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I don't expect the Trail Blazers to make a forced move prior to the NBA trade deadline, but if they make one, don't be shocked if it included point guard Jarrett Jack.

I don't like the idea of the Blazers doing a thing, unless it's a sweetheart of a deal.

One NBA Eastern Conference GM said he believed the Blazers were shopping Jack, and wanted future draft picks in return. The thinking being that drafting Jack wasn't a Kevin Pritchard move (Steve Blake's signing and Sergio Rodriguez's pick were) and that Portland is going to need to move a body or two to free up room next season for the arrival of, at least, Rudy Fernandez and Greg Oden, and possibly a first-round pick.

A second source said the Denver Nuggets are poking around, trying to see what they could do to pry Zach Randolph from the Knicks. If they do, the Nuggets will have officially turned themselves into the old Blazers.


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I'm sure those mean first round picks and not second round picks.

Actually given salary situations and quality of play, I would gladly give the 2010 first (lottery-protected) for Jarrett Jack. He makes 2M next year with a 2.9M qualifying offer the year after. It's the lowest financial risk way to fill the PG void because a free agent signing will likely require something longer term. It isn't a home run move, but it is a solid double.

I doubt they make a move now because it would look like giving up on the playoff run (albeit unlikely that they make it). However if they did, I wouldn't be opposed to a larger deal of James Jones or Martell Webster, Jarrett Jack and 2008 2nd rounder for Josh Childress, Salim Stoudamire, and 2010 1st.

Portland has 3 2008 2nd rounders from NY, Memphis, and Phoenix. I would want the 2nd highest one (currently from NY). I prefer Webster , but Jones gives us a specialty skill set we really and Jack upgrades PG for us. We lose Chill, which hurts but we don't have to worry about resigning him. The drawback I see is that James Jones can opt out if he wants.

probably late first rounders. Jack is a moderately porductive player and worth more than a second.

He is worth more than a second round pick- but he is really more of a combo guard at this point than a legitimate PG. I don't think he is the right fit for the Hawks. But thats mostly because I still think they could pry away Andre Miller.

killbuckner wrote:He is worth more than a second round pick- but he is really more of a combo guard at this point than a legitimate PG. I don't think he is the right fit for the Hawks. But thats mostly because I still think they could pry away Andre Miller.

True. If Miller is truly unavailable though, Jack wouldn't be bad. He isn't a dynamic playmaker, which would be really helpful. However he is a good defender which is sorely lacking, and a decent enough offensive player that he could fit into the current offensive scheme and provide a boost.

I'd be curious to know what Portland wanted for him. Its fairly obvious that they need to get rid of a point guard.

I've seen him in a couple games being able to create his own shot for Portland in the 4th period. That in itself is worth making a move if available. I too prefer Miller because of his veteran leadership potential, but is he even available right now without paying a premium.