Game 70: Portland TrailBlazers (41-29) @ Phoenix Suns (48-21) l Thursday l 7:00pm l BSAZ

[lilfishi22]

I don't follow the Hawks, but isn't Collins demanding a max ? If so, this trade is not likely anyway, so probably not.

I would wait to see how DA plays in the postseason and next season before giving up on him.

That's my take.

Honestly, these playoffs will be telling. It will tell us how playable DA is and whether he's going to step up. It will tell us how far we really are from a legit playoff team without CP3. It will probably tell us whether CP3 is likely to stick around. It will tell us whether we'll take a small step back next season to grow the talent internally or if we'll full send into trading assets for stars.

I think next year is the key. I think judging a 22 year old TOO much on playoff basketball, particularly if he ends up facing a quartet of AD/Harrell/Drummond/Gasol, 3 of which have quite a bit of playoff experience, he's likely to struggle quite a bit. I imagine most of our younger players will struggle on the big stage at times, but of course, the younger the tougher it will be...then again..that matchup.

Next season will be key, however, I won't be surprised in the least if we give him an extension.

We'll take playoff performance into account, just like we'll take his 2.5 regular season play into account and off-court training/practice performance into account. I think we have a decent idea of what Ayton is and likely can become but the only real X-factor is his post season play and whether he'll hold up to the higher level of play and intensity. I say it's an x-factor because we know post-season play is a real contract multiplier. Guys who have played well in playoffs get PAID. Guys who don't, usually have that as a flag on their record when extensions are considered.

If they decide to talk extensions this offseason then playoffs will be telling how much he'll get.

[bwgood77]

That's my take.

Honestly, these playoffs will be telling. It will tell us how playable DA is and whether he's going to step up. It will tell us how far we really are from a legit playoff team without CP3. It will probably tell us whether CP3 is likely to stick around. It will tell us whether we'll take a small step back next season to grow the talent internally or if we'll full send into trading assets for stars.

I think next year is the key. I think judging a 22 year old TOO much on playoff basketball, particularly if he ends up facing a quartet of AD/Harrell/Drummond/Gasol, 3 of which have quite a bit of playoff experience, he's likely to struggle quite a bit. I imagine most of our younger players will struggle on the big stage at times, but of course, the younger the tougher it will be...then again..that matchup.

Next season will be key, however, I won't be surprised in the least if we give him an extension.

We'll take playoff performance into account, just like we'll take his 2.5 regular season play into account and off-court training/practice performance into account. I think we have a decent idea of what Ayton is and likely can become but the only real X-factor is his post season play and whether he'll hold up to the higher level of play and intensity. I say it's an x-factor because we know post-season play is a real contract multiplier. Guys who have played well in playoffs get PAID. Guys who don't, usually have that as a flag on their record when extensions are considered.

If they decide to talk extensions this offseason then playoffs will be telling how much he'll get.

Yeah, to some extent, but not nearly to the extent they take their perceived upside, work ethic and character. A lot of young C's don't play well in the playoffs early in their career but become forces later on. Then it appears he may have a lingering injury as well.