2020 free agent targets and draft picks

[Matt800]

Charles Barkley says Zach Collins is one of his favorite players and believes he will be a stud. I agree he will be a defensive stud. I think his offensive in the post will always be lousy.

I thought Zach's post offense was really good at times. He had some possessions with great footwork and scored. It was one of the things that gave me the most hope about him working out as a player. Because it doesn't seem like many players work on that these days, but he was pulling off some fairly complicated footwork at times last season.

[d-train]

Charles Barkley says Zach Collins is one of his favorite players and believes he will be a stud. I agree he will be a defensive stud. I think his offensive in the post will always be lousy.

I thought Zach's post offense was really good at times. He had some possessions with great footwork and scored. It was one of the things that gave me the most hope about him working out as a player. Because it doesn't seem like many players work on that these days, but he was pulling off some fairly complicated footwork at times last season.

I'll be satisfied if Collins improves enough to consistently post up smaller players. It's a real problem if you have a 7 footer that can be defended by a 6'7" player.

[BlazersBroncos]

Ya, Zach may have decent footwork but he fumbles the ball way too often, takes too long to make decisions and doesnt have the mass to get good positioning or back his guy down well IMO.

On another note, if things get really bad with Harden in Houston I certainly hope we make an offer. Even if he leaves after 2 years, adding Harden to this team would give us the best squad we have had since the Drexler days. You cant gut it all though or your left with the same situation Harden is currently in. McCollum, Collins, Trent Jr, Little or Simons, 3-4 1st round picks. I would do that for 2 years of true championship contention. And I really dislike Harden lol. I think Boston including Brown or Philly including Simmons would trump that package though.

[Norm2953]

It appears Nic is going to be waived by Charlotte. After he passes waivers, does Portland have any interest in him?

[wco81]

There are 6 teams said to be interested in him. I didn't see the Blazers listed.

If he wants to ring chase, he could go with Clippers or Nets or Bucks or Raptors.

Wonder if he would prioritize playing time, since he'll be playing for his next contract.

[d-train]

It appears Nic is going to be waived by Charlotte. After he passes waivers, does Portland have any interest in him?

I thought he was already waived. He is going to be bargain on minimum for someone.

Edit:. Bucks should go after him

[Norm2953]

I would bet my money on the Lakers which might make Blazer fan's head to explode seeing Nic and Wes
playing for the Lakers

[wco81]

Batum said he's signing with the Clippers after clearing waivers.

[d-train]

On second look, Bucks roster is full. Nuggets could use Batum. Rockets would be a better fit than Clippers.

[d-train]

A lot of good wings signed for minimum. It makes the $32M we are paying to RoCo, DJJ, and Hood look questionable.

[GEE]

The Clippers... Crap. I was afraid of Batum going to a top WC team. Thought he could have been a key piece for Portland, but that would have meant taking minutes from guys like GTJ, Simons & others. Still would have considered it as a win now move, and maybe Olshey did, and thought better of it. Still, the Clippers...

[d-train]

The Clippers... Crap. I was afraid of Batum going to a top WC team. Thought he could have been a key piece for Portland, but that would have meant taking minutes from guys like GTJ, Simons & others. Still would have considered it as a win now move, and maybe Olshey did, and thought better of it. Still, the Clippers...

Clippers are already well into luxury tax and they have at least 4 good players at Batum's position. When Batum plays another good player has to go to the bench. So, who cares? Clippers are already good.

I notice Clippers didn't pay tax last season. Maybe this is why they can pay the tax this season. Good thing Blazers are able to avoid the tax. Maybe next year, if our team proves to be good enough, being a taxpayer will be an option for Blazers.

[GEE]

Also, If we can manage to make a respectable push this year in the playoffs, with all the small contracts our players are signed to, we could maybe be bidders for another all-star's services. Looks like the financial ship has finally been righted, from the disaster of 2016.

[Norm2953]

As long as he's not playing for the Lakers, I'm fine he's going to the Clippers.

[Village Idiot]

FWIW John Hollinger felt we had the 2nd best off-season behind Philadelphia

The Skinny: Efficient work by the Blazers in adding quality players for not much money. Covington brings his versatile D and floor-stretching abilities; Kanter is a bucket off the bench and can start in a pinch if injuries again hit Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins; Jones is insanely athletic, and while he fell out of Miami’s rotation by the time the playoffs came around, he was in it most of the season, so you know he can defend well enough. Taking a flier on Giles and betting on your medical staff to get him right after years of injuries is a low-risk gamble with a big potential upside. Whether ‘Melo plays in 60 games or six, his value on the bench and in the locker room is immeasurable. And he showed last season he can still make some big shots if you need them.

[Pattycakes]

Nic ring-chasing by going to the Clippers is tragically hilarious. This could be us, but:

[MarxyLebronist]

I adored all of the team's offseason moves. Really sharp, looking forward to seeing them all play together healthy this year. Love Lillard's comportment, McCollum's clean scoring game, Nurkic and Hood and RoCo et al, and hope the squad shows some great stuff this year. Just wanted to pop in and say so from a general league fan perspective.

[d-train]

Stotts declared his tentative opening starting lineup with Zach unavailable. Lillard, CJ, Nurk, RoCo, and DJJ, the only other player he mentioned was Melo. He said Melo would likely finish most games.

I think it's good DJJ is getting a big role from the start. We will know quickly his impact.

[d-train]

Basketball is the opiate of the masses
-Karl Marx, a Lakers fan

Jesus is a Blazers fan.

[MarxyLebronist]

Basketball is the opiate of the masses
-Karl Marx, a Lakers fan

Jesus is a Blazers fan.

The separation of church and basketball is sacrosanct!