Predict Blazers 2013-2014 lineup and roster

[DusterBuster]

It's amazing how much Al Jefferson gets ignored. The guy is a true C, he's been playing the position a majority of his career and is putting up more than 15 and 10 a game still. I still think he'd be a great pairing with Aldridge, so that the only FA I'm seriously interested in.

[Brandon-Clyde]

It's amazing how much Al Jefferson gets ignored. The guy is a true C, he's been playing the position a majority of his career and is putting up more than 15 and 10 a game still. I still think he'd be a great pairing with Aldridge, so that the only FA I'm seriously interested in.

No shot blocking,no defense in general and a poor passer even for the center position. The only advantage he really brings is scoring in the low post. I would prefer to bring in Dalembert for probably half as much and use the rest of the capspace to sign another free agent who could help the team

[DeBlazerRiddem]

Label me not a fan of Jefferson.


First, he would totally push Aldridge out to the perimeter, they only way for them to coexist is Aldridge increasing his 20 foot jump shots. Second, he wouldn't provide much more defense than Hickson. Third, he wouldn't pass any more or better than Hickson - we would still get wasted extra possessions where he earned us a rebound but completely ignored the open shooter.


If he came cheap, 5-7 million, such that as a talent upgrade you cannot ignore it, then maybe. Playing as a 6th man off the bench next to Leonard, ok I could maybe see that since he would change the game for us. But would I pay him significantly more than Hickson is getting - no not really. I wouldn't give him starter money.

[Dame Lizard]

I know he isn't what we need, as in the scheme of things he's a similar project as what Meyers Leonard is to us

Besides "raw center" they have so little in common.

I wrote about this before, but Leonard is an athletic, mobile, help defender with developing jump shot.

Kanter is a big, plodding, rebound machine who operates best out of the post.

Yeah I should have clarified this more. I simply meant a developing centre who we can afford big minutes to, and hope he comes out good. And I definitely feel that whilst Leonard could be an exceptional starter, Kanter is the better prospect. His game is simple and he's very good at it.


I completely agree with the "draft the best rebounder we can in the 2nd round" notion.

I was hoping we'd grab Kyle O'Quinn last year in the 2nd round (with the Kansas PG pick we traded to Brooklyn). Now I'm not saying he was the best rebounder or anywhere close to that, but he was very good.

[Dame Lizard]

It's amazing how much Al Jefferson gets ignored. The guy is a true C, he's been playing the position a majority of his career and is putting up more than 15 and 10 a game still. I still think he'd be a great pairing with Aldridge, so that the only FA I'm seriously interested in.

I'm with you here Duster, I like Big Al. If we can get him on a good contract then I am all for it.

[DaVoiceMaster]

I was a big fan of Jefferson and thought the Blazers really blew it drafting Telfaire (Sorry TSE) over him. He had his day and all, but when I watched Oden destroy him a few years ago, I changed my tune. I am just not a fan anymore.

[Wizenheimer]

I'm not liking the idea of Al Jefferson that much

for one thing, I think he'll be pretty expensive. Another thing is that I do not believe he and Aldridge would be a good mesh, mainly because both players much prefer the left side of the floor for their offense. One would have to play on the side opposite of their 'comfort zone'. That's not good

another issue I'd have is Jefferson's efficiency and usage rates. Among C's, he has the 6th highest usage rate this year, but only the 32nd highest TS%. There are 68 C's & PF's with a higher TS% then Jefferson. And there are 167 players overall in the NBA with a higher TS%. Those numbers are ESPN's Hollinger stats that sets qualification as "on pace to play 500 minutes or more". He's 198th among all players. He's almost in the bottom half when it comes to TS%.

How much should the Blazers pay for that kind of efficiency? Especially considering that between them, Aldridge and Jefferson are accustomed to using around 50% of their team's possessions when they are on the floor. That wouldn't leave a lot of air for the other 3 players

Now, if Jefferson was willing to sign for 6-8 million a year for 3 years, AND defer to Aldridge quite a bit, then maybe he wouldn't be too bad an option. But does anybody think he'd be willing to do that?

[Soulyss]

Not a fan of Jefferson, especially paired with Aldridge. You think our paint defense is bad now? Oh man...

[GreenRiddler]

I honestly don't know who we will sign... there seems to be no one out there

[GreenRiddler]

I'd too rather have Millsap upgraded for Hickson instead of Big Al.

[GreenRiddler]

or maybe Bynum for Hickson? The Sixers get a good big man for their playoff push and we get another rack at a starting Center, if he is not healthy we just let him walk.

[RoyalWun]

or maybe Bynum for Hickson? The Sixers get a good big man for their playoff push and we get another rack at a starting Center, if he is not healthy we just let him walk.

So we are basically giving Hickson away then.

As soon as Bynum steps foot in Portland his knees will shatter.

[RoyalWun]

Since Meyers is not ready we need a cheap productive vet at center who won't take away that many minutes from him.

Guys like Dalembert or Pachulia would be a nice fit for that role. And also need to draft the best possible rebounder in this draft. We need to package those seconds to move up if need be or we will just be adding more players who will probably rot on this team.

What I would love to see:

Aldridge / BEST REBOUNDER AVAIL / Freeland
Dalembert or Pachulia / Leonard

One thing I think we are missing as a whole is that one extremely athletic person. I think the closest we have is JJ.

[Milkdud]

I'd like to see the Blazers add a vet shot blocker next season, even if that player is limited to that and rebounding.

[youngthegiant]

Would you guys do a Gallinari, Batum swap?