Whats your hope for the Offseason?

[TBpup]

Whatever it is, I hope it is something that relieves some pressure off of Dame. He is now a career .407 FG in the Playoffs over a 6-years span. This is now not an aberration. He either needs a lot more help....or maybe, that is just who he is. 6 years is a pretty large sample size.

 

[BonesJones]

Weird. I'm guess I'm in the opposite camp.
I think NEXT offseason is the most important offseason. MY hope is that we don't F up next offseason
by trying to "be aggressive" this offseason.

So were going ti take a step backwards towards a very possible 1st round exit and then hope for free agents?

Yikes.

 

[BonesJones]

Whatever it is, I hope it is something that relieves some pressure off of Dame. He is now a career .407 FG in the Playoffs over a 6-years span. This is now not an aberration. He either needs a lot more help....or maybe, that is just who he is. 6 years is a pretty large sample size.

Not who is is...

He needs a new coach and better forwards.

 

[BonesJones]

Well this guy is not Andrew Bogut or Greg Oden or Anthony Bennett which are pretty much the only top picks in the last 20 years that were not a top 15 player in the league(Guess you could also say that for John Wall) . But i guess time will tell here?
The way i see it is this guy will have a huge impact. He is that good and has a bunch of people around him that are trying to keep him moving in the right direction.

People said Oden was a generational talent whod be a top 10 player.

You dint become a top 10 player now a days unless you have elite skills. Im not sure Zion will ever have elite skills.

 

[CupWizier]

People said Oden was a generational talent whod be a top 10 player.

You dint become a top 10 player now a days unless you have elite skills. Im not sure Zion will ever have elite skills.

Yeah, it's hard to imagine an 18 year old that totally dominated college ball his freshman year to become an elite player. By the way, Oden didn't become a generational talent because he wasn't skilled enough. It was serious injuries so unless Zion faces a similar path with injuries then your comparison is apple and oranges.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Yeah, it's hard to imagine an 18 year old that totally dominated college ball his freshman year to become an elite player. By the way, Oden didn't become a generational talent because he wasn't skilled enough. It was serious injuries so unless Zion faces a similar path with injuries then your comparison is apple and oranges.

That Duke team didnt dominate like they should though with Zion and all those recruits... In the tourney they played close games before they lost. I think what really scares me about Zion is defensively, he’s a great team defender but who does he match up on? He couldnt stick with College guards, NBA guards will walk around him, He’s going to struggle to guard NBA centers too, so he’s probably a 3-4 tweener type, and thats ok, but hes going to be ran into a lot of screens until he’s matched on guards. Then offensively he’s got improvement to do there too. None of that means he can't adjust and get better in fact Im sure he will, but I think there are holes in his game the media just doesnt talk about.

 

[Hoopguru]

Why would it even change the state of a franchise? That makes no sense. All of a sudden Dame would leave because Olshey left? And youre saying we should trade Dame?

Are you okay? Haha.

So you don't think if Ne

I'm not saying Zion will be a bust, because I would be surprised if he isn't really good. However, I don't think he's going to be a top-10 to 15 type player in the league either. He'll make and be a starter in All-Star games because of the dunks and the hype from fan voting but never as a reserve from the coaches votes.

My question is why care about re-signing Hood if we are going to do something like that though?

HJ,
I just listed the first three things that came to my mind. Plus I had just finished slurping down a couple Smith & Wessons/.
The Zion suggestion I pulled out of my rear, however, I bet their are a number of GM's willing to part with their All star or super star for a shot at Zion.
Just his marketing equity alone would be crazy to pass up.

 

[hoopsjock]

Seriously? Just about every great basketball mind out there disagrees with you on this.

Well this guy is not Andrew Bogut or Greg Oden or Anthony Bennett which are pretty much the only top picks in the last 20 years that were not a top 15 player in the league(Guess you could also say that for John Wall) . But i guess time will tell here?
The way i see it is this guy will have a huge impact. He is that good and has a bunch of people around him that are trying to keep him moving in the right direction.

I think the same thing about Ayton. Markelle Fultz sucks.

I don't think Ben Simmons or Karl Anthony Towns are top-10 players, still could be I guess.

Wiggins isn't a good player but those "experts" loved him.

Bargnani sucked. Bogut was solid but never considered one of the top players in the league. Kwame sucked. Brand was a good player, never a star though and Kenyon Martin had an okay career.

So even if I give you LeBron, Ming, Howard, Rose, Wall, Irving, Davis, and Griffin plus say that 2 out of the 3 between Ayton, Towns, and Simmons will get on that list (more than generous I think) that means in the last 20 years (your variable) only half of the #1 picks ended up being close to top-10 to 15 players. Certainly you'd agree that 50% isn't exactly a guarantee.

 

[kjironman1]

that means in the last 20 years (your variable) only half of the #1 picks ended up being close to top-10 to 15 players. Certainly you'd agree that 50% isn't exactly a guarantee.

Agree with that wholeheartedly but the only players that got anywhere near the type of following were Lebron, Davis and Griffin. Even those might not have been as well scouted and touted.
My feeling is this guy has a better than 50% chance of being very very good.

 

[riverman]

Zion is mad skilled, now we get to see if that translates to the NBA speed and strength...it doesn't always work out. I'm happy for the Pelicans though..they really needed a break and I'm glad the Suns or Knicks didn't get rewarded for tanking for the kid.

 

[CupWizier]

That Duke team didnt dominate like they should though with Zion and all those recruits... In the tourney they played close games before they lost. I think what really scares me about Zion is defensively, he’s a great team defender but who does he match up on? He couldnt stick with College guards, NBA guards will walk around him, He’s going to struggle to guard NBA centers too, so he’s probably a 3-4 tweener type, and thats ok, but hes going to be ran into a lot of screens until he’s matched on guards. Then offensively he’s got improvement to do there too. None of that means he can't adjust and get better in fact Im sure he will, but I think there are holes in his game the media just doesnt talk about.

The kid is only 18 years old. Tell me what 18 year old doesn't need to improve in order to play in the NBA. Kobe did, LeBron did, Garnett did and so on and so on but the kid is starting off with an incredible package. The only thing that will likely stop him is himself. If he has the desire and work ethic to be great, I think he will get there.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

The kid is only 18 years old. Tell me what 18 year old doesn't need to improve in order to play in the NBA. Kobe did, LeBron did, Garnett did and so on and so on but the kid is starting off with an incredible package. The only thing that will likely stop him is himself. If he has the desire and work ethic to be great, I think he will get there.

Almost all #1 picks start of with an incredible package thats why they’re number one picks. Still wouldnt trade Dame for him...

 

[Hoopguru]

Almost all #1 picks start of with an incredible package thats why they’re number one picks. Still wouldnt trade Dame for him...

Just heard Cowherd predict that Pels trade Davis to NY for their 3 pick (Barrett) and other picks they have to team up with Zion and start a new culture.

 

[blue9]

Just heard Cowherd predict that Pels trade Davis to NY for their 3 pick (Barrett) and other picks they have to team up with Zion and start a new culture.

Good plan. Hell of a lot better than Ball and Wiggins-I-Mean-Ingram.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

*Finding a way to keep Kanter

*Trading up in the draft: Brandon Clarke

*Trading for Saric

 

[Propagandist]

Championship Parade down Broadway.

 

[THE HCP]

Weird. I'm guess I'm in the opposite camp.
I think NEXT offseason is the most important offseason. MY hope is that we don't F up next offseason
by trying to "be aggressive" this offseason.

TPFKATHCP agrees with this.

 

[CupWizier]

Almost all #1 picks start of with an incredible package thats why they’re number one picks. Still wouldnt trade Dame for him...

I wouldn't either, but my responses were only in relation to his ability to play in the NBA. Every year there is a #1 pick, but not all show the same ability that Zion has. Size, bulk and explosiveness aren't things that can be taught and it's a nice package to start with.

 

[illmatic99]

1. No Complacency- this is when we build to sustain this success. Being satisfied with status quo because of fear of disruption to the chemistry is the wrong move. Teams around us will get better. Simply adding Nurk won't address some massive holes that have popped up. We will lose at least two of Hood/Kanter/Aminu/Curry. Gotta do some maneuvering to address their departures.

2. CJ has proven me right in wanting to keep him, but we still shouldn't be scared of dangling him in trades if it's for a bonafide star who would maximize Dame's window.

3. A new voice. Unless Terry does SOMETHING to change this series around, we really should explore going after guys with more playoff experience. We can't blind ourselves by this playoff success. Terry has glaring weaknesses and has been coach for 7 yrs now. His contract will expire after next season making him a lame duck coach. Now would be the good time for change. Even if it's for a retread coach who would make us worse in the immediate regular season, I want us to build up towards the playoffs and peak in May/June.

4. Athletes. Playoffs are a grind when your best player is a slight point guard. We need more size and athleticism around him to handle the rebounding/defense/hustle to allow his offensive talent to shine. I've been calling for this for years, but it hardly ever changes. Why does it always seem like we're tiny and have no big time dunkers/shot blockers/defenders out there? Rodney was a Godsend with his size. Finally we have a physical advantage at a position. Need more of these guys.

5. Collins needs to pop. He's our one young piece that can become more than a starter anytime soon.

6. Full recovery for Nurk.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I wouldn't either, but my responses were only in relation to his ability to play in the NBA. Every year there is a #1 pick, but not all show the same ability that Zion has. Size, bulk and explosiveness aren't things that can be taught and it's a nice package to start with.

Oh definitely athletically he's unique and even his BBIQ is good. I am a little scared his weight could create some problems for him, though I hope it doesn't. I don't think he'll be a Bennett type bust or even a bust at all, just not sure I think he's going to dominate the NBA the way some are saying he will either, kind of a balance in there...

 

[CupWizier]

Oh definitely athletically he's unique and even his BBIQ is good. I am a little scared his weight could create some problems for him, though I hope it doesn't. I don't think he'll be a Bennett type bust or even a bust at all, just not sure I think he's going to dominate the NBA the way some are saying he will either, kind of a balance in there...

I see him as similar to a Charles Barkley. I think the kid will be for real, but only time will tell. Like I mentioned previously, I think he has all the tools and it will be his work ethic and determination to become great that will determine what level of a player he will become.

 

[kjironman1]

You're going to blow out a rotator cuff throwing in the towel that hard.

Fuck the off-season. We're in the Western Conference Finals.

Exactly!
What the fuck is everyone bitching about the team and the players for.
Been 20 years since they made the WCF.
All the other crap can wait till June.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

So were going ti take a step backwards towards a very possible 1st round exit and then hope for free agents?

Yikes.

no.

 

[BonesJones]

no.

Then what?

 

[blue9]

I'll let you know in 3-13 more games.

Okay, so as expected it only took 3 more games. Now I can tell you what I want this off season.

#1 - The same thing I've wanted for the past however-many-years-Terry-has-been-coaching-the-Blazers: A NEW FUCKING COACH!

#2 - DON'T RE-SIGN AMINU! UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!

#3 - An actual back-up PG. Not that this is at all realistic, but simply replacing Turner with Rondo would go a long ways towards shoring up our back-court deficiencies.

#4 - A PF (see #2). I think Collins could (and probably should) be our starting PF next season. But he needs a vet back-up.

That's it. That really shouldn't be very hard to do. Roster-wise all I'm asking for are a back-up PG and PF. The hardest part is getting a better coach, and while that's maybe a little tricky it shouldn't be that hard - if you fail in upgrading you've likely just made a lateral move. And even lateral moves can be good moves at the coaching level.

This series was lost on the shoulders of Terry, and - as much as it pains me to say it - Dame. Obviously one of those guys is a keeper. The other needs to be kicked to the curb.

 

[Wade Garrett]

Just keep Nurk...Dame...CJ....Zach....yes..Meyers...Simons....
Do what ya can with Enes and Rodney..
And.....
For the love of all that is holy.....have a different last name stitched on the backs of jersey numbers 4 and 8.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

OK--got my offseason plan.

Trade Harkless/future pick to Sac for Bjelica
Offer Hood a slightly-more-than-TPMLE deal starting at 6.5M
Sign Daum to a 2-way deal. He and Hoard will basically fill our 3rd-string PF spot.
Use the remaining 6.5M under the apron to fill the 3rd string PG and SF slots. Layman can be that 3rd-string SF if he re-signs for <$3m.

Obviously, the entire plan hinges on a few things outside of our control, but I don't think any of it is unreasonable. The Hood deal would of course hard-cap us at the apron, likely preventing any deals for disgruntled superstars at the deadline.

Depth chart would be
PG: Lillard/Simons/Vet-min-PG
SG: CJ/Bazemore/Trent
SF: Hood/Little/Vet-min-SF (Layman?)
PF: Bjelica/Skal/Daum-Hoard
C: Collins/Leonard/Nurkic

 

[Hoopguru]

OK--got my offseason plan.

Trade Harkless/future pick to Sac for Bjelica
Offer Hood a slightly-more-than-TPMLE deal starting at 6.5M
Sign Daum to a 2-way deal. He and Hoard will basically fill our 3rd-string PF spot.
Use the remaining 6.5M under the apron to fill the 3rd string PG and SF slots. Layman can be that 3rd-string SF if he re-signs for <$3m.

Obviously, the entire plan hinges on a few things outside of our control, but I don't think any of it is unreasonable. The Hood deal would of course hard-cap us at the apron, likely preventing any deals for disgruntled superstars at the deadline.

Depth chart would be
PG: Lillard/Simons/Vet-min-PG
SG: CJ/Bazemore/Trent
SF: Hood/Little/Vet-min-SF (Layman?)
PF: Bjelica/Skal/Daum-Hoard
C: Collins/Leonard/Nurkic

View attachment 26663

I'll jump on board with that!
As much as I like Enis I'd rather shore up the forward spots.

 

[hoopsjock]

OK--got my offseason plan.

Trade Harkless/future pick to Sac for Bjelica
Offer Hood a slightly-more-than-TPMLE deal starting at 6.5M
Sign Daum to a 2-way deal. He and Hoard will basically fill our 3rd-string PF spot.
Use the remaining 6.5M under the apron to fill the 3rd string PG and SF slots. Layman can be that 3rd-string SF if he re-signs for <$3m.

Obviously, the entire plan hinges on a few things outside of our control, but I don't think any of it is unreasonable. The Hood deal would of course hard-cap us at the apron, likely preventing any deals for disgruntled superstars at the deadline.

Depth chart would be
PG: Lillard/Simons/Vet-min-PG
SG: CJ/Bazemore/Trent
SF: Hood/Little/Vet-min-SF (Layman?)
PF: Bjelica/Skal/Daum-Hoard
C: Collins/Leonard/Nurkic

View attachment 26663

I know you are obsessed with Bjelica but I heard two things when he was signed by the Kings after backing out with a deal with the 76ers.

1) Divac promised him as a condition for signing him that he wouldn't be traded while under contract.

2) Bjelica threatened to go back overseas if he was traded.

Now since that's been a year since it went down things could've changed of course but I'm still thinking he's basically untouchable.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I know you are obsessed with Bjelica but I heard two things when he was signed by the Kings after backing out with a deal with the 76ers.

1) Divac promised him as a condition for signing him that he wouldn't be traded while under contract.

2) Bjelica threatened to go back overseas if he was traded.

Now since that's been a year since it went down things could've changed of course but I'm still thinking he's basically untouchable.

DREAMCRUSHER!!