Leonard is back in the rotation

[Myth]

He is in place of Thomas Robinson. Do you buy Stotts' report that it is to spread the floor and get better screens, or do you think it is to raise Leonard's trade value before the trade deadline? I feel it is the latter because he still looks really bad, while Robinson at least gives us some bursts of energy with hustle. Perhaps this comes after talks with the Rockets even and Rockets had no idea what he can currently contribute?

[Brandon-Clyde]

I would like to see more of both Robinson and Leonard before we trade them. Both have some positive attributes that the team could use if properly developed. Leonard has size, athleticism and a good shooting touch while Thomas Robinson plays a more physical game that I believe Portland has needed for some time and is an energy player
I would like to see whichever is out of the rotation spend some time in the d-league getting experience(I would also use it as a rehab assignment for McCollum to get back in game shape)

[DusterBuster]

I buy Stotts reasoning. Outside shooting is about the only thing Leonard does that's up to NBA quality right now. If it has the benefit of raising his trade value, that's great, but I think he's just trying to get better spacing with the 2nd unit more than anything.

I think it'll just be a game by game thing of who gets minutes between Leonard and TRob. Ideally, I'd love to see both traded for a vet right now. As much of a TRob support as I am, this team needs more consistent production off that bench and they don't have the time to be developing young guys right now. When you got a special season like this is shaping up to be, I believe you have to do everything in your power to take advantage of it and give yourself the best chance to win.

[Wizenheimer]

I buy Stotts reasoning. Outside shooting is about the only thing Leonard does that's up to NBA quality right now. If it has the benefit of raising his trade value, that's great, but I think he's just trying to get better spacing with the 2nd unit more than anything.

I think it'll just be a game by game thing of who gets minutes between Leonard and TRob. Ideally, I'd love to see both traded for a vet right now. As much of a TRob support as I am, this team needs more consistent production off that bench and they don't have the time to be developing young guys right now. When you got a special season like this is shaping up to be, I believe you have to do everything in your power to take advantage of it and give yourself the best chance to win.

I gave you a +1 on this as it's on the money

somebody here in another thread mentioned Indiana trading Miles Plumlee & Gerald Green to Phx for Luis Scola as a classic win-now move. Now, that isn't to compare Leonard or T-Rob as having the talent of Plumlee. I don't think they come close, so Indiana did give up as asset of value. But they also sacrificed a player that would remained buried behind a starter in order to upgrade their bench elsewhere with a veteran presence. It has made their team better and opened their window a little wider

Portland has the 2nd best record in the league. Just how many projects do they want on their bench?

unfortunately, I think only Blazer fans see any positive value in players like T-Rob and Leonard. Freeland as well. And it's unlikely that Olshey would trade McCollum. So, I think we're stuck watching the current bench and hoping there are no injuries to starters while a couple of those bench players become much better. Thin ice

[Wizenheimer]

as far as Myth's question: I believe Stotts, but unspoken is taht T-Rob has not played well at all. He's lousy at defense and while he rebounds well, he consistently fails to block out opponents

elevating Leonard's trade value might be a bonus, but it's also worthwhile to see if he's absorbed anything positive in his 2nd season.

[DaVoiceMaster]

I buy Stotts reasoning. Outside shooting is about the only thing Leonard does that's up to NBA quality right now. If it has the benefit of raising his trade value, that's great, but I think he's just trying to get better spacing with the 2nd unit more than anything.

I think it'll just be a game by game thing of who gets minutes between Leonard and TRob. Ideally, I'd love to see both traded for a vet right now. As much of a TRob support as I am, this team needs more consistent production off that bench and they don't have the time to be developing young guys right now. When you got a special season like this is shaping up to be, I believe you have to do everything in your power to take advantage of it and give yourself the best chance to win.

I gave you a +1 on this as it's on the money

somebody here in another thread mentioned Indiana trading Miles Plumlee & Gerald Green to Phx for Luis Scola as a classic win-now move. Now, that isn't to compare Leonard or T-Rob as having the talent of Plumlee. I don't think they come close, so Indiana did give up as asset of value. But they also sacrificed a player that would remained buried behind a starter in order to upgrade their bench elsewhere with a veteran presence. It has made their team better and opened their window a little wider

Portland has the 2nd best record in the league. Just how many projects do they want on their bench?

unfortunately, I think only Blazer fans see any positive value in players like T-Rob and Leonard. Freeland as well. And it's unlikely that Olshey would trade McCollum. So, I think we're stuck watching the current bench and hoping there are no injuries to starters while a couple of those bench players become much better. Thin ice

Ooh... Ooh... That was me. Do I win a prize?

[Wizenheimer]

I buy Stotts reasoning. Outside shooting is about the only thing Leonard does that's up to NBA quality right now. If it has the benefit of raising his trade value, that's great, but I think he's just trying to get better spacing with the 2nd unit more than anything.

I think it'll just be a game by game thing of who gets minutes between Leonard and TRob. Ideally, I'd love to see both traded for a vet right now. As much of a TRob support as I am, this team needs more consistent production off that bench and they don't have the time to be developing young guys right now. When you got a special season like this is shaping up to be, I believe you have to do everything in your power to take advantage of it and give yourself the best chance to win.

I gave you a +1 on this as it's on the money

somebody here in another thread mentioned Indiana trading Miles Plumlee & Gerald Green to Phx for Luis Scola as a classic win-now move. Now, that isn't to compare Leonard or T-Rob as having the talent of Plumlee. I don't think they come close, so Indiana did give up as asset of value. But they also sacrificed a player that would remained buried behind a starter in order to upgrade their bench elsewhere with a veteran presence. It has made their team better and opened their window a little wider

Portland has the 2nd best record in the league. Just how many projects do they want on their bench?

unfortunately, I think only Blazer fans see any positive value in players like T-Rob and Leonard. Freeland as well. And it's unlikely that Olshey would trade McCollum. So, I think we're stuck watching the current bench and hoping there are no injuries to starters while a couple of those bench players become much better. Thin ice

Ooh... Ooh... That was me. Do I win a prize?

yes, you get a 20% raise over what you're being paid for moderating now

what's 1.2 X [your moderator's salary]?

[DaVoiceMaster]

Woo Hoo, I'm rich!!! Oh, wait a minute...

[DusterBuster]

unfortunately, I think only Blazer fans see any positive value in players like T-Rob and Leonard. Freeland as well. And it's unlikely that Olshey would trade McCollum. So, I think we're stuck watching the current bench and hoping there are no injuries to starters while a couple of those bench players become much better.

This isn't really true if the Trade Board is any indication. Other fans still generally have a positive view of TRob and some still like Leonard's potential. The one team that immediately comes to mind is Boston fans. I had a productive discussion with a number of C's fans who were all on board for a TRob and Leonard for Bass deal. In the talks with Sixers fans, most all said they have to have TRob in a Hawes deal, so I still think they hold some value from rebuilding teams who have room and time to develop them.

Obviously who knows how much real world value that has.

[PDX MM]

Well I am not liking this desicion to put Leonard back into the rotation. To me it is pretty clear that he brings mostly negatives with the only positive being he can shoot from the outside to the floor. I certainly hope the real reason for this is to attempt to raise his trade value and that a deal is soon coming.

Yes I know it takes bigs longer to develop but at the same time we usually see glimpses of what they will develop into. Unlike Jermaine O'neal or Oden or even TRob we have not seen these glimpses with Leonard. Maybe it will come maybe it won't but the only rotation I want to see him in is for Idaho or some other NBA team.

[PDXKnight]

I have no problem with Leonard playing if he contributes but I guess my big issue is that I really wish we weren't in a position where we have to play Leonard, Robinson, or even freeland for major backup minutes. I give them credit for holding the fort but at 23-5 olshey really ought to make a move to shore up big man depth. Glen davis is a name that comes to mind for me and personally I'd much prefer him to brandon bass since I feel like he could be played at center as well as pf. Honestly the ability for a player to play d at both big man positions is the most important to me and hopefully they'd at least be somewhat competent on offense as well. While another Brian grant would be an answer to some prayers Id be fine with much less. The key is to add a veteran or two and I'm under the impression that olshey will do everything in his power to make it happen IF it can be done without sacrificing cj, mo, or any of the starters. Obviously that makes it a bit of a challenge since we aren't left with much else other than dorrell perhaps but if a team is high on Leonard and/or Robinson and that's all it would take to find a fix It'd be a great move for us especially if we can find a team willing to dump a veteran for below market value.

My suspicion is that olshey is waiting till the deadline until he has had more time to gauge the market and once teams are more set on a direction. Seems like as much as olshey doesn't love mid season deals this season seems like a better time to do it than others and if I had to guess I think olshey does something by the 2014 deadline .

[ebott]

Leonard is back in the rotation because Thomas Robinson has been HORRIBLE lately. Leonard may not have played well last night but he got the same amount of rebounds that Robinson has been averaging. He wasn't all that involved on the offensive side but he did make the one shot he took. Also, he blocked a shot. Robinson has been playing all season and he's only done that four times.

[PDXKnight]

Leonard is back in the rotation because Thomas Robinson has been HORRIBLE lately. Leonard may not have played well last night but he got the same amount of rebounds that Robinson has been averaging. He wasn't all that involved on the offensive side but he did make the one shot he took. Also, he blocked a shot. Robinson has been playing all season and he's only done that four times.

Neither are great. I don't think either player will have their fourth year team option picked up if they continue to play like they have but I suppose it's more likely that Meyers is picked up than Robinson considering that he's a bit more affordable.

[d-train]

I think the message from Stotts to TRob and Leonard is he wants a big man that sets screens, plays defense, and shags balls for the players that execute his offense.

Portland has the 2nd best record in the league. Just how many projects do they want on their bench?

The second best record after 28 games will not ever be of much use. Low cost players that we develop into assets to play or trade may someday be of use.

[TBFan4Life]

First of all, ain't it great that we are having nitpicky discussions about role players off the bench? Kinda nice being 23-5, isn't it?

Second, I totally agree that we need another veteran big if we are going to make a serious run at things.

But..... I couldn't disagree more about posters comments about Leonard. He is 21 years old (about to turn 22), is 7-1, has shooting range out to the 3 point line, and has out of this world athleticism for a 7 footer. You don't find those type of players very often, and when you do, the smart money is to keep them and let them develop.

If you have to include him to get a Hawes, I'm good with that. But don't give away our young assets just to get a "veteran" who no doubt will have flaws that the board picks apart too. We have to think about the future as well as the present....

[Billy]

Portland does need a vet big if they are going to make a run at the playoffs. I like Robinson a lot in small stretches, but if he gets the ball in his hands too often he becomes a liability. I'll reserve judgement on Leonard as he really has only played one decent game. I would be happy if either stepped up their game.

I also buy Stotts' reasoning. This teams continued success will be predicated on the ability to stretch the floor and run their offense for at least 90% of the game. Of course, there is an understanding that in extreme situations (foul trouble, bad matchups, injuries, suspensions, illness) you may be forced to run with a team for at least a few minutes in each game that is unlikely to be able to run the whole playbook. At this point Leonard's shooting ability and size should allow for that to happen a little better in some of the match-ups.

I would like to keep one of the two if at all possible to have off the bench and to continue to develop. But, I do think that if Portland does want to land a vet big that they will have to part with at least one of the two guys. I completely agree with DB as well that this is likely a game by game thing. Portland has faced some teams with much bigger lineups the last few games and I think Stotts recognizes that teams are testing Portland's ability to respond to the larger lineups as traditionally teams that leave on the perimeter typically can't match for size.

[TBpup]

I would like to keep one of the two if at all possible to have off the bench and to continue to develop. But, I do think that if Portland does want to land a vet big that they will have to part with at least one of the two guys.

Very much agreed. I like the potential but Portland jumped ahead in their 'window-of-opportunity' and the time might be now.

[GreenRiddler]

I do not think Olshey will be as aggressive to find that Big, unless the injury bug hits..knock,knock,knock. Honestly if we make the playoffs and win in the first round, that's when trades and stuff might happen, especially after we give the Cats our pick.

As for Meyers. It simple, Robinson hasn't been good on defense, he is awful on offense, Meyers is just as bad on defense, but can hit open shots and finish at the hoop/Lobs.

I think it was a bad move for Olshey to trade for Robinson, I guess he thought Freeland wouldn't be as good as he is, and that we wouldn't get a Lopez, but I am sure he would reverse the trade now if he could. I can't help but feel there is gonna be a feeling that we owe it to Robinson to play or give him an opportunity. The thing is we gave him a good one and it looks like the same outcome as in his previous 2 stops. We gotta choose which big we want to keep and develop.

Here is a video break down of T Rob.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OOPK87Ha44[/youtube]

[Wizenheimer]

I think it was a bad move for Olshey to trade for Robinson, I guess he thought Freeland wouldn't be as good as he is, and that we wouldn't get a Lopez, but I am sure he would reverse the trade now if he could. I can't help but feel there is gonna be a feeling that we owe it to Robinson to play or give him an opportunity. The thing is we gave him a good one and it looks like the same outcome as in his previous 2 stops. We gotta choose which big we want to keep and develop.

I actually agree with you here. A team like Portland can't afford too many project players. Having both Robinson and Leonard is having one too many, IMO, especially when you factor in Freeland's pros & cons

everybody knows I panned the Robinson trade when it happened. I hated it even though I understood the notion of rolling the dice on potential talent.

I didn't like Portland giving up two 2nd round picks plus the rights to Euro players....especially after considering that Robinson was going to takes 3.5 million off of Portland's summer cap-space. I remember some people here actually saying that Robinson's salary wasn't really relevant because Portland was unlikely to find anybody as good for that little money. I couldn't believe people were thinking that.

I was impressed with Olshey landing Lopez. The rest of his moves, not so much

Here is a video break down of T Rob.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OOPK87Ha44[/youtube]

good breakdown, and that said nothing about T-Rob's issues on defense

[ebott]

I think it was a bad move for Olshey to trade for Robinson, I guess he thought Freeland wouldn't be as good as he is, and that we wouldn't get a Lopez, but I am sure he would reverse the trade now if he could.

That is a ridiculous BS hindsight being 20/20 statement. NO ONE expected Freeland to be any good this season. Some people expected Lopez to be useful but nobody thought he'd be this good. This summer anyone predicting he'd be averaging nine points and eight rebounds was laughed out of the forum.

I also think you're forgetting how low expectations were this season. Most people were going into this season thinking this was another rebuilding year. There was hope we might make the playoffs but most everyone was simply hoping that players like Robinson, Freeland, Leonard and CJ McCollum would develop enough so that next season with their contributions and another veteran added with our MLE and have a good shot at making the playoffs.

In a rebuilding year it's no big deal to have Robinson playing 15 minutes a game in the hope that he'll be more useful next season. But because of how well this team has done it's now unacceptable to give a guy minutes for developmental purposes.