Now what?

[JasonStern]

The problem with that is DA's next extension.

DA is eligible for a $161 million/3 extension on July 18. With Donovan in the fold, there is no way
Portland would extend Ayton

You do realize that you don't have to max every player? I get with the Grant extension that Cronin might not understand that, but what teams are going to out-bid us for Ayton? And worst case, we have Clinkin'.
And FWIW, I like Domin-Ayton. Good stats on a bad team with bad coaching? Sure. But the bad team/coach part isn't on him.

[Bigpoppapomp82]

IN CRONIN I TRUST... and to answer the Subject question of "Now what?", I say... WIN BABY!!!

Just wanted to share, that on draft night I was soo confused by the trade leading into it, and not thrilled that we ended the night with only Clingan. I quickly became kinda pissed-off. But now, a couple days later I see the brilliance of the less-than sexy moves Cronin made.

In fact, I realized now that Cronin did (with trade) exactly what I had been suggesting and hoping he would do. for many months now.. Instead of more rookies, comb the other NBA teams rosters and try to identify a player that might fit perfectly on our roster, and use a high draft pick or two and some expendable talent to get him. Overpay if needed.

So obviously, once I found out who this Deni guy was, and realized Clingan is only being asked to be the 3rd string Center next season, I am now feeling Cronin is in the A+ zone for draft day. Free-agency is next up, but I really, really, really don't think we need to do anything more to our roster, and if all arrive healthy (TL especially) in top physical shape and even slightly improved in their respective games.......

Simons / Scoot / Delano
Sharpe / Thybulle / Chi
Grant / Deni / Camara
TL / Realth / Love (vet min)
Ayton / Walker / Clingan

35ish wins would be a huge disappointment in my view, and think this NEW Blazers squad is BUILT.

edit: I just realized I do want to add just one player if able. Kevin Love would be my sole target this Free-Agency period.

Here is what I think the rotation ends up looking like headed into the season:

Scoot / PG from trade / Banton
Sharpe / Rupert / Min player
Deni / Camara (3&4 backup), Thybulle
Grant / Walker / Murray
Ayton / Clingan

Ant, RW3, Grant, Thybulle all have to be traded between now and the trade dealine. Embrace the suck! I am feeling like we have a legit chnace at being the worst team in the NBA. My hope for the season is that Scoot can take a leap with Clingan and Ayton allowing for some good P&R actions, Then Shaedon can stay healthy so we can get a good idea if he is our longterm 2, Deni is a young solid 3&D who can also playmake which should pair well with Scoot & Ayton/Clingan in the P&R for kickouts.

Two more guys who I could see being moved are Walker and Murray. I love Bari but he just isn't big enough or bring anything elite to the table.

The dream would be to end up with Cooper Flagg and a shooter like Edgecome from the 25 draft.

Scoot
Shaedon
Deni
Flagg
Clingan

Edgecome as your microwave scorer off the bench and fill things out from there.

[JasonStern]

Here is what I think the rotation ends up looking like headed into the season:

Scoot / PG from trade / Banton
Sharpe / Rupert / Min player
Deni / Camara (3&4 backup), Thybulle
Grant / Walker / Murray
Ayton / Clingan

Simons is starting. He's literally the team's best player, on a reasonable contract, and can play both guard positions. Is he undersized? Yes. Does his game have flaws? Yes. Could he be flipped down the road for a position of need? Maybe. But right now, he's a staple.

Also Thybulle isn't better than Camara. Murray is a SF and potential bust if not properly developed. I love Rupert's potential, but he should not be on the court. I hate Grant at PF unless the goal is to tank. And no love for Duop Reath?

[Norm2953]

The problem with that is DA's next extension.

DA is eligible for a $161 million/3 extension on July 18. With Donovan in the fold, there is no way
Portland would extend Ayton

You do realize that you don't have to max every player? I get with the Grant extension that Cronin might not understand that, but what teams are going to out-bid us for Ayton? And worst case, we have Clinkin'.
And FWIW, I like Domin-Ayton. Good stats on a bad team with bad coaching? Sure. But the bad team/coach part isn't on him.

He's still going to get a bit more than the contract he has now but it might be interesting if he is able to
play PF for he's about the same size as LA with a similar pick and pop offensive game.

Portland will find out soon enough if he can play PF for with Clingan onboard, Portland could easily play
Simons, Sharpe and Scoot together

[Norm2953]

Interesting the Blazers just announced their summer league team and Scoot is not playing

[GEE]

I can't say this LOUDER... I really like all of the guys on this current roster, and must give Cronin major props for cleaning up the **** mess that Olshey left him, and built a solid team with room/ability to get better. My biggest concern now, and what I believe to be the biggest question mark is... TIME-LORD! Will the full year we just gave him result with him being a dominant force for the Blazers future... or will he be another Festus Ezeli? We just inked that Chi (6'7 wing from China) along with Minaya. I think we are done trading and ready for Summer League.

Feels like Cronin will just continue to be patient for the right deal to emerge (ala Brogden/picks for Deni), in order for Grant to get moved, but I continue to hope for the trade I suggested on the "Grant trade" thread: BRK/POR/LAL - Grant and Reath for RUI and Sharpe would be awesome.

Last thing... I pointed out months ago how Ayton's game is similar to LA12's. He just needs to be paired with the right complimentary players, and TL might be that guy. Reath too, but Grant and Camara... not so much. LA12 had Z-BO.

[JasonStern]

I love the theory of playing Ayton at PF, but I doubt he has the lateral quickness to defend smaller, faster forwards. But then this is probably the first time on RealGM defense and Ayton were mentioned in the same sentence.

[zzaj]

I watched the Cronin presser live, and I too arched a brow when he mentioned that about Scoot and Shaedon. I'm sure the statement was nothing, but I REALLY hope that the organization has the gonads to bring Simons off the bench as an uber-scorer. He would be so good in that role.

Scoot and Sharpe (I'm the biggest Sharpe stan) aren't ready. There is no way Simons gets benched when he's the best player on the team. More concerning is Cronin saying we need to develop talent, then trading away Brogdon. It's early, so I won't react yet. But the team needs a few veterans to mentor the younger talent that is trying to be developed.

Ready for what?

Winning? Of course not.

Developing, while mostly losing and gaining some lotto traction in 2025? Of course so.

I agree that the team won't bench Simons, even if that is likely the best role for him as an NBA player.

[JasonStern]

I watched the Cronin presser live, and I too arched a brow when he mentioned that about Scoot and Shaedon. I'm sure the statement was nothing, but I REALLY hope that the organization has the gonads to bring Simons off the bench as an uber-scorer. He would be so good in that role.

Scoot and Sharpe (I'm the biggest Sharpe stan) aren't ready. There is no way Simons gets benched when he's the best player on the team. More concerning is Cronin saying we need to develop talent, then trading away Brogdon. It's early, so I won't react yet. But the team needs a few veterans to mentor the younger talent that is trying to be developed.

Ready for what?

Winning? Of course not.

Developing, while mostly losing and gaining some lotto traction in 2025? Of course so.

I agree that the team won't bench Simons, even if that is likely the best role for him as an NBA player.

Again, development comes primarily off the court. The idea that playing Scoot 48 minutes a game is going to magically turn him into an all-star is a RealGM fantasy. What he is doing now, during the off-season, and in practice during the season, is where he'll make progressions. It's why despite understanding the Deni trade, I hated losing Brogdon.

[zzaj]

Scoot and Sharpe (I'm the biggest Sharpe stan) aren't ready. There is no way Simons gets benched when he's the best player on the team. More concerning is Cronin saying we need to develop talent, then trading away Brogdon. It's early, so I won't react yet. But the team needs a few veterans to mentor the younger talent that is trying to be developed.

Ready for what?

Winning? Of course not.

Developing, while mostly losing and gaining some lotto traction in 2025? Of course so.

I agree that the team won't bench Simons, even if that is likely the best role for him as an NBA player.

Again, development comes primarily off the court. The idea that playing Scoot 48 minutes a game is going to magically turn him into an all-star is a RealGM fantasy. What he is doing now, during the off-season, and in practice during the season, is where he'll make progressions. It's why despite understanding the Deni trade, I hated losing Brogdon.

I agree with you that skill development happens in the summer. There is just not enough time during the season to do any substantial work in unless it involves maintaining your body. Player and coaching narratives back that up. But in-game reps mean a ton, and it's where the rubber meets the road in terms of what a player is actually going to be--especially for PGs.

I'm definitely not in the "play Scoot 48 minutes a game so he can magically turn into an AS" camp, and I feel the same way about Simons. It's no surprise that Scoot developed a lot when Brogdon was out at the end of last year.

Bottom line, there are some potentially franchise changing young players in the top 7 picks in next year's draft. Portland would be dumb to worry so much about winning that they still barely miss the play-in and lose out on one of those players. Simons and Grant are known commodities and aren't players that will ultimately change the direction of a franchise as a cornerstone.

Brogdon was my favorite Blazer last season, and I was dreaming up ways of trading him for CJ a few seasons ago. Wish it would have happened that way...

[Goldbum]

Detroit has shown an interest in Ant. Nothing is imminent, but the Pistons are doing their diligence on him. Same source that told me we wanted Deni. To be clear he didn't say we are trying to trade him to Detroit, just that they have interest. I wanted to post this since no one in the media has said anything.

[Pattycakes]

Detroit has shown an interest in Ant. Nothing is imminent, but the Pistons are doing their diligence on him. Same source that told me we wanted Deni. To be clear he didn't say we are trying to trade him to Detroit, just that they have interest. I wanted to post this since no one in the media has said anything.

Pistons gonna Piston. Watch them get Ant and keep all their other guards too.

[Wizenheimer]

Detroit has shown an interest in Ant. Nothing is imminent, but the Pistons are doing their diligence on him. Same source that told me we wanted Deni. To be clear he didn't say we are trying to trade him to Detroit, just that they have interest. I wanted to post this since no one in the media has said anything.

thanks for the 'info'

as someone who felt the Blazers spent several years on a treadmill because of Olshey's insane man-love for CJ...and are now locked in the same room in purgatory with an irrational attachment to Simons, any glimmer of hope is appreciated

[zzaj]

Looking at what the Pistons have to offer...outside of Ausar, there honestly isn't one thing on their roster that I'd want on the Blazers at this time. And there is likely zero chance that Detroit is giving up Ausar.

Unless I'm mistaken, I believe Detroit is just a few million below the cap, so Simons couldn't be traded for picks alone.

[Walton1one]

I think DET has about $5.2mil under the cap currently?

I think the only way a deal would work would be in August when THJ is available to trade?

Ivey\THJ\25' Pick swap and maybe a future pick
for
Simons and 1 of Walker\Reath\Banton\Murray

The only other way it might work is if DET traded Ivey\Fontecchio\Sasser & S&T Bobi Klintman (can that be done?), who is still unsigned
for
Simons\Banton (who could be cut\only $200k guaranteed?)

Not sure that would work.

Although, this could fit with other rumors of POR trying to trade a depth package, centered around a group of Williams\Thybulle\Reath\Banton (maybe Murray?) to teams that have open roster spots are cap strained and can do a 2 or 3 for 1 with some type of draft capital coming back?

Philly - Current roster 9 players
NO\NYK\CLE - All have current roster count of 12
UTA\SAC\CHA - All have current roster county of 13

[zzaj]

I think DET has about $5.2mil under the cap currently?

I think the only way a deal would work would be in August when THJ is available to trade?

Ivey\THJ\25' Pick swap and maybe a future pick
for
Simons and 1 of Walker\Reath\Banton\Murray

The only other way it might work is if DET traded Ivey\Fontecchio\Sasser & S&T Bobi Klintman (can that be done?), who is still unsigned
for
Simons\Banton (who could be cut\only $200k guaranteed?)

Not sure that would work.

Although, this could fit with other rumors of POR trying to trade a depth package, centered around a group of Williams\Thybulle\Reath\Banton (maybe Murray?) to teams that have open roster spots are cap strained and can do a 2 or 3 for 1 with some type of draft capital coming back?

Philly - Current roster 9 players
NO\NYK\CLE - All have current roster count of 12
UTA\SAC\CHA - All have current roster county of 13

I could definitely see Philly and NO having interest, especially if Ingram gets traded.

[Walton1one]

Out of teams with available roster space. I don't think CHA\UTA would have interest, and I can't see a way to make Philly\NO work, other teams (NYK\CLE\SAC) though, maybe.

NY involving Mitchell Robinson, plus DET 25' pick back? for Williams and 1 of Banton\Reath\Walker would work

CLE - S&T revolving around Okoro or Strus\Wade + 31' 1st for Williams\Reath\Walker

SAC - Huerter\Lyles, Future 1st + POR 25' 2nd back for Williams\Thybulle\Reath

[JasonStern]

Ready for what?

Winning? Of course not.

Developing, while mostly losing and gaining some lotto traction in 2025? Of course so.

I agree that the team won't bench Simons, even if that is likely the best role for him as an NBA player.

Again, development comes primarily off the court. The idea that playing Scoot 48 minutes a game is going to magically turn him into an all-star is a RealGM fantasy. What he is doing now, during the off-season, and in practice during the season, is where he'll make progressions. It's why despite understanding the Deni trade, I hated losing Brogdon.

I agree with you that skill development happens in the summer. There is just not enough time during the season to do any substantial work in unless it involves maintaining your body. Player and coaching narratives back that up. But in-game reps mean a ton, and it's where the rubber meets the road in terms of what a player is actually going to be--especially for PGs.

I'm definitely not in the "play Scoot 48 minutes a game so he can magically turn into an AS" camp, and I feel the same way about Simons. It's no surprise that Scoot developed a lot when Brogdon was out at the end of last year.

Bottom line, there are some potentially franchise changing young players in the top 7 picks in next year's draft. Portland would be dumb to worry so much about winning that they still barely miss the play-in and lose out on one of those players. Simons and Grant are known commodities and aren't players that will ultimately change the direction of a franchise as a cornerstone.

Brogdon was my favorite Blazer last season, and I was dreaming up ways of trading him for CJ a few seasons ago. Wish it would have happened that way...

We're in agreement. But again, this is a for profit team with questionable management. Putting out a real bad team to hope to hit in the draft doesn't fill seats. Attendance was at an all-time low during the either the Oden or Roy and Aldridge season.

On the "I guess" bright side, a big 3 of Simons/Grant/Ayton isn't winning many games.

[zzaj]

Again, development comes primarily off the court. The idea that playing Scoot 48 minutes a game is going to magically turn him into an all-star is a RealGM fantasy. What he is doing now, during the off-season, and in practice during the season, is where he'll make progressions. It's why despite understanding the Deni trade, I hated losing Brogdon.

I agree with you that skill development happens in the summer. There is just not enough time during the season to do any substantial work in unless it involves maintaining your body. Player and coaching narratives back that up. But in-game reps mean a ton, and it's where the rubber meets the road in terms of what a player is actually going to be--especially for PGs.

I'm definitely not in the "play Scoot 48 minutes a game so he can magically turn into an AS" camp, and I feel the same way about Simons. It's no surprise that Scoot developed a lot when Brogdon was out at the end of last year.

Bottom line, there are some potentially franchise changing young players in the top 7 picks in next year's draft. Portland would be dumb to worry so much about winning that they still barely miss the play-in and lose out on one of those players. Simons and Grant are known commodities and aren't players that will ultimately change the direction of a franchise as a cornerstone.

Brogdon was my favorite Blazer last season, and I was dreaming up ways of trading him for CJ a few seasons ago. Wish it would have happened that way...

We're in agreement. But again, this is a for profit team with questionable management. Putting out a real bad team to hope to hit in the draft doesn't fill seats. Attendance was at an all-time low during the either the Oden or Roy and Aldridge season.

On the "I guess" bright side, a big 3 of Simons/Grant/Ayton isn't winning many games.

JA is holding on at least until she gets the big bucks from the NBA broadcast rights. After that we'll see...but I'm sure there is certainly no rush on her end. I'm of the opinion that although she has a rep for penny pinching...I don't think she actually has operated that way with the Blazers.

It'll be nice at some point to have an owner who cares about the team.

[The Sebastian Express]

I agree with you that skill development happens in the summer. There is just not enough time during the season to do any substantial work in unless it involves maintaining your body. Player and coaching narratives back that up. But in-game reps mean a ton, and it's where the rubber meets the road in terms of what a player is actually going to be--especially for PGs.

I'm definitely not in the "play Scoot 48 minutes a game so he can magically turn into an AS" camp, and I feel the same way about Simons. It's no surprise that Scoot developed a lot when Brogdon was out at the end of last year.

Bottom line, there are some potentially franchise changing young players in the top 7 picks in next year's draft. Portland would be dumb to worry so much about winning that they still barely miss the play-in and lose out on one of those players. Simons and Grant are known commodities and aren't players that will ultimately change the direction of a franchise as a cornerstone.

Brogdon was my favorite Blazer last season, and I was dreaming up ways of trading him for CJ a few seasons ago. Wish it would have happened that way...

We're in agreement. But again, this is a for profit team with questionable management. Putting out a real bad team to hope to hit in the draft doesn't fill seats. Attendance was at an all-time low during the either the Oden or Roy and Aldridge season.

On the "I guess" bright side, a big 3 of Simons/Grant/Ayton isn't winning many games.

JA is holding on at least until she gets the big bucks from the NBA broadcast rights. After that we'll see...but I'm sure there is certainly no rush on her end. I'm of the opinion that although she has a rep for penny pinching...I don't think she actually has operated that way with the Blazers.

It'll be nice at some point to have an owner who cares about the team.

I think a lot of the problems is she doesn't talk to the media. Her own past issues as well that have been uncovered. And how terribly unlikeable Kolde is. But she's at the games. The trust is buying land next to facilities, upgrading facilities, expanding staff, etc. So it isn't like.. she's being ultra cheap. The second round pick stuff was disappointing, I will admit.

But something people seem to forget is Paul wasn't paying the luxury tax for most of the last ten years of his ownership either. And maybe closer to 15 years. He did a time or two, but not often. Not like the 90s and early 2000s. It's just hard for me to buy that Jody is this cheap owner who also happened to sign off on an outrageously priced deal for Jerami Grant, you know?