Tank for Wembanyama (1 Viewer)

[tykendo]

G-League may not be great, but it's probably similar or better to most college schools other than maybe the elite.

At 19:
16.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 6.8 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.6 bpg, 43% FG, 27% from '3', 76% FT in 31 mpg
11.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.2 bpg, 43% FG, 37% from '3', 84% FT in 29 mpg

One is the better shooter at that age, one is better at almost everything else is very similar minutes. Who knows how Scoot will turn out, but if he has defensive tendencies, that would be a welcome addition here after CJ, Ant, Sharpe and Dame.

Naw, pass. You'll get to see him when he visits.

 

[tykendo]

It feels like when the Grizzlies traded Shareef Abdur Rahim for the draft rights for Pau Gasol.

It could really bite us in the ass if we trade a top 5 pick for him. But I'm not sure how deep this draft is yet.

Sure if you're saying Siakam is Gasol. Because he's a wayyyyy better player than Rahim.

 

[tykendo]

Rahim had good years in Vancouver. I just don't remember him being that good. I'm wrong on that.

 

[tykendo]

Man! I didn't even know he was a Blazer. I checked out of the Jail Blazer Era. I cam back full on as a fan in the Roy & LA Era.

 

[UKBlazer]

Really big off-season for the blazers and excited to see how it'll transpire.

Despite board-wide suspicion of Cronin, i've liked what i've seen/heard from him so far and drafting Shaedon is a standout on his CV so far. I think the other moves he gets lambasted for area bit of an over-exaggeration. His hands have been tied over Hart and I actually think the Jerami Grant trade is a net positive for us.

Seems clear that the franchise are going to prioritise one last swing for Lillard. In balance, I think this is justified given his loyalty and the fact that as a small market, a rebuild could take 10 years +. Why not initiate the rebuild after Dame's window in the grand scheme of things?

Having said this, we shouldn't be looking to trade away our entire future, which would be objectively stupid. This might upset Dame, but we can't work miracles and including Sharpe in a trade for an OG/Siakam in my mind is totally idiotic.

Which take us to the next question, how and where where we look to get stronger. I think most have identified the SF spot (Bridges, Anunoby) and the 5 (Adebayo) as clear opportunities. Given our assets, I think this window only allows to upgrade in one spot, and maybe make another move at the deadline or next summer.

If we somehow luck out and land the number 1 pick, does keeping Wemby satisfy Dame? I don't think you could trade him without at least giving it a year to see if that value increases, as we know the potential upside could be astronomical.

My hope is that we land between 2-5, and throw everything at Bridges, keeping Dame and Shaedon at all costs.

Dame-Sharpe-Bridges-Grant-Nurkic and look at upgrading Nurk further down the line is a good summer in my eyes, even if it means overpaying on future draft picks and loosing some young talent. Want to keep Watford but he might have to be sacrificed.

 

[tykendo]

Never been a fan of any other team in the NBA other than the Blazers. But my total attentions was on the Broncos from 1995 - Roy Era began. Then i got League Pass and enjoyed the ride.

Really big off-season for the blazers and excited to see how it'll transpire.

Despite board-wide suspicion of Cronin, i've liked what i've seen/heard from him so far and drafting Shaedon is a standout on his CV so far. I think the other moves he gets lambasted for area bit of an over-exaggeration. His hands have been tied over Hart and I actually think the Jerami Grant trade is a net positive for us.

Seems clear that the franchise are going to prioritise one last swing for Lillard. In balance, I think this is justified given his loyalty and the fact that as a small market, a rebuild could take 10 years +. Why not initiate the rebuild after Dame's window in the grand scheme of things?

Having said this, we shouldn't be looking to trade away our entire future, which would be objectively stupid. This might upset Dame, but we can't work miracles and including Sharpe in a trade for an OG/Siakam in my mind is totally idiotic.

Which take us to the next question, how and where where we look to get stronger. I think most have identified the SF spot (Bridges, Anunoby) and the 5 (Adebayo) as clear opportunities. Given our assets, I think this window only allows to upgrade in one spot, and maybe make another move at the deadline or next summer.

If we somehow luck out and land the number 1 pick, does keeping Wemby satisfy Dame? I don't think you could trade him without at least giving it a year to see if that value increases, as we know the potential upside could be astronomical.

My hope is that we land between 2-5, and throw everything at Bridges, keeping Dame and Shaedon at all costs.

Dame-Sharpe-Bridges-Grant-Nurkic and look at upgrading Nurk further down the line is a good summer in my eyes, even if it means overpaying on future draft picks and loosing some young talent. Want to keep Watford but he might have to be sacrificed.

Great post. I don't see Sharpe going anywhere. And i doubt Dame has any problem with that. And i'm sure Dame would love to have Wemby. Wemby could do for The Blazers, what Duncan did for the Spurs.

 

[BigGameDamian]

I like Bridges but I just don’t know why Brooklyn would want to trade him?

 

[tykendo]

If the Blazers get Wemby, hopefully 3rd time is the charm. The Blazers crashed and burned on the 1st two.

I like Bridges but I just don’t know why Brooklyn would want to trade him?

Because they're in New York, and need a splashy potential star like Scoot.

 

[julius]

I like Bridges but I just don’t know why Brooklyn would want to trade him?

Because fans constantly come up with trade ideas for a player they have fallen in love with, tend to have no grasp on reality.

 

[tykendo]

Because fans constantly come up with trade ideas for a player they have fallen in love with, tend to have no grasp on reality.

Nat'l media has written that Siakam could be on the table as well. So we're all delusional.

 

[tykendo]

I wish i could get some of those Screamin' A checks.

 

[UKBlazer]

I like Bridges but I just don’t know why Brooklyn would want to trade him?

It's true they probably don't want to trade him. I've just checked and they don't own their 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 FRPs, so tanking definitely not on their agenda.

Perhaps there's a chance Bridges forces their hand? Arn't Lillard and Bridges close?

If not, you move down the list I guess. I'd go for Adebayo after Mikel.

 

[Natebishop3]

Sure if you're saying Siakam is Gasol. Because he's a wayyyyy better player than Rahim.

It's been a long time since I saw Rahim, so I'm not necessarily saying that their games are the same, it just seems like they're both borderline All-Star forwards who aren't good enough to be their teams number one option. But is Siakam a good enough #2 to make this team a contender? I really don't think so. It feels like a massive overpay for a guy who is good, but not THAT good.

Paying through the nose for a Durant or an Embiid is one thing, but sending out a bunch of assets for Siakam seems like the kind of move that we're going to really regret in 4-5 years.

 

[tykendo]

It's true they probably don't want to trade him. I've just checked and they don't own their 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 FRPs, so tanking definitely not on their agenda.

Perhaps there's a chance Bridges forces their hand? Arn't Lillard and Bridges close?

If not, you move down the list I guess. I'd go for Adebayo after Mikel.

But in no way do i give a top 4 pick up for OG. Obviously you have to match the cap hit. Ant plus the NY pick. I think that trade helps both teams.

 

[CJ_is_Gone]

Siakam has plenty of mileage left. Not sure if any of the forwards in the Draft are really ready now. And Siakam is a badass.

He's very similar to Grant in skill set, but just a lot better player.
In an ideal world - we can use Grant in a S&T (or a standard trade in December/January) for Siakam.

 

[UKBlazer]

But in no way do i give a top 4 pick up for OG. Obviously you have to match the cap hit. Ant plus the NY pick. I think that trade helps both teams.

Agreed, especially given Anunoby's contract is up next summer. If it goes tits up and we miss the playoffs, then our top 4 pick has evaporated for a year of OG not getting us into the playoffs lol.

The NY pick + Anfernee, we bite their hand off. They probably arn't doing it though unfortunately, would be a huge climb down from their trade deadline position on his value.

 

[tykendo]

He's very similar to Grant in skill set, but just a lot better player.
In an ideal world - we can use Grant in a S&T (or a standard trade in December/January) for Siakam.

Agreed, especially given Anunoby's contract is up next summer. If it goes tits up and we miss the playoffs, then our top 4 pick has evaporated for a year of OG not getting us into the playoffs lol.

The NY pick + Anfernee, we bite their hand off. They probably arn't doing it though unfortunately, would be a huge climb down from their trade deadline position on his value.

Who knows. Ujiri could just stand pat, and go with his draft pick. But it sure seems like they have a log jam at SF.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

That NY pick needs to go to Chicago(if they accept it) so that we can free up future picks. Other option is trading a younger player like Little to get the rights back to our pick (obviously they would have to send back player in deal). We have to get out from under that horrendous draft pick that is tying our hands on making any trades.

Single dumbest trade we’ve made in last 10 years and I liked Nance

 

[KingSpeed]

I think there's another option that makes them a title contender. I think Wemby makes Joe's job easier. But if the Blazers get pick 2 to 4, i could see them have the potential to send that pick ,with Ant, to the Nets for Mikal Bridges. Plus they could use future draft capital to strengthen other positions. A starting lineup of Nurk, Grant, Bridges, Sharpe, and Dame is pretty damn good. If you could acquire Seth Curry, or Joe Harris to be that dead eye shooter off the bench, now we're talking. The Blazers still might be able to upgrade the center position with a Nurk, plus a 1st. move. But there aren't a lot of game changing starters at center. Would Nurk, plus a 1st net you a Myles Turner. Who knows. We will find out. No matter who the Blazers get, staying healthy is the biggest key.

Now you’re talking. We don’t just need a star. We need depart. Like what the Lakers did this season. They acquired a lot of “good” players and it’s paying off so far.

 

[wizenheimer]

If the Blazers get Wemby, hopefully 3rd time is the charm. The Blazers crashed and burned on the 1st two.

incomplete history....Blazers have had several top-5 picks, and four #1 picks

1971 2 Sidney Wicks
1972 1 LaRue Martin
1974 1 Bill Walton
1976 5 Wally Walker
1978 1 Mychal Thompson
1984 2 Sam Bowie
2006 4 Tyrus Thomas (↳CHI---> 2 LMA)
2007 1 Greg Oden

Walton got Portland it's only title. Mychal Thompson was a pretty good player....he actually averaged 21-12-4 one season; but he was never an all-star

LaRue Martin was a total bust and Portland's 1st big draft fuck-up:

1 LaRue Martin
2 Bob McAdoo
10 Paul Westphal
12 Julius Erving

Wally Walker at 5 was a big miss too:

5 POR Wally Walker
6 BUF Adrian Dantley
8 GSW Robert Parish
20 POR Major Jones
23 MIL Alex English
29 SEA Dennis Johnson

 

[Shaboid]

Dame-Sharpe-Bridges-Grant-Nurkic and look at upgrading Nurk further down the line is a good summer in my eyes, even if it means overpaying on future draft picks and loosing some young talent. Want to keep Watford but he might have to be sacrificed.

It would obviously depend on our bench depth and role players, but I would ride with that starting squad for sure.

 

[wizenheimer]

But is Siakam a good enough #2 to make this team a contender? I really don't think so..

well, he was a good enough #2 with Kawhi to not only make Toronto a contender but a champion. He's a lot better now

and I disagree with the gauge, if you meant it that way, of dismissing a trade for Siakam because he doesn't immediately make Portland a contender. No single realistic move will do that. It would have to be a series of moves; a process. But because a single step doesn't get you all the way across the room doesn't mean you shouldn't take that step

I do agree that Portland has to avoid paying too much for Siakam; mainly because matching salary is going to see major assets added to the pick. Also, if what we heard about Toronto's asking price of OG is true, they will be expecting the stars and moon for Siakam. If they are, fuckem

 

[KingSpeed]

For only 5 more games, I'll take a competent GM and coach and a team not being run by a horrible GM who handed out bloated contracts to bad player, etc.

Who here honestly, and I mean not a character on a message board (the anti-Maris if you will), looks back at the playoffs against the Lakers and thinks "great season!"

Or thinks how they *didn't* improve the team after the WCFS against GState, and thinks "thank God they made the playoffs that year!"

Or thinks oh man, I wish they had made the playoffs last year instead of getting Shaedon?

Because I'm willing to bet most is the people don't glorify those years, and would rather the team have built a better roster instead of settling for a playoff spot as a poorly coached, made up and designed team.

You seem to think that people are only wanting to miss the playoffs. That's not the situation. They'd rather the team make consistent runs deep in the playoffs, and sometimes that takes drastic changes.

Now hold on. I was a season ticket holder in 2018-19 and even though we got swept in WCF, that season was a blast- Dame’s wave, the 4OT playoff win, Layman’s 24 point quarter, the 8 point possession vs, Game 82 comeback. Our enjoyment can’t just be about winning titles. 29 teams fail every year but not every fan base has as much fun as we did that year. As for building through the draft, it’s important but not a guaranteed success. Sixers tanked for Star talent and have this year’s MVP and yet they still haven’t reached the conference finals since 2001. Don’t take 2018-19 for granted because we got swept.

 

[Samuel]

Kinda depends on what player we'd take with that pick. There's a strong likelihood that the player taken with the #2 pick turns out worse in the long run than Siakam. But there's a much stronger likelihood that there's a player AVAILABLE at the #2 pick who will be better.

contending teams draft well. they nail draft picks. the draft is a game of chance, but also, they have control of their deep dive research, their interviews, their advanced statistics, etc.

I’m fine with Portland taking a risk in the draft vs a spending most of their limited team assets and future flexibility on a moderate upgrade.

I can already see the first round exit as the 6 seed, while we watch whoever we would have selected tears it up for their team on both ends of the court.

now we’re staring down the barrel of unrestricted free agency with a massive payroll, deteriorating value players except for Sharpe and not a lot of flexibility to keep upgrading.

 

[blazerkor]

That NY pick needs to go to Chicago(if they accept it) so that we can free up future picks. Other option is trading a younger player like Little to get the rights back to our pick (obviously they would have to send back player in deal). We have to get out from under that horrendous draft pick that is tying our hands on making any trades.

Single dumbest trade we’ve made in last 10 years and I liked Nance

You and every other person on this board should look up what it's taken in the past to take conditions off of picks. I've never seen anything more than conditional second round picks to guarantee the pick and oftentimes it's just cash (that's because you are literally guaranteeing a pick to a team with no guarantee of ever receiving it and making it a solid asset they can trade)... now that would be us sending a conditional second rounder so that the Bulls would be guaranteed to get our first rounder in the 2024 draft regardless of where it lands next season.

Joe was asked if he had a deal in place to fulfill our obligation to Chicago and he said that they have been in contact multiple times and that they have a good relationship, so that would't be a problem if they needed to free up future picks for a bigger deal. I do agree that the Knicks pick could do it but there's a rumor out there that it might just be the 5 second rounders that we picked up at the trade deadline to fulfill the entire obligation. The fact is that what we owe the Bulls won't get in the way of us having up to 5 first round picks to deal if we need to and three swaps... four swaps if it only took the second rounders to fulfill that Bulls obligation.

I didn't like the trade but if there has always been a mechanism in place to guarantee the pick, the deal got us Shaedon and the pick we end up with in this draft. So it wasn't necessarily all that dumb to make the pick conditional in the way they did. The dumb part about it is that we basically just had Nance as a throw in on one trade and RoCo as a throw in on another when the two of them cost us 3 FRPs and two guys who played serious bench minutes for the teams we traded them to.

 

[Predator]

And how are you invested now in our playoff run?

I’ll put it to you this way:

I’m more excited for the draft then I was for the playoffs with Stottsy.

 

[Natebishop3]

well, he was a good enough #2 with Kawhi to not only make Toronto a contender but a champion. He's a lot better now

and I disagree with the gauge, if you meant it that way, of dismissing a trade for Siakam because he doesn't immediately make Portland a contender. No single realistic move will do that. It would have to be a series of moves; a process. But because a single step doesn't get you all the way across the room doesn't mean you shouldn't take that step

I do agree that Portland has to avoid paying too much for Siakam; mainly because matching salary is going to see major assets added to the pick. Also, if what we heard about Toronto's asking price of OG is true, they will be expecting the stars and moon for Siakam. If they are, fuckem

It's not about one move making us a contender.

It's about whether a core of Dame/Siakam/Grant is enough to win a ring. I just don't think it is. I agree that it's going to take other moves, but the most important thing is the core foundation of the team.

Steph/Klay/Draymond
LeBron/Kyrie/Love
Pierce/KG/Allen
Durant/Booker/Paul

Just throwing out some examples. Obviously it's just as important to add good pieces surrounding those cores, BUT the core itself is the most important piece. I'm not sure if Sharpe is ready to be part of the core. I think Ant/Nurk need to go. So it would in theory be Dame/Siakam/Grant. I don't think that's a contending core.

 

[Predator]

Now you’re talking. We don’t just need a star. We need depart. Like what the Lakers did this season. They acquired a lot of “good” players and it’s paying off so far.

The Lakers already have *checks notes* LEBRON JAMES AND ANTHONY DAVIS.

 

[Predator]

Now hold on. I was a season ticket holder in 2018-19 and even though we got swept in WCF, that season was a blast- Dame’s wave, the 4OT playoff win, Layman’s 24 point quarter, the 8 point possession vs, Game 82 comeback. Our enjoyment can’t just be about winning titles. 29 teams fail every year but not every fan base has as much fun as we did that year. As for building through the draft, it’s important but not a guaranteed success. Sixers tanked for Star talent and have this year’s MVP and yet they still haven’t reached the conference finals since 2001. Don’t take 2018-19 for granted because we got swept.

Making the playoffs isn’t the same every year or for every team.

Squeaking into the playoffs for OKC, for instance, was probably a good thing because they’re on the rise.

We, CLEARLY, are not a team on the rise.

So it’s about the trajectory of the team. If we back ass first into the playoffs when our trajectory could clearly be changed by missing the playoffs…

Also, when it’s clear a team has peaked and is in the process of regressing, making the playoffs isn’t a whole helluva lot of fun in my eyes.

 

[wizenheimer]

. The dumb part about it is that we basically just had Nance as a throw in on one trade and RoCo as a throw in on another when the two of them cost us 3 FRPs and two guys who played serious bench minutes for the teams we traded them to.

You're overrating their impact, IMO. If you use winshares as a gauge and look at what RoCo and Nance have given the Clippers and Pelicans:

RoCo + Nance = 9.3 winshares for 27M

Watford + Eubanks = 10.7 winshares for 4.3M

RoCo + Nance = 2.9M/winshare

Watford + Eubanks = 0.4M/winshare

and added context is that the Clippers/Pelicans have averaged several more wins over that time frame so there were more winshares to go around. The issue isn't what Portland received for RoCo/Nance, but what Olshey paid for them. The cost was the fucked up part of the equation