Ayton, Grant, and Simons for anything?

[DusterBuster]

If teams are inquring about Reath, then I am surprised that he has not been traded yet?



https://www.blazersedge.com/2024/12/5/24314362/jake-fischer-marc-stein-portland-trail-blazers-nba-trade-deadline-duop-reath-clingan-ayton-williams

At this point of the marginals or redundancies he is first on the list. I like him as a person and player, but we got too many other areas we could potentially fill.

Agreed, he's basically fourth on the depth chart behind

Clingan
Ayton
RWIII
Reath

The problem is I'm hoping the Blazers trade Ayton, and RWIII could be traded or get injured (again).

He's a perfect 3rd on the depth chart guy. Is a serviceable backup and can start in a pinch. If Ayton was gone, he would be playing right now.

Honestly, with all the injuries currently, I'm not sure why he isn't playing more right now.

If there's a good deal on the table for him, it's worth cashing out. He's not a long-term guy. Basically I don't care who they trade in the C rotation outside of Clingan. He's the only true keeper in that group.

[Walton1one]

Interesting aspect of a team trading for Reath:

Trail Blazers center Duop Reath is one such player who has come up in trade chatter across the league, Fischer writes. Reath is on a three-year contract, so he can’t be absorbed using the minimum salary exception, but because his cap hit is just $2.05MM, any team (regardless of its proximity to the aprons) could legally acquire him by sending out a veteran on a one-year, minimum-salary contract ($2.09MM).

“He’s really interesting,” one Western Conference executive said to Fischer.

Let's hope this is true

The Trail Blazers have looked more competitive than many likely expected them to be. The young core has shown growth, giving the front office the possibly to make some moves ahead of the deadline.

According to insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Trail Blazers could be eyeing a move to get themselves more well-positioned for the future. The team has veterans such as Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III, and even Anfernee Simons.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/blazers_eyeing_major_trade_moves_ahead_of_2024_deadline/s1_16763_41356179

[Wizenheimer]

Rui is for sure not as good as Grant. All advanced metrics show he is a worse net player on the floor. He is also more position locked (PF) than Jerami. He is more of a Ayton type - empty stats for the most part but looks like Tarzan so constantly given higher praises than he deserves.

Agree that Rui is over hyped and generally an empty stats type player... And that he's locked in at the PF position.

Disagree that Rui is not as good as Grant. By most of the metrics that I look at - Rui is a better player than Grant.

Just a few. Rui is first, Grant second:

WS/48: 0.088 vs 0.054
TS%: 0.585 vs 0.525
TRB%: 9.8 vs 5.8
BPM: -1.5 vs -1.0
Net RTG (Off-Def): +3 (123-120) vs -9 (109-118)

you're comparing 17-20 game samples sizes from Rui's 2nd best season to Grant's worst season

the picture is a lot different when you compare career numbers in the categories you chose:

ws/48: Grant .089....Rui .073
TS: Grant .565....Rui .571 (on average, Grant assisted on 60% of FG's; Rui 75%)
TRB%: Grant 7.8%....Rui 9.8%
BPM: Grant -0.4....Rui -2.2
Net Rating: Grant -1....Rui -3

PER: Grant 14.1....Rui 13.5
Assist%: Grant 9.0%....Rui 7.0%
Block rate: Grant 3.2%....Rui 0.9%
DBPM: Grant -0.2....Rui -1.3
VORP: Grant +7.8....Rui -0.4

[GEE]

Deni is a keeper... Can we all agree on that. So I ask myself, is he a PF or SF, and the bigger question... Who would pair nicely with him at the other forward position?

Rui, unlike Grant COULD be that guy, as he's built to play in the paint on defense, and can stretch the floor on the offensive side with a very capable 3pt shot. Plus, there aren't a whole lot of players in the league stronger and tougher than this kid. His BBIQ is actually quite high having come out of Gonzaga, and fits the Blazers culture perfectly. He also came from Washington before joining Faker Nation, so I think he and Deni may have (not sure) already played some together.

Unless Cronin sees a better deal out there to be had (and there might be) I'd gladly take Rui & D-Lo --- for --- Grant. D-Lo expires and we'd have a TRUE PF going forward. I've been mentioning him as a possible perfect fit for over a year now btw.

Ayton is the other guy I want to see traded before the deadline, but I'll save that for another day, but he's the guy IMO with a very low BBIQ, can't block his own shadow and just looks lost out there on the court. Kind of a dummy I think, but thinks he's a great.

[Pattycakes]

Deni is a keeper... Can we all agree on that. So I ask myself, is he a PF or SF, and the bigger question... Who would pair nicely with him at the other forward position?

Rui, unlike Grant COULD be that guy, as he's built to play in the paint on defense, and can stretch the floor on the offensive side with a very capable 3pt shot. Plus, there aren't a whole lot of players in the league stronger and tougher than this kid. His BBIQ is actually quite high having come out of Gonzaga, and fits the Blazers culture perfectly. He also came from Washington before joining Faker Nation, so I think he and Deni may have (not sure) already played some together.

Unless Cronin sees a better deal out there to be had (and there might be) I'd gladly take Rui & D-Lo --- for --- Grant. D-Lo expires and we'd have a TRUE PF going forward. I've been mentioning him as a possible perfect fit for over a year now btw.

Ayton is the other guy I want to see traded before the deadline, but I'll save that for another day, but he's the guy IMO with a very low BBIQ, can't block his own shadow and just looks lost out there on the court. Kind of a dummy I think, but thinks he's a great.

I can realistically see Toumani, Deni, DC as our 3-5 of the future.

If Scoot and Shaedon can prove to be reliable starters one day, even better

[Butter]

Deni is a keeper... Can we all agree on that. So I ask myself, is he a PF or SF, and the bigger question... Who would pair nicely with him at the other forward position?

Interesting question. Here
Is an interesting video that addresses trends in the league. I think Deni's best fit is as the future PF for the Blazers.

https://youtu.be/YP86YIovsK0?si=BxbggeC2Hyeflec9

[m0ng0]

Deni is a keeper... Can we all agree on that. So I ask myself, is he a PF or SF, and the bigger question... Who would pair nicely with him at the other forward position?

Interesting question. Here
Is an interesting video that addresses trends in the league. I think Deni's best fit is as the future PF for the Blazers.

https://youtu.be/YP86YIovsK0?si=BxbggeC2Hyeflec9

I have thought that myself.

[dckingsfan]

Deni is a keeper... Can we all agree on that. So I ask myself, is he a PF or SF, and the bigger question... Who would pair nicely with him at the other forward position?

Interesting question. Here
Is an interesting video that addresses trends in the league. I think Deni's best fit is as the future PF for the Blazers.

https://youtu.be/YP86YIovsK0?si=BxbggeC2Hyeflec9

I have thought that myself.

Anyone notice that Camara played much better when paired with Deni? I think the Deni/Camara duo at forward is fine. Of course, that depends on this upcoming draft.

I also think that Deni/Camara/Clingan is a nice trio to build around. I am torn on Banton... empty stats guy or can he figure it out?

But anyway you look at it - this is going to be a long rebuild (IMO) unless some amazing trades happen.

I am just not sold on Sharpe, Simons or Scoot at guard. I don't think Grant makes sense... but, I guess the trio of Grant/Deni/Camara would be fine?

And Ayton needs to go (IMO). Of course, my opinion matters not - what will this "crazy" FO do? They seem to be in love with their guys Sharpe, Simons, Scoot and Ayton.

My 1/2 cent.

[Butter]

Interesting question. Here
Is an interesting video that addresses trends in the league. I think Deni's best fit is as the future PF for the Blazers.

https://youtu.be/YP86YIovsK0?si=BxbggeC2Hyeflec9

I have thought that myself.

Anyone notice that Camara played much better when paired with Deni? I think the Deni/Camara duo at forward is fine. Of course, that depends on this upcoming draft.

I also think that Deni/Camara/Clingan is a nice trio to build around. I am torn on Banton... empty stats guy or can he figure it out?

But anyway you look at it - this is going to be a long rebuild (IMO) unless some amazing trades happen.

I am just not sold on Sharpe, Simons or Scoot at guard. I don't think Grant makes sense... but, I guess the trio of Grant/Deni/Camara would be fine?

And Ayton needs to go (IMO). Of course, my opinion matters not - what will this "crazy" FO do? They seem to be in love with their guys Sharpe, Simons, Scoot and Ayton.

My 1/2 cent.

I am VERY surprised that Shaedon has been struggling so much with his shot this year

The good news is the Blazers can go BPA in the draft, aside from center

[dckingsfan]

I have thought that myself.

Anyone notice that Camara played much better when paired with Deni? I think the Deni/Camara duo at forward is fine. Of course, that depends on this upcoming draft.

I also think that Deni/Camara/Clingan is a nice trio to build around. I am torn on Banton... empty stats guy or can he figure it out?

But anyway you look at it - this is going to be a long rebuild (IMO) unless some amazing trades happen.

I am just not sold on Sharpe, Simons or Scoot at guard. I don't think Grant makes sense... but, I guess the trio of Grant/Deni/Camara would be fine?

And Ayton needs to go (IMO). Of course, my opinion matters not - what will this "crazy" FO do? They seem to be in love with their guys Sharpe, Simons, Scoot and Ayton.

My 1/2 cent.

I am VERY surprised that Shaedon has been struggling so much with his shot this year

The good news is the Blazers can go BPA in the draft, aside from center

Yup! And I could see the Blazers ending up at 5th. So, likely at least the 7th pick in a very strong draft.

Your thoughts on Banton? I wonder if this FO is savvy enough to get him on a declining contract like Deni's?

[tester551]

Deni is a keeper... Can we all agree on that. So I ask myself, is he a PF or SF, and the bigger question... Who would pair nicely with him at the other forward position?

Interesting question. Here
Is an interesting video that addresses trends in the league. I think Deni's best fit is as the future PF for the Blazers.

https://youtu.be/YP86YIovsK0?si=BxbggeC2Hyeflec9

100% correct.
We need a deadly shooter to fit with team to space the floor though.

[PDXKnight]

Deni is a keeper... Can we all agree on that. So I ask myself, is he a PF or SF, and the bigger question... Who would pair nicely with him at the other forward position?

Interesting question. Here
Is an interesting video that addresses trends in the league. I think Deni's best fit is as the future PF for the Blazers.

https://youtu.be/YP86YIovsK0?si=BxbggeC2Hyeflec9

100% correct.
We need a deadly shooter to fit with team to space the floor though.

I dont care what trends say, common sense would indicate rebounding at the 4 is pretty important. At least 8 rebounds a game ideally around 10. Maybe deni can hit that 8 number who knows but that's something that would indicate to me whether or not he could be a 4

[tester551]

Interesting question. Here
Is an interesting video that addresses trends in the league. I think Deni's best fit is as the future PF for the Blazers.

https://youtu.be/YP86YIovsK0?si=BxbggeC2Hyeflec9

100% correct.
We need a deadly shooter to fit with team to space the floor though.

I dont care what trends say, common sense would indicate rebounding at the 4 is pretty important. At least 8 rebounds a game ideally around 10. Maybe deni can hit that 8 number who knows but that's something that would indicate to me whether or not he could be a 4

Agreed. Rebounding is very important.
Our current PF averages <3 per game.... so Deni would be a HUGE improvement

[tester551]

Rui is for sure not as good as Grant. All advanced metrics show he is a worse net player on the floor. He is also more position locked (PF) than Jerami. He is more of a Ayton type - empty stats for the most part but looks like Tarzan so constantly given higher praises than he deserves.

Agree that Rui is over hyped and generally an empty stats type player... And that he's locked in at the PF position.

Disagree that Rui is not as good as Grant. By most of the metrics that I look at - Rui is a better player than Grant.

Just a few. Rui is first, Grant second:

WS/48: 0.088 vs 0.054
TS%: 0.585 vs 0.525
TRB%: 9.8 vs 5.8
BPM: -1.5 vs -1.0
Net RTG (Off-Def): +3 (123-120) vs -9 (109-118)

Does anyone who disagreed with me what to change their tune now?

I still stand by that Rui is a better/more impactful player than Grant.

[Blazinaway]

Rui is for sure not as good as Grant. All advanced metrics show he is a worse net player on the floor. He is also more position locked (PF) than Jerami. He is more of a Ayton type - empty stats for the most part but looks like Tarzan so constantly given higher praises than he deserves.

Agree that Rui is over hyped and generally an empty stats type player... And that he's locked in at the PF position.

Disagree that Rui is not as good as Grant. By most of the metrics that I look at - Rui is a better player than Grant.

Just a few. Rui is first, Grant second:

WS/48: 0.088 vs 0.054
TS%: 0.585 vs 0.525
TRB%: 9.8 vs 5.8
BPM: -1.5 vs -1.0
Net RTG (Off-Def): +3 (123-120) vs -9 (109-118)

Does anyone who disagreed with me what to change their tune now?

I still stand by that Rui is a better/more impactful player than Grant.

the way Grant/Simons/Ayton are playing we may have to give value to move them, way to go Joe your holding out for "more value" strategy has sucked

[Butter]

Agree that Rui is over hyped and generally an empty stats type player... And that he's locked in at the PF position.

Disagree that Rui is not as good as Grant. By most of the metrics that I look at - Rui is a better player than Grant.

Just a few. Rui is first, Grant second:

WS/48: 0.088 vs 0.054
TS%: 0.585 vs 0.525
TRB%: 9.8 vs 5.8
BPM: -1.5 vs -1.0
Net RTG (Off-Def): +3 (123-120) vs -9 (109-118)

Does anyone who disagreed with me what to change their tune now?

I still stand by that Rui is a better/more impactful player than Grant.

the way Grant/Simons/Ayton are playing we may have to give value to move them, way to go Joe your holding out for "more value" strategy has sucked

Ayton played pretty well last night. Getting 19 boards against AD is solid.

Grants 0-for may have killed any 2x firsts discussions though.

[zzaj]

...Unless Cronin sees a better deal out there to be had (and there might be) I'd gladly take Rui & D-Lo --- for --- Grant. D-Lo expires and we'd have a TRUE PF going forward. I've been mentioning him as a possible perfect fit for over a year now btw...

Why on earth would the Lakers give up an expiring contract plus a player who is arguably better than Grant and 4 years younger and on a 100% more value contract. It. Makes. No. Sense.

Please everyone, calm down with the Rui +assets for Grant noise. It won't ever happen because it's a terrible trade for the Lakers.

[zzaj]

I have thought that myself.

Anyone notice that Camara played much better when paired with Deni? I think the Deni/Camara duo at forward is fine. Of course, that depends on this upcoming draft.

I also think that Deni/Camara/Clingan is a nice trio to build around. I am torn on Banton... empty stats guy or can he figure it out?

But anyway you look at it - this is going to be a long rebuild (IMO) unless some amazing trades happen.

I am just not sold on Sharpe, Simons or Scoot at guard. I don't think Grant makes sense... but, I guess the trio of Grant/Deni/Camara would be fine?

And Ayton needs to go (IMO). Of course, my opinion matters not - what will this "crazy" FO do? They seem to be in love with their guys Sharpe, Simons, Scoot and Ayton.

My 1/2 cent.

I am VERY surprised that Shaedon has been struggling so much with his shot this year

The good news is the Blazers can go BPA in the draft, aside from center

Yeah, I'm close to done waiting for Sharpe to "become" the consistent player that everyone wants him to be. Blazers could wait for years to find out he's pretty much the exact same player he was when he was drafted. I REALLY hope Cronin isn't stupid enough to lock him up on a huge extension if he continues his passive, marginal starter play. That would be Olshey levels of dumb.

As for Deni at PF? I think either SF/PF work moving forward depending on who the Blazers slot in at the other position. Finding a player that rebounds well, AND can create their own shot, AND defends well, AND can shoot well from 3 is a needle in the haystack however...quadruple threats don't just grow on trees. I think Flagg probably is closest to that player in the upcoming draft, since he's young enough to improve from the perimeter.

[Runner300]

Deni is a Point Forward.
On a good team with smart set offense or positionless system he's an asset.
On a bad team with a below average coach and no offensive system - he's a net negative.
He feels better as PF because his defenders are slower and heavier.
SF is harder for him because he's not a natural 3pt shooter.

[dckingsfan]

Deni is a Point Forward.
On a good team with smart set offense or positionless system he's an asset.
On a bad team with a below average coach and no offensive system - he's a net negative.
He feels better as PF because his defenders are slower and heavier.
SF is harder for him because he's not a natural 3pt shooter.

Violent agreement.

He is also fine with a 3pt shooting PF.

Also note, he shot .315; .317; .297 and then last year 0.374 from 3.

This year he is at 0.348 and creeping back up from the miserable shooting start. But he is a low volume 3-point shooter.