#1 Position to Upgrade?

[BlazersBroncos]

It'd be easier if we knew what we had in Scoot. I believe he is our best shot at a star outside of the draft. Highest potential ceiling but unfortunately maybe also the lowest potential floor of the 5 guys we discuss. But our success or failure in this rebuild feels largely tied to him as he's maybe the only one who in spots has looked like a primary floor general

Right.

I want Shaedon to be worth a max deal so bad, but he seems to only kick it into full "kick butt" mode occasionally.

It's a weird comparison, but in some ways Shaedons personality kind of reminds Clyde Drexler LITE. Laid back, smooth memtality with the ability to dominate, ESPECIALLY when he plays pissed off.

The talent is there. I think he's too young to give up on because if the talent and the mental ever line up we probably have a top 25 player. But as others have pointed out I can certainly see the fear of him becoming Andrew Wiggins and I don't think those fears are unwarranted.

I think a mentor could help, would love if B Roy or an nba veteran of that mold would give him some lessons during the summer

I dont see it as a given that Sharpe is even Wiggins level.

Wiggins
19 - TS .516 / FTr .410 / WS48 .034 / OBPM -0.4 / DBPM -2.0
20 - TS .543 / FTr .437 / WS48 0.69 / OBPM 0.9 / DBPM -2.2
21 - TS .534 / FTr .345 / WS48 0.66 / OBPM 0.7 / DBPM -2.4

Sharpe
19 - TS .568 / FTr .162 / WS48 0.32 / OBPM -1.3 / DBPM -2.0
20 - TS .524 / FTr .274 / WS48 0.22 / OBPM -1.9 / DBPM -0.9
21 - TS .548 / FTr .213 / WS48 0.43 / OBPM -0.5 / DBPM -1.9

Wiggins was trash early, but he was good at a few things - notably getting to the FT line. Outside his rookie year he posted much better WS48 and was + in OBPM. Sharpe has yet to get close to .100 WS48 (The metric often used for a starter level player) and has never posted a + OBPM or + DBPM.

The idea that we would be in a BAD position if Sharpe was the next Wiggins is overstating his trajectory. At this point in his career, him ending up a Wiggins level guy would actually be a optimistic career trajectory.

Feels like we shouldnt be giving up our first on that package and maybe be getting more back but maybe I value shaedon higher

I dont see a chance Sharpe alone pulls anything close to the 3rd pick, especially in this draft. Not just because he hasnt particularly been good - but also he is due to get paid. With the impending extension I think a pick in the 8-10 range would be the best case for a Shadeon trade.

[PDXKnight]

Right.

I want Shaedon to be worth a max deal so bad, but he seems to only kick it into full "kick butt" mode occasionally.

It's a weird comparison, but in some ways Shaedons personality kind of reminds Clyde Drexler LITE. Laid back, smooth memtality with the ability to dominate, ESPECIALLY when he plays pissed off.

The talent is there. I think he's too young to give up on because if the talent and the mental ever line up we probably have a top 25 player. But as others have pointed out I can certainly see the fear of him becoming Andrew Wiggins and I don't think those fears are unwarranted.

I think a mentor could help, would love if B Roy or an nba veteran of that mold would give him some lessons during the summer

I dont see it as a given that Sharpe is even Wiggins level.

Wiggins
19 - TS .516 / FTr .410 / WS48 .034 / OBPM -0.4 / DBPM -2.0
20 - TS .543 / FTr .437 / WS48 0.69 / OBPM 0.9 / DBPM -2.2
21 - TS .534 / FTr .345 / WS48 0.66 / OBPM 0.7 / DBPM -2.4

Sharpe
19 - TS .568 / FTr .162 / WS48 0.32 / OBPM -1.3 / DBPM -2.0
20 - TS .524 / FTr .274 / WS48 0.22 / OBPM -1.9 / DBPM -0.9
21 - TS .548 / FTr .213 / WS48 0.43 / OBPM -0.5 / DBPM -1.9

Wiggins was trash early, but he was good at a few things - notably getting to the FT line. Outside his rookie year he posted much better WS48 and was + in OBPM. Sharpe has yet to get close to .100 WS48 (The metric often used for a starter level player) and has never posted a + OBPM or + DBPM.

The idea that we would be in a BAD position if Sharpe was the next Wiggins is overstating his trajectory. At this point in his career, him ending up a Wiggins level guy would actually be a optimistic career trajectory.

Feels like we shouldnt be giving up our first on that package and maybe be getting more back but maybe I value shaedon higher

I dont see a chance Sharpe alone pulls anything close to the 3rd pick, especially in this draft. Not just because he hasnt particularly been good - but also he is due to get paid. With the impending extension I think a pick in the 8-10 range would be the best case for a Shadeon trade.

Hopefully it's more devin booker than this but you make a compelling case here

[Wizenheimer]

as has been mentioned, the Blazers have collected some intriguing supporting talent, but are still lacking those elite #1 & #2 options. Until they add those elite talents, they won't even be able to climb into pretender status

now, if you squint a lot and tilt your head, you might be able to stretch your vision enough to see a #2 option talent already on the team. I'm skeptical that talent is there but it's possible

but as others have said, whether it's the draft or trade, Portland can't be concerned with fit as much as with BPA

I do think there would be issues starting Avdija and Camara at forwards. Not nearly enough offense at wings for a solid playoff team Good defense though. So I selected SF as the more realistic position for a major upgrade. And one option from that, especially is Sharpe continues to disappoint, is making Camara the starting SG and playerX the SF

[Wizenheimer]

as has been mentioned, the Blazers have collected some intriguing supporting talent, but are still lacking those elite #1 & #2 options. Until they add those elite talents, they won't even be able to climb into pretender status

now, if you squint a lot and tilt your head, you might be able to stretch your vision enough to see a #2 option talent already on the team. I'm skeptical that talent is there but it's possible

but as others have said, whether it's the draft or trade, Portland can't be concerned with fit as much as with BPA

I do think there would be issues starting Avdija and Camara at forwards. Not nearly enough offense at wings for a solid playoff team Good defense though. So I selected SF as the more realistic position for a major upgrade. And one option from that, especially is Sharpe continues to disappoint, is making Camara the starting SG and playerX the SF

[Butter]

Feels like we shouldnt be giving up our first on that package and maybe be getting more back but maybe I value shaedon higher

It all depends on where the Blazers fall in the lottery. If they jump to top three, problem solved without the larger package. But, if they fall to 9 or later, we'll see.

I dont see a chance Sharpe alone pulls anything close to the 3rd pick, especially in this draft. Not just because he hasnt particularly been good - but also he is due to get paid. With the impending extension I think a pick in the 8-10 range would be the best case for a Shadeon trade.

The salary factor is a good point. The Blazers may be stuck taking back a veteran
.

[DaVoiceMaster]

as has been mentioned, the Blazers have collected some intriguing supporting talent, but are still lacking those elite #1 & #2 options. Until they add those elite talents, they won't even be able to climb into pretender status

now, if you squint a lot and tilt your head, you might be able to stretch your vision enough to see a #2 option talent already on the team. I'm skeptical that talent is there but it's possible

but as others have said, whether it's the draft or trade, Portland can't be concerned with fit as much as with BPA

I do think there would be issues starting Avdija and Camara at forwards. Not nearly enough offense at wings for a solid playoff team Good defense though. So I selected SF as the more realistic position for a major upgrade. And one option from that, especially is Sharpe continues to disappoint, is making Camara the starting SG and playerX the SF

You can say that again!!!

I want Camara at SF, but am not opposed to him at SG if we get a nice return for Sharpe. With Camara at SF, that means Deni at PF. Honestly, I really like both players, but want a bigger PF. Does that mean moving Deni? Some have said he doesn't fit the timeliness. I don't know about that. The Blazers gave up a lot to get him so they would need a big return if they move him. I honestly like the young group overall; they are just missing those 2 main players.

[zzaj]

It’s never too early to consider money.

Not sure if Blazers are going to be able to keep Deni, and who knows how Sharpe’s contract negotiation is going to go…

BPA at the PF, SF, SG spot.

Blazers are going to end up with Newell. Book it…

[Butter]

as has been mentioned, the Blazers have collected some intriguing supporting talent, but are still lacking those elite #1 & #2 options. Until they add those elite talents, they won't even be able to climb into pretender status

now, if you squint a lot and tilt your head, you might be able to stretch your vision enough to see a #2 option talent already on the team. I'm skeptical that talent is there but it's possible

but as others have said, whether it's the draft or trade, Portland can't be concerned with fit as much as with BPA

I do think there would be issues starting Avdija and Camara at forwards. Not nearly enough offense at wings for a solid playoff team Good defense though. So I selected SF as the more realistic position for a major upgrade. And one option from that, especially is Sharpe continues to disappoint, is making Camara the starting SG and playerX the SF

You can say that again!!!

I want Camara at SF, but am not opposed to him at SG if we get a nice return for Sharpe. With Camara at SF, that means Deni at PF. Honestly, I really like both players, but want a bigger PF. Does that mean moving Deni? Some have said he doesn't fit the timeliness. I don't know about that. The Blazers gave up a lot to get him so they would need a big return if they move him. I honestly like the young group overall; they are just missing those 2 main players.

I am a little surprised at the poll results and comments about Deni back to SF. I think he's an ideal fit at PF in the modern NBA, especially with Clingan at center.

IF the Blazers move up to #2, Bailey would be an ideal compliment to Deni. If they are in the 6-10 range, I like the idea of Egor Demon, Liam Mcneeley or Noa Essengue on the wing, with Camara.

[DaVoiceMaster]

I gotta admit, while I like the idea of Clingan, I'm not sold on him as the future starter. He's just a little too stiff for my liking. I think that is our weakest position at this point. Even with 4 centers, only Clingan will be here beyond next season (fingers crossed).

[JRoy]

It’s never too early to consider money.

Not sure if Blazers are going to be able to keep Deni, and who knows how Sharpe’s contract negotiation is going to go…

BPA at the PF, SF, SG spot.

Blazers are going to end up with Newell. Book it…

What makes you think that?

[Tim Lehrbach]

I'd definitely trade any player on the roster plus a middle lotto pick to get into the 2025 top three. Nobody is giving up a chance at Flagg, Harper, and Bailey though.

[Butter]

I'd definitely trade any player on the roster plus a middle lotto pick to get into the 2025 top three. Nobody is giving up a chance at Flagg, Harper, and Bailey though.

I don't know. If we could take Sharp, Newel and dump a veteran contract, would we do it?

[dckingsfan]

Interesting question… it’s weird with the Blazers… they don’t “need” an upgrade as such, they need a star, regardless of positions. They actually have an amazing supporting cast, but no star to anchor it.

So the answer is all, or none? Idk

So this. They are actually not horrible at any position but they don't have the star to carry the other players.

[zzaj]

It’s never too early to consider money.

Not sure if Blazers are going to be able to keep Deni, and who knows how Sharpe’s contract negotiation is going to go…

BPA at the PF, SF, SG spot.

Blazers are going to end up with Newell. Book it…

What makes you think that?

Which part?

[JRoy]

Newell.

What makes him the right pick?

[zzaj]

I gotta admit, while I like the idea of Clingan, I'm not sold on him as the future starter. He's just a little too stiff for my liking. I think that is our weakest position at this point. Even with 4 centers, only Clingan will be here beyond next season (fingers crossed).

DVM, I almost went Center, too…

Clingan has A LOONG way to go with his individual offense. So far he’s gotten by on that end with being a willing and good passer, and occasional lob target.

At this stage he doesn’t keep the ball high and has very little touch around the basket. He’s juuuust slow enough that opposing defenders can affect his rhythm.

He looks markedly slower to me than he did in SL and the beginning of the season/pre-injury.

In SL I remember seeing that one dribble, 3pt line to hoop dunk he had and thinking, “Okay…I didn’t know he had THAT.” By all accounts he’s a smart kid and a hard worker, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the coaching staff have him focusing on just a few things to simplify his process.

The reason I didn’t go with C, is that I don’t think this draft’s C crop is all that special. Although, I have a soft spot for Queen—who is like the anti-Clingan.

[Norm2953]

Picking 7/8, leads to more guards or Newell.

I'd agree it will be Newell but I'm keeping an eye on Aday Mara who is a 7-3 center. The light
seems to come on for Mara who is roughly where Clingan was in his freshman season but will have
more of a developed offensive game. Most likely NIL money will keep him in college for he's not
ready to play in the league but the guy blocks shots, rebounds, outlets and passes the ball

[Walton1one]

as has been mentioned, the Blazers have collected some intriguing supporting talent, but are still lacking those elite #1 & #2 options. Until they add those elite talents, they won't even be able to climb into pretender status

now, if you squint a lot and tilt your head, you might be able to stretch your vision enough to see a #2 option talent already on the team. I'm skeptical that talent is there but it's possible

but as others have said, whether it's the draft or trade, Portland can't be concerned with fit as much as with BPA

I do think there would be issues starting Avdija and Camara at forwards. Not nearly enough offense at wings for a solid playoff team Good defense though. So I selected SF as the more realistic position for a major upgrade. And one option from that, especially is Sharpe continues to disappoint, is making Camara the starting SG and playerX the SF

This is a good post, sums it up nicely. I like Deni, I like Camara, I am not sure either are a #2/#3 option though

I do think Deni is best as a PF, unless the 3pt shooting is for real and keeps improving, I think at PF, his size, mobility & shooting are all a plus, at SF, he may struggle to cover some players, but starting him alongside Camara could help with that, although Camara tends to guard the other teams' best player.

Which leads me to, I have always been intrigued by Edgecombe, his athleticism\defense and now he is lighting it up from 3pt. It is not hard to imagine a lineup with Camara & Edgecombe in it, both ++ defenders, and then you have Clingan & Deni, both + to ++ defenders, and you have a team with an identity. Shooting and "go to guy" are still huge issues to solve, but this would not be a fun team to play on any given night.

However, It is unfortunate, and luck could still play out, but most likely this team will be selecting from #8 - #10, time to come to grips with that. The tough part is, if POR falls @ #8, unless they jump up into the top 4 (26% chance) they are locked into 8/9/10 most likely, they cannot get the 5\6\7 pick, which means, unless they got lucky and then took him at #3/4, Edgecombe is not a reality. Now maybe Newell could be there at 8/9/10 and then you start the big lineup, with Camara at SG, not ideal, but still could hit that defensive mentality. I think Edgecombe works better, but I am intrigued by Newell, if worst case he ends up like Lively, that would be ok by me.

The overall arching issue is though, no star player, and the NBA has proven you cannot win without one, and I don't see one on this roster. Meaning, POR is going to have to either get very lucky (and draft the right guy, Oden) OR trade some of their key players away to get that player, which makes you wonder why they are not accumulating as many assets as they possibly can, b\c the more they have, the less they have to trade away from their core to get that player. Right now, POR does not have enough assets to get that player w\o trading away several key guys that they do not want to trade. Therein lies the dilemma. So we wait and see what Cronin does at the deadline.

[Walton1one]

Picking 7/8, leads to more guards or Newell.

I'd agree it will be Newell but I'm keeping an eye on Aday Mara who is a 7-3 center. The light
seems to come on for Mara who is roughly where Clingan was in his freshman season but will have
more of a developed offensive game. Most likely NIL money will keep him in college for he's not
ready to play in the league but the guy blocks shots, rebounds, outlets and passes the ball

First off #7 is likely off the table, @ #8 - #10, Newell could be available, but let's say he is not, where do they go from there?

I think the obvious targets would be guys like: Kneuppel\McNeeley, both shooters or Penda a defender\playmaker (I think he will rise like Salaun did LY).

Demin could be there, real concerns about shooting, but size\playmaking are ++

Saraf is another option, as a 3rd guard that can switch b\t PG\SG, shooting is a bit of a concern though

Lastly, for a wildcard, I would say Traore, but given Scoot's recent play, seems redundant, however IMO his upside may make it worthwhile, even if to be used as a trade chip down the road.

[Runner300]

If the goal is winning basketball - this team needs pure shooters.
Seing Sharpe/Simons tendency going ISO and taking tough shots, it's better run plays for shooters.
The team has enough talent and basketball IQ to execute proper plays.

Ben Saraf is an excellent left handed PG, has a good midrange pullup shot, but weak from 3.
He can run those plays, and be a great sub.
Although he won't get minutes if Scoot becomes a starter, and Simons is not traded.