Udonis Haslem

[Dufferduck]

If Paul Allen was serious about trying to do everything this summer to "go for it". I really think Haslem would be that last peice to this team to make it a legit championship contender .

A) Veteran leadership- Has a ring
B) Back up PF
C) Good rebounder
D) Good defender

I'm wondering if KP has tried to make a play for him or not. I think he fits in much better than Milsap would have for many reasons. With one year left on his contract @ 7M it maybe a risk, but a risk worth taking.

Would Outlaw and Bayless be enough to get him here ? Trade works money wise. Being a Florida boy how hard would it be to keep him here after one year.

Also would you give up more than Bayless & Outlaw to get him ?

IMO this makes Portland #2 in the West and a legit threat to the *akers

 

[hasoos]

Plus think of all the teen age girls he could score while in Utah!

 

[ehizzy3]

If Paul Allen was serious about trying to do everything this summer to "go for it". I really think Haslem would be that last peice to this team to make it a legit championship contender .

A) Veteran leadership- Has a ring
B) Back up PF
C) Good rebounder
D) Good defender

I'm wondering if KP has tried to make a play for him or not. I think he fits in much better than Milsap would have for many reasons. With one year left on his contract @ 7M it maybe a risk, but a risk worth taking.

Would Outlaw and Bayless be enough to get him here ? Trade works money wise. Being a Florida boy how hard would it be to keep him here after one year.

Also would you give up more than Bayless & Outlaw to get him ?

IMO this makes Portland #2 in the West and a legit threat to the *akers

nooooooooooooooo

 

[Tince]

If Paul Allen was serious about trying to do everything this summer to "go for it". I really think Haslem would be that last peice to this team to make it a legit championship contender .

A) Veteran leadership- Has a ring
B) Back up PF
C) Good rebounder
D) Good defender

I'm wondering if KP has tried to make a play for him or not. I think he fits in much better than Milsap would have for many reasons. With one year left on his contract @ 7M it maybe a risk, but a risk worth taking.

Would Outlaw and Bayless be enough to get him here ? Trade works money wise. Being a Florida boy how hard would it be to keep him here after one year.

Also would you give up more than Bayless & Outlaw to get him ?

IMO this makes Portland #2 in the West and a legit threat to the *akers

Paul Allen was never at a point where he said he would go for it at all costs. Giving up Bayless and Outlaw for a backup 4 seems a bit crazy to me. Outlaw for Haslem, sure.

 

[LameR]

Isn't Miami trying to keep Wade? I don't see this move going along with that idea.

 

[ODENISGOD]

u think KP is going to make a trade? with the culture we got! please lol

 

[Pinwheel1]

With one year left on his contract @ 7M it maybe a risk, but a risk worth taking.Would Outlaw and Bayless be enough to get him here ? Trade works money wise. Being a Florida boy how hard would it be to keep him here after one year.

Also would you give up more than Bayless & Outlaw to get him ?

Good player, but no way in hell worth the risk.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Bayless and Outlaw for him WITHOUT A DOUBT. Maybe more, depends.

 

[Minstrel]

Fairly overrated player. His production is below average, his defense is good but not great. I'd swap Outlaw for him...similarly good players but Haslem might better fill a need (unless Webster isn't ready to contribute, in which case Portland would have no real backup small forward).

I would certainly not add Bayless to the deal.

 

[Dufferduck]

Fairly overrated player. His production is below average, his defense is good but not great. I'd swap Outlaw for him...similarly good players but Haslem might better fill a need (unless Webster isn't ready to contribute, in which case Portland would have no real backup small forward).

I would certainly not add Bayless to the deal.

So in a game 7 of a WCF you would rather have Bayless sitting on the bench rather than having an experinced physical player ?

Sure if Webster doesn't come back and can't go it would be a problem. But with Batum emerging as possibly as a legit starter we would only need to find someone to play the SF position 12-15 minutes a game. With the wealth we have at the guard position ( Roy, Rudy, Miller, Blake ) I think we would get by very nicely. I just don't see Bayless with a future with this team.

Come playoff time we are going to need a banger, experinced vet . Landry, Hayes, Scola kinda showed that last year.

I also thought Reggie Evans would be another idea but he got traded to the Raps ?

We still are soft at a key position, IMO. I'm thinking of what Buck Williams did to this team when he was added to the core of finesse players we had at the time ( 1989 ).

 

[MrSelfDestruct]

So in a game 7 of a WCF you would rather have Bayless sitting on the bench rather than having an experinced physical player ?

Sure if Webster doesn't come back and can't go it would be a problem. But with Batum emerging as possibly as a legit starter we would only need to find someone to play the SF position 12-15 minutes a game. With the wealth we have at the guard position ( Roy, Rudy, Miller, Blake ) I think we would get by very nicely. I just don't see Bayless with a future with this team.

I am a huge Batum fan, but I don't think he's ready to consistently play 33-36 minutes a game.

We still are soft at a key position, IMO. I'm thinking of what Buck Williams did to this team when he was added to the core of finesse players we had at the time ( 1989 ).

He also played more than 10-15 minutes a game like a back-up would (and even less in the playoffs).

 

[Minstrel]

So in a game 7 of a WCF you would rather have Bayless sitting on the bench rather than having an experinced physical player ?

No. But there's obviously no guarantee that Portland will be in a WCF game 7, and there will be seasons beyond this one. I'm not willing to trade Bayless and Outlaw for a player who's fairly average. I consider Haslem to be about the same caliber as Outlaw. Not as productive, but superior on defense.

I just don't see Bayless with a future with this team.

Well, that's a disagreement that would certainly lead us to different conclusions on this proposed deal. I think Bayless will fit very well next to Roy, so long as he develops. He won't be a proper point guard, but I don't think Portland needs that. A guard who can drive to the hoop and dish, shoot, and defend will fit well next to a play-maker like Roy, IMO.

We still are soft at a key position, IMO. I'm thinking of what Buck Williams did to this team when he was added to the core of finesse players we had at the time ( 1989 ).

I agree that Portland is "soft" at backup power forward, but I don't agree that it's a key position. Aldridge will likely play around 35 minutes per game, so we're talking about a 13 MPG player. It's not trivial, but far from key to me. Buck Williams was about a 30 MPG player for the Blazers, because they had no star at the position. That made him quite important. The player who plays behind Aldridge will matter but isn't likely to be part of the "core." He'll be a reserve behind one the Blazers' best players.

 

[Pinwheel1]

So in a game 7 of a WCF you would rather have Bayless sitting on the bench rather than having an experinced physical player ?

( 1989 ).

Thats like saying it would be worth giving up a bunch of #1 draft picks for a bench player that could help you immediately. Short sided IMO and not worth the risk.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Haslem is alright, but hardly anybody I'd bend over backwards to trade for. This team probably needs some consolidation trade before the deadline, but I don't see this being much of an impact move.

 

[Dufferduck]

Thats like saying it would be worth giving up a bunch of #1 draft picks for a bench player that could help you immediately. Short sided IMO and not worth the risk.

Yes it would be the end of Bayless. No it's not a bunch of #1 draft picks. With Bayless I think we know what he is. With future picks who knows. Sorry I don't value Bayless as much as some do. My point is that we have the pieces now to possibly be a real threat in the west and I think it's time to go for it. Our core ( Roy, LA, GO, Nic, Webster ) are all under 25.

Look what San Antonio has done. They have had a young core and have added vet's in to the mix and have been successful for years.

It maybe for only 15-20 minutes a game, but having a physical presence in the playoffs has been proven. What did Roy say after the series w/ Houston ? " we need to get tougher ".

As much as I like this team now, I see no point in keeping Outlaw and Bayless if they still have value and not trading them for something that we NEED!!

I can see it now, next summer we will be after a vet power forward because we were pushed around in the playoffs. IMO

 

[shamelessblazer]

KURT THOMAS

would be more than enough as a 15mpg guy who rotates well, grabs rebounds, can hit a mid-range J, and has tons of experience.

Then we can trade Outlaw/Bayless for something exciting down the road (perhaps Rubio after he signs with Barcelona or Real Madrid for two years or make a run at Conley Jr or something).

Miller/Blake
Roy/Fernandez
Batum/Webster
Aldridge/Thomas
Oden/Pryzbilla

with the rights to Rubio in a couple of years...

I like that team a lot, a good balance of potential, players about to enter their prime, and experience.

 

[LameR]

KURT THOMAS

would be more than enough as a 15mpg guy who rotates well, grabs rebounds, can hit a mid-range J, and has tons of experience.

Then we can trade Outlaw/Bayless for something exciting down the road (perhaps Rubio after he signs with Barcelona or Real Madrid for two years or make a run at Conley Jr or something).

Miller/Blake
Roy/Fernandez
Batum/Webster
Aldridge/Thomas
Oden/Pryzbilla

with the rights to Rubio in a couple of years...

I like that team a lot, a good balance of potential, players about to enter their prime, and experience.

I like the idea of Thomas, but you're off with the trade idea. Outlaw/Bayless wouldn't be enough to get the rights to Rubio.

 

[anonymous gambler]

In my opinion, there's too much agony over a 14 minute a game position. Outlaw will probably get the lion's share of the back up time and our 2nd rounders look promising.

It's cliche, but I say we let the cake bake until we have a chance to see our group play.

 

[hasoos]

Bayless and Outlaw for him WITHOUT A DOUBT. Maybe more, depends.

Let's put it this way. Don't quit your Bananna eating day job in order to try and become a GM.

 

[Dufferduck]

KURT THOMAS

would be more than enough as a 15mpg guy who rotates well, grabs rebounds, can hit a mid-range J, and has tons of experience.

Then we can trade Outlaw/Bayless for something exciting down the road (perhaps Rubio after he signs with Barcelona or Real Madrid for two years or make a run at Conley Jr or something).

Miller/Blake
Roy/Fernandez
Batum/Webster
Aldridge/Thomas
Oden/Pryzbilla

with the rights to Rubio in a couple of years...

I like that team a lot, a good balance of potential, players about to enter their prime, and experience.

I think once we get into the season and we see that Webster is able to play I wouldn't mind going after Kurt Thomas. I think Thomas would fit the role just as good. I like the fact that Haslem is 8 years younger and if we could re-sign to a 2-3 year contract after this year . I think it would help with chemistry, etc not having to replace Thomas who is 37.

Either way I think KP is waiting till the Euro's come off the books so he can take a vet PF from a team and give up a second round pick in exchange for a salary dump. Question is can KP make 3.7 M in cap space for Thomas ?

 

[RedHotRollin]

If Paul Allen was serious about trying to do everything this summer to "go for it". I really think Haslem would be that last peice to this team to make it a legit championship contender .

A) Veteran leadership- Has a ring
B) Back up PF
C) Good rebounder
D) Good defender

I'm wondering if KP has tried to make a play for him or not. I think he fits in much better than Milsap would have for many reasons. With one year left on his contract @ 7M it maybe a risk, but a risk worth taking.

Would Outlaw and Bayless be enough to get him here ? Trade works money wise. Being a Florida boy how hard would it be to keep him here after one year.

Also would you give up more than Bayless & Outlaw to get him ?

IMO this makes Portland #2 in the West and a legit threat to the *akers

I think you and I see things similar Duffer. I am pro Turiaf but if Haslem is indeed available. I think you have to give him some consideration.

 

[LameR]

I think once we get into the season and we see that Webster is able to play I wouldn't mind going after Kurt Thomas. I think Thomas would fit the role just as good. I like the fact that Haslem is 8 years younger and if we could re-sign to a 2-3 year contract after this year . I think it would help with chemistry, etc not having to replace Thomas who is 37.

Either way I think KP is waiting till the Euro's come off the books so he can take a vet PF from a team and give up a second round pick in exchange for a salary dump. Question is can KP make 3.7 M in cap space for Thomas ?

Why would Haslem, who hasn't played less than 31mpg or been anything other than a starter since his rookie year, want to come here and play 10-15 mpg? If we got rid of Joel, it would make sense, but I don't see that making us a better team. I just don't see the logic here.

 

[HailBlazers]

No. But there's obviously no guarantee that Portland will be in a WCF game 7, and there will be seasons beyond this one. I'm not willing to trade Bayless and Outlaw for a player who's fairly average.

I think Bayless will fit very well next to Roy, so long as he develops. He won't be a proper point guard, but I don't think Portland needs that. A guard who can drive to the hoop and dish, shoot, and defend will fit well next to a play-maker like Roy, IMO.

Thanks for keeping these kids inline Minstrel!

People seem to think we are "1 player away" from being a finals contender, when really there time line's are way off. All I'm hoping for is some solid playoff experience next year, because as the Magic showed, your doomed without it.

That being said, the potential of Bayless as a player far out ways the return we would get in any trade for him at this juncture .

 

[RedHotRollin]

Thanks for keeping these kids inline Minstrel!

People seem to think we are "1 player away" from being a finals contender, when really there time line's are way off. All I'm hoping for is some solid playoff experience next year, because as the Magic showed, your doomed without it.

That being said, the potential of Bayless as a player far out ways the return we would get in any trade for him at this juncture .

Here is dose of reality for you. We are or if we aren't, we are only one player away from being considered a legit title contender. Something that may not happen this year with Outlaw or Bayless.

Turiaf fortifies this frontline with his hard work, leadership, and toughness.

I think it's a alright move. Bayless kind of proved that he isn't a point guard. Or if he ever will be it's something that's not going to happen anytime soon. So where does that leave us with him? He's an undersized two. Something this team doesn't need.

Now I like Jerryd. Like him a lot actually. But here were are, ever so close to being considered a legit title contender. Perhaps just one player away. If someone on the lakers that is important goes down. Our window for a banner has opened way open.

We have an opporutnity here. I think we need to take advantage of it.

 

[HailBlazers]

Here is dose of reality for you. We are or if we aren't, we are only one player away from being considered a legit title contender. Something that may not happen this year with Outlaw or Bayless.

Agree to disagree, I don't think were there yet. BTW, your reality is confusing

 

[RedHotRollin]

Agree to disagree, I don't think were there yet. BTW, your reality is confusing

Where did I confuse you?

Sorry, wasn't my intent.

Your floor.

 

[Dufferduck]

Thanks for keeping these kids inline Minstrel!

People seem to think we are "1 player away" from being a finals contender, when really there time line's are way off. All I'm hoping for is some solid playoff experience next year, because as the Magic showed, your doomed without it.

That being said, the potential of Bayless as a player far out ways the return we would get in any trade for him at this juncture .

First, from watching last years playoff series vs Houston, we could have REALLY used a hard nosed, elbow flying, physical, red faced veteran. We got pushed around by Landry, Scola, Hayes and a VERY physical Ron Artest. So, besides having another scoring option besides Brandon, Yes, I think we are only one player away to fill a certain role.

Second, you're right, not only do we need experience but we need someone to step up and help Brandon in crunch time. Outlaw proved he would rather go hide or expose his low BBIQ and be a non factor. That is why I say trade him while he has value. I wish we had made it into the second round and play the Lakers so we really could gage how far or close this team really is. I think we are going to have to be VERY physical with LA because I don't think they like to play that way ( Gasol, Odom, Bynum ) finesse players, IMO.

I think right now we would not match up well with Denver in a Playoff series because they have three big physical players ( Birdman, KMart, Nene ) that we would have problems with because they are physical and big.

I think we are closer than most people think, me being one of them. I think if Rudy, Batum and Webster all make big improvements over last year our wing players including BRoy are as good as, but not better than the top teams in this league. I just think we need that physical presence that all good playoff teams have. Pryz and a healthy GO is a pretty good start.

I guess I can remember far back enough when we got Buck how that team all of a sudden just took off and went on the run in the early 90's that it did. This team could be very special. Among many things I think overall it is a smart team and has chemistry that the 77' team had.

OK, I will put the crack pipe down for all the doubters .

 

[MrSelfDestruct]

I guess I can remember far back enough when we got Buck how that team all of a sudden just took off and went on the run in the early 90's that it did. This team could be very special. Among many things I think overall it is a smart team and has chemistry that the 77' team had.

Again, Buck played more than back-up (10-15) minutes. His acquisition and the possible acquisition of a bruiser back-up PF aren't really that similar. I would say the Buck situation is more similar to the acquisition of Andre Miller, in that we fill a starting void with a proven, high level player.

I think more than anything, the Houston series showed the guys that the playoffs are an entirely different animal. Falling behind in the first quarter and trying to come back won't work like it does in the regular season. They looked like a deer in headlights on many occasions.

 

[RoyIsClutch07]

First, from watching last years playoff series vs Houston, we could have REALLY used a hard nosed, elbow flying, physical, red faced veteran. We got pushed around by Landry, Scola, Hayes and a VERY physical Ron Artest. So, besides having another scoring option besides Brandon, Yes, I think we are only one player away to fill a certain role.

Second, you're right, not only do we need experience but we need someone to step up and help Brandon in crunch time. Outlaw proved he would rather go hide or expose his low BBIQ and be a non factor. That is why I say trade him while he has value. I wish we had made it into the second round and play the Lakers so we really could gage how far or close this team really is. I think we are going to have to be VERY physical with LA because I don't think they like to play that way ( Gasol, Odom, Bynum ) finesse players, IMO.

I think right now we would not match up well with Denver in a Playoff series because they have three big physical players ( Birdman, KMart, Nene ) that we would have problems with because they are physical and big.

I think we are closer than most people think, me being one of them. I think if Rudy, Batum and Webster all make big improvements over last year our wing players including BRoy are as good as, but not better than the top teams in this league. I just think we need that physical presence that all good playoff teams have. Pryz and a healthy GO is a pretty good start.

I guess I can remember far back enough when we got Buck how that team all of a sudden just took off and went on the run in the early 90's that it did. This team could be very special. Among many things I think overall it is a smart team and has chemistry that the 77' team had.

OK, I will put the crack pipe down for all the doubters .

Agree nm

 

[fumanchu]

The one memory I have of Haslem is when he went something like 0-11 against us a few years back... And Snapper Jones kept remarking that he didn't actually suck as bad he appeared.