mean nothing, just didn't use the green font

 

[Denny Crane]

I predict he gets extended and more minutes.

The Blazers aren't about developing several young guys at once through playing time.


Even the Euro guys paid some bench time dues before getting rotation minutes.

In Chicago, Leonard would have gotten 12-24 minutes with Thibs hollering at him to get in the right position and head in the game.


It worked for Asik, who I think is clumsy and one dimensional. Leonard is much better talent to start from.

Imo

 

[Blazinaway]

I will say that they Blazers couldn't have gotten a more perfect mentor and an example of a player we want him to learn from and emulate than Robin Lopez. It couldn't be anymore simple, Meyers, do what Lopez does.

and he apparently learned nothing from Robin in a full season of him being here, another reason I want to see him gone

 

[Blazinaway]

Meyers Leonard looks athletic when he has a running start and just runs and jumps. That's it.

When he has to move his feet side to side or change directions he looks no better than Przybilla. His footwork is truly awful.

He's a dreadful basketball player with 0 redeeming qualities for a center and shouldn't be in the NBA

exactly, we certainly agree on this, he must have the "slowest twitch" muscles I have ever seen and he has no anticipation whatsoever where a rebound might go

 

[riverman]

and he apparently learned nothing from Robin in a full season of him being here, another reason I want to see him gone

I don't buy into this by any stretch. We don't see the workouts at practice and if you revisit his exit interview, he was very focused on what needs work. The staff and team would disagree with you here about his progress and I trust their judgement. Meyers didn't play enough to show what progress he's made. He has a lot to work on but again, he's the first to admit it. I give the kid some credit. Rolo said the same when asked about him. To not like a player is one thing but to ignore any objectivity about his progress is just personal bias