2020 free agent targets and draft picks

[GEE]

OOPSY. So who's left that we can get? Are we waiting for more guys, or a certain guy to become available? Is Olshey just waiting, patiently taking his time getting us a quality backup PG? If not Batum and Gabriel, who could it be?

[d-train]

I think we are done. We have money and there are good players still available. Who knows? We need to wait for Olshey's annual after free agency press conference. He going to say we got all our priorities.

[d-train]

Where is JasonStern for a preview of Olshey's presser?

[GEE]

Just feel there's still a bit of a question mark at PG. Simons will NEED to be good, if called upon. Fortunately, if we're just able to keep one of Dame or CJ on the floor at all times, I guess we'll be fine. I also think Olshey may feel comfortable enough with Simons, to give him the opportunity early on, knowing he can always deal for a PG up to the deadline.

I'll remain interested, and a little concerned about where Batum ends up. Really don't like the idea of him helping a foe in the playoffs. He may take his time deciding, but wish he'd just do it already. If no Batum, maybe Wenyen. With Collins and Giles' injury histories, can't have too many. Finaly, cj really should not be taking up a roster spot for any reason IMO.:

Guess I'm waiting for the Olshey presser

[skoharry]

We could also trade Simons or little for someone like McConnell,
Aaron holiday, Payton Pritchard, or maybe ish Smith

[skoharry]

I swear if olshey doesn't sign a backup PG, I will flip out. There's still plenty of guys who can give us that 8-12 minutes of PT Dame needs for rest. My top option is Napier. Then it would probably go ET, Jackson Mudiay, Knight, and delladova. Probably throw Ferrell and GP3 in their too. Even an undrafted PG who was projected to go in the late 1st or early 2nd round is better then nothing or even a G league guy. Just somebody

[mojomarc]

If this team is healthy and Lillard can't lead this team to a championship, then Lillard is officially not a championship leader.

Aside from Dame and 52-year-old Melo this team literally zero players with all-stars pedigree on its roster.

And that's something supposed to be a prerequisite for a truly contending team.

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

[DaVoiceMaster]

Aside from Dame and 52-year-old Melo this team literally zero players with all-stars pedigree on its roster.

And that's something supposed to be a prerequisite for a truly contending team.

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

You just never know what might happen. I want the Blazers to add a defensive guard, one that can guard opposing PG's. I don't think they need to play much as either Lillard or McCollum will be on the court at all times like they've done the past few years. They just need to be used situationally or if the opposing team has a guard that is just going off, get our defensive guard in the game to try and slow them down a bit. I would play them situationally as opposed to playing 12-15 minutes every game. That would be ideal, but I don't think practical given Lillard and McCollum's ability to handle and distribute the ball. I don't know who that guard is though. Would love if there was a way the Blazers could trade for Thybulle.

I also really hate seeing that Crowder, Ibaka, and Milsap all signed for the MLE. I don't believe the Blazers ever showed any interest in Crowder or Ibaka. I can't help but wonder if there might have been some mutual interest if they had. I don't know that the Blazers could have signed either player given where they each ended up, but I sure wish they had made an attempt. I just worry that the PF position is still weak for the Blazers. I know Covington can slide over there and do fairly well, but then that leaves our SF position vacation. Time will tell whether Hood is able to fil that role once again and I just don't know anything about this Jones kid.

[d-train]

Aside from Dame and 52-year-old Melo this team literally zero players with all-stars pedigree on its roster.

And that's something supposed to be a prerequisite for a truly contending team.

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

Lakers still have 2 of the best 3 players and Blazers still don't have a top 10 player. None of the players Blazers added would change the likely championship fortunes of a team. The best player we added, RoCo, is a role player who isn't much better than the player he replaced.

All the above is true, and Blazers improved. The games aren't over until after they are played. The team that is expected to win, doesn't always win.

[zzaj]

Aside from Dame and 52-year-old Melo this team literally zero players with all-stars pedigree on its roster.

And that's something supposed to be a prerequisite for a truly contending team.

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

I’m right there with you guys. Upper echelon talent wins championships, and the Blazers don’t have that. Again, without these moves I think the Blazers are lucky to make the POs. With the moves, I think they are in the conversation, at least. Injuries allow anything to happen in the NBA.

I think many people here are VASTLY overrating where the Blazers will be next season.

[skoharry]

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

I’m right there with you guys. Upper echelon talent wins championships, and the Blazers don’t have that. Again, without these moves I think the Blazers are lucky to make the POs. With the moves, I think they are in the conversation, at least. Injuries allow anything to happen in the NBA.

I think many people here are VASTLY overrating where the Blazers will be next season.

The raptors won a championship with 1-3 probably top 20-30 guys and a good supporting cast. Other teams have won championship like that too. Not out of the realm of possibility... But a small one

[whatchaknow]

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

Lakers still have 2 of the best 3 players and Blazers still don't have a top 10 player. None of the players Blazers added would change the likely championship fortunes of a team. The best player we added, RoCo, is a role player who isn't much better than the player he replaced.

All the above is true, and Blazers improved. The games aren't over until after they are played. The team that is expected to win, doesn't always win.

2 things:
1. Blazers don’t have a top 10 player? That’s just complete and utter BS.
2. Covington isn’t better than the player he replaced? If you’re talking about Trevor ariza I can’t wait for the games to start and you see the difference. Not to mention the player he replaced only played a handful of games before not joining the team in the playoffs. Sooooo therefore it’s a massive improvement over the player he replaced assuming good health

[whatchaknow]

Aside from Dame and 52-year-old Melo this team literally zero players with all-stars pedigree on its roster.

And that's something supposed to be a prerequisite for a truly contending team.

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

What makes you so confident in Anthony Davis’ health? Guy is a walking injury report. They lose him and they are no longer the favorites at all. I’m sure some will argue but I don’t even think it’s a debate, that lakers roster becomes extremely mediocre without him. On top of that lebron is only getting older, at some point all things come to an end and I don’t see it happening with him raising a Larry O’Brien trophy. Not saying the fall off is this year but it’s gotta be coming at some point.

Now all that said doesn’t put the blazers in the drivers seat but I’d say they’re right there with the clippers, Jazz, mavs and nuggets. Main thing is keeping good health. Plus there will be some very tradable contracts and players around trade deadline with a chance to improve the team again.

[HoopsFanAZ]

Lillard all NBA 5 times -- 1 1st Team, 3 2nd team, 1 3rd team, multiple all star games (and yes, IMHO, he's a top 10 player).
Covington 2018 NBA All Defensive 1st Team

[Norm2953]

Aside from Dame and 52-year-old Melo this team literally zero players with all-stars pedigree on its roster.

And that's something supposed to be a prerequisite for a truly contending team.

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

There are a lot of Blazer fans who think this way but as Lebron remains the top 5 NBA player, they have two of the
top 5 players in the league. They have made some changes but those changes are likely positive for Dennis Schroeder is
a good player and with Wes Matthews, Harrell, Gasol are likely better than they were in 2020. Unless one of our younger
players makes a big leap forward, we look to be one of those high floor, low ceiling teams for we still have injury concerns
with Zach.

[skoharry]

I figure this will be the stats for every blazer and I'm including a backup PG.
Nurkic 12-15ppg, 8 RPG, 2 APG, 1-2 bpg
Kanter 7-10ppg, 5-8rpg
Giles 2-4ppg, 2-4rpg
Covington 12ppg, 5rpg, 1-2 spg
Collins 5-7ppg, 3-5rpg
Djr 4-7ppg, 2-4rpg
Melo 15ppg, 4rpg
Hood 8-12 ppg
Little 2ppg, 2rpg
CJ 20ppg, 3rpg, 3apg
Trent Jr 8-10ppg, 1spg
Simons 3-5ppg
Dame 25-28ppg, 6rpg, 6apg
Backup PG 3-5ppg, 3apg.
So Portland is looking at 100-120ppg. So we'll still be primarily an offensive team. But our bench and defense are improved. Our RPG should go up too.

[skoharry]

CJ and Nurk are far better players than many all-stars in my life time. Heck, they are better than some multiple time all-stars.

Why would anyone think this roster, no matter how much it improved with these signings, is beating the Lakers in the next few years? Unless LeBron has to have his left arm amputated in a freak school bus incident, I'd say next year is a mortal lock and probably another after.

There are a lot of Blazer fans who think this way but as Lebron remains the top 5 NBA player, they have two of the
top 5 players in the league. They have made some changes but those changes are likely positive for Dennis Schroeder is
a good player and with Wes Matthews, Harrell, Gasol are likely better than they were in 2020. Unless one of our younger
players makes a big leap forward, we look to be one of those high floor, low ceiling teams for we still have injury concerns
with Zach.

I say trade Collins to NY for Dennis smith Jr and a 2nd.

[DaVoiceMaster]

I heard an interview on the radio about 15 minutes ago where olshey says, rather fired up, that the Blazers have a backup PG and his name is Anfernee Simons. The kod is going nowhere and the team will not be signing any other PG's.

[Goldbum]

Okay... The offense and defense stumbled and occasionally crumbled with ANT at PG. That is a fact. Olshey called CJ2 a "Green Lantern" since every one of his defensive metrics popped green. This tells be that the organization is well aware of all the numbers showing ANT as one the least effective players in the NBA. They still decided to stick with him. Either they are ignoring vital information, or they have seen things from the kid that make them feel that we have no need for a backup PG. Let's see what happens...

[BlazersBroncos]

Been in Mexico since last Wednesday but cant say I am disappointed in this offseason so far.

I actually am very excited about DJJ. This team had limited avenues to improve, so rather than target another veteran 3/D guy like Crowder, who almost certainly doesnt get us over the hump, we went with probably the highest upside UFA in the entire class. DJJ is the type of late bloomer who could suddenly develop into a skinner Gerald Wallace, if we have a bit of luck. Its the type of move you make when you need to take risks to stay relaveant. NO was thinking the right thoughts on that one. The team had tons of holes, and we spoke on defense a ton, but we also lacked explosive athletes in a bad, bad way. DJJ sure as hell checks that box.

Kanter is the best, love his character and fit here both culturally and in terms of feasting on 2nd unit bigs. Love the upside of Giles as well, but with a 1-year deal and no bird rights it may be tough come summer 2021 if he breaks out. No way to keep him, but 1 year of unexpectedly good play from a high upside big is better than zero.

All that beings said, I still think its a bit of unwarranted enthusiasm to think this team is a contender. We sure as hell are closer to one than we were this time last week, but its going to take alot of luck and some injuries to other teams to really be a player. That being said, I am much more excited about the prospects of a nice little playoff run with the new assembly of talent.

FWIW, this is what I think we should run assuming everyone is healthy:

G - Damian Lillard (34) / CJ McCollum (14)
G - CJ McCollum (20) / Gary Trent JR (24) / Derrick Jones JR (4)
F - Rodney Hood (22) / Robert Covington (12) / Derrick Jones JR (14)
F - Robert Covington (15) / Carmelo Anthony (18) / Zach Collins (10)
C - Jusuf Nurkic (28) / Enes Kanter (15) / Zach Collins (5)

I think many people are underrating the minutes DJJ gets. We didnt throw him a MLE deal to give him 10 minutes per game. Also, if Giles shows out a bit moving Zach for a FRP to replace the one we lost in the RoCo trade needs to be on the table. If he is as limited in PT as I think he may be, moving him to recoup that pick and avoid paying him needs to be on the table.