Roy Hibbert - Indy says they will match/offer same terms.

[PDXKnight]

I might be wrong but I don't think you get an MLE if you're under the cap.

It might be different with the new CBA but don't quote me on that.

[Wizenheimer]

I don't think being about 12 million under the tax is dangerously close to it

By the time we use the MLE and LLE we will be pretty darn close.

it's only a 2.5 million Room-MLE....leaving them 10 million below

Portland will have to renounce other exceptions to sign Hibbert

[PDXKnight]

I don't think being about 12 million under the tax is dangerously close to it

By the time we use the MLE and LLE we will be pretty darn close.

it's only a 2.5 million Room-MLE....leaving them 10 million below

Portland will have to renounce other exceptions to sign Hibbert

You win this time.

On another note, I'd say this effectively ends any talk of Deron to the Blazers. If he wanted to be a Blazer I'm sure he'd be the first guy we'd contact.

[mojomarc]

I don't think there's any chance DWill wanted to be in Portland. I also think there is a significant chance Olshey didn't want a full-blown ego case like DWill in Portland, either.

[BlazersRizing]

I like the move. or at least the attempt...

[PDXKnight]

I don't think there's any chance DWill wanted to be in Portland. I also think there is a significant chance Olshey didn't want a full-blown ego case like DWill in Portland, either.

If he didn't like egos he probably wouldn't have ever traded for Chris Paul..

[mojomarc]

I don't think there's any chance DWill wanted to be in Portland. I also think there is a significant chance Olshey didn't want a full-blown ego case like DWill in Portland, either.

If he didn't like egos he probably wouldn't have ever traded for Chris Paul..

I wasn't aware that CP3 had a reputation of being a complete and total jerk. DWill definitely does. He also has demonstrated an ability to put himself above the team on several occasions, and that was one of the reasons why Sloan and DWill butted heads. From a culture point of view, you have to ask yourself if that's the vet you want to bring into a young (and increasingly younger) locker room a year after the chemistry imploded.

[PDXKnight]

I don't think there's any chance DWill wanted to be in Portland. I also think there is a significant chance Olshey didn't want a full-blown ego case like DWill in Portland, either.

If he didn't like egos he probably wouldn't have ever traded for Chris Paul..

I wasn't aware that CP3 had a reputation of being a complete and total jerk. DWill definitely does. He also has demonstrated an ability to put himself above the team on several occasions, and that was one of the reasons why Sloan and DWill butted heads. From a culture point of view, you have to ask yourself if that's the vet you want to bring into a young (and increasingly younger) locker room a year after the chemistry imploded.

CP3 has always come across as a bit cocky to me, though I agree he doesn't have the reputation of a Deron Williams.

[DusterBuster]

I said that I hoped the Blazers would offer Hibbert a max contract on Day 1 of FA all the way back when the Blazers made all their trades to open up the cap space, so I love the move. I don't have high hopes that the Blazers will end up getting Hibbert as I fully expect the Pacers to match anything Portland can throw at him, but I appreciate them being aggressive for the best available C this summer and one of the Top 5 C's in the game right now imo.

As for CP3 vs DWill in the ego department, it's a little different. CP3 definitely can come across as cocky and a little arrogant, but it comes from a place of competitiveness. I compare him to a Garnett in that regard. It's much different with Deron. Deron is far more abrasive, much more about himself, still competitive, but his egotism is much less well placed, if that makes sense.

[Fitz303]

Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star is reporting that the Indiana Pacers have already shifted gears looking at Chicago's center Omer Asik. I don't know if that means the Pacers are going in another direction or just simply taking precautionary measures.

I'm hearing that since Larry Bird is no longer the president of the Pacers, the chances the Pacers decline to match has increased with current team president Donnie Walsh and new general manger Kevin Pritchard in charge.

http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landingblaze ... eedID=5212

[mojomarc]

Very interesting report, Fitz. Given the price, I'm not quite sure if I'm happy or sad, but I must admit the idea of Batum, Aldridge and Hibbert's length in the same frontcourt is pretty intriguing.

[jhern87]

Man id like to get Hibbert. Having Hibbert then Leonard off the bench could potentially be devastating defensively.. I'd like to bring in a vet pg as well, someone like Billups or Hinrich..

-Bilups (Hinrich) / Lillard /Smith
-Matthews / E-Will / Barton
-Batum / Claver / Babbitt
-LMA - Freeland
-Hibbert / Leonard

I'd really like to see what a team like this could do.. signing Hibbert could be huge because if in a year or two (possibly sooner?) if Leonard is ready to start, Hibbert becomes a nice trading chip to reel in more talent (top tier wing?). Olshey wasn't kidding about being in asset gathering mode and I'm loving what I'm seeing.

[jhern87]

Very interesting report, Fitz. Given the price, I'm not quite sure if I'm happy or sad, but I must admit the idea of Batum, Aldridge and Hibbert's length in the same frontcourt is pretty intriguing.

How fun would it be to watch that front line go up against the Thunder's talent?

[Chanse503]

I'm pretty stoked myself.
A tandum of Hibbert and LA can be VERY dangerous.
Meyers coming off the bench--serious length!

[jhern87]

Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star is reporting that the Indiana Pacers have already shifted gears looking at Chicago's center Omer Asik. I don't know if that means the Pacers are going in another direction or just simply taking precautionary measures.

I'm hearing that since Larry Bird is no longer the president of the Pacers, the chances the Pacers decline to match has increased with current team president Donnie Walsh and new general manger Kevin Pritchard in charge.

http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landingblaze ... eedID=5212

WOW.. I hope this is true..

[sabi]

Man id like to get Hibbert. Having Hibbert then Leonard off the bench could potentially be devastating defensively.. I'd like to bring in a vet pg as well, someone like Billups or Hinrich..

-Bilups (Hinrich) / Lillard /Smith
-Matthews / E-Will / Barton
-Batum / Claver / Babbitt
-LMA - Freeland
-Hibbert / Leonard

I'd really like to see what a team like this could do.. signing Hibbert could be huge because if in a year or two (possibly sooner?) if Leonard is ready to start, Hibbert becomes a nice trading chip to reel in more talent (top tier wing?). Olshey wasn't kidding about being in asset gathering mode and I'm loving what I'm seeing.

+1
hibbert lma frontline would be the most dominant offensively and their both only 25 and26.

[Wizenheimer]

I still question how viable a twin towers lineup can be in the current NBA. I wonder if that's especially true when the two bigs are also the two biggest salaries

I would worry that the game, the rules, and the officiating is slanted a little too much towards perimeter players capable of consistent penetration

I'm also worried that Portland's salary picture will limit their ability to add at least one more good ball-handler. Right now, all they have is the unproven Lillard

I guess I'm wondering if the reward is commensurate with the risk

if, by some chance Portland does land Hibbert to pair with Aldridge, getting the right coach will be critical. Not too many of these young guys have a lot of experience coaching competent bigs. Almost makes me think Sloan would be the best option

Man id like to get Hibbert. Having Hibbert then Leonard off the bench could potentially be devastating defensively.. I'd like to bring in a vet pg as well, someone like Billups or Hinrich..

-Bilups (Hinrich) / Lillard /Smith
-Matthews / E-Will / Barton
-Batum / Claver / Babbitt
-LMA - Freeland
-Hibbert / Leonard

I'd really like to see what a team like this could do.. signing Hibbert could be huge because if in a year or two (possibly sooner?) if Leonard is ready to start, Hibbert becomes a nice trading chip to reel in more talent (top tier wing?). Olshey wasn't kidding about being in asset gathering mode and I'm loving what I'm seeing.

+1
hibbert lma frontline would be the most dominant offensively and their both only 25 and26.

Bynum and Gasol would be better offensively, assuming Gasol is still a Laker. Hibbert isn't really that big of an offensive option

[jhern87]

Say we sign Hibbert THEN match Batum and go over the cap.. Do we still have any exceptions? MLE? Or anything? We may have to trade for another ball handler..

[Wizenheimer]

Say we sign Hibbert THEN match Batum and go over the cap.. Do we still have any exceptions? MLE? Or anything? We may have to trade for another ball handler..

all Portland would have would to offer would be the Room-MLE of 2.5 million, and veteran minimum deals

[re49gb_2gho32fp]

enough for a vet pg.