You're in Neil's shoes...

[Pinwheel1]

Another angle to look at it is that Batum and Wes are the same type of player -- heavy intangibles with an outside shot, but neither can create his shot that well.

A guy that you can isolate/create his own shot alongside Dame/LMA is what would vault this team IMO.

This is my one concern. Neil will know by the end of the season next year whether or not the current starting lineup can go any further and if not where the limitation is coming from. But I agree this unit needs one more wing/guard who can create his own shot besides Dame. Maybe CJ can help.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Another angle to look at it is that Batum and Wes are the same type of player -- heavy intangibles with an outside shot, but neither can create his shot that well.

A guy that you can isolate/create his own shot alongside Dame/LMA is what would vault this team IMO.

I agree and that is saying a lot because I like Wes and Nic A LOT, but having another dynamic offensive player who you can pencil in for 20 would move this team up. Saying that, you will also lose a skill which either of Wes and Nic bring like defense or play making ability.

Finding that player that can be better in either position would be a difficult thing to find. I don't think there are that many.

I actually think Will Barton is going to be very good, to the point where we will discuss the possibility of not resigning Wes if he is offered a crazy amount by a team trying to steal him from us. I have very high expectations for Will Barton. I think he's going to come up big.

 

[julius]

What kind of shoes does Neil wear?

The kind that goes on his feet.

 

[magnifier661]

Another angle to look at it is that Batum and Wes are the same type of player -- heavy intangibles with an outside shot, but neither can create his shot that well.

A guy that you can isolate/create his own shot alongside Dame/LMA is what would vault this team IMO.

I love wes and batum as much as any fan, but I must agree with you. I've noticed that only when Matthews or Batum actually had games where they were creating their own shot, was when our starting core looked unbeatable. Problem is that doesn't happen all the time.

Both players are fully capable of doing this, but for whatever reason, can't consistently do it all the time.

Believe it or not, I think the addition of Blake maybe just what the doctor ordered. I watched many Laker games and Blake has that skill. The "playmaking" skill. He isn't superstar, but quality enough to keep the defense honest with range but the desire to involve his teammates.

 

[magnifier661]

I agree and that is saying a lot because I like Wes and Nic A LOT, but having another dynamic offensive player who you can pencil in for 20 would move this team up. Saying that, you will also lose a skill which either of Wes and Nic bring like defense or play making ability.

Finding that player that can be better in either position would be a difficult thing to find. I don't think there are that many.

I actually think Will Barton is going to be very good, to the point where we will discuss the possibility of not resigning Wes if he is offered a crazy amount by a team trying to steal him from us. I have very high expectations for Will Barton. I think he's going to come up big.

So you are saying we should have gotten Igudala?

 

[jlprk]

Some of you think we'll lose Matthews; others say we'll have to pay him $14 million per year. How about a 3rd option--trade him this season for a young scorer/defender who makes half of that 14? Okay, I'll compromise...a third as much.

I mean, if the rest of the league values him as highly as you think, we could make a steal of a trade for an up-and-comer.

 

[Blazer4ever]

I think we have 12 players who could be real contributors to an NBA team, 13 if Leonard improved. I can see a trade of 3-4 capable players to Boston for Rajon Rondo.

 

[Boise Blazer]

I think we have 12 players who could be real contributors to an NBA team, 13 if Leonard improved. I can see a trade of 3-4 capable players to Boston for Rajon Rondo.

 

[magnifier661]

I think we have 12 players who could be real contributors to an NBA team, 13 if Leonard improved. I can see a trade of 3-4 capable players to Boston for Rajon Rondo.

Why?!?!

 

[BBert]

Repped.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Some of you think we'll lose Matthews; others say we'll have to pay him $14 million per year. How about a 3rd option--trade him this season for a young scorer/defender who makes half of that 14? Okay, I'll compromise...a third as much.

I mean, if the rest of the league values him as highly as you think, we could make a steal of a trade for an up-and-comer.

I am not one of those who thinks he will get 14 million and i assume only a couple do and even those were only implying that it was "possible" not necessarily probable. That being said, even in that scenario I think it would be hard to do. First off it would be very difficult matching salaries and secondly the teams that would offer Wes $14 million are probably not the teams who have that younger and potentiality better version of him.

Maybe Jeremy Lamb if, and only if, Reggie Jackson was included. And I doubt OKC would bite on that because they would not want to give Wes the big pay day next year.

Cleveland would bite, but is Dion Waiters better than CJ? They are both listed at 6'4"

I would bite on Oladipo or Giannis Antetokounmpo, but would these young teams who are 3 years away take that chance?

I hate contributing to a trade Wes topic, but I guess if I am Neil I have nothing better to do than to explore all options.

 

[Schilly]

As a unit we have one of the best starting 5's in the NBA... top 5 for sure. We would be hardpressed to swap 2 of our starters for a big enough upgrade that a Guy like Barton plugged into Wesleys role, would keep us that highly ranked.

Exapmle
Lillard - Matthews - Batum - Aldridge - Lopez

vs.

Lillard - Barton - Batum - Aldridge - Gasol

 

[Blazer4ever]

Why?!?!

Why Rondo? Because he's available and can be a good fit.
Say we offer Blake, CJ, DWright, Freeland, Leonard for Rondo. This would be a Pippen-type trade.
We would start Rondo, Lillard, Nico, LMA, Lopez with Wes, Barton, Claver, T-Rob, Kaman coming of the bench. Lillard would play as a 2 or as a PG when Rondo on the bench, he proved he can do both.
It's a gamble, may not be worth the risk, but if we can turn some of our bench into a player of Rondo's caliber, I think we should at least consider it.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Why Rondo? Because he's available and can be a good fit.
Say we offer Blake, CJ, DWright, Freeland, Leonard for Rondo. This would be a Pippen-type trade.
We would start Rondo, Lillard, Nico, LMA, Lopez with Wes, Barton, Claver, T-Rob, Kaman coming of the bench. Lillard would play as a 2 or as a PG when Rondo on the bench, he proved he can do both.
It's a gamble, may not be worth the risk, but if we can turn some of our bench into a player of Rondo's caliber, I think we should at least consider it.

I would take Rondo, but if we trade 5 guys for 1 then Boston has to cut 4 more players and pay them. They already have a bunch of decent young talent similar to the players they would be receiving. The CBA rules for a Pippen like trade are different. Those extra salaries hurt. I guess if they had more time to trade the excess of players for 2nd round picks.......

 

[magnifier661]

Why Rondo? Because he's available and can be a good fit.
Say we offer Blake, CJ, DWright, Freeland, Leonard for Rondo. This would be a Pippen-type trade.
We would start Rondo, Lillard, Nico, LMA, Lopez with Wes, Barton, Claver, T-Rob, Kaman coming of the bench. Lillard would play as a 2 or as a PG when Rondo on the bench, he proved he can do both.
It's a gamble, may not be worth the risk, but if we can turn some of our bench into a player of Rondo's caliber, I think we should at least consider it.

Poor blake, traded again!!!! Hahaha. He would never be included BTW...

But whatever the case, the players used aren't my concern; which I think would require more for the deal. Most likely having to give up Batum or Matthews with other players for Rondo.

My biggest concern is the chemistry. Rondo is a nut job and has shown this publicly and behind closed doors. He is a great defender and facilitator but at what cost to our chemistry?

 

[Blazer4ever]

I don't know that Rondo is especially Nutty. He probably wants out of Boston but that's understandable considering he's in his prime and they're still a few rebuilding years away from being any kind of factor.
In response to Pinwheel, I think it's a relatively good deal for the Celtics. I think 4 if not 5 of these players are good enough to make their roster and at least some would make the rotation. None of them has a very big or long-term contract and one or two can become key future players for them. Blake is someone they can use, CJ is a promising young talent, Freeland deserves more minutes than he would get in Portland, DWright is servicable. I think the Houston deal (for Pippen) had less talent going their way.

 

[BBert]

Who does Boston cut to make room for the Blazers refuse?

 

[magnifier661]

I don't know that Rondo is especially Nutty. He probably wants out of Boston but that's understandable considering he's in his prime and they're still a few rebuilding years away from being any kind of factor.
In response to Pinwheel, I think it's a relatively good deal for the Celtics. I think 4 if not 5 of these players are good enough to make their roster and at least some would make the rotation. None of them has a very big or long-term contract and one or two can become key future players for them. Blake is someone they can use, CJ is a promising young talent, Freeland deserves more minutes than he would get in Portland, DWright is servicable. I think the Houston deal (for Pippen) had less talent going their way.

Boston, if they are even interested in trading Rondo, would get way better offers than Leonard, CJ and D. Wright.

 

[Sinobas]

There are 60 guys in the league right now making 10+ mil a year, that' ~2 per team. We know Lillard is going to get up there soon, so are we going to have all 5 of our starters making that much money? This starting lineup isn't a title contender and we've seen how bad it sucks to have no bench.

 

[BBert]

Boston, if they are even interested in trading Rondo, would get way better offers than Leonard, CJ and D. Wright.

No kidding. Rondo, head case that I believe him to be, has to have more value than our scrubs and projects.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

I can't see the blazers going after Rondo or have any desire or need for him or how we even fits with having a starting point guard on the team.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I
In response to Pinwheel, I think it's a relatively good deal for the Celtics. I think 4 if not 5 of these players are good enough to make their roster and at least some would make the rotation. None of them has a very big or long-term contract and one or two can become key future players for them. Blake is someone they can use, CJ is a promising young talent, Freeland deserves more minutes than he would get in Portland, DWright is servicable. I think the Houston deal (for Pippen) had less talent going their way.

Yeah but remember they already have to cut 5 guys from their roster before the season starts. They are that far over. And the young guys they have are the same or better than what they would be receiving.

They need minutes to develop for Olynyk, Sullinger, Zeller, and maybe Faverani (Do they need Leonard and Joel too)

They drafted Smart, they added Evan Turner and they signed Avery to a big contract. They can't find minutes for Phil Pressey who they like. Blake would take minutes away from developing these guys.

They got Green and Wallace too, not many minutes for Wright.

I just don't see it....

 

[Rhal]

There are 60 guys in the league right now making 10+ mil a year, that' ~2 per team. We know Lillard is going to get up there soon, so are we going to have all 5 of our starters making that much money? This starting lineup isn't a title contender and we've seen how bad it sucks to have no bench.

With how high the cap is expecting to go up we can give Lopez and Mathews 10m a year this off season and then have tons of capspace next off season. That will of course depend on what the cap is expected to be and we should have a better idea of what it will be near mid season.

 

[riverman]

I've learned over the years to avoid expensive always injured players, I don't know about you guys but Rondo can't stay on the court. Last thing the Blazers need is the problem the Celtics have now.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

As much as I like Wes and Nic, I think upgrading significantly at one of those spots should be a priority. You have to shoot for the stars and never be satisfied with your roster. This team can STILL improve despite having an already very good starting 5.

 

[Pinwheel1]

One thing I would do if I was Neil is to address this issue:

"Stotts, in his post-game news conference, talked about different aspects of the game, including the play of his second unit and how they handled the offense when Steve Blake was out of the game. Blake was the only healthy true point guard after Damian Lillard was scratched because of an ankle issue."

Keep an eye on the waver wire because if Darius Morris is not the answer than we better cut a SG and find a 3rd PG.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

One thing I would do if I was Neil is to address this issue:

"Stotts, in his post-game news conference, talked about different aspects of the game, including the play of his second unit and how they handled the offense when Steve Blake was out of the game. Blake was the only healthy true point guard after Damian Lillard was scratched because of an ankle issue."

Keep an eye on the waver wire because if Darius Morris is not the answer than we better cut a SG and find a 3rd PG.

Project Jimmer... Lol jk but I do wonder if we end up trading Claver or Crabbe for someone like ray mccallum.

 

[ripcityboy]

Neil will do whatever it takes to tie up Aldridge and may try to give Lillard the maximum. Unless Leonard has a magic season he's gone. Freeland probably stays if he takes less. McCallum will stay or be traded depending on his season. Barton will be resigned depending on C.J's situation. I imagine T.Rob will stay. Claver or Wright will make way for a real backup for Batum. The rest, he'll if I know. I am probably completely wrong.

 

[blue9]

As much as I like Wes and Nic, I think upgrading significantly at one of those spots should be a priority. You have to shoot for the stars and never be satisfied with your roster. This team can STILL improve despite having an already very good starting 5.

Okay, so first off name all of the SGs that are better than Wes and all of the SFs that are better than Nic.
After you do that let's discuss which of those players are available.

 

[H.C.]

As much as I like Wes and Nic, I think upgrading significantly at one of those spots should be a priority. You have to shoot for the stars and never be satisfied with your roster. This team can STILL improve despite having an already very good starting 5.

With as weak as the shooting guard is in todays NBA how many are actually better than Matthews?
Or better yet... how many are as serviceable as Matthews?
#1 Harden - No question about his defensive drive...
#2 Manu - Questions about his durability are a concern.
#3 Wade - Questions about durability.
#4 Ellis - defensive questions but highly doubt he's available.
#5 Kobe - durability is a concern.
The rest...
Waiters/Williams/Gordon/Afflalo/Mayo/DeRozan/Martin/Thompson/Beal
I'm prolly forgetting a couple.. but how many of "the rest" are better or equal in value as Matthews?
What do the Blazers need from the shooting guard position? Scoring? Shooting? Defense? Playmaking?(do we really want to take the ball out of Lillard's hands?)
I'd argue that outside of the top 5 I listed Matthews is better and brings more value to the Blazers than "The Rest" of the guards I listed would.

The Small Forward is just as weak.
Outside of LJB/KD/Melo who is a Superstar or a Star??
Leonard is still 22? 23? I don't put him with those three yet...

Gay? MKG? Deng? Pierce? Evans? Gallinari? Green? Parsons?
(once again I prolly missed a few)

I don't think any of the small forwards outside of the Superstars would provide more consistently to the Blazers than Batum does.
But once again it's what are you looking for out of your small forward? Scoring? playmaking? shooting? defense?
(keep in mind Batum is prolly my least fav Blazer because of how talented he is and how uninterested he appears at times.)

So how many of the players I listed are available and what would the Blazers give up to get them? (don't tell me scrubs would land stars)
or maybe you have a couple to add?