what the draft signaled

[Further]

The Blazers added 3 smalls and most of us thought that the Blazers would be snagging at least one big in this big-heavy draft. From this, I draw two likely conclusions.
1) the trades at the PG/SG positions are not complete. Rudy is the most likely player to be shipped, but all the players not named Roy seem like they could be moved.

2) The Blazers are going to get another big from elsewhere. Two main possibilities I see. First, Gomes for Beasley or some other trade for another big. Second, supposedly last year the Blazers tried to convince Freeland to come over but he wanted to wait till this season when he could sign for some/all of the MLE. Well, Freeland seems like a likely Big to be added to the Blazers.

Another conclusion that could be made from our selections is that the Blazers are not happy with Bayless and that his days as a Blazer could be numbered. I am not sure yet how I feel about this.

 

[maxiep]

I would add that the trading of Webster without a vet replacement signals that Nico is off the table in trade discussions.

I don't think Bayless is on the block or out of favor, but the Williams picks suggests that we would now move Bayless in the right deal.

 

[Pinwheel1]

We have 3 big centers and 2 PF's. One third of the team are bigs. Then we have three more who are tweeners (Gomes is 250 lbs). I saw no one past the lottery that would help us any more than Perdergraf will. I am not too concerned with the back up PF spot. From a match up standpoint we seemed covered.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I would add that the trading of Webster without a vet replacement signals that Nico is off the table in trade discussions.

I don't think Bayless is on the block or out of favor, but the Williams picks suggests that we would now move Bayless in the right deal.

I disagree. We picked up Gomes (SF) and traded Webster (SF). It's a wash. As to Bayless, he's a very marginal NBA player and an undersized SG. I think if we don't move him, it's because we can't get anyone to take him. Clearly, he's been a bust.

 

[maxiep]

I would love for us to trade Gomes for Beasley. I would be greedy, however, and demand their #1 pick from next year and either their #1 in 2013 or their second round picks in 2011 and 2012. MIA is desperate, and we should take advantage of that desperation.

I think Beasley needs a change of scenery, and a town with a slower lifestyle. He could rehabilitate his career here by playing the role of an Antonio McDyess--a really good backup PF for a playoff team. If he doesn't pull his head out of his ass, we've rolled the dice and we dump him when his contract is up. He costs less than a mid-level guy. Besides, this team is a bunch of squares who may straighten the kid out.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I would love for us to trade Gomes for Beasley. I would be greedy, however, and demand their #1 pick from next year and either their #1 in 2013 or their second round picks in 2011 and 2012. MIA is desperate, and we should take advantage of that desperation.

I think Beasley needs a change of scenery, and a town with a slower lifestyle. He could rehabilitate his career here by playing the role of an Antonio McDyess--a really good backup PF for a playoff team. If he doesn't pull his head out of his ass, we've rolled the dice and we dump him when his contract is up. He costs less than a mid-level guy. Besides, this team is a bunch of squares who may straighten the kid out.

Return to Jailblazer land. It's beginning.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Stay away from Beasley. If Miami wants to dump him that is a telling sign.

 

[Eastoff]

so you're saying AndROY Miller, JerROYd Bayless are safe?

 

[Further]

Stay away from Beasley. If Miami wants to dump him that is a telling sign.

Not really. They only want to dump him because it will give them enough cap room to go after an additional max contract. So they would be willing to lose a good piece to try an lure Lebron, bosh and others to build with wade. They are not dumping him because he is a bad player or because he is a criminal.

 

[Paxil]

I agree with Pinwheel1... we are stacked with bigs. Oden/Joel/Camby/Aldridge/Pendergraph/Howard? Granted Joel is questionable at start of year and Howard is only avail spot minutes if back.

 

[Further]

I agree with Pinwheel1... we are stacked with bigs. Oden/Joel/Camby/Aldridge/Pendergraph/Howard? Granted Joel is questionable at start of year and Howard is only avail spot minutes if back.

Joel may never recover fully. Oden and Camby have had a lot of health issues and Oden has only played 82 games in 3 seasons. Pendergraph is a decent BU 4 but really not a 5 at all and not capable enough for starter minutes if there are injuries. And Aldridge, he has been fairly healthy, but has had his issues as well. Howard is old and most likely will not even be re-signed.

I see the need for one more big. Hopefully the Blazers won't suffer the injuries they did last year, but until either Oden or Joel prove they are completely healthy, I think we have to assume that at least one will not be playing at full capability.

 

[mook]

Return to Jailblazer land. It's beginning.

I really doubt Beasley is so contagious that he could somehow infect the character of Batum, Roy, Aldridge and Oden. Those are four very "Rated PG" personalities that comprise the core of the team. Even our lesser players like Pendergraph and Bayless seem to know exactly who they are and want out of life.

If we get him, he'll be publicly humiliated that he was traded for a guy like Gomes after so recently being the #1 pick. He'll be in a city where it's difficult to party, and easy to get caught. And he'll be overwhelming outnumbered by character guys.

I see the Blazers changing Beasley to be much more likely than Beasley changing the Blazers. But if he continues to be a fuck up, you isolate him and let him go. Just like we did with Darius Miles.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I disagree. We picked up Gomes (SF) and traded Webster (SF). It's a wash. As to Bayless, he's a very marginal NBA player and an undersized SG. I think if we don't move him, it's because we can't get anyone to take him. Clearly, he's been a bust.

I do think Gomes and Webster are a wash, the inclusion of Babbitt tilts the balance in our favor (I think?). Bayless isn't a point guard, but on the right team (mostly those without a lot of scorers or slashers) he'd be a nice 18 point per game guy, his value around the league is probably very checkered, but he's not a bust.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Joel may never recover fully. Oden and Camby have had a lot of health issues and Oden has only played 82 games in 3 seasons. Pendergraph is a decent BU 4 but really not a 5 at all and not capable enough for starter minutes if there are injuries. And Aldridge, he has been fairly healthy, but has had his issues as well. Howard is old and most likely will not even be re-signed.

I see the need for one more big. Hopefully the Blazers won't suffer the injuries they did last year, but until either Oden or Joel prove they are completely healthy, I think we have to assume that at least one will not be playing at full capability.

Then you need to trade Joel or Camby for that extra big man. You can't have 4 centers on the team taking up roster space. Trading Camby would be a mistake imo. Trading Joel while he is hurt is possible around the trade deadline.

 

[maxiep]

Return to Jailblazer land. It's beginning.

San Antonio has shown with strong lockerroom leadership you can have one or two headcases. Portland and Denver have shown you can't have ten of them. Beasley would be fine here.

 

[maxiep]

I disagree. We picked up Gomes (SF) and traded Webster (SF). It's a wash. As to Bayless, he's a very marginal NBA player and an undersized SG. I think if we don't move him, it's because we can't get anyone to take him. Clearly, he's been a bust.

We'll agree to disagree on both points.

 

[maxiep]

Stay away from Beasley. If Miami wants to dump him that is a telling sign.

The telling sign is that his salary works out to giving them room to sign Wade to a max salary and then two others to a max deal as well. Beasley isn't going to be a cornerstone to any franchise. That doesn't mean he can't be a terrific bench player, however.

 

[maxiep]

I agree with Pinwheel1... we are stacked with bigs. Oden/Joel/Camby/Aldridge/Pendergraph/Howard? Granted Joel is questionable at start of year and Howard is only avail spot minutes if back.

Joel isn't coming back. He should now be know as JPEC. Camby likely signed his last contract. Oden has yet to prove he can make it through a season. Pendergraph is a marginal player. Howard is gone.

We're a lot thinner at the 4/5 than we appear.

 

[maxiep]

Then you need to trade Joel or Camby for that extra big man. You can't have 4 centers on the team taking up roster space. Trading Camby would be a mistake imo. Trading Joel while he is hurt is possible around the trade deadline.

Camby can also play the four. In fact, I think that's where he'll see a good deal of his minutes this next season.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Camby can also play the four. In fact, I think that's where he'll see a good deal of his minutes this next season.

Hopefully we will have Freedland by the time Camby is retired.

 

[THE HCP]

San Antonio has shown with strong lockerroom leadership you can have one or two headcases. Portland and Denver have shown you can't have ten of them. Beasley would be fine here.

Post of the year!

 

[oldmangrouch]

Joel may never recover fully. Oden and Camby have had a lot of health issues and Oden has only played 82 games in 3 seasons. Pendergraph is a decent BU 4 but really not a 5 at all and not capable enough for starter minutes if there are injuries. And Aldridge, he has been fairly healthy, but has had his issues as well. Howard is old and most likely will not even be re-signed.

I see the need for one more big. Hopefully the Blazers won't suffer the injuries they did last year, but until either Oden or Joel prove they are completely healthy, I think we have to assume that at least one will not be playing at full capability.

Hush child! Don't be bringing that reality stuff in here!

 

[LittleAlex]

If the finals showed anything it's that size still wins in the NBA.

That's why it's more then a little disappointing to see what Portland picked.
I have zero faith they will be able turn a bunch of short rookies into tall quality vets. That type of trade just doesn't happen very often.

Yesterday was a pretty depressing day for the team.

 

[Pinwheel1]

If the finals showed anything it's that size still wins in the NBA.

That's why it's more then a little disappointing to see what Portland picked.
I have zero faith they will be able turn a bunch of short rookies into tall quality vets. That type of trade just doesn't happen very often.

Yesterday was a pretty depressing day for the team.

What big guy did you want from the draft? (That was not in the top 5) I saw nothing but role players.

 

[mook]

San Antonio has shown with strong lockerroom leadership you can have one or two headcases. Portland and Denver have shown you can't have ten of them. Beasley would be fine here.

Well said. I'd add that a lot of championship teams have shown the same thing. Ron Artest on the Lakers. Rodman on the Bulls. Sheed on the Pistons.

 

[oldmangrouch]

What big guy did you want from the draft? (That was not in the top 5) I saw nothing but role players.

Agreed, but what do you think Williams and Johnson are? Babbitt is no sure thing either.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Agreed, but what do you think Williams and Johnson are? Babbitt is no sure thing either.

I understand but I just don't agree that yesterday was a depressing day for the team. Losing KP and Martel were both sad from an emotional perspective, but I think the overall talent was increased. The fact that we did not get a 'big" to come off the bench does not depress me. I think Pendergraff will be a very good role player. And one that will not complain about getting 8-12 minutes a game. He is very excited about the upcoming season. (My co-worker is a close friend)

 

[Nikolokolus]

I think we just added a lot of potential talent, I'm not sure we added much production in the short term.

 

[Idog1976]

I really doubt Beasley is so contagious that he could somehow infect the character of Batum, Roy, Aldridge and Oden. Those are four very "Rated PG" personalities that comprise the core of the team. Even our lesser players like Pendergraph and Bayless seem to know exactly who they are and want out of life.

If we get him, he'll be publicly humiliated that he was traded for a guy like Gomes after so recently being the #1 pick. He'll be in a city where it's difficult to party, and easy to get caught. And he'll be overwhelming outnumbered by character guys.

I see the Blazers changing Beasley to be much more likely than Beasley changing the Blazers. But if he continues to be a fuck up, you isolate him and let him go. Just like we did with Darius Miles.

Precisely, if we got Beasley for Gomes, we would have a real talent coup and could even look at moving LMA for a monster like CP3 etc. I also agree with all the "our frontline is thinner then you think" posts. Even if we keep all our non-Howard frontline guys and add Beasley I'm just happy to do that. Injuries can wipe a frontline out pretty fucking quick lest we forget our most recent NIGHTMARE SEASON. I'd rather have 5 competent bigs or even 6 then be down to two.

As to our cluster of SG's and SF's we're obviously going to trade some of them and with the trade of Martell a big worry of mine, trading Batum, has become a very faint fear. We also didn't draft another Center signalling a loss of faith in Oden. I'm pretty happy with the draft the KP mystery thing aside. Sure a blockbuster would have been nice, but with KP on the chopping block we were all kidding ourselves that it would happen. Given the circumstances it was another good draft, I give it better marks then last year.

 

[LittleAlex]

What big guy did you want from the draft? (That was not in the top 5) I saw nothing but role players.

Every player Portland drafted is a risk that may turn into a decent role player.
Why not a taller kid with the same traits?

But really, I would have preferred Portland not even bother with the draft.
Use those picks to get a role player big vet.
Gomes doesn't count.