Takeaways From Portland’s 2015 Las Vegas Summer League

[oldmangrouch]

While we may go into this season with the roster in front of us, there is a very good chance this ain't it. It's a bit premature to be shooting off dire predictions, if ya know what I mean.

OK, I admit I am really puzzled by this. The free agent cupboard is picked bare, and the only asset we have that could inspire a move-the-needle trade is Dame.

 

[magnifier661]

OK, I admit I am really puzzled by this. The free agent cupboard is picked bare, and the only asset we have that could inspire a move-the-needle trade is Dame.

We have enough young talent and cap space to trade for a higher contract. It depends on what teams are going after.

 

[oldmangrouch]

We have enough young talent and cap space to trade for a higher contract. It depends on what teams are going after.

At this point of the season, most teams are trying to decide on their 13-15 man. The top 10-12 guys are set. Also there is zero incentive for a salary dump until the trade deadline. (remember that the Lux Tax is based on your end-of-the-season roster, not on what you have in the beginning of the year.)

 

[SlyPokerDog]

We have enough young talent and cap space to trade for a higher contract. It depends on what teams are going after.

We have young players, their talent and value has yet to be determined.

 

[magnifier661]

We have young players, their talent and value has yet to be determined.

WE HAVE ENOUGH YOUNG TALENT

 

[jlprk]

My takeaway from SL (I only write the part where I disagree with you guys, gotta maintain the rep) is

Crabbe was nothing special. That's right, you're all wrong! All he did was dominate the game when he was in, Batum style, by dribbling more than he should. The coaches told him to do it. They are trying to build his confidence so he'll make himself tradeable this season.

Connie is fierce but he games combine numbers (both the 44 inch jump and the 96 mph fastball, each measured only once). I watched game after game for him to display his great leaping ability. He leaped, about 22 inches, never close to 44. He was accused of gaming the system (the 44 is a calculated number, not directly measured). The one number I believe is height. Listed at 6-4 or 6-5, he looks 6-6. He has similarities to Matthews (limited talent overcome by strong will) but the chances are that in 2016 SL, we'll be complaining about his lack of progress.

Malcolm Thomas has slender shoulders and should be a SF, not a PF. He has flunked for what, 4 straight years of NBA 10-day callups? He was smooth like a Dante Cunningham, but you know he'll be nothing, so why waste our time.

Orton and Moultrie are stiffs. Not quite there. If their bodies were livelier, they'd make the NBA. They need attitude implants from Frazier.

Frazier: Awful on the NBA level, but Olshey wants to drive the team into the ground Clipper style, so Frazier's here to stay.

Harkless: With his reputation of playing with no heart, he could have barged in and forced his way onto the floor, but surprise, he didn't. That's why we got him free (another Beasley...Miami dumped the 2nd pick in the draft after 2 years for two #2s).

Montero...common sense says no, but everyone says yes, so it must be yes!

James and Dawkins: Just shooters. Do not sign. At least Dawkins has size, 6-5.

Bogans: If he wasn't going to try, I don't know why he showed up, at age 35.

Vonleh: A team star immediately. Not 2 years away as many of you say. He should develop the "hula move" to use his wide hips.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

WE HAVE ENOUGH YOUNG TALENT

 

[dviss1]

No, he's just saying that you both need to stop snarking at each other.

Funny thing to say to the guy who he "snarks" (calling us colored is no snark) at all the time.

 

[riverman]

We have Like, Reply, Quote and even unlike clicks but anyone else really want an I don't give a shit button here?

 

[dviss1]

I manage to get you conservatives, and dviss (who said he has me on Ignore), all against me. I must be doing something right!

I had MM on ignore because of his tendency to post racial slurs. I'm not sure why you were tbh. That's why I took you off.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

We have Like, Reply, Quote and even unlike clicks but anyone else really want an I don't give a shit button here?

But by clicking an I don't give a shit button would mean you're giving that person shit.

 

[Hobbesarable]

We have Like, Reply, Quote and even unlike clicks but anyone else really want an I don't give a shit button here?

For years it was known as the following clip.

 

[magnifier661]

But by clicking an I don't give a shit button would mean you're giving that person shit.

But by clicking the IDGS button, you would show that your shit you give is not worth of shit

 

[riverman]

But by clicking an I don't give a shit button would mean you're giving that person shit.

but you wouldn't have to explain why

 

[oldfisherman]

View attachment 5544

But by clicking the IDGS button, you would show that your shit you give is not worth of shit

I fixed it so you could read what you wrote.

 

[jlprk]

I had MM on ignore because of his tendency to post racial slurs. I'm not sure why you were tbh. That's why I took you off.

You misinterpreted something I said about an ESPN black writer who criticizes other blacks when they're pro-black. It would take 20 minutes to write to explain it in perfect diplomatic wording, so I never did. I knew you'd unIgnore me after awhile. Everyone does. I'm too interesting.

By the way, Sly, smooth editing of the one word there. I saw it right away.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

By the way, Sly, smooth editing of the one word there. I saw it right away.

You're welcome.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Funny thing to say to the guy who he "snarks" (calling us colored is no snark) at all the time.

I'll make sure to pass your complaint on to the people at crayola

 

[Nikolokolus]

If we could trade for a Paul George type of guy, I'd be thrilled. The needle movers like Anthony Davis are untouchable but still could swap a few pieces for Boogie Cousins or a Paul George type guy. Would you sell high on Meyers, CJ or Vonleh to get a difference maker? All three have maximum value right now after all having shown some success...15 minutes of fame. It's a tough call. 2 allstars on a team gets you the playoffs, 3 gets you a shot at the finals.

You don't really get it. Other teams just don't make these kinds of moves until closer to the trade deadline; whether or not the Blazers wish to is immaterial.

 

[oldmangrouch]

You don't really get it. Other teams just don't make these kinds of moves until closer to the trade deadline; whether or not the Blazers wish to is immaterial.

Bingo.

This may not be the roster that ends the season, but it is almost certainly the roster that begins the season.

 

[magnifier661]

Bingo.

This may not be the roster that ends the season, but it is almost certainly the roster that begins the season.

Just in time to make the playoffs

 

[Orion Bailey]

I was having fun with Mags but in looking at the roster I think this team is going to have a lot of trouble scoring. Defense will be better and the overall effort will be strong but wins are going to be a struggle. I don't think NO has done a terrible job. I understand and support the direction he is going on. I like this far better than if he were to have lost LMA while bringing back Wes, Batum and Rolo. That would have been a team that could have made the 7 or 8th playoff spot but could have never gone beyond that.

Okay, fair enough, I agree with that.

If we could trade for a Paul George type of guy, I'd be thrilled. The needle movers like Anthony Davis are untouchable but still could swap a few pieces for Boogie Cousins or a Paul George type guy. Would you sell high on Meyers, CJ or Vonleh to get a difference maker? All three have maximum value right now after all having shown some success...15 minutes of fame. It's a tough call. 2 allstars on a team gets you the playoffs, 3 gets you a shot at the finals.

Not always the case, but close. But someone else already pointed out. There wont be anymore trades until after the season is well underway. This is pretty much what your looking at opening day.

We have Like, Reply, Quote and even unlike clicks but anyone else really want an I don't give a shit button here?

There is an unlike button? Ive been looking for this? Where? Id much rather "not like" a comment than quote it and explain why most of the time.
Be nice to maybe have a thumbs up or a thumbs down, or something like that.


Is that paving the way to more negative banter not associated with the team, causing a decay in the intelligence of this forum? I could see that being a reason not to have the ability to "not lie" a post...

 

[Chris Craig]

I think this young group will surprise us with 40+ wins

 

[riverman]

You don't really get it. Other teams just don't make these kinds of moves until closer to the trade deadline; whether or not the Blazers wish to is immaterial.

Well today the Rockets did a similar thing starting to move 3 or 4 role players for Ty Lawson so I guess things like that do happen eh?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Well today the Rockets did a similar thing starting to move 3 or 4 role players for Ty Lawson so I guess things like that do happen eh?

You have to be fucking kidding me. Denver trying desperately to unload a distraction (and a guy who I don't consider to be a difference maker) doesn't quite satisfy the criteria I laid out. If you really think Ty Lawson is the difference between the Rockets getting to the finals or not, then you're insane.

 

[riverman]

You have to be fucking kidding me. Denver trying desperately to unload a distraction (and a guy who I don't consider to be a difference maker) doesn't quite satisfy the criteria I laid out. If you really think Ty Lawson is the difference between the Rockets getting to the finals or not, then you're insane.

Could be...but Ty Lawson is not a bottom feeding pt guard and he is being traded before the deadline. Character flaws and all. Point is, Rockets didn't hesitate.

 

[magnifier661]

You have to be fucking kidding me. Denver trying desperately to unload a distraction (and a guy who I don't consider to be a difference maker) doesn't quite satisfy the criteria I laid out. If you really think Ty Lawson is the difference between the Rockets getting to the finals or not, then you're insane.

But you didn't claim moves that make you contend. We already know that no true amount of moves will make us contenders this season. I took, from what you said, that no "significant player movement" will be made from now till October. Riverman gave you a recent example of a good player that was moved for role players.

 

[Natebishop3]

But you didn't claim moves that make you contend. We already know that no true amount of moves will make us contenders this season. I took, from what you said, that no "significant player movement" will be made from now till October. Riverman gave you a recent example of a good player that was moved for role players.

He wasn't moved. He was dropped like a bad habit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[riverman]

He wasn't moved. He was dropped like a bad habit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He just drank himself to Texas...they had little to do except keep him away from JJ Hickson for awhile..good news..more minutes for Will the Thrill!

 

[jlprk]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/summer-league-northwest-024200395--nba.html

This compares each player's SL performance to his previous SL or regular season. Excerpts:

Noah Vonleh...Last summer with the Hornets, Vonleh was one of the more disappointing players at Summer League. He started off the event in 2014 with an 0-of-13 from the field and never really got it going, making 28.4 percent from the field in the week. His averages were also awful, scoring 9.1 points per game with 10.0 boards, 0.4 dimes, 1.1 blocks and 0.1 steals. His shot selection was a disaster and he was careless with the ball, too.

One year later, he was on the opposite end of the spectrum in the past week. In four games this month, Vonleh averaged 17.2 points, 8.5 boards, 0.2 steals, 0.2 blocks and 1.3 treys on 55.8 percent from the field. With the treys and the 76.2 percent from the line, that gave Vonleh a pristine 66.0 true shooting percentage — Kyle Korver and Tyson Chandler were the only two qualifiers last season to have an efficiency that high. Vonleh really put it all on display. Perhaps the biggest improvement was his ball-handling because he was killing guys on face-up plays and even ran the offense in transition.

...The Hornets finally decided to play him in the last five games of the season and it didn't go well, averaging 7.2 points, 8.6 boards, 0.6 blocks, 0.8 treys and 1.2 turnovers on 34.2 percent from the field...last week He was a step faster than his competition and really had some nice moves to create space. Last season, he just took a contested shot, which obviously didn’t work...He probably needs one more year to develop.

Allen Crabbe...Crabbe was really good off the dribble, which is something he rarely did with the big club last season. In fact, a whopping 74.3 percent of Crabbe’s shots last season were catch-and-shoot, and he also made a putrid 8.7 percent from the field on his pullup shots. Eight point seven percent! Crabbe was also a letdown in Las Vegas last year, scoring just 5.6 points per game with a very low usage rate in 22.6 minutes per game.

Pat Connaughton...Connaughton also fared well in transition and was able to get very clean looks around the rim...As solid as he was, Connaughton is likely starting out in the D-League next season.

Tim Frazier...On his 45 jump shot attempts last season in the NBA, Frazier made just 24.4 percent of them...The Blazers should bring C.J. McCollum off the bench as a point guard-type guy like the way Jamal Crawford is used on occasion, which would bump Frazier from the rotation.

Arnett Moultrie and Daniel Orton...Both players were bashed for not being in shape while with the 76ers, but they both looked a lot better.