Trailblazer News\Notes

[Walton1one]

When healthy, yeah, was he not healthy at the trade deadline? Pretty sure he was.

Allegedly Cronin was offered a heavily protected first, but thought he was worth more than that as per usual,

[DusterBuster]

When healthy, yeah, was he not healthy at the trade deadline? Pretty sure he was.

Allegedly Cronin was offered a heavily protected first, but thought he was worth more than that as per usual,

I wonder if Cronin is a bit gun-shy with trades because of how roundly panned his first deals as GM were.

[Norm2953]

I continue to be fascinated by the time line of a sale for the Blazers for the Celtics were just sold for
$6.1 Billion, which is pretty much of what Forbes said was their market value.

There was talk of the Celtics sale finally opening the doors for NBA expansion after the media rights deal
was completed with presumably Seattle/Vegas becoming the newest franchises. Blazers sale might finally
happen with Phil finally buying the Blazers (hopefully)

Could lead to many changes in Portland as opposed to the treadmill talk

[JasonStern]

Williams out the rest of the year to undergo knee surgery...

POR statement:

Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III underwent an arthroscopic procedure today to address inflammation in his left knee.

He is expected to make a full recovery and will miss 4-6 weeks.

https://www.blazersedge.com/2025/3/20/24390587/robert-williams-iii-knee-injury-surgery-recovery-time

What a stupid franchise, should have dealt him at the deadline, even a couple of 2nd's would have been better than this...

Again, valuation. You presume that teams are willing to offer multiple 2nd round picks for a player that is so injury prone, his contract is tied to the number of games he plays. Then, you are presuming that - in this multiple picks for an injury prone player - no bad contracts are coming back to Portland. Nobody is arguing that the Blazers shouldn't have traded Timelord and Grant for Dončić, but this isn't a video game where you can enable trade overrides and force elite talent to your team for... scraps.

[Walton1one]

Williams out the rest of the year to undergo knee surgery...

POR statement:

Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III underwent an arthroscopic procedure today to address inflammation in his left knee.

He is expected to make a full recovery and will miss 4-6 weeks.

https://www.blazersedge.com/2025/3/20/24390587/robert-williams-iii-knee-injury-surgery-recovery-time

What a stupid franchise, should have dealt him at the deadline, even a couple of 2nd's would have been better than this...

Again, valuation. You presume that teams are willing to offer multiple 2nd round picks for a player that is so injury prone, his contract is tied to the number of games he plays. Then, you are presuming that - in this multiple picks for an injury prone player - no bad contracts are coming back to Portland. Nobody is arguing that the Blazers shouldn't have traded Timelord and Grant for Dončić, but this isn't a video game where you can enable trade overrides and force elite talent to your team for... scraps.

Well, HOU was interested, there was real smoke there and the offer was 2-3 2nd round picks + an expiring contract - be it Londale, (contract is NG), Tate or Jeff Green, but the issue was that Cronin wanted Whitmore or a lightly protected 1st coming back instead

"The Rockets and Trail Blazers recently conducted exploratory trade talks centered on Robert Williams," Forbes insider Evan Sidery tweeted.

"Houston is openly shopping Jock Landale’s non-guaranteed multi-year contract in order to upgrade their frontcourt.

"Portland has strong interest from contenders on Williams."

https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news/report-houston-rockets-interested-trail-blazers-robert-williams-iii-trade-rumors

Also, LAL allegedly inquired at the deadline before Mark Williams deal and supposedly offered a protected 31' 1st, but Cronin declined

We also have a long lost insider on this board who has been right before that stated POR had a 1st round pick on the table for Williams.

There was a deal to be had there, was it most likely 2nd round picks, probably, but Cronin decided to roll the dice and keep hiom and now he just crapped out.

[tester551]

Williams out the rest of the year to undergo knee surgery...

POR statement:

Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III underwent an arthroscopic procedure today to address inflammation in his left knee.

He is expected to make a full recovery and will miss 4-6 weeks.

https://www.blazersedge.com/2025/3/20/24390587/robert-williams-iii-knee-injury-surgery-recovery-time

What a stupid franchise, should have dealt him at the deadline, even a couple of 2nd's would have been better than this...

Again, valuation. You presume that teams are willing to offer multiple 2nd round picks for a player that is so injury prone, his contract is tied to the number of games he plays. Then, you are presuming that - in this multiple picks for an injury prone player - no bad contracts are coming back to Portland. Nobody is arguing that the Blazers shouldn't have traded Timelord and Grant for Dončić, but this isn't a video game where you can enable trade overrides and force elite talent to your team for... scraps.

The concept of 'reality' is something that is increasingly difficult for many to understand.

[zzaj]

Both PHX and DAL won tonight. Slowly putting the nail in the play-in coffin.

The good news is San Antonio may pass POR who is currently sitting with the #10 pick. The potential is even there for MIA to pass Portland, in an ideal draft scenario.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

“As I understand, Bert has had carte blanche to run the franchise from behind the scenes,” Drexler said. “Look at what he has accomplished — very little. They have not been good at putting together a competitive team year after year. I look forward to the day when we get some new management and get Bert Kolde out of there so they can bring some of the past and merge that with the present. That is what franchises should be about.”

Bombs away!! Not to really pick sides of a personal feud but I have long thought Bert escapes way too much criticism. Our revolving door of GMs get all the blame, and none were great sure, but when the same stink follows them all I say look for the common factor.

[Norm2953]

Let's hope with the NBA media deal getting done and expansion perhaps next on the list to get
done, the sale of the Blazers to hopefully Phil, finally gets done.

[JasonStern]

Williams out the rest of the year to undergo knee surgery...

POR statement:


https://www.blazersedge.com/2025/3/20/24390587/robert-williams-iii-knee-injury-surgery-recovery-time

What a stupid franchise, should have dealt him at the deadline, even a couple of 2nd's would have been better than this...

Again, valuation. You presume that teams are willing to offer multiple 2nd round picks for a player that is so injury prone, his contract is tied to the number of games he plays. Then, you are presuming that - in this multiple picks for an injury prone player - no bad contracts are coming back to Portland. Nobody is arguing that the Blazers shouldn't have traded Timelord and Grant for Dončić, but this isn't a video game where you can enable trade overrides and force elite talent to your team for... scraps.

Well, HOU was interested, there was real smoke there and the offer was 2-3 2nd round picks + an expiring contract - be it Londale, (contract is NG), Tate or Jeff Green, but the issue was that Cronin wanted Whitmore or a lightly protected 1st coming back instead

"The Rockets and Trail Blazers recently conducted exploratory trade talks centered on Robert Williams," Forbes insider Evan Sidery tweeted.

"Houston is openly shopping Jock Landale’s non-guaranteed multi-year contract in order to upgrade their frontcourt.

"Portland has strong interest from contenders on Williams."

https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news/report-houston-rockets-interested-trail-blazers-robert-williams-iii-trade-rumors

Also, LAL allegedly inquired at the deadline before Mark Williams deal and supposedly offered a protected 31' 1st, but Cronin declined

We also have a long lost insider on this board who has been right before that stated POR had a 1st round pick on the table for Williams.

There was a deal to be had there, was it most likely 2nd round picks, probably, but Cronin decided to roll the dice and keep hiom and now he just crapped out.

I legitimately call b.s. on this. If there was one second and expiring salary filler, Timelord would have been gone.

Did the Blazers maybe *ask* for a 1st or three 2nd round picks? Sure. Take your win. But, they clearly didn't get that.

I get if you have a man crush on Timelord, but he's a 5ppg/5rpg/1apg player that has played a whopping 20 games this season. And he makes $11.5M. No team is looking at Timelord going, man! If we get six games out of him, he will put us over the top! Give the Blazers every second rounder we have!

Maybe if Olshey had he found a landing spot. Maybe. But that hasn't happened yet, because most people apparently have common sense.

Blazers are best off just using our draft picks (unless a no brainer trade offer occurs), getting out of Grant's contract, and reassessing things after next season when Ayton/Simons/Timelord/Thybulle all expire and you have insane cap space flexibility.
"But if the expiring contracts expire, they expire!"
Yeah. That's how contracts work. And if you can retain them on reasonable extensions, you do that.
"But Orlando would give us 7 first round picks and prospects for Simons, who SUCKS BY THE WAY! TRADE HIM FOR MORE THAN LEBRON AND DURANT CAN LAND!!!"

Again, that's not how the NBA works. And I hate that the forum is flooded with this kind of rhetoric.

I don't get what is so hard about this or why I have to be the adult in the room. Before you propose trades or report trade rumors, ask yourself if there is any chance that, if the trade was reversed, you would be interested. Would you honestly trade three 2nd round picks or a protected 1st for a 27 year old injured Timelord? No. Same with 29 other teams.

There is a trades and transactions board on RealGM where you can get blasted floating these unrealistic ideas if you think I am completely undervaluing the value of the veterans on the 12th seed in the west. Why trade for someone like Jonas Valančiūnas who at least plays minutes when you can overpay for Robert Williams? /Slick car salesman voice.

[Walton1one]

Again, valuation. You presume that teams are willing to offer multiple 2nd round picks for a player that is so injury prone, his contract is tied to the number of games he plays. Then, you are presuming that - in this multiple picks for an injury prone player - no bad contracts are coming back to Portland. Nobody is arguing that the Blazers shouldn't have traded Timelord and Grant for Dončić, but this isn't a video game where you can enable trade overrides and force elite talent to your team for... scraps.

Well, HOU was interested, there was real smoke there and the offer was 2-3 2nd round picks + an expiring contract - be it Londale, (contract is NG), Tate or Jeff Green, but the issue was that Cronin wanted Whitmore or a lightly protected 1st coming back instead

"The Rockets and Trail Blazers recently conducted exploratory trade talks centered on Robert Williams," Forbes insider Evan Sidery tweeted.

"Houston is openly shopping Jock Landale’s non-guaranteed multi-year contract in order to upgrade their frontcourt.

"Portland has strong interest from contenders on Williams."

https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news/report-houston-rockets-interested-trail-blazers-robert-williams-iii-trade-rumors

Also, LAL allegedly inquired at the deadline before Mark Williams deal and supposedly offered a protected 31' 1st, but Cronin declined

We also have a long lost insider on this board who has been right before that stated POR had a 1st round pick on the table for Williams.

There was a deal to be had there, was it most likely 2nd round picks, probably, but Cronin decided to roll the dice and keep hiom and now he just crapped out.

I legitimately call b.s. on this. If there was one second and expiring salary filler, Timelord would have been gone.

Did the Blazers maybe *ask* for a 1st or three 2nd round picks? Sure. Take your win. But, they clearly didn't get that.

I get if you have a man crush on Timelord, but he's a 5ppg/5rpg/1apg player that has played a whopping 20 games this season. And he makes $11.5M. No team is looking at Timelord going, man! If we get six games out of him, he will put us over the top! Give the Blazers every second rounder we have!

Maybe if Olshey had he found a landing spot. Maybe. But that hasn't happened yet, because most people apparently have common sense.

Blazers are best off just using our draft picks (unless a no brainer trade offer occurs), getting out of Grant's contract, and reassessing things after next season when Ayton/Simons/Timelord/Thybulle all expire and you have insane cap space flexibility.
"But if the expiring contracts expire, they expire!"
Yeah. That's how contracts work. And if you can retain them on reasonable extensions, you do that.
"But Orlando would give us 7 first round picks and prospects for Simons, who SUCKS BY THE WAY! TRADE HIM FOR MORE THAN LEBRON AND DURANT CAN LAND!!!"

Again, that's not how the NBA works. And I hate that the forum is flooded with this kind of rhetoric.

I don't get what is so hard about this or why I have to be the adult in the room. Before you propose trades or report trade rumors, ask yourself if there is any chance that, if the trade was reversed, you would be interested. Would you honestly trade three 2nd round picks or a protected 1st for a 27 year old injured Timelord? No. Same with 29 other teams.

There is a trades and transactions board on RealGM where you can get blasted floating these unrealistic ideas if you think I am completely undervaluing the value of the veterans on the 12th seed in the west. Why trade for someone like Jonas Valančiūnas who at least plays minutes when you can overpay for Robert Williams? /Slick car salesman voice.

Yikes man...

First, I am not a Robert Williams fan per se, I recognize that he is a valuable commodity when he is healthy, which has rarely been the case, but he does have a proven record, when healthy, to be a major difference maker on a playoff caliber team

"Williams has only topped the 50-game mark twice in his career, but the last time he did, he earned All-Defensive second team honors (2021-22)."

The conversation regarding Williams has been the same for some time. He is a very talented player, and when he plays, he is a solid big man and a tremendous defender. However, he has missed more time in his career than he has played.

He WAS healthy at the deadline

It WAS reported through multiple NBA insiders that teams were interested, and through Blazer insiders that the pirce to acquire him was "high".

Now are any of these "concrete" intel on whatever talks were occurring? No, but if you follow NBA insiders you would know that often, where there is smoke, there is fire. Teams WERE interested, Cronin's ask WAS out of whack (just like it was for Grant before the season started, or is that fantasy too?)

If you want to say I am full of crap, fine, but are you saying all these NBA insiders are full of crap as well? The same insiders who had similar insights\rumors about other players that came to pass? Well, you are not being realistic then...

Is Sean Highkin full of crap?

Blazers insider Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report has consistently reported that Portland values Williams highly and needs to be 'blown away' with an offer.

As Highkin also mentions, the Blazers value receiving a player who fits their timeline and draft capital, as evidenced by their past deals. Perhaps a team could still get a deal done without surrendering a first-round pick. But the fact that Highkin refers to the reported asking price of multiple second-round picks as "wishcasting by other front offices" makes it feel as though the Blazers' front office may be valuing Williams so highly to the point where no deal gets done involving him this deadline.

The reason the Blazers aren't receiving the return they hoped for is simply because Cronin is overvaluing their players. He asked for two first-round picks for Grant in the summer and had an asking price for Robert Williams III that was higher than expected at the deadline, according to Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report.

Here is Danny Marang saying the exact same thing, now I think this guy is a know it all blowhard who IS often more wrong than he is right, but he parroted what other Blazer insiders\reporters and national media members were saying.

Read on Twitter

https://packaged-media.redd.it/h1wwg1p5r2fe1/pb/m2-res_464p.mp4?m=DASHPlaylist.mpd&v=1&e=1743188400&s=090b94858e3423f6968b28ce7fd963f47e6fc126

Here is Aaron Fentress from the Oregonian

The Portland Trail Blazers might have to settle for multiple second-round picks should they trade backup center Robert Williams III, according to a report.

Michael Scotto, senior NBA reporter at HoopsHype.com, reported that Williams and Washington center Jonas Valanciunas “are expected to command multiple second-round picks on the trade market, according to various NBA executives who’ve spoken to HoopsHype.”

Second-round picks are nice, but that’s not what the Blazers hoped to get out of Williams when they acquired him from Boston during a series of 2023 trades that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks...They could wait until the summer or next year’s trade deadline in hopes of doing better than gathering second-round picks.

Here is Shams Charania

Multiple teams have begun expressing interest in a group of Portland’s veterans — Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Robert Williams III — as the Trail Blazers make decisions on the roster, sources said.

Brian Windhorst

I don’t think Deandre Ayton’s very tradable. A guy to watch who is very tradable is the Time Lord — one of the great nicknames in the whole NBA — Robert Williams, coming back off of the injury. Obviously, he’s a guy who’s had repeated injury problems, but that’s a guy who makes $13 million who they may be willing to part with, who could go to a contender and be a significant piece. ... The guy is potentially a difference-making player defensively in a playoff series.

Which is exactly what I have said....

Jovan Buha\Lakers insider

The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly seeking an unprotected first-round pick for Robert Williams III, per @jovanbuha

[/quote]

[BlazersBroncos]

Taylor Jenkins was randomly fired. Would LOVE him here. He seems to be great at getting the most out of young guys, especially guys that are not blue chip prospects.

[Wizenheimer]

Well, HOU was interested, there was real smoke there and the offer was 2-3 2nd round picks + an expiring contract - be it Londale, (contract is NG), Tate or Jeff Green, but the issue was that Cronin wanted Whitmore or a lightly protected 1st coming back instead


https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news/report-houston-rockets-interested-trail-blazers-robert-williams-iii-trade-rumors

Also, LAL allegedly inquired at the deadline before Mark Williams deal and supposedly offered a protected 31' 1st, but Cronin declined

We also have a long lost insider on this board who has been right before that stated POR had a 1st round pick on the table for Williams.

There was a deal to be had there, was it most likely 2nd round picks, probably, but Cronin decided to roll the dice and keep hiom and now he just crapped out.

I legitimately call b.s. on this. If there was one second and expiring salary filler, Timelord would have been gone.

Did the Blazers maybe *ask* for a 1st or three 2nd round picks? Sure. Take your win. But, they clearly didn't get that.

I get if you have a man crush on Timelord, but he's a 5ppg/5rpg/1apg player that has played a whopping 20 games this season. And he makes $11.5M. No team is looking at Timelord going, man! If we get six games out of him, he will put us over the top! Give the Blazers every second rounder we have!

Maybe if Olshey had he found a landing spot. Maybe. But that hasn't happened yet, because most people apparently have common sense.

Blazers are best off just using our draft picks (unless a no brainer trade offer occurs), getting out of Grant's contract, and reassessing things after next season when Ayton/Simons/Timelord/Thybulle all expire and you have insane cap space flexibility.
"But if the expiring contracts expire, they expire!"
Yeah. That's how contracts work. And if you can retain them on reasonable extensions, you do that.
"But Orlando would give us 7 first round picks and prospects for Simons, who SUCKS BY THE WAY! TRADE HIM FOR MORE THAN LEBRON AND DURANT CAN LAND!!!"

Again, that's not how the NBA works. And I hate that the forum is flooded with this kind of rhetoric.

I don't get what is so hard about this or why I have to be the adult in the room. Before you propose trades or report trade rumors, ask yourself if there is any chance that, if the trade was reversed, you would be interested. Would you honestly trade three 2nd round picks or a protected 1st for a 27 year old injured Timelord? No. Same with 29 other teams.

There is a trades and transactions board on RealGM where you can get blasted floating these unrealistic ideas if you think I am completely undervaluing the value of the veterans on the 12th seed in the west. Why trade for someone like Jonas Valančiūnas who at least plays minutes when you can overpay for Robert Williams? /Slick car salesman voice.

Yikes man...

First, I am not a Robert Williams fan per se, I recognize that he is a valuable commodity when he is healthy, which has rarely been the case, but he does have a proven record, when healthy, to be a major difference maker on a playoff caliber team

"Williams has only topped the 50-game mark twice in his career, but the last time he did, he earned All-Defensive second team honors (2021-22)."

The conversation regarding Williams has been the same for some time. He is a very talented player, and when he plays, he is a solid big man and a tremendous defender. However, he has missed more time in his career than he has played.

He WAS healthy at the deadline

It WAS reported through multiple NBA insiders that teams were interested, and through Blazer insiders that the pirce to acquire him was "high".

Now are any of these "concrete" intel on whatever talks were occurring? No, but if you follow NBA insiders you would know that often, where there is smoke, there is fire. Teams WERE interested, Cronin's ask WAS out of whack (just like it was for Grant before the season started, or is that fantasy too?)

If you want to say I am full of crap, fine, but are you saying all these NBA insiders are full of crap as well? The same insiders who had similar insights\rumors about other players that came to pass? Well, you are not being realistic then...

Is Sean Highkin full of crap?

Blazers insider Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report has consistently reported that Portland values Williams highly and needs to be 'blown away' with an offer.

As Highkin also mentions, the Blazers value receiving a player who fits their timeline and draft capital, as evidenced by their past deals. Perhaps a team could still get a deal done without surrendering a first-round pick. But the fact that Highkin refers to the reported asking price of multiple second-round picks as "wishcasting by other front offices" makes it feel as though the Blazers' front office may be valuing Williams so highly to the point where no deal gets done involving him this deadline.

The reason the Blazers aren't receiving the return they hoped for is simply because Cronin is overvaluing their players. He asked for two first-round picks for Grant in the summer and had an asking price for Robert Williams III that was higher than expected at the deadline, according to Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report.

Here is Danny Marang saying the exact same thing, now I think this guy is a know it all blowhard who IS often more wrong than he is right, but he parroted what other Blazer insiders\reporters and national media members were saying.

Read on Twitter

https://packaged-media.redd.it/h1wwg1p5r2fe1/pb/m2-res_464p.mp4?m=DASHPlaylist.mpd&v=1&e=1743188400&s=090b94858e3423f6968b28ce7fd963f47e6fc126

Here is Aaron Fentress from the Oregonian

The Portland Trail Blazers might have to settle for multiple second-round picks should they trade backup center Robert Williams III, according to a report.

Michael Scotto, senior NBA reporter at HoopsHype.com, reported that Williams and Washington center Jonas Valanciunas “are expected to command multiple second-round picks on the trade market, according to various NBA executives who’ve spoken to HoopsHype.”

Second-round picks are nice, but that’s not what the Blazers hoped to get out of Williams when they acquired him from Boston during a series of 2023 trades that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks...They could wait until the summer or next year’s trade deadline in hopes of doing better than gathering second-round picks.

Here is Shams Charania

Multiple teams have begun expressing interest in a group of Portland’s veterans — Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Robert Williams III — as the Trail Blazers make decisions on the roster, sources said.

Brian Windhorst

I don’t think Deandre Ayton’s very tradable. A guy to watch who is very tradable is the Time Lord — one of the great nicknames in the whole NBA — Robert Williams, coming back off of the injury. Obviously, he’s a guy who’s had repeated injury problems, but that’s a guy who makes $13 million who they may be willing to part with, who could go to a contender and be a significant piece. ... The guy is potentially a difference-making player defensively in a playoff series.

Which is exactly what I have said....

Jovan Buha\Lakers insider

The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly seeking an unprotected first-round pick for Robert Williams III, per @jovanbuha

[/quote]

I think the circumstantial evidence is really solid that Cronin grossly overvalues Blazer players. Two firsts for Grant; lightly or unprotected 1st for Timelord....pretty ridiculous

[Walton1one]

No Ceilings report on 2-way players

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/nba-g-league-two-way-prospect-report?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=536361&post_id=158669995&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1f5gb9&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Bryce McGowens listed under wings...

I refuse to give up on Bryce McGowens as an NBA wing.

Look. His game has certainly been one-dimensional since coming into the league.At Nebraska, McGowens was a driver and finisher who had his blinders on far too often in terms of what was going on around him. Fast forward a few seasons into his pro career, and that’s still true to an extent. He’s already moved on from the franchise that drafted him, trying to find a new home with the Portland Trail Blazers.

And, spoiler alert!, McGowens has continued to get buckets both for the Blazers and the Rip City Remix of the G League. Few wings in his age group are as natural of scorers as McGowens. He can get to the rim at will and finish with either hand. His long strides put defenses in binds, forcing players to collapse around him. If McGowens were a better decision-maker off of said collapses, he’d warrant more looks within an NBA rotation as a bench scorer.

The issues with McGowens’ game stem from more than the tunnel vision at times, though. If a player isn’t good enough to be “the guy” on offense—or even the second option—then it’s crucial for other aspects of their game to offer complementary value in a specific role. Most of the time, that comes back to spot-up shooting, which McGowens has never been great at dating back to his days in college.

If McGowens could raise his value away from the basketball as both a corner cutter and shooter lifting up to the wings, he’d have a much clearer path to playing more minutes in the NBA. McGowens hasn’t exactly stood out as a defensive prospect either, but he has the size and length to disrupt on that side of the ball and has had moments (especially in G League Showcase games) where he’s looked engaged defensively.

The main point is that I’m not ready to close the book on McGowens’ story just yet. Some players take a while to figure out where their best fits are in the league, but McGowens has the talent to figure that out. And given the jump he’s made with the Remix in terms of his willingness to shoot and move the ball on offense, I’m willing to bet there’s plenty more to unpack with Bryce in the pros.

He sounds like a Banton replacement IMO, same issues, tunnel vision, who outside of scoring doesn't show much.

Now, Banton can play a little defense and has had some moments, where for a short time he is capable of playing within the flow of the game before inevitably his nature kicks in and he goes all ISO ball. Banton is also bigger, 6'9 vs 6,6 for McGowens, but Banton will be 26 next year, he is pretty much what he is, which IMO is not much worth of value.

McGowens will be 23. Banton is a UFA looking for a contract, McGowens is a 2-way player, both are\should be deep bench reserves, so IMO it would be better to let Banton walk and give McGowens a shot, at the end of the day, neither player are important to this teams' success, just one is much more economical and to a team that is close to the luxury tax and still a non playoff team, that should be important?

Some other players mentioned of interest.

Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the best franchises at utilizing late draft picks, undrafted two-way deals, and Exhibit 10 contracts to fill rotational gaps due to injuries.

This is so true, they are LIGHT years better than POR front office. A much better team that sees the value in 2nd round picks and mining the G-League\free agents to find talent (Pippen Jr\Huff come to mind). POR front office needs to do a beter job than wasting 2-ways on aging guys like Justin Minaya & Taze Moore. Sissoko was a nice pickup, McGowens is...meh...the fact that MEM gave up on him should be a tad concerning, but he is still young (22), so worth a shot?

...has been nothing short of remarkable. Rating in the 98th percentile offensively, Spencer’s shot making has been unmatched by any other player in a similar position from the 2024 draft class. No other prospects from last cycle who have had to play at least five games in the G League have come close to matching Spencer’s consistency on offense...has handled himself on the defensive side of the ball as well. He’s not the fleetest of foot, but Spencer is rugged, physical, and feisty as an on-ball defender. Spencer has good hands and reflexes to poke balls free and create deflections in rotations....shooting ability is the type of elite skill that can put him in position to succeed at the NBA level for years to come. But his overall awareness, motor, and decision-making allow him to play as a true combo guard in the backcourt, helping to balance responsibilities and give other guards playing next to him a little room to breathe...I’m very confident in what he can bring off the bench as a low-mistake, high-volume shooter that brings fire night in and night out.

Was drafted @ #53, after POR traded their 2nd round pick for cash TWICE....

A b\u 3rd PG might have been nice to have on this team?

Trentyn Flowers was another player that went undrafted and then signed a 2-way with LAC. Might have been a better idea if POR had given him a shot (or another young player) over a guy who is aging out & serves no\little purpose for the team moving forward in Minaya?

Trentyn Flowers, LA Clippers

...was a highly touted high school recruit who ultimately chose to forego college and travel overseas to play in the NBL’s Next Stars program... a 6’9” wing, Flowers has the athleticism and physical tools the league is looking for in a tertiary offensive option capable of hitting spot-up shots, running the floor in transition, and even handling the ball in a pinch within half-court offense...Where I get most excited about Flowers is on the defensive end. Like most young prospects, Flowers has some lapses away from the ball and can get caught on screens. But when he’s fully engaged on the ball, Flowers has the quickness to stick with other guards and wings, not to mention the length and hands to create deflections and block shots around the basket. His steal and block rates aren’t jumping off the page, but on tape, Flowers has the ability to make important plays to get his team running in transition...

N'Faly Dante also made the list

N’Faly Dante, Houston Rockets

Dante is a massive human being, with the kind of size that deters drivers from entering the lane. At over 7 feet tall, Dante plays well in pick-and-roll drop coverages...There isn’t anything “sexy” that Dante has brought to the table this year, but he’s been arguably the club’s best defensive player and feeds into the Rockets’ identity under Ime Udoka...Close to an 80% finisher with looks around the basket in the G, Dante definitely has a home in the league. It will be interesting to see if he’s able to graduate up to a standard deal this offseason with Houston, should the roster spot and opportunity present itself.

[BlazersBroncos]

I have like Cam Spencer as a 3rd string shooting specialist SG for some time. Would love to sign him this offseason - think he has a good chance to step it up and become a legit backup like Sam Merrill.

[Walton1one]

via No Ceilings, NBA rookie awards

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/the-2024-25-youth-movement-nba-awards?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=536361&post_id=160212379&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1f5gb9&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

NBA Defensive Rookie of the Year Nominees

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Winner: Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

I could’ve chosen a number of rookies for Defensive Rookie of the Year, as there’s more talent on that side of the ball in this class than meets the eye. A number of emerging big men vied for the award, along with talented perimeter players like Stephon Castle, Jaylen Wells, and even Jamal Shead off the bench for the Toronto Raptors.

Ultimately, I went with the player who jumped off the screen to me the most in terms of defensive impact: Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Portland’s remarkable turnaround this year was only bested by the Detroit Pistons in terms of increases in win total from prior years. Both franchises have seen the tides shift in their favor, meaning both deserve to have candidates and award winners over the next few weeks. Cade Cunningham is the odds-on favorite as things stand to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award, and I’d throw Portland’s Deni Avdija in that same race as well.

In regard to the rookies, Clingan takes the cake as the best defensive player in this class. Per Cleaning the Glass, Portland’s defense is significantly better with Clingan on the floor than off, with a net impact of -4.2 points per 100 possessions. It’s not just that Clingan’s rebounding rates and impact on the glass per 100 possessions are off the charts, though it does help to be able to clean up and end possessions altogether.

Clingan is a true example of a rim deterrent. It’s one thing to act as a shot blocker or weak-side help defender. Opposing ball-handlers, especially guards, have to think twice, however, when trying to challenge Clingan in the paint.

He’s a strong-bodied center who is fundamentally sound when it comes to standing his ground and not giving up easy angles for opposing players to draw fouls or finish through him. Clingan rates in the 94th percentile in terms of opposing field goal percentage at the rim per Synergy Sports. That’s a number you’d expect to see from the likes of Rudy Gobert or Victor Wembanyama.

Clingan’s offense is far from where it needs to be in terms of that of a starting NBA center. His conditioning to play more extended minutes has also been a point of emphasis for steady improvement as the year has gone on. But Clingan was drafted for stability in the post defensively, and he’s lived up to that billing and then some in just his first season in the league.

I mentioned Yves Missi and Zach Edey before as very capable post defenders, and I could’ve gone the route of nominating either of them for this award. Missi’s feet defensively are some of the best I’ve evaluated for a big man. While he’s a bit raw in terms of challenging certain looks and leaving his feet when he shouldn’t, there’s no questioning his upside as not only a drop big or show-and-recover center but as a true switchable five-man is something the New Orleans Pelicans should look to capitalize on in the coming years.

Edey was also good at challenging shots in the paint and deterring drivers, but he wasn’t quite as effective in drop coverage when opposing players got around the initial screen and touched the paint as someone like Clingan. He was rated as “poor” at defending dribble jumpers per Synergy, while Clingan was slightly better in that regard and much better at defending all other shot types on the floor.

I do want to give a shoutout to perimeter defenders in Stephon Castle and Jaylen Wells. Both had to take on truly excruciating assignments at times against the league’s best high-usage wings and forwards. Both of them held their own in different areas, despite having some things to iron out when it comes to ball screen defense. I would anticipate Castle becoming a candidate for All-Defense sooner rather than later in his career, and I’m sure the Memphis Grizzlies are very happy to employ Wells as an emerging two-way wing.

Jonathan Mogbo deserves the last shoutout here for very similar reasons, as his ability to cover ground on the perimeter and also switch to defending in the post was valuable in his minutes this year for the Toronto Raptors.

Also had him on NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team

NBA All-Rookie Second Team

Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans
Carlton “Bub” Carrington, Washington Wizards

[JasonStern]

If you want to say I am full of crap, fine, but are you saying all these NBA insiders are full of crap as well? The same insiders who had similar insights\rumors about other players that came to pass? Well, you are not being realistic then...

Yes. They are just regurgitating what the teams and agents are "leaking". This happens every trade deadline and off-season.
Did the Blazers shop Timelord? Absolutely. They would be foolish not to.
Did any team offer something more valuable than a $13M expiring contract next season? Obviously not.
Well, Aaron Fentress said teams were CHOMPING AT THE BIT to get Timelord. Yeah...
I trust Shams saying the Blazers were looking to move him if a deal made sense. Especially after the Clingan pick. But I'm suspect of there being a huge demand for any center, let alone one that doesn't spend time on the court. I mean, Duop Reath puts up 65-70% of what Timelord does, in more games each season, while costing 20% of the price.
Ride out this season. Ride out next season. Hope the Blazers don't do anything stupid. Hope Grant gets moved. And you have an amazing opportunity for the Blazers to blow, with a stacked young roster and max cap space. How could you mess that up?

[JasonStern]

I think the circumstantial evidence is really solid that Cronin grossly overvalues Blazer players. Two firsts for Grant; lightly or unprotected 1st for Timelord....pretty ridiculous

Pure speculation, but I suspect Paul Allen was more hands-on, and then was pushing Olshey - "What exactly is it that you do here?"
Jody is hands off. So, Cronin is okay to not do GM work. You sell the vision that you're rebuilding - got some promising players. Salary cap situation will be fixed shortly. Collect a seven digit paycheck. I get starting with a high asking price, as you can always go down - but not up. But I doubt he was sitting there, doing an Austin Powers impression, asking for ONE HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS for any of the team's mid-tier players.

Understanding that the salary has to nearly match, what team is drooling enough to throw multiple picks at obtaining Timelord, Simons, Ayton, etc. But if everyone here thinks they are trash, and these picks teams are supposed to be offering are that Lord of the Rings elf meme "my precious!" (never saw the movies), why would the other team agree to that?

The team did hit on Camara. So, some young prospect trying to be snuck in as filler could have been the deal breaker. I'd believe that.

Like, I could have seen Timelord for a 2nd and an expiring to a contender. Blazers get another random shot in the draft, free up some cap space next season, and a team hopes that pushes them over the edge. Or a late 1st for Simons, with likely some dead salary. Not a fan of that, but if he wanted out...

But if Aaron Fentress and Joe Clownzano are your sources for "insider info", consider looking at what they say and then view it from the opposing team's view. Not targeting you specifically here, Wiz. You've been around long enough.

[Walton1one]

ESPN - Rookie of the Year rankings:

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/44601305/2024-2025-nba-rookie-rankings-top-20-players-season-stephon-castle-zaccharie-risacher

Donovan Clingan is @ #4

Drafted: No. 7, UConn
Key stats: 6.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.6 blocks per game

Clingan leads all rookies in blocks per game and has shown plenty of positive flashes, moving into the Trail Blazers' starting lineup Feb. 12 and adjusting to extended minutes for the first time in his career. He had plenty of success in a platoon situation at UConn, but the next step will be consistently shouldering more playing time in the NBA.

He is already an impactful defensive center and has been consistent on that end, stepping in amid injuries to Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III and proving effective in drop coverage and on the glass. Improving his frame and conditioning might help limit foul trouble and make finishing in the paint easier moving forward.

Clingan looks like a legitimate defensive centerpiece for Portland, particularly if he can stay on the floor for longer stretches.

The rest of the Top 5:
1 - Risacher

Risacher is delivering on his top-pick status, and the Hawks should feel good about their decision (then and now).

2 - Castle

I debated making him No. 1 on this list, but Castle's struggles with efficiency and turnovers (2.1 turnovers per game) gave Risacher a tiny edge. However, Castle certainly has the talent to end up the best player in this class over time, particularly if he polishes those areas of his game.

3 - Edey

Edey's rookie season has fallen in line with my expectations: He is highly efficient and productive on a per-minute basis, but has averaged 20 minutes per game because of his defensive limitations, keeping him in more of a platoon role.

5 - Buzelis

Improved consistency and confidence have made him more impactful all-around than some scouts had expected. The next step will be expanding his offense and creating his own shot more effectively.

[dckingsfan]

ESPN - Rookie of the Year rankings:

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/44601305/2024-2025-nba-rookie-rankings-top-20-players-season-stephon-castle-zaccharie-risacher

Donovan Clingan is @ #4

Drafted: No. 7, UConn
Key stats: 6.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.6 blocks per game

Clingan leads all rookies in blocks per game and has shown plenty of positive flashes, moving into the Trail Blazers' starting lineup Feb. 12 and adjusting to extended minutes for the first time in his career. He had plenty of success in a platoon situation at UConn, but the next step will be consistently shouldering more playing time in the NBA.

He is already an impactful defensive center and has been consistent on that end, stepping in amid injuries to Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III and proving effective in drop coverage and on the glass. Improving his frame and conditioning might help limit foul trouble and make finishing in the paint easier moving forward.

Clingan looks like a legitimate defensive centerpiece for Portland, particularly if he can stay on the floor for longer stretches.