So do you still want to re-sign Matthews?

[KingSpeed]

I'm ready to give CJ the starting SG spot. Next year's Knicks:

Rondo
Matthews
Carmelo
Aldridge
Okafor

 

[maxiep]

Yep. Still love Wes. CJ is a great 6th man. Microwave!

 

[PDXFonz]

I'm worried about Wes losing his lateral explosiveness, something Achilles injuries are notorious for taking away.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Of course you resign Wes. IS this really a question?

CJ needs to work on his handles this offseason and become a Combo guard that can handle the ball.

I don't like playing Lillard and CJ together for long periods of time. Neither are exceptional defenders. We got away with it against Memphis because Calathes, Lee, Allen and Udrih might be one of the worst collection of guards in the league offensively

 

[maxiep]

So your answer is Yes not Nope. I like the rest of your post though. Makes sense.

Fixed. Thanks Speed!

 

[PHXBlazer1]

Absolutely.

 

[e_blazer]

I don't think CJ and Dame work as a starting duo. They both need the ball and neither is a great defender. CJ as 6th man is a fantastic asset.

 

[craigehlo]

If you live in the real world, you have to pass unless it's a cheap contract with a team option. The Achilles injury he suffered has ended a lot of careers and greatly diminished those that came back. If he were a big man, it may be a little less worrisome, but he's a guard that relies on him lift and explosiveness. Just Google around on the stories about NBA players that rehabed back. It's not a pretty picture, but Blazer fans need a reality check.

 

[Sinobas]

Yeah, a 1 year deal with a team option for a 2nd. Wouldn't go over 7 mil.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Re-sign him, Wes has made a career proving people wrong.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

If you live in the real world, you have to pass unless it's a cheap contract with a team option. The Achilles injury he suffered has ended a lot of careers and greatly diminished those that came back. If he were a big man, it may be a little less worrisome, but he's a guard that relies on him lift and explosiveness. Just Google around on the stories about NBA players that rehabed back. It's not a pretty picture, but Blazer fans need a reality check.

When has Wes relied on his lift? The guy barely jumps over a piece of paper when he shoots threes. And he spends a decent amount of time on the block posting guys up.

 

[PDXFonz]

Re-sign him, Wes has made a career proving people wrong.

For how much though?

 

[magnifier661]

I think Matthews will come back strong. I think the injury will really help his post game. He will need to rely on it more, so you bet he will work on that hard.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

For how much though?

5 years $200 million.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

To me it's a less priority if LA leaves.

 

[Sinobas]

When has Wes relied on his lift? The guy barely jumps over a piece of paper when he shoots threes. And he spends a decent amount of time on the block posting guys up.

Yes, but a guard you still need quickness in basketball, otherwise why does anyone retire? It'll also affect his defense. Players like Okur and Brand suffered after the injury.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

For how much though?

IT has to be a deal thats beneficial for both sides. People were talking about Wes getting 14 million/year 4 year deals before his injury. Now the risk is he isn't as good as he once was. I think a 2 year 16 million deal would probably get it done. That way Wes can still sign one big deal at age 30 after it's over if he has recovered and is still good.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Yes, but a guard you still need quickness in basketball, otherwise why does anyone retire? It'll also affect his defense. Players like Okur and Brand suffered after the injury.

Okur and Brand aren't Wes.

Wilkins seemed to do fine after the injury.

 

[riverman]

Of course..he'll be cheaper too now

 

[Pinwheel1]

CJ does not match up well against Clay Thompson or Harden. Maybe 2-3 more. Wes struggles against smaller quicker SG's. We need both.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

CJ does not match up well against Clay Thompson or Harden. Maybe 2-3 more. Wes struggles against smaller quicker SG's. We need both.

Is his services along with the money he is going tie up needed that badly if the team is a sub 500 ball club?

 

[BigGameDamian]

CJ need to work on finishing at the rim. As for Mathews and as much as I like the guy I don't think it should be clear cut & dry that we resign him or let him go. If you really want a championship team you need to explore all avenues of all players.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

No Aldridge, no Wes.

 

[MAS RipCity]

Re-Sign Wes. I think a one year deal with a team option for a second year is a great compromise. Portland really needs to see how Wesley progresses after rehab and if the injury impacted his game in any way. This injury really takes about a year to fully heal so both parties will know what is fair market value this time net year.

There are two outside factors that I think could play a role in whether or not Wesley returns.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge.
Not only are they best friends, but if LA returns, you really have to assume that Matthews and Lopez would come back as well. If Aldridge bolts, it could put Portland in a quick rebuild and I don't know if an injured Matthews fits into that plan with Afflalo and McCollum already on the depth start.

2. Arron Afflalo.
Does he opt out or does he opt in? If he opts in, Portland has a log jam at the SG position and as much as it might hurt, they might be better off spending the money elsewhere. Another option could be to simply move Afflalo in the offseason since it's obvious Wes was the heart and soul of the team. If Arron opts out, I think the Trail Blazers will definitely look to bring Wesley back.

Overall, I just feel we saw what this Trail Blazers team was like without Wesley Matthews and frankly, it wasn't pretty. We lost our mojo, our fight, our defense. His game was never predicated on athleticism in the first place and if there's anyone who will scrap, fight, and claw their way back from this injury, it's the Iron Man. In the end, I think both parties will come to a short-term agreement with the feeling that a longer-term deal is coming Matthews' way as long as he proves the injury isn't causing his game to falter in any way. I can't wait for Wesley's RE2URN!

 

[Pinwheel1]

Is his services along with the money he is going tie up needed that badly if the team is a sub 500 ball club?

Is anyone needed that badly if we were a sub 500 club? Way too early and hypothetical for me right now.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

No Aldridge, no Wes.

No justice, no peace!

 

[ripcityboy]

Would he sign a one year contract?

 

[Strenuus]

YES. NO question! We need bench help. We can do that by signing Wes and letting CJ be the 6th man. It's that easy.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

Is anyone needed that badly if we were a sub 500 club? Way too early and hypothetical for me right now.

I just think I would turn my focus on developing the younger guys like Crabbe and CJ since the team is clearly not in a window wo LA. And not tie up the money

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

As long as Wes is okay coming back as a ~20 minute backup 3 making ~8 million than yes I'd love him back