From Now to the All-Star Break

[Wizenheimer]

I don't think there are any real parallels between this season and recent seasons; mainly because of the stretch of games Portland has ahead between now and the all-star break....it's an absolutely brutal 22 game stretch and is likely the most difficult 20 game stretch in years:

@ New York Knicks
@ Washington Wizards
@ Miami Heat
@ Toronto Raptors
@ Minnesota Timberwolves
Milwaukee Bucks
Opponent
Charlotte Hornets
@ Houston Rockets
@ Dallas Mavericks
@ Oklahoma City Thunder
Golden State Warriors
Dallas Mavericks
Indiana Pacers
Houston Rockets
@ Los Angeles Lakers
Utah Jazz
@ Denver Nuggets
San Antonio Spurs
@ Utah Jazz
Miami Heat
@ New Orleans Pelicans
@ Memphis Grizzlies

* Portland is 6-11 on the road, and 13 of those 22 games are on the road

* Portland is 3-13 against teams with winning records, and two of those wins came against OKC early in the year; two of the wins happened within the first 5 games of the season. Since the 1st of November, Portland is 1-12 against teams with winning records. Well, 14 of those 22 games are against teams with winning records

Looking at all that in the context of how the Blazers have played so far, 8-14 may be too optimistic for that stretch. 6-16 may be more realistic. If Portland was to go 7-15 over that stretch, they'd be 21-35 at the all-star break with 26 games left. Those 26 games are much easier, but even if the Blazers went 18-8, they'd be 39-43 for the year. 20-6 seems impossible but even with that they'd be 41-41. The last time they were 41-41, they got swept in the first round losing the 4 games by an average of 18 points a game

in other words, the current record of 14-20 is a really deep hole considering the next 6 weeks. By the all-star break Portland could be in such a deep hole that 'load-managing' the starters would be the best course for the rest of the year

Blazers could surprise I guess and somehow go 11-11 over those 22 games but they can't even beat bad teams at the Moda lately. The only surprise has been how bad they've been this year, although even that isn't so surprising considering the summer Olshey had

[Village Idiot]

This is one of those seasons that makes me grateful for the fantastic year last season.

I don't agree that we can blame this on Olshey. Collins got injured already the third game of the season. He was looking pretty solid in that new role and that gives hope.

I think this upcoming draft is pretty crappy so that doesn't give us much to look forward to. I only hope this season's injuries don't allow Olshey to punt making a decision on the McCollum/Lillard back-court. Break them up already Neal. We've passed on acquiring a lot of good two way forwards the past couple of seasons. If the Sixers struggles continue I hope he doesn't pass on Simmons for McCollum (as the core pieces) if he becomes available.

[Epicurus]

Probably won't match the '16 outcome with this same record, not because not beating good teams heretofore this season predicts the future; but the health of the respective squads differ. Indeed the poor record thus this season against good teams might suggest more future wins against them, if and only if better health. But that is why they play the games.

[ebott]

I think this upcoming draft is pretty crappy so that doesn't give us much to look forward to.

And even if it was a good draft it would be super sad cause as bad as we are there are so many outright dreadful teams that our best hope is to barely squeak into a top 10 pick

[BlazersBroncos]

If the Sixers struggles continue I hope he doesn't pass on Simmons for McCollum (as the core pieces) if he becomes available.

I have to imagine that Ben Simmons would cost at least CJ, Zach and a pick. Depending on the protection, I would do that. He may not ever develop his shooting, but he is a special, young player who plays elite defense and would bring elements to this team in transition that we have no seen in decades.

Would Lillard be OK with playing off the ball more? That's a big question.

[Norm2953]

This season will end up being to get ready for fall camp 2020. Let Nurk if he comes back at the ASB
work his way back slowly, using the live games to judge his game after injury. Load managing Dame
would not be a bad idea for the last thing this team needs is to another season ending injury to a
key player just to pursue a playoff run to be fodder for one of the LA teams.

I do think NO did a fine job given his lack of options last summer. We've got those two very large
expiring contracts that another team might covet to open up sigificant cap space for either 2020
or the 2021 FA class (if they punt on next summer) and might be able to pickup a really useful
piece. The 2020 draft is rich in PG's but thin up front after Wiseman.

[monopoman]

They don't seem to be in the process of rushing Nurkic back he hasn't played a game since March 25th of 2019. I don't see the Blazers bending over backwards to convince Nurkic to play. With the history of big men injuries for this franchise they would be foolish to try to rush him back.

It's quite possible a full year might pass before we see him on the court again. The bigger the hole this team has to dig itself out of the longer I bet they delay bringing Nurkic back.

[Village Idiot]

If the Sixers struggles continue I hope he doesn't pass on Simmons for McCollum (as the core pieces) if he becomes available.

I have to imagine that Ben Simmons would cost at least CJ, Zach and a pick. Depending on the protection, I would do that. He may not ever develop his shooting, but he is a special, young player who plays elite defense and would bring elements to this team in transition that we have no seen in decades.

Would Lillard be OK with playing off the ball more? That's a big question.

I wouldn't include Collins in a deal for Simmons. Look at the Sixers last night against Indiana losing by 18 despite outscoring the Pacers 31-19 in the fourth. Without Embid they are a pretty bad team. Simmons had 3 assists and 6 turnovers. They need a guy like McCollum a lot more than we need a guy like Simmons. Lock Simmons in a gym with Damian, a shooting coach and a sports shrink and he may become a dominant player but right now Ben Simmons is pretty worthless in a half court offense.

[Soulyss]

Looking at all that in the context of how the Blazers have played so far, 8-14 may be too optimistic for that stretch. 6-16 may be more realistic. If Portland was to go 7-15 over that stretch, they'd be 21-35 at the all-star break with 26 games left. Those 26 games are much easier, but even if the Blazers went 18-8, they'd be 39-43 for the year. 20-6 seems impossible but even with that they'd be 41-41. The last time they were 41-41, they got swept in the first round losing the 4 games by an average of 18 points a game

in other words, the current record of 14-20 is a really deep hole considering the next 6 weeks. By the all-star break Portland could be in such a deep hole that 'load-managing' the starters would be the best course for the rest of the year

Blazers could surprise I guess and somehow go 11-11 over those 22 games but they can't even beat bad teams at the Moda lately. The only surprise has been how bad they've been this year, although even that isn't so surprising considering the summer Olshey had

I look at that schedule, and I agree with the 7-15 mark over it.. it's a brutal stretch and the Blazers needed to be coming out of the holidays at .500 to stay competitive in the West for a playoff spot. I think Portland hits the big red button on the season at the deadline and tries to reset for next year. I don't believe they will "Tank" but rather try to work through the integration of whatever player they can add at the deadline plus allowing Nurkic to shake off the rust so they can hit the ground running next season...

Brutal season injuries wise. Personally It's hard for me to judge any of the off-season decisions based on the Blazers being able to roll out they line-ups they wanted (without Nurk) for only three games. I think it's fair to give everyone a mulligan on this one (but you don't get two...)

[BlazersBroncos]

I wouldn't include Collins in a deal for Simmons.

I don't necessarily agree with my estimated cost to trade for Simmons, but I do think that's what it would take to get Philly to listen.

Your not going to get a 1-for-1 trade. Simmons has huge flaws, but he is tremendous at what he does well and most of all, quite a bit younger than CJ.

[Epicurus]

Looking at all that in the context of how the Blazers have played so far, 8-14 may be too optimistic for that stretch. 6-16 may be more realistic. If Portland was to go 7-15 over that stretch, they'd be 21-35 at the all-star break with 26 games left. Those 26 games are much easier, but even if the Blazers went 18-8, they'd be 39-43 for the year. 20-6 seems impossible but even with that they'd be 41-41. The last time they were 41-41, they got swept in the first round losing the 4 games by an average of 18 points a game

in other words, the current record of 14-20 is a really deep hole considering the next 6 weeks. By the all-star break Portland could be in such a deep hole that 'load-managing' the starters would be the best course for the rest of the year

Blazers could surprise I guess and somehow go 11-11 over those 22 games but they can't even beat bad teams at the Moda lately. The only surprise has been how bad they've been this year, although even that isn't so surprising considering the summer Olshey had

I look at that schedule, and I agree with the 7-15 mark over it.. it's a brutal stretch and the Blazers needed to be coming out of the holidays at .500 to stay competitive in the West for a playoff spot. I think Portland hits the big red button on the season at the deadline and tries to reset for next year. I don't believe they will "Tank" but rather try to work through the integration of whatever player they can add at the deadline plus allowing Nurkic to shake off the rust so they can hit the ground running next season...

Brutal season injuries wise. Personally It's hard for me to judge any of the off-season decisions based on the Blazers being able to roll out they line-ups they wanted (without Nurk) for only three games. I think it's fair to give everyone a mulligan on this one (but you don't get two...)

In 2016 the Blazers didn't even their record until 2/10. As one's whose doctoral minor was history, I don't believe history repeats itself. Yet it can suggest that gloomy predictions aren't necessarily warranted, as they proved to be offbase in another relevant historic period. As injuries, among other things, have impacted this season for the Blazers, who knows what the Fates have in store for their rivals tomorrow?

[Soulyss]

Looking at all that in the context of how the Blazers have played so far, 8-14 may be too optimistic for that stretch. 6-16 may be more realistic. If Portland was to go 7-15 over that stretch, they'd be 21-35 at the all-star break with 26 games left. Those 26 games are much easier, but even if the Blazers went 18-8, they'd be 39-43 for the year. 20-6 seems impossible but even with that they'd be 41-41. The last time they were 41-41, they got swept in the first round losing the 4 games by an average of 18 points a game

in other words, the current record of 14-20 is a really deep hole considering the next 6 weeks. By the all-star break Portland could be in such a deep hole that 'load-managing' the starters would be the best course for the rest of the year

Blazers could surprise I guess and somehow go 11-11 over those 22 games but they can't even beat bad teams at the Moda lately. The only surprise has been how bad they've been this year, although even that isn't so surprising considering the summer Olshey had

I look at that schedule, and I agree with the 7-15 mark over it.. it's a brutal stretch and the Blazers needed to be coming out of the holidays at .500 to stay competitive in the West for a playoff spot. I think Portland hits the big red button on the season at the deadline and tries to reset for next year. I don't believe they will "Tank" but rather try to work through the integration of whatever player they can add at the deadline plus allowing Nurkic to shake off the rust so they can hit the ground running next season...

Brutal season injuries wise. Personally It's hard for me to judge any of the off-season decisions based on the Blazers being able to roll out they line-ups they wanted (without Nurk) for only three games. I think it's fair to give everyone a mulligan on this one (but you don't get two...)

In 2016 the Blazers didn't even their record until 2/10. As one's whose doctoral minor was history, I don't believe history repeats itself. Yet it can suggest that gloomy predictions aren't necessarily warranted, as they proved to be offbase in another relevant historic period. As injuries, among other things, have impacted this season for the Blazers, who knows what the Fates have in store for their rivals tomorrow?

I think through half of the season, we know what this team is... it's simply not a playoff team and not close to a contender. I think we all agree Whiteside and Bazemore are not long term pieces... It will be interesting to see what Olshey does at the deadline... I think his success or failure (not his job) as the Blazer's GM is riding on it.

[Soulyss]

I wouldn't include Collins in a deal for Simmons.

I don't necessarily agree with my estimated cost to trade for Simmons, but I do think that's what it would take to get Philly to listen.

Your not going to get a 1-for-1 trade. Simmons has huge flaws, but he is tremendous at what he does well and most of all, quite a bit younger than CJ.

While I understand everyone's desire to get a big, physical guard/forward alongside Dame. That said I don't think Simmons would be a great fit. His lack of shooting makes him a square peg in a round hole in the Stott's system similar to Evan Turner (he is way more talented than Evan, but the problems are similar.)

I am hopefully that Olshey can get a great piece added to this team with the expirings, picks, and not have to use one of the core pieces in trade.

[Epicurus]

No Soulyss== as 2016 illustrate, when exactly the same predictions and prescriptions were made at the same time about the Blazers, none of us know by definition the future. I am also bemused when someone speaks for all. I for one think a Nurk/Whiteside could be at least as dynamic and productive as Nurk/Turk was. Though many thought it could work, it did. No telling if a championship banner would not be flying Moda Center, if Nurk would have not got badly hurt.

[Napoleon7]

I’m on board with Neil going to Elton and seeing what extra it would take in a CJ for Simmons trade. I’m positive our 1st this year will have to be included. I believe the main player switch would be a plus gain for both franchises.

Then go to Cleveland and offer one of our expirings and filler for Love.


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[Sinobas]

I'd throw in Simons with CJ, because so far to me, he looks like a poor man's CJ.

[Norm2953]

Simons has likely needed a back court mentor to help him adjust to the league for a quality old
pro like Andre Miller would do wonders for a player who has played very little ball but has
undeniable talent.

[BlazersBroncos]

I'd throw in Simons with CJ, because so far to me, he looks like a poor man's CJ.

I think everyone expected this his sophomore year. The hope is that he develops into a better version of CJ. At his young age he will have ups and downs. Its insanely early to make this statement.

Simons at 20 is much better than CJ was at 23. He is already on pace to be a better player IMO. The kid just needs to keep growing. I also agree that a veteran mentor like Andre Miller would do him wonders. I want to see some more emotion out of the kid, the fact he can score 10ppg at 20 and seemingly be on autopilot most of the time is pretty wild.

Does anyone here really think he cant at least match the breakout year CJ had by the time he is 24? I would be astonished if Simons didn't develop in 4 years to be the type that puts up CJ-breakout-year numbers (20ppg w/ 50% EFG).

[Showdown]

If the Sixers struggles continue I hope he doesn't pass on Simmons for McCollum (as the core pieces) if he becomes available.

I have to imagine that Ben Simmons would cost at least CJ, Zach and a pick. Depending on the protection, I would do that. He may not ever develop his shooting, but he is a special, young player who plays elite defense and would bring elements to this team in transition that we have no seen in decades.

Would Lillard be OK with playing off the ball more? That's a big question.

If he comes it would be much smarter to use him as point forward when he play with starters because his plamaking would be much more valuable from forward positions and we could use him as pg when he plays with second unit and in PO to bring the ball and initiate offense when opponents send double teams to trap Lillard.

[d-train]

I see 11 wins out of those 22 games, which isn't great. We could get Nurkic back toward the end of this stretch of games, but it will take a while before his return will yield results. Zach could be back for most of the 26 games after the all-star break. Even Skal, who could be back to help win some games in this 22 game stretch, would significantly bolster our inside scoring. Who would have thought Skal's contribution would be relied upon to have a chance for wins?