Rumors, "Shorts" and other chatter

[Jsun947]

Trade Crawford, Wallace, Babbit for expirings + picks = Go all in on Nash/Dwight in FA = P

Nash/Mathews/Batum/Aldridge/D12 = win

gogoogogogogogoogogogogogoogogogo

[cucad8]

but again, you're going a lot further in making assumptions then I'm willing to. That being that it's a true rumor that Portland is demanding a 1st as the price for trading Crawford while not accepting anything else

I am not sure that's true. It makes some sense, yes. But it also makes some sense that the Blazers not simply foreclose on any other options

Yes, but if they start by saying we're looking for a first, some team can say well, I don't want to give up my first, but I'll give you...darren Collison, he's as good as a first. Then Portland considers. If a team says well, we see you want a first, how about CJ Watson? We WOULD offer a 1st, but we heard the Pacers only offered AJ Price, so now we'll only offer Watson, just doesn't make sense. I am not saying they want a 1st and will not listen on anything else. I think that the value they are looking for is a 1st. And if a team is unwilling to move a pick, then they'd have to move someone with similar value. Price isn't it, but Price and the 1st, obviously Same with Watson, etc.

I know teams aren't going to get into a bidding war for Crawford. But "leaking" the asking price Price and a 1st, I don't see how that is hurting offers, and making them less, honestly. It isn't going to hurt a team from offering a player instead of a 1st, if they think that player can hold the value of a 1st, and it isn't going to stop a team from offering a 1st if they thought they wanted him.


Basically, they kind of let teams know it's like an auction. Starting bid is a 1st. Anything valued less than that, we just keep him, no problem. Otherwise, let's move from there. 1st rounder. Anyone want to offer a 1st? Anyone want to offer a player we might value equally to a 1st? I don't see how AJ Price's name associated with a 1st hurts the value, still. If anything, because his salary is so low, AJ and a 1st is a betteer offer than the others, so it could theoretically increase other offers. Portland can say hey, we don't care about Price, or Watson or whoever. But this one gives us less salary commitment, a 4 million TPE and a 1st, so beat that offer. Not go below it, and keep going down.

[PDXKnight]

I propose that we sticky this thread as a deadline trade thread.

[TBpup]

Had a nice chat with someone who has been quite conservative in the past in their projections but who also has some good contacts. He said that Portland has been one of the more active teams in the league along with the Lakers and the Magic in terms of contacting other teams and fostering trade discussion.

Some of the names were ones we have already heard about but he didn't think there was any way Blake was on that list just due to his contract. For the same reason, he said he'd heard about Ramon Sessions (Cleveland) who is stuck behind #1 pick Kyrie Irving but has a contract similar to Blake and although the Blazers like him much better than Blake, they are not a fan of his contract.

He believes the Blazers want to significantly upgrade (Rondo/Nash/Williams), or get picks, small or ending contracts and draft picks for cap flexibility this summer. He thought Brandon Jennings might be a possibility or someone like CJ Watson (Chicago for Crawford) as just a fill in although again doesn't like the contract.

Trade deadline is Thursday.

[Khazim]

Had a nice chat with someone who has been quite conservative in the past in their projections but who also has some good contacts. He said that Portland has been one of the more active teams in the league along with the Lakers and the Magic in terms of contacting other teams and fostering trade discussion.

Some of the names were ones we have already heard about but he didn't think there was any way Blake was on that list just due to his contract. For the same reason, he said he'd heard about Ramon Sessions (Cleveland) who is stuck behind #1 pick Kyrie Irving but has a contract similar to Blake and although the Blazers like him much better than Blake, they are not a fan of his contract.

He believes the Blazers want to significantly upgrade (Rondo/Nash/Williams), or get picks, small or ending contracts and draft picks for cap flexibility this summer. He thought Brandon Jennings might be a possibility or someone like CJ Watson (Chicago for Crawford) as just a fill in although again doesn't like the contract.

Trade deadline is Thursday.

Good stuff, thanks TBpup.

I'd be totally willing to try out Brandon Jennings, but I worry about what the expense would be. Certainly no Batum for him. As much as I love Gerald, I'd be willing to move him for a chance at a young promising PG. I can't really find a decent workable trade using the trade machine though.

Sessions would be a decent replacement for Felton, but not a ton of potential IMO.

[cucad8]

Watson has an unguaranteed contract for next season, so his deal shouldn't be an issue. And Sessions has a player option, but would imagine he could get himself locked up long term if he opts out also. Would think he's just as likely as Jamal to opt out.

[TBpup]

Watson has an unguaranteed contract for next season, so his deal shouldn't be an issue. And Sessions has a player option, but would imagine he could get himself locked up long term if he opts out also. Would think he's just as likely as Jamal to opt out.

Cucad8...thanks for the update. We were trying to remember contract values/years off the top of our heads. Given that, I would imaging those types of players/contracts to be more in play based on what he thought.

[Billy]

Thanks TBPup.

I like the fact that Portland is at least willing to look at the game changers. Hopefully they do give it a good attempt and not some half assed "we'll give you anything other than Aldridge, Batum and Matthews."

I like the fact that Sessions was at least on their radar, but understand the contract side of things. He's a solid PG and I think is fairly underrated, but I think he's the kind of piece that you add into a team that already has 2 stars and needs a distributor.

I also think that it is wise to go after a PG at this time. If you also want to see about dipping into FA (assuming you still can after making a trade), having a high quality PG is going to be a big draw--especially to a place like Portland that doesn't necessarily have the appeal of the larger markets.

[PDXKnight]

Rondo would look great in red black and white.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I'm not sold on Sessions either.


IMHO, under Nate's offense, the key to PG play is low turnovers and a good 3 point shot. I don't think he needs to be a great playmaker, as long as he can avoid fumbling the ball against pressure and can consistently hit 3 point shots.


While Sessions is shooting it well this season, I wouldn't be sure that will continue.

[Billy]

I'm not sold on Sessions either.


IMHO, under Nate's offense, the key to PG play is low turnovers and a good 3 point shot. I don't think he needs to be a great playmaker, as long as he can avoid fumbling the ball against pressure and can consistently hit 3 point shots.


While Sessions is shooting it well this season, I wouldn't be sure that will continue.

I was surprised with Session's percentages this year, but they do seem to run counter to his career.

That said, I wonder if we are getting to the point where management needs to make a move that is best for the team, and tell McMillan it is time to adjust. McMillan hasn't exactly had a murderer's row of PG's while in Portland (Telfair, Jack, Blake, Miller, Felton), but I would argue that the players that arguably had the most talent tended to be subject to the most of McMillan's mind games. McMillan has basically decided that creativity need not apply, and that standing on the 3 point line is the PG's job.

The player you described is Steve Blake, which works just fine if you have Brandon Roy creating for himself and others. Since Portland doesn't have a single player that can create their own shot (or is allowed for that matter), I am not sure Nate's preference at PG is the best choice.

[tester551]

I'm not sold on Sessions either.


IMHO, under Nate's offense, the key to PG play is low turnovers and a good 3 point shot. I don't think he needs to be a great playmaker, as long as he can avoid fumbling the ball against pressure and can consistently hit 3 point shots.


While Sessions is shooting it well this season, I wouldn't be sure that will continue.

At this point, Nate's offense should be the last consideration when looking at a PG. I don't want this to turn into a "bash Nate" thread, so I will stop there.

I do like the idea of Sessions.... as a backup. If we can get him, and sign Nash in FA - Portland might actually be above average at PG for once.

[Agenda42]

IMHO, under Nate's offense, the key to PG play is low turnovers and a good 3 point shot. I don't think he needs to be a great playmaker, as long as he can avoid fumbling the ball against pressure and can consistently hit 3 point shots.

I think this has been true in the past, but only because the Blazers haven't had anyone good at PG. If you're going to be a complementary role player sort of PG, those are exactly the qualifications you need to be successful.

If you're a strong starting PG, though, I think Nate would be just fine with you being like Rondo. Nate worked well with Gary Payton, and he was never much of a shooter.

This is all fairly academic as changing the coach is a quite reasonable option this offseason.

[DusterBuster]

I'm not sold on Sessions either.


IMHO, under Nate's offense, the key to PG play is low turnovers and a good 3 point shot. I don't think he needs to be a great playmaker, as long as he can avoid fumbling the ball against pressure and can consistently hit 3 point shots.


While Sessions is shooting it well this season, I wouldn't be sure that will continue.

At this point, Nate's offense should be the last consideration when looking at a PG. I don't want this to turn into a "bash Nate" thread, so I will stop there.

I do like the idea of Sessions.... as a backup. If we can get him, and sign Nash in FA - Portland might actually be above average at PG for once.

It has to be considered if the PG being brought in is only under contract for this season. Nate's offense IS hard for certain types of PG's to succeed in, that much is obvious from his time in Seattle and Portland. Sessions has a PO this summer and it's very likely he's going to opt out. Just like with Augustin (who's a RFA this summer), if Nate is gone this summer, having to watch a PG who doesn't fit his system struggle for 20 or so games isn't going to give the Blazers a good indication of what the player can really offer the team.

[DusterBuster]

IMHO, under Nate's offense, the key to PG play is low turnovers and a good 3 point shot. I don't think he needs to be a great playmaker, as long as he can avoid fumbling the ball against pressure and can consistently hit 3 point shots.

I think this has been true in the past, but only because the Blazers haven't had anyone good at PG. If you're going to be a complementary role player sort of PG, those are exactly the qualifications you need to be successful.

If you're a strong starting PG, though, I think Nate would be just fine with you being like Rondo. Nate worked well with Gary Payton, and he was never much of a shooter.

This is all fairly academic as changing the coach is a quite reasonable option this offseason.

I believe respect plays a big part in how Nate handles his PG's. If a PG doesn't fit his style, it can go one of two ways. If it's a longtime veteran, Nate gives them a lot more leeway. If it's a younger less established player, Nate tightens the leash to the point of choking.

[a_sensei]

The team needs a game changer at guard. A guy that can run the team, creating for himself and teammates, and hopefully play defense as well. It doesn't matter if the guy is technically a 1 or a 2 as long as Batum and the other guard/SF can play off of him.

[The Sebastian Express]

I'm not as big as fan as Jennings. He's stated he wants to go to a bigger market, he seems very 'me first', and he's streaky. I think we need a veteran guard to pair up with LaMarcus, or a legitimate prospect out of college.

[DusterBuster]

I actively dislike Jennings. He's one of my least favorite NBA players. I have no interest in him being a Blazer whatsoever. As TSE said, the guy is extremely selfish/me-first type player, he's made it clear he wants a big market and he needs a TON of shots to be effective.

[Billy]

I'm not as big as fan as Jennings. He's stated he wants to go to a bigger market, he seems very 'me first', and he's streaky. I think we need a veteran guard to pair up with LaMarcus, or a legitimate prospect out of college.

I really have no idea what to think about Jennings. On one hand he seems like a very skilled and talented player, on the other, I wonder how "big" his name would be if he hadn't gone the whole HS to Italy to NBA route.

I tend to agree that Portland should focus on getting a veteran or finding a true and legit prospect in the draft (not sure if this is the draft for that though).

[cucad8]

I like Jennings,, for no specific reason. Though I'd want him to grow back out the flat top he had at the McDonald's all american game as a prerequisite to joining the team.