Trail Blazers Courtside

[HailBlazers]

Grrreat interview with Neil Oshley. Were in good hands.

 

[<-=*PdX*=->]

thanks

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Recap?

 

[magnifier661]

Recap?

Well he made a comment that he would never trade for an asshole like dmc

 

[HailBlazers]

Recap?

Starting five is his #1 priority. Found the PG, now needs the 5. Will not waste flexibility for short run gain.

Once the starting roation is set, it's on to bolstering the bench.

Oh and LMA is the best 4 possible for this squad.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Well he made a comment that he would never trade for an asshole like dmc

 

[magnifier661]

Lmao!!!!!

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Olshey is a good talker that is for sure . . . has been since day 1 when Kaleb was his guy and drafting was easy as you pick best available player. Olshey can talk all day long if you give him the chance, but after all that talking I don't think you really know what he actually plans to do.


He is the the bizzaro of Cho . . . I hope his results as Blazer GM is like the bizzaro results of Cho as GM.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Starting five is his #1 priority. Found the PG, now needs the 5. Will not waste flexibility for short run gain.

Once the starting roation is set, it's on to bolstering the bench.

Oh and LMA is the best 4 possible for this squad.

I bet JJ and Meyers love hearing that, LOL. Can we just assume now that there is no way in hell JJ will be back next year?

 

[GriLtCheeZ]

http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/1/2...-neil-olshey-talks-potential-for-roster-moves

Importance of maintaining good chemistry influencing decision to add pieces to bench?

The first step is, you've got to know what your starting lineup is. We went into the summer with two major question marks. One at point guard, one at center. I think we've answered the point guard situation.

We really like J.J. Hickson and he's clearly a quality NBA big. The question is can you can survive with a 6-foot-9 center, even if your power forward and franchise player is 6-foot-11? We're still evaluating that part of the process. What you don't want to do is take away your flexibility by building a bench when, at the end of the day, your starting lineup isn't good enough. Like I said, that will be an issue we'll address in the offseason.

A lot of those guys, I came into an organization that had invested five first-round picks in Nolan [Smith], Luke [Babbitt], Elliot [Williams], Joel [Freeland] and Victor [Claver], I felt a certain responsibility to figure out what we had with those assets. It seemed like the right year to do that because there would be an opportunity to play significant minutes, a chance to get on the floor and develop with other young players. We've gotten some answers on some of those guys and on others the jury is still out and we're still evaluating them.

The success that Terry has had have changed the dynamics a bit because we are a factor in the playoff race and we have a responsibility to the fan base to do everything we can to win as many games as possible. If we can be a playoff team that's certainly something we want to do. The only thing we're not going to do is jeopardize the flexibility to make major moves to make incremental growth this year.

The irony is two-fold. One is: if we're playing that well, maybe the bench is contributing but not in areas that are visible in the public eye, in terms of points or rebounds, but what they add from a chemistry standpoint or defensively, things that they do bring to the table, the ability of the coaching staff to bring those guys in with the starters.

When we get the starting lineup completely solidified, we have a lot of resources, we'll bolster the bench, some of that is going to come from player development. Guys like Will Barton, Meyers Leonard stepping up, Joel Freeland and Victor Claver's development. We have a lot of work left to do but we're clearly ahead of the curve based on the job the coaching staff has done.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Money quotes

The first step is, you've got to know what your starting lineup is. We went into the summer with two major question marks. One at point guard, one at center. I think we've answered the point guard situation.

We really like J.J. Hickson and he's clearly a quality NBA big. The question is can you can survive with a 6-foot-9 center, even if your power forward and franchise player is 6-foot-11? We're still evaluating that part of the process. What you don't want to do is take away your flexibility by building a bench when, at the end of the day, your starting lineup isn't good enough. Like I said, that will be an issue we'll address in the offseason.

When we get the starting lineup completely solidified, we have a lot of resources, we'll bolster the bench, some of that is going to come from player development. Guys like Will Barton, Meyers Leonard stepping up, Joel Freeland and Victor Claver's development. We have a lot of work left to do but we're clearly ahead of the curve based on the job the coaching staff has done.

the Trail Blazers were at the time was not in a position to win a championship. It was incumbent upon me, once Paul hired me, was to be as disciplined as possible, put a plan in place, that we were all on board with from ownership and the front office, and then hire a coaching staff that was willing work within the confines of that plan. The minute that we find an opportunity, whether we generate it or it comes up, to accelerate that plan, and move forward quicker, we're going to be ready to act.

 

[magnifier661]

Money quotes

I wonder if oshley has been making calls yet? I'm sure many teams have contacted him though. He has some good assets that most of us don't want to part with. Doesn't mean that he will test the waters though.

The bolster the bench quote was pleasant to read. It's nice knowing that management is on the ball, understanding what our needs are.

As much as I love hickson; I know he isn't part of the long term plan. I think even hickson knows this unless he is willing to take less being a bench player.

I don't think it's a knock on Leonard with oshley saying we are still in search of a center. It's pretty obvious Leonard isn't ready; therefor he really isn't the answer. Maybe 2-3 years from now; we can revisit this comment and see how far Leonard got in the process.

Most important is I feel oshley has the right vision for the future. We are lucky to have him as a gm.

 

[Eastoff]

I wonder if oshley has been making calls yet? I'm sure many teams have contacted him though. He has some good assets that most of us don't want to part with. Doesn't mean that he will test the waters though.

The bolster the bench quote was pleasant to read. It's nice knowing that management is on the ball, understanding what our needs are.

As much as I love hickson; I know he isn't part of the long term plan. I think even hickson knows this unless he is willing to take less being a bench player.

I don't think it's a knock on Leonard with oshley saying we are still in search of a center. It's pretty obvious Leonard isn't ready; therefor he really isn't the answer. Maybe 2-3 years from now; we can revisit this comment and see how far Leonard got in the process.

Most important is I feel oshley has the right vision for the future. We are lucky to have him as a gm.

He is quoted saying that they aren't going to make a trade to fill out the bench until the offseason, but I assume if it involved getting anything back for JJ, that will happen before the trade deadline. He also implies JJ is not the answer, so he'll probably get moved before the deadline.

 

[Blaze01]

So, one center and the starting lineup is good enough to win an NBA title?

 

[magnifier661]

He is quoted saying that they aren't going to make a trade to fill out the bench until the offseason, but I assume if it involved getting anything back for JJ, that will happen before the trade deadline. He also implies JJ is not the answer, so he'll probably get moved before the deadline.

I just don't see how this is possible. I mean I just don't understand why a team would give up value for a half season rental? The only way that I suspect this being of substance is if there is a team that is willing to give up a reserve (I mean lower value role player) and a couple second rounders for him. Personally, I just don't think that's a good option.

Although, a team that is on the cusp of being under the cap significantly may play with the idea. Shaving 4 million maybe enough for a team being 10 million under by this summer to 14 million.

 

[magnifier661]

So, one center and the starting lineup is good enough to win an NBA title?

It's a start. You solidify your starting 5, then find the pieces that compliment that core.

 

[Blaze01]

A start of what exactly? Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and a center is a championship caliber starting lineup? b\c currently they are a .500 team....

 

[Mediocre Man]

So, one center and the starting lineup is good enough to win an NBA title?

Yes, assuming you have a decent bench.

Portland is a long ways from competing, but not a long ways from fixing the problem. If this team had a defensive minded center who altered the other teams offense and three real bench players we would be super scary

 

[Mediocre Man]

A start of what exactly? Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and a center is a championship caliber starting lineup? b\c currently they are a .500 team....

No, currently that starting lineup is the best in the NBA stat wise

 

[magnifier661]

A start of what exactly? Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and a center is a championship caliber starting lineup? b\c currently they are a .500 team....

I think so. If we found a defensive minded center; that would immediately be a positive effect on this team. Let's say we had Tyson Chandler playing with Aldridge as our front court. The length and defense would go up ten fold. Teams wouldn't be scoring in the paint like they are now; which forces them to play the perimeter where Matthews and Batum are really good at pressuing them.

 

[magnifier661]

Yes, assuming you have a decent bench.

Portland is a long ways from competing, but not a long ways from fixing the problem. If this team had a defensive minded center who altered the other teams offense and three real bench players we would be super scary

LMAO! I just said somethign similar

 

[Mediocre Man]

LMAO! I just said somethign similar

I have always been a firm believer in building from the middle out. I feel in any sport that is the way to succeed.

Baseball: Pitching, Center Field, Short and 2B, Catcher. Those are the most important positions IMO

Football: Center, QB, MLB

Hockey: Center, Goalie

Basketball: Center, PG

 

[magnifier661]

I have always been a firm believe in building from the middle out. I feel in any sport that is the way to succeed.

Baseball: Pitching, Center Field, Short and 2B, Catcher. Those are the most important positions IMO

Football: Center, QB, MLB

Hockey: Center, Goalie

Basketball: Center, PG

I agree with this statement. Having a Pryzbilla type player right now would make so much sense for us. Obviously the Vanilla from 7 years ago.

 

[Blaze01]

No, currently that starting lineup is the best in the NBA stat wise

Well stats win championships....The starters may lead in "stats" b\c of minutes but they certainly don't lead in W\L...which kind of matters a little more....

What defensive center Mags? I am sure NY would give up Chandler for our NBDL scrubs.....

Starting lienup is more than a "quality center" away.....

 

[magnifier661]

Well stats win championships....The starters may lead in "stats" b\c of minutes but they certainly don't lead in W\L...which kind of matters a little more....

What defensive center Mags? I am sure NY would give up Chandler for our NBDL scrubs.....

Starting lienup is more than a "quality center" away.....

Oh don't get me wrong... Finding a quality center isn't going to come cheap. We may have to use Matthews or maybe even a combo of Leonard, Matthews and Hickson for just one quality defensive center.

Maybe getting a poor man's defensive center could be the answer. NOLA is still shedding salary and you could offer this...

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=aav7773

Hickson is a better offensive option at center this season for NOLA; but he would most likely leave anyway. It would be taking Lopez's 5 million per year for the next 2 years off their books. I believe Davis will be their center of the future anyway.

And the starting line-up isn't more than just a quality center. Lillard, knowing that you aren't high on him with your statement in Zag's sig, is still a rookie. He has many years to improve each season. Batum is still learning how to be that facilitator. Aldridge is just starting to rebound and defend more efficiently. All things that can improve.

 

[Elton]

If this team had a defensive minded center who altered the other teams offense and three real bench players we would be super scary

I keep thinking about a lopsided trade for KG. Maybe Hickson and assorted flotsam and jetsam plus the cap room? It seems like there might be an opportunity to pounce on the Celtic's need to rebuild?

 

[craigehlo]

A start of what exactly? Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and a center is a championship caliber starting lineup? b\c currently they are a .500 team....

Matthews needs to be on the bench IMHO. He's a major contributor to our slow starts with his inability to create.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I keep thinking about a lopsided trade for KG. Maybe Hickson and assorted flotsam and jetsam plus the cap room? It seems like there might be an opportunity to pounce on the Celtic's need to rebuild?

I am 100% positive that KG does not fit with Olshey's plan of sustainable roster. IMO, you need to think younger

 

[Mediocre Man]

Matthews needs to be on the bench IMHO. He's a major contributor to our slow starts with his inability to create.

Having a 2 guard that could create his own shot would do wonders for the other starters. I have been advocating a trade or a 6th man role for Matthews since he got here

 

[Elton]

But sustainable is the core 3. KG could help us have a Celtics '07-08 lightning in a bottle season. Isn't he near the end of his contract ?