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

[Draco]

I believe clearly the best decision is to decline Meyers 4th year option. It should not even be a close debate whatsoever. Meyers is many years away from being a productive NBA player and we can make far better use of his cap space and roster spot next summer. I think the reason fans and the team want to keep him around is only because we used a lottery pick on him. Memphis declined the 4th year option on Hasheem Thabeet and Minnesota declined the 4th year option on Johny Flynn. If Meyers had been some other teams pick or signed as an undrafted free agent there is no way we would consider guaranteeing his next years salary at $3.1 million. That draft pick is a sunk cost and we need to move on.

Draft busts happen, we moved on from Babbitt, Elliot Williams and Nolan Smith. I saw far more promise from Babbitt and Elliot than Meyers but in the end the best decision was to let these young players walk after their 3rd seasons.

 

[e_blazer]

Well yes they have 4 months to make that final decision but in my opinion that makes it a near term decision for this offseason. Hell we've been talking about a LaMarcus contract for 18 months and after that we're still 12 months away from making a final decision there.

I didn't mean to say we shouldn't discuss it now. Just pointing out that the decision deadline isn't imminent and that there will be some valuable info to be gained from summer camp and fall training camp before it has to be decided. IMO, if they aren't going to pick up his option this fall they should trade him before the start of the season. It would be a pretty lousy work environment knowing that your boss has no confidence in you but wants you to work out the year anyway.

 

[e_blazer]

I believe clearly the best decision is to decline Meyers 4th year option. It should not even be a close debate whatsoever. Meyers is many years away from being a productive NBA player and we can make far better use of his cap space and roster spot next summer. I think the reason fans and the team want to keep him around is only because we used a lottery pick on him. Memphis declined the 4th year option on Hasheem Thabeet and Minnesota declined the 4th year option on Johny Flynn. If Meyers had been some other teams pick or signed as an undrafted free agent there is no way we would consider guaranteeing his next years salary at $3.1 million. That draft pick is a sunk cost and we need to move on.

Draft busts happen, we moved on from Babbitt, Elliot Williams and Nolan Smith. I saw far more promise from Babbitt and Elliot than Meyers but in the end the best decision was to let these young players walk after their 3rd seasons.

Strong opinion you have there. Could be right, but I hold out hope for him to prove himself this summer.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I am fine with three years. They should know for sure by the end of next season. We know he is above average on O compared to most centers. He has shooting skills most don't have. So all we have to see is if he gets better on the defensive side.

 

[BlazerWookee]

Why bring Jerryd Bayless into the conversation?

 

[BlazerWookee]

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

You obviously haven's seen him play. He has a beautiful touch around the hoop, and can hit ten footers from just about any angle. If and when his mind finally grows into his body, I think he'll be a productive bench player.

 

[jlprk]

Draft busts happen, we moved on from Babbitt, Elliot Williams and Nolan Smith. I saw far more promise from Babbitt and Elliot than Meyers but in the end the best decision was to let these young players walk after their 3rd seasons.

Leonard is bad in historical proportions. Babbitt improved every year. His shooting just never came close to his advertisements. Williams was assertive in his short time that he lasted. Nolan Smith at least didn't shy away from every collision like Leonard does. Leonard isn't in the same talent group as Babbitt or Williams.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Nolan Smith at least didn't shy away from every collision like Leonard does.

I don't get this statement. I keep reading it on this board and I am not sure where it comes from.
Leonard may not be any good, but where does the "shy away from contact" comments come from? If he shied away from contact he wouldn't pick up so many fouls. He bangs with other big men. He just doesn't do it skillfully or with much leverage. He may not be an enforcer, but the idea is not to foul the opponents..... unless really necessary.

 

[jlprk]

He knows he'll foul if he gets involved, so he remains a spectator. Worse, he actually fears being hurt, as evidenced by his cowering into the fetal position, turning his back, and protecting his contact lenses.

 

[magnifier661]

I don't get this statement. I keep reading it on this board and I am not sure where it comes from.
Leonard may not be any good, but where does the "shy away from contact" comments come from? If he shied away from contact he wouldn't pick up so many fouls. He bangs with other big men. He just doesn't do it skillfully or with much leverage. He may not be an enforcer, but the idea is not to foul the opponents..... unless really necessary.

Bro he is a pussy. He does shy away from contact. But what's worse is he's too raw to even be in position to rebound the ball most the time.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Bro he is a pussy. He does shy away from contact. But what's worse is he's too raw to even be in position to rebound the ball most the time.

The too raw to be in position part is dead on, which is why I think the verdict is still out on him being a pussy. Lets wait until he's actually in position to hit someone.

I am the guy who was pissed we didn't take Jeremy Lamb on draft night with the pick, so it's not like am his biggest fan, but as usual we tend to over embellish how bad are annual whipping boys are.

 

[magnifier661]

The too raw to be in position part is dead on, which is why I think the verdict is still out on him being a pussy. Lets wait until he's actually in position to hit someone.

I am the guy who was pissed we didn't take Jeremy Lamb on draft night with the pick, so it's not like am his biggest fan, but as usual we tend to over embellish how bad are annual whipping boys are.

I don't know bro... I've tried supporting this kid. He seems like a monumental waste. I just don't think he will amount to anything worth waiting for.

 

[jlprk]

Over the years, this discussion keeps happening. It's obvious that some player or head coach can't cut it, but sentimental fools just can't let go. "Just one more year! I'm begging you!"

One year of no change later, they still beg for another year. Forever.

There are some real beliebers on this board.

 

[Natebishop3]

I have been disappointed with Leonard so far, but I think people are forgetting how frustrated people were with Jermaine O'Neal. Sometimes you have to be patient with young bigs.

 

[jlprk]

After Wilt Chamberlain's rookie year, he was frustrated with his skinniness.

It follows that Meyers Leonard will be a good player. Logic.

 

[BBert]

The over the top Meyers Leonard bashing on this board is what is approaching historical proportions. He was and is a project. I figured a 4 year project when they drafted him. It is not uncommon for young, raw post players to take some time to develop. He has some natural offensive skill that is actually pretty rare in a player his size. He's like a big puppy who hasn't grown into his feet. At this point he's a third stringer. So what's the big deal? I don't have any problem with the Blazers if they decide to extend him and continue to work with him. I get the argument that maybe the $3mil could be used on a better player, next year. Maybe. But doubtful. I wonder how many $3mil centers not on rookie contracts and obtainable as free agents next year are worth a shit? I also wonder if we'll have any money next year to spend on one?

I honestly think some of you hate Leonard because he's so pretty.

 

[jlprk]

I figured a 4 year project when they drafted him.

Rolling target. 2 years from now, you'll say you always knew he'd take 6 years. There is no such thing as a 4-year project. There is such thing as a 3-year D-League player who is then a 1-year project.

It is over the top to spend $20 million on an empty roster spot for 4 years. There are too many players out there who know how to play.

 

[riverman]

Patience is a virtue.

 

[ripcityboy]

If he doesn't show any improvement this year, don't give him an extension. Jeez. This is a boring offseason.

 

[Draco]

I have been disappointed with Leonard so far, but I think people are forgetting how frustrated people were with Jermaine O'Neal. Sometimes you have to be patient with young bigs.

Jermaine wasn't as bad as Leonard.

Jermaine was 3 years younger when drafted as a rookie than Meyers. A 17 year old vs a 20 year old is a massive gap at that developmental age.

 

[Draco]

If he doesn't show any improvement this year, don't give him an extension. Jeez. This is a boring offseason.

They have to decide on the extension BEFORE the season starts. Jeez.

 

[ripcityboy]

They have to decide on the extension BEFORE the season starts. Jeez.

No friggin way. He's a waste of space.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I have been disappointed with Leonard so far, but I think people are forgetting how frustrated people were with Jermaine O'Neal. Sometimes you have to be patient with young bigs.

Sheed and grant told stories of him completely dominating them in practice. Not sure Meyers could do that to them now.

 

[ripcityboy]

I don't hate Leonard. I have always pulled for him. But just how far is his upside supposed to be? He isn't even contributing on the basic level.

 

[Draco]

I don't hate Leonard. I have always pulled for him. But just how far is his upside supposed to be? He isn't even contributing on the basic level.

But he has the standing reach of Derrick Williams!

 

[Natebishop3]

Sheed and grant told stories of him completely dominating them in practice. Not sure Meyers could do that to them now.

Not in his rookie or sophomore seasons.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Patience is a virtue.

And talent wins games

 

[RoyToy]

Sheed and grant told stories of him completely dominating them in practice. Not sure Meyers could do that to them now.

Leonard can't even dominate SL

 

[Pinwheel1]

Regardless I would extend his contract unless there is a legitimate need for the cap space. We keep on bringing up trade scenarios where we can barely come up with enough guys to match contracts. Pick up his option even if it is for filler for trades. The guy would have an ending contract.

 

[Draco]

Regardless I would extend his contract unless there is a legitimate need for the cap space. We keep on bringing up trade scenarios where we can barely come up with enough guys to match contracts. Pick up his option even if it is for filler for trades. The guy would have an ending contract.

If we pick up his option he won't be an expiring contract this season.

Theres actually plenty of money for matching salary. Between Wright, TRob, Meyers, Freeland, Clavier, CJ we can easily receive a max contract back in a trade.