Team needs and MLE/FA targets

[illmatic99]

Taking KP's approach to this thinking, we can establish some of our team's needs (outside of good health) that we can address through free agency. First of all, I think we need some shooting from our guard spot. Jerryd is improving as evidenced by his 40% shooting from three point range in the playoffs, but I feel we still need a guy like Blake who can stick that J to open up room for either Roy or the bench players. If Rudy returns with a better morale and healthy, we probably don't need this. Rebounding and inside scoring couldn't hurt either. I'm actually happy with our wing defense with Marty and Nic. A backup PG who could run the offense is another spot we can look at.

Here is a list of mostly unrestricted free agents that will be available in free agency this summer. I haven't listed players like David Lee and Bosh as they will obviously not be available for the MLE or parts of it. Again, if PA chooses to get over the luxury tax amount, we can choose to spend all of it on one or more players. I've bolded the guys I like.

PGs:
-Ray Felton
-Acie Law
-Sebastian Telfair
-Earl Watson
-Steve Blake
-Derek Fisher
-Shannon Brown (PLAYER OPTION)
-Rafer Alston
-Carlos Arroyo
-Luke Ridnour
-Eddie House
-Jason Williams
-Shaun Livingston
-Randy Foye (RESTRICTED)

Wings:
-Josh Childress
-Ray Allen
-Raja Bell
-Flip Murray
-Travis Outlaw
-QRich
-John Salmons (ETO)
-Tracy McGrady
-Al Harrington
-Ime Udoka
-Kyle Korver
-Mike Miller

Bigs:
-Shelden Williams
-Tyrus Thomas
-Hakim Warrick
-Ilgauskas
-Shaq
-Brian Skinner
-Craig Smith
-Udonis Haslem
-Jermaine O'Neal
-Kurt Thomas
-Darko Milicic
-Etan Thomas
-Louis Amundson
-Channing Frye (PLAYER OPTION- but he has said he will opt out)
-Amir Johnson

More comprehensive list available here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-10-11

My choices are Livingston and Craig Smith, as we could probably get both with our MLE. Livingston, as a starter in April averaged: 15.5pts, 6.3asts, 3.6rebs, on 63% FG in 37 mpg through 8 games for Washington. He is back, and we could pounce on this low risk opportunity. If you don't know of Craig Smith, that guy is an absolute beast in the paint who can score at will. He's got a huge body, and can somewhat rebound, but he would mostly be used for his back to the basket scoring ability on the bench.

Have I missed anyone? Thoughts on my choices?

 

[illmatic99]

Some Videos:

[video=youtube;E0HYSE0hUHA]

[video=youtube;NW7Kx9-LP1w]

 

[Minstrel]

I'd be interested in Livingston. I always really liked his talent and I think he could have been a high-level PG by now if not for the injury he suffered. He had a pretty solid stretch of games for Washington, statistically, and observationally he still seems to have the quickness and vision that made him so interesting.

He'd make a nice upside gamble.

 

[Cake]

Taking KP's approach to this thinking, we can establish some of our team's needs (outside of good health) that we can address through free agency. First of all, I think we need some shooting from our guard spot. Jerryd is improving as evidenced by his 40% shooting from three point range in the playoffs, but I feel we still need a guy like Blake who can stick that J to open up room for either Roy or the bench players. If Rudy returns with a better morale and healthy, we probably don't need this. Rebounding and inside scoring couldn't hurt either. I'm actually happy with our wing defense with Marty and Nic. A backup PG who could run the offense is another spot we can look at.

I like your analysis of what we need and what we could get with the MLE. Unfortunately, I think we need a chainsaw, not a scalpel.

If Aldridge is our starting PF, he's going to get 36-38 minutes per game. Yes, we do need rebounding, but the effect that a backup PF will have is pretty insignificant in just 10 minutes a game. If we want to rebound better at that position, then Aldridge needs to go. Get David Lee or Carlos Boozer. I think we have the pieces to make that kind of move.

I agree we need a point guard as well, but I don't think another backup level player is the answer. We have Bayless who is, in my opinion, a backup level point guard. Andre Miller's career shelf life is measured in months, not years at this point, so I think we need a young upgrade. Unless we think that a future starter is on your list, we'd need to a big-time free agent. Livingston is interesting, but Portland of all teams shouldn't sign a guy with his injury history. I have always liked Ray Felton, but I'm not 100% convinced he's good enough to be a 'point guard of the future' I think we'd have to look at all-star (or borderline all-star) level point guards who could be available. Chris Paul and Devin Harris come to mind.

 

[illmatic99]

and observationally he still seems to have the quickness and vision that made him so interesting.

He'd make a nice upside gamble.

Yup. And another point to note: TIM GROVER. We need to recruit that guy.

 

[tlongII]

I'd like to bring Travis back on an MLE deal if possible. He can shoot it and is a great teammate.

 

[RoyToy]

Livingston would only be interesting as a backup option to me, but I still probably wouldn't pull the trigger.

 

[craigehlo]

I like Felton, but' he's going to garner more than the MLE on the open market.

I have a feeling we'll see either Steve Blake of Luke Ridnour on this squad next season at PG.

 

[Public Defender]

I'm not sure that rebounding is a huge need for this team. The Blazers have a +2.1 rebounds/game differential compared with opponents. That's not as good as the Spurs, Jazz, or Magic, but it's better than the Nuggets, Mavericks, Hawks, Bucks, and Suns...

Unless there's a surprising upgrade available for Aldridge, I think the Blazers will still have him come next season. I don't think that's a huge problem. The inside rebounding should remain pretty good, even quite good, potentially - with Camby for a full season, and hopefully either Przybilla or Oden as the starter or backup at center. 7-8 boards out of Aldridge as the PF is fine - if Camby/Oden are combining for 12-14 boards per 48 minutes.

 

[Luther]

Is it just me or does Livingston remind you of Russell Westbrook? Obviously not as quick but the size and passing ability.

 

[Tince]

I've always been interested in Livingston, but with Miller and Bayless, we need a PG who can shoot.

 

[tlongII]

Livingston is damaged goods. He'll never be the player he was before the injury.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Haslem would make us the best rebounding team in the league, even with injuries.

 

[LameR]

Haslem would make us the best rebounding team in the league, even with injuries.

You think he'd come here? Honest question. How do you see the minutes breakdown for that (I know it's tough with injuries).

 

[Minstrel]

You think he'd come here? Honest question. How do you see the minutes breakdown for that (I know it's tough with injuries).

And then imagine Przybilla actually does make it back and is reasonably good, by December/January.

Aldridge/Haslem
Oden/Camby/Przybilla

The Blazers could trot out an all-big-man lineup. Portland would definitely win the rebounding battle.

 

[handiman]

I'm not sure that rebounding is a huge need for this team. The Blazers have a +2.1 rebounds/game differential compared with opponents. That's not as good as the Spurs, Jazz, or Magic, but it's better than the Nuggets, Mavericks, Hawks, Bucks, and Suns...

How about the playoff numbers, though? As I said in another thread, I feel this team's major flaw is how easy they are to prepare for in a 7-game series. Regular season statistics become rather meaningless in that light.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I like Felton, but' he's going to garner more than the MLE on the open market.

I have a feeling we'll see either Steve Blake of Luke Ridnour on this squad next season at PG.

Given that choice then I'd take Ridnour ... he's not a huge upgrade over Steve, but is marginally better (and I can't see Steve coming back here after being traded twice).

 

[Denny Crane]

Check out Acie Law's stats with the Bulls.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

And then imagine Przybilla actually does make it back and is reasonably good, by December/January.

Aldridge/Haslem
Oden/Camby/Przybilla

The Blazers could trot out an all-big-man lineup. Portland would definitely win the rebounding battle.

99% of those rebounds being offensive ones since we'd be shooting about 18% out there.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

My choices are Livingston and Craig Smith, as we could probably get both with our MLE.

Thoughts on my choices?

I like Livingston, for sure. I'd like us to take a chance on him as a backup PG. It would put a tall guard beside Bayless as well. As far as big men, I think that Jeff will make a good backup PF banger, and Dante will make a good backup SF wing. Both have proven they can play with the professionals out there for 12 minutes a game.

But we do definitely need a point guard on our bench, and Livingston would be my first choice.

 

[Blazer4ever]

What I realy want to see is a trade of spare-parts for Hedo, but since we're talking MLE - of the bolded names I liked Steve Blake, Kyle Korver, Raja Bell and Udonis Haslem. Also, Mike Miller could serve as a poor-man's hedo but I'm not sure I want a poor-man's Hedo.

 

[LameR]

What I realy want to see is a trade of spare-parts for Hedo, but since we're talking MLE - of the bolded names I liked Steve Blake, Kyle Korver, Raja Bell and Udonis Haslem. Also, Mike Miller could serve as a poor-man's hedo but I'm not sure I want a poor-man's Hedo.

Hedo is now a poor-man's Hedo.

 

[LittleAlex]

Why not Ray Allen?

Portland needed a guy to spread the floor against the Suns. Who better to do that then the best 3 point shooter in NBA history.

The big question would be if Ray would be willing to come off the bench. That isn't a given.

Then again, given the injuries this year it is quite possible that Ray would start a good portion of the games this season.

As for Blake and Outlaw, haven't we already seen where those two guys are going help the team get to. You only grab those two dudes if you want to fool your fan base into thinking you are building a winner instead of actually building to win.

 

[illmatic99]

Ray Allen will likely get more than the MLE this summer. Not too much more, but a Dre-esque contract probably.

 

[hasoos]

Is it just me or does Livingston remind you of Russell Westbrook? Obviously not as quick but the size and passing ability.

No not at all. Westbrook is way faster than Livingston, and Livingston has inches on him in height.

 

[RR7]

Would lvoe adding Ray Allen. Also am wondering whether he'd take the MLE, probably not, but agree that a Miller level contract would work. Maybe a Rudy and Joel S&T for Allen? Boston adds some guard youth to the team in Rudy. If healthy, Oden would give them another solid defensive presence in the middle, and if not, they don't pay much to have him around, or could look to trade him elsewhere. If not, I'd look to go after Mike Miller for the same. Still leaves you with the MLE to use.

I'm actualy intrigued by the possibility of adding Livingston. As a tall PG, he'd play the 1 on offense, 2 on D, with the reverse being the case for Bayless. I'd offer him a portion of the MLE to backup here. 3 year, 9 million? With a similar offer being extended to Kyle Lowry, possibly. Although he'd fit in less with Bayless. I'm sure he'll get much more, but I'd make a half-assed run at Jermaine O'Neal as well, as an insurance big. With teams having cap space, and everyone with the MLE, I'm sure someone will go overboard for him, but I'd offer him 5 years, almost 17 million, last two team options. A salary a little over 3 a year. Similar, a 3 year, 9 ish million dollar deal. Again, I doubt he'd take it, and am sure he can possibly get more elsewhere. But I'd offer and see what happens.

Miller/Livingston/Koppo
Roy/Bayless/Allen
Batum/Allen/Webster
Aldridge/Camby/Cunningham
Oden/J.O'Neal/Pendergraph/Freeland

Bring over Koppo and Freeland. Hope that with limited level of minutes, Oden, O'Neal and Camby can all stay realtively healthy. Freeland, Pendy and Koppo can all spend time in the D-League.

Of course, none of this will happen. Contracts might be unlikely, and I think we'd actually need to use the MLE to bring Freeland over at this point. Oh well.

 

[Minstrel]

Would lvoe adding Ray Allen. Also am wondering whether he'd take the MLE, probably not, but agree that a Miller level contract would work. Maybe a Rudy and Joel S&T for Allen? Boston adds some guard youth to the team in Rudy. If healthy, Oden would give them another solid defensive presence in the middle, and if not, they don't pay much to have him around, or could look to trade him elsewhere.

I'm sure they'd do a sign-and-trade for Allen if they got Oden.

j/k

 

[RR7]

Yikes. Hadn't had coffee yet, and not much sleep last night.

 

[Blaze01]

If Rudy is going to be traded, which he probably will then I think POR should go after a guy like Anthony Morrow..

http://www.realgm.com/src_playerfile/1433/anthony_morrow/

1) I doubt Golden State will spend a full MLE or even most of it to sign the guy...He is a restricted FA I believe....and The Warriors have a lot of swing\SG to find minutes for.
2) He is a guy who can light it up offensively, posting a career 46% 3pt FG%

I mean if POR is going to insist on continuing with thier predictable offense, then they might as well get some of the best shooters around Roy that they can.

 

[craigehlo]

I mean if POR is going to insist on continuing with thier predictable offense, then they might as well get some of the best shooters around Roy that they can.

Totally agree. If Nate's the coach nest season, let's make a run at some consistent outside shooters like Morrow that don't have any "confidence" issues. Morrow is a long distance assassin and won't complain about his role on the team either.

It's sad this team need to adjust the roster to the deficiencies of the coach.