Post Draft: 2025 Off Season Part 2- What's Next?

[Walton1one]

I have zero faith whatsoever that Cronin will go out and make a meaningful acquisition of a player that fits the age group of the current core, he literally has shown limited willingness\capability to do so (except for Deni, which he paid a significant cost for), so IMO this seems like a wasted excercise.

A while back, I did go through roster by roster looking for younger type players that had some possible good trajectories, not sure if many of these players are acquirable or not.

Tre Mann resigned with CHA (3yr/$24m) - Shot 40% from 3pt (4.6att), not a great defender, high usage - Undersized, shoot first b\u PG? No thanks

Do you roll the dice on Josh Green or Nick Smith Jr? Neither are overly appealing, but Green has shown some decent defensive capabilities, has better size, still young (24). He has regressed though since he was in DAL, maybe a change of scenery does him good? Shot 39.1% from 3pt (3.6 att/g) LY, career 38 on 5.2 att/g. He is signed for 2 more years @ $13.6\$14.6

I don't see it with Nick Smith at all

CHI is trying to offload P.Williams, he is a career 39% 3pt shooter thru 5 seasons (3.1att), but has stagnated\regressed in CHI since signing his new deal, owed $18mil\year for 4 more years though...yuck, still he is only 23 and if POR could get out from their pick obligation...

Peyton Watson\DEN saw a nice jump LY, but will all of DEN recent moves, I doubt they offload him

Strawther could be the odd man out with DEN adding Brown & Cam Johnson and Watson passing him in the rotation, only 23, saw a nice uptick in 3ptFG% (34.9% on 4.1 att/g), doubled his scoring\rebounding in twice as many minutes (10 to 20), has a club option next year. Nice uptick in eFG\TS, but defense needs a lot of work

DAL is trying to offload Prosper, not much I saw that I liked there, has good size (6'7), only 23, club option this year and next

Kessler Edwards had a decent 40g stretch with DAL, his eFG (57.8%) was in the 75th percentile and TS% (59.6%) was in the 72nd percentile, still young @ 24, good size (6/'7), probably cheap (I think he is unsigned), defense was bad LY but previous 2 years he was in the 68th\41st percentiles

Could you pry Marcus Sasser from DET for cheap? 67th percentile in eFG\68th in TS%, in 2 seasons has shot around league average from 3pt (37.8% @ 3/ at/g), doubtful with Beasley issues?

Mathurin is a RFA next year, advanced metrics are good, defense, teamwork, still really young, so room for improvement, due for a big payday. With IND losing Turner, they have capability to resign him now

Amir Coffey is a FA, 28, 6'7, shot 41% from 3pt LY (3.4 att/g), career is 38.4% - Good efg\TS% 72nd\80th percentiles

Doubt they trade together, but Jovic\MIA has shown some nice progression, saw more playing time and showed good improvement, efg 65th percentile, TS 71st percentile, defensive metrics 76th percentile, rebounding was a little rough, shot 37% from 3pt (4.6a). If you buy the long term growth, the big (6'10) forward who can shoot from 3, then he might be worth pursuing

AJ Green shot the lights out LY, 42.7% from 3p7 on 5 att/g eFG in 90th percentile, TS% in 87th percentile, defense was decent (69th percentile). I doubt MIL deals him though

I though Minott was a sneaky pickup for BOS after MIN waived him

Jordan Hawkins from NO could be available? Hawkins, 23, struggled LY, had some injuries, decent chance he is better than what he has shown to date, club option next year. He may be out of the rotation with Fears coming in?

Caleb Houstan is a FA and could be worth a flyer on, only 22, good size @ 6'8, good eFG (68th percentile) and TS (61st percentile), shot 40% from 3pt on 2.8 att/g - let him battle it out with Murray...

Jamison Battle\TOR played well, only 24, 6'7, shot 40.5% from 3pt 4.4 att/g on a cheap contract for 2 more year,s doubt TOR deals him away, eFG in 78th perentile, TS% in 66th perentile

Chris Boucher, 33, is a FA, POR was rumored to have interest with other teams, 80th percentile eFG, 81st percentile TS%, decent defense and rebounding

Tristan Vukcevic, 22, 6'10 is a RFA for WAS, and they have 17 players under contract already. Might make sense to throw an offer his way or offer a 2nd or two to WAS to acquire him? 75th percentile in eFG, good rebounding, good young guy to take a flyer on IMO. Shot 37.3% from 3pt on 2.9 att/g, averaged 9.4 - 3.7 - 1.1 in 14min for WAS LY

[Sinobas]

Ya, just got done with my Kispert soap-box.

If Grant is going out then sure.

But Kispert isnt nearly as good as Thybulle or Grant.

He is a Simons, Tre Young, Cam Thomas level bad defender making 13M to shoot league average from 3.

Look at his 2pt shooting percentage, it's insane for a wing. And his 3pt shot last year was average, but he's shot as well as 42.5%.

He shot a very low percentage of his shots inside 3 feet... so there is that. And it still doesn't make up for his defensive deficiencies.

As from above both Thybulle and Grant are better players.

What is your next option?

Not sure what your point is there? 19% of his shots game within 3 feet, which isn't abnormal for a wing. It's the same rate as Jerami Grant. But Kispert shot over 60% from 2, to Grant's pathetic 38%. He also rebounds more than Jerami "1 rebound per game" Grant.

[BlazersBroncos]

Look at his 2pt shooting percentage, it's insane for a wing. And his 3pt shot last year was average, but he's shot as well as 42.5%.

He shot a very low percentage of his shots inside 3 feet... so there is that. And it still doesn't make up for his defensive deficiencies.

As from above both Thybulle and Grant are better players.

What is your next option?

Not sure what your point is there? 19% of his shots game within 3 feet, which isn't abnormal for a wing. It's the same rate as Jerami Grant. But Kispert shot over 60% from 2, to Grant's pathetic 38%. He also rebounds more than Jerami "1 rebound per game" Grant.

Kispert career TRB% 5.9
Grant career TRB% 7.7

Kispert 24/25 TRB% 5.9
Grant 24/25 TRB% 5.8

He really isnt a better rebounder. And yes, he shoots better from 2 - but he takes 3.2 2PT shots per game for his career and 3.9 last season. Grant has averaged 6.4 2PT shots over his career - 5.9 last season and 10.2 the season before. Yes, Grant was putrid from 2 last season at 38% but his career is 49% from 2 and he hit 47% in 22/23 on 10+ shots per.

Changes are highly likely that Grant bounces back from last year.

[dckingsfan]

He shot a very low percentage of his shots inside 3 feet... so there is that. And it still doesn't make up for his defensive deficiencies.

As from above both Thybulle and Grant are better players.

What is your next option?

Not sure what your point is there? 19% of his shots game within 3 feet, which isn't abnormal for a wing. It's the same rate as Jerami Grant. But Kispert shot over 60% from 2, to Grant's pathetic 38%. He also rebounds more than Jerami "1 rebound per game" Grant.

Kispert career TRB% 5.9
Grant career TRB% 7.7

Kispert 24/25 TRB% 5.9
Grant 24/25 TRB% 5.8

He really isnt a better rebounder. And yes, he shoots better from 2 - but he takes 3.2 2PT shots per game for his career and 3.9 last season. Grant has averaged 6.4 2PT shots over his career - 5.9 last season and 10.2 the season before. Yes, Grant was putrid from 2 last season at 38% but his career is 49% from 2 and he hit 47% in 22/23 on 10+ shots per.

Changes are highly likely that Grant bounces back from last year.

Okay, modifying my post.

The point that I was making and am still making is that it doesn't make up for Kispert's defensive deficiencies. Look at DBPM, DRtg, STL%, BLK%, etc. - he is just not as good a player. You don't give up an FRP for him. Full Stop.

Now if you are saying you want to use FRPs to trade away Grant, well - that is a different argument, no?

[dckingsfan]

Tristan Vukcevic, 22, 6'10 is a RFA for WAS, and they have 17 players under contract already. Might make sense to throw an offer his way or offer a 2nd or two to WAS to acquire him? 75th percentile in eFG, good rebounding, good young guy to take a flyer on IMO. Shot 37.3% from 3pt on 2.9 att/g, averaged 9.4 - 3.7 - 1.1 in 14min for WAS LY

I like this idea. He would sign for a vet minimum with not draft assets going to DC.

His 3 point shooting is getting better and he can play some PF as well as C (just in case Yang needs more time).

[oldfishermen]

Tristan Vukcevic, 22, 6'10 is a RFA for WAS, and they have 17 players under contract already. Might make sense to throw an offer his way or offer a 2nd or two to WAS to acquire him? 75th percentile in eFG, good rebounding, good young guy to take a flyer on IMO. Shot 37.3% from 3pt on 2.9 att/g, averaged 9.4 - 3.7 - 1.1 in 14min for WAS LY

I like this idea. He would sign for a vet minimum with not draft assets going to DC.

His 3 point shooting is getting better and he can play some PF as well as C (just in case Yang needs more time).

Third this idea.

Tristan would be good insurance. Not that our bigs ever miss games. He would be a good fit next to Clingan.

[tester551]

The point that I was making and am still making is that it doesn't make up for Kispert's defensive deficiencies. Look at DBPM, DRtg, STL%, BLK%, etc. - he is just not as good a player. You don't give up an FRP for him. Full Stop.

100% agree. Kispert is a minimum level player. People who are advocating for him are experiencing some major HOPIUM

[Black and Blue]

https://youtube.com/shorts/b5EcVe4B1J4?si=TzpWa_M6uG-YcDat

Scoot is putting in major work this offseason. Here he is working on his shot with Derek Fisher.

I think we see big leaps from Scoot, Sharpe, and Deni. If we get strong, consistent minutes from Camara and Clingan, the team can totally be this year’s “wow where did THEY come from” team.

[Norm2953]

I would have liked for Scoot to have gotten some live practice with the summer league team

[Butter]

https://youtube.com/shorts/b5EcVe4B1J4?si=TzpWa_M6uG-YcDat

Scoot is putting in major work this offseason. Here he is working on his shot with Derek Fisher.

I think we see big leaps from Scoot, Sharpe, and Deni. If we get strong, consistent minutes from Camara and Clingan, the team can totally be this year’s “wow where did THEY come from” team.

Perfect, just do that 10,000 to 1 million more times.

[DaVoiceMaster]

https://youtube.com/shorts/b5EcVe4B1J4?si=TzpWa_M6uG-YcDat

Scoot is putting in major work this offseason. Here he is working on his shot with Derek Fisher.

I think we see big leaps from Scoot, Sharpe, and Deni. If we get strong, consistent minutes from Camara and Clingan, the team can totally be this year’s “wow where did THEY come from” team.

Too bad he brings the ball down after catching it before shooting it.

[Chanse503]

Watch on YouTube

Scoot is putting in the work and physically looks GREAT

Watch on YouTube

;t=915s

[PDXKnight]

Would be awesome if scoot was good enouhj to be the the starter at pg heading into 2026-27 but not holding my breath on anyone beating out Dame

[DusterBuster]

Would be awesome if scoot was the starter at pg heading into 2026-27 but not holding my breath on anyone beating out Dame

Yeah, I mean... there's a LOT of uncomfortable questions upcoming for the Blazers at the PG spot. I think it'll be fine for this upcoming season, but 26/27 gets ... weird.

But that's also 14 months away, that's an eternity in the NBA.

I still find it weird the Blazers haven't had a introduction press conference for Holiday... maybe they want to just do a group presser w/ Dame, but that's also kind of weird and disrespectful to Jrue a bit. Maybe he doesn't care and it's not a big deal, but a joint Jure/Dame press conference is gonna be all about Dame are only like one or two questions for Jrue. I think the team probably respects Jrue to much and would want him to have his moment as well and not be overshadowed by Dame's return, while also wanting to make an "event" out of Dame's return too.

Ignoring all the good return vibes from Dame signing, it's a weird situation Cronin has created here.

[PDXKnight]

Would be awesome if scoot was the starter at pg heading into 2026-27 but not holding my breath on anyone beating out Dame

Yeah, I mean... there's a LOT of uncomfortable questions upcoming for the Blazers at the PG spot. I think it'll be fine for this upcoming season, but 26/27 gets ... weird.

But that's also 14 months away, that's an eternity in the NBA.

I still find it weird the Blazers haven't had a introduction press conference for Holiday... maybe they want to just do a group presser w/ Dame, but that's also kind of weird and disrespectful to Jrue a bit. Maybe he doesn't care and it's not a big deal, but a joint Jure/Dame press conference is gonna be all about Dame are only like one or two questions for Jrue. I think the team probably respects Jrue to much and would want him to have his moment as well and not be overshadowed by Dame's return, while also wanting to make an "event" out of Dame's return too.

Ignoring all the good return vibes from Dame signing, it's a weird situation Cronin has created here.

To me it feels like jrue will be on the outs at some point. Dame isnt going anywhere until he outs out and Scoot if he shows anything will be in the fold for his rookie deal and probably 3-4. years after that. They may try to sell the idea of jrue at the 2 but im not sold on it working too well

As you said 14 months is an eternity. I guess I just have this fear jrue will be hard to move with his price tag leaving us stuck in a predicament. But seems like at least based on rumors teams have interest in him (toronto) so maybe something can be arranged

[Norm2953]

There has been talk of Jrue asking out, especially when Dame signed up for a return.

One has to think Portland is going to trade him at some point this summer if Jrue has asked
out,

[DusterBuster]

There has been talk of Jrue asking out, especially when Dame signed up for a return.

Where?

I’m not saying this is inaccurate, it seems logical, but what “talk” are you hearing?

[Norm2953]

I'm reading between the lines for its odd that the press conference for Jrue hasn't happened yet.

Just a little loose twitter talk

[DusterBuster]

To me it feels like jrue will be on the outs at some point. Dame isnt going anywhere until he outs out and Scoot if he shows anything will be in the fold for his rookie deal and probably 3-4. years after that. They may try to sell the idea of jrue at the 2 but im not sold on it working too well

As you said 14 months is an eternity. I guess I just have this fear jrue will be hard to move with his price tag leaving us stuck in a predicament. But seems like at least based on rumors teams have interest in him (toronto) so maybe something can be arranged

I mean, I feel like he may already BE on the outs here. The situation is just weird now with those two.

For what its worth, it's actually been a long-term dream of this Blazers FO to pair Dame and Jrue. It's about 5 years past when they wanted it, but I absolutely distinctly remember local media rumors that Olshey was in serious talks to try try and get Holiday from the Pelicans in 2020 when they were shopping him after they were rebuilding post-AD to LAL.

Olshey, and presumably Cronin, have long coveted Jrue. To me, it was a weird fit, they wanted Jrue to go alongside Dame and CJ, not to replace CJ from what I recall of the rumors. It was gonna be a guard rotation of 3 guys under 6'4", which seemed way too small... and then when they trade Holiday to the Bucks, the Blazers pivoted to Norm Powell... and still had a 3 guard rotation of guys 6'4" (so I stand by the grouping of Dame, CJ and Jrue was dumb no matter how you cut it).

But, I digress... I absolutely believe they want both Dame and Jrue here, even at their twilight career eras. There's too much past history proof of it. They really respect Jrue in the same way they respect Dame, but Dame very obviously has the history and legacy in Portland.

Snapping back to today, Jrue clearly thinks he has something left in the tank to help a team, which is reasonable. I think had the Dame thing not come along, there could have been a pitch to him by Cronin and Billups. I think they could have calmed concerns Jrue had about this situation. He still might have not loved it... I think there's some trepidation for Jrue about Portland just as there was with Dame and Milwaukee. That said, Jrue and his family live in LA, LA to Portland is far closer than Oregon to Wisconsin... Jrue is used to living away from family for the NBA since most of his NBA teams he's played for have been on the Eastern half of the country. So maybe Jrue just isn't stoked on what might just be a mentorship role on an unproven team... again, all completely utterly fair. This is why I just find the lack of an introductory press conference yet so strange.

The video the Blazers posted with him and his family arriving in Portland felt... cold. I'm very much reading into it, but Jrue did not seem stoked to be there meeting everyone. It could just be his personality, but even a guy like Ayton seemed stoked to arrive in a similar video... and then had his agent ask out for him 2 years later. I don't know, something just feel really off with the Jrue situation after Dame.

It was already kinda known he wasn't stoked on being in Portland... Then the Dame signing, then a Dame presser within 5 days of news breaking.

The Simons/Jrue deal was broke June 23... we're almost a full month out. Yes, it wasn't "official" til the 7th of July, but the 7th of July is now 12 days past and still not even a hint from anyone of when a presser might be... To add to the questions, the Celtics haven't had their press conference for Simons either, and even Bill Simmons noted this as weird!

Read on Twitter

So something is just really off about the Jrue trade.

Maybe it's just nothing. Maybe intro pressers are up to the player and Jrue declined to do it? In Dame's return video, Jrue has a locker and he has number 5 (shown at second 14):

https://x.com/Dame_Lillard

So maybe this is just reading into things too far and both the Celtics (Simons) and Blazers (Jrue) don't want to make too much out of players who are going to be in essentially rentals for their respective teams? I'm just surprised that a player the Blazers FO has clearly coveted for awhile in Holiday arrived to the team with such little fanfare...

But again, if Jrue is maybe just not that stoked on being in Portland, maybe it's not in the Blazers FO best interest to do an intro presser with a player who's gonna give very unenthusiastic answers to the local media because it'll be a bad look?

This is a long post to say, this situation is weird. I suspect the Dame presser is going to feature one or two questions about Holiday, and those I think will be telling. Especially from Cronin who (unlike used-car-salesman Olshey) is a terrible bull ****.