Norman Powell to Blazers for GTJ

[Blazinaway]

I did not realize how much Powell's shooting has declined since being in Portland - he was shooting almost 44% from 3 with Tor and with POR he is shooting the 3 at a 33% clip - that's a BIG drop drop! Yikes, his overall FG% is down over 5 % as well with POR. Trent's 3 pt shooting has declined over 3% with Toronto - so far the trade hasn't helped either of them IMO

[GEE]

I Would be surprised if GTJ isn't a big part of the Raps plans going forward. They likely see that Gary has that quality that few players these days have; The Killer Instinct, or Mamba mentality, if we're talkin Kobe. Just that ultra-competitive, rabid dog style of play... GTJ has it. I had long thought his ceiling would be a prime Wesley Mathews. I think that's pretty spot on, but I think I may have underestimated him. I'm confident GTJ will be at that level starting at SG next season, and could potentially still get better. The Raps can look forward to enjoying that progression next year, while Portland will likely regret this one for years to come.

Furthermore, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Hood in that Raps rotation next year, fighting for that 5th starter spot along with the 4 dkb listed. I thought Hood has a player option, is that correct? If so, I bet he earns it.

[Blazinaway]

I Would be surprised if GTJ isn't a big part of the Raps plans going forward. They likely see that Gary has that quality that few players these days have; The Killer Instinct, or Mamba mentality, if we're talkin Kobe. Just that ultra-competitive, rabid dog style of play... GTJ has it. I had long thought his ceiling would be a prime Wesley Mathews. I think that's pretty spot on, but I think I may have underestimated him. I'm confident GTJ will be at that level starting at SG next season, and could potentially still get better. The Raps can look forward to enjoying that progression next year, while Portland will likely regret this one for years to come.

Furthermore, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Hood in that Raps rotation next year, fighting for that 5th starter spot along with the 4 dkb listed. I thought Hood has a player option, is that correct? If so, I bet he earns it.

Pretty sure Hood's option is a team one, and I like Gary but an not as high on him as you are

[dkb9696]

I Would be surprised if GTJ isn't a big part of the Raps plans going forward. They likely see that Gary has that quality that few players these days have; The Killer Instinct, or Mamba mentality, if we're talkin Kobe. Just that ultra-competitive, rabid dog style of play... GTJ has it. I had long thought his ceiling would be a prime Wesley Mathews. I think that's pretty spot on, but I think I may have underestimated him. I'm confident GTJ will be at that level starting at SG next season, and could potentially still get better. The Raps can look forward to enjoying that progression next year, while Portland will likely regret this one for years to come.

Furthermore, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Hood in that Raps rotation next year, fighting for that 5th starter spot along with the 4 dkb listed. I thought Hood has a player option, is that correct? If so, I bet he earns it.

Pretty sure Hood's option is a team one, and I like Gary but an not as high on him as you are

The Raptors were very high on Hood years ago, but his play has declined. I would be shocked if they brought him back, as he is on a team option and has looked terrible since being traded to the Raptors. It sounded like he was not playing well for the Blazers either. I am bummed that Powell has played poorly for the Blazers. Honestly though it was a terrible fit considering the best players on the Blazers are small guards and that Powell is terrible off the bench. I hope he shows up for the Blazers in the playoffs or play in tournament.

[d-train]

I am bummed that Powell has played poorly for the Blazers. Honestly though it was a terrible fit considering the best players on the Blazers are small guards and that Powell is terrible off the bench. I hope he shows up for the Blazers in the playoffs or play in tournament.

Powell has been great for us. His shooting numbers are down a little in a small 17 game sample, but that's no problem. His numbers will normalize. We needed another player that gets to the basket and draws fouls.

[d-train]

Powell is shooting better than Lillard in the 17 games since Powell joined the team. RoCo in his 1st 17 games shot 31%, 28% on 3's. I don't know what Raptor fans are like. Blazer fans are are neurotic fair-weather fans.

[dkb9696]

I am bummed that Powell has played poorly for the Blazers. Honestly though it was a terrible fit considering the best players on the Blazers are small guards and that Powell is terrible off the bench. I hope he shows up for the Blazers in the playoffs or play in tournament.

Powell has been great for us. His shooting numbers are down a little in a small 17 game sample, but that's no problem. His numbers will normalize. We needed another player that gets to the basket and draws fouls.

It is good to hear that you are happy with Powell. He is much better at getting to the rim then GTJ. That may be obvious, but just saying. I would bet he steps up his defence once the playoffs or play in start. The shooting numbers being down concern me though, because he probably got much better looks in Toronto and he is a catch and shoot guy. GTJ is better at creating a shot off the dribble and has a mid range game. GTJ also make some passes that Powell never has.

[d-train]

I am bummed that Powell has played poorly for the Blazers. Honestly though it was a terrible fit considering the best players on the Blazers are small guards and that Powell is terrible off the bench. I hope he shows up for the Blazers in the playoffs or play in tournament.

Powell has been great for us. His shooting numbers are down a little in a small 17 game sample, but that's no problem. His numbers will normalize. We needed another player that gets to the basket and draws fouls.

It is good to hear that you are happy with Powell. He is much better at getting to the rim then GTJ. That may be obvious, but just saying. I would bet he steps up his defence once the playoffs or play in start. The shooting numbers being down concern me though, because he probably got much better looks in Toronto and he is a catch and shoot guy. GTJ is better at creating a shot off the dribble and has a mid range game. GTJ also make some passes that Powell never has.

Over time, you will find GTJ is strictly a catch-and-shoot player. Most of his good shooting comes off open shots created by others. He is a shooter without conscience and has some nifty moves to create space, but his good numbers depend on a steady diet of open shots.

Edit:. Because we are small, we needed a 3rd guard that can't be defended by size. GTJ is easily defended by size because of his poor driving ability.

[d-train]

GTJ has been moved to the bench in Toronto. He is their 6th man while Boucher is injured. In 2 games, he is getting fewer minutes than he got here as our 6/7th man.

why did he get moved to the bench?

The reason he is playing off the bench is because the Raptors have 2 centers now that are at least playable in Khem Birch/Freddie Gillespie. Everyone is also healthy and the Raptors are not going to bench one of Lowry or VanVleet in favour of GTJ. If GTJ resigns with the Raptors I fully expect him to be the starring 2 guard next season, as Lowry does not fit the teams timeline and will move on to a different team next year. FVV/GTJ/OG/Siakam look like virtual locks to start next season unless the Raptors can magically get an upgrade at those positions.

I wish the Blazers would have picked Birch off waivers. He had a small reasonable contract. According to the NBA salary websites, Blazers could have traded for him or used the BAE to pick him off waivers and stayed under the tax.

[dkb9696]

Powell has been great for us. His shooting numbers are down a little in a small 17 game sample, but that's no problem. His numbers will normalize. We needed another player that gets to the basket and draws fouls.

It is good to hear that you are happy with Powell. He is much better at getting to the rim then GTJ. That may be obvious, but just saying. I would bet he steps up his defence once the playoffs or play in start. The shooting numbers being down concern me though, because he probably got much better looks in Toronto and he is a catch and shoot guy. GTJ is better at creating a shot off the dribble and has a mid range game. GTJ also make some passes that Powell never has.

Over time, you will find GTJ is strictly a catch-and-shoot player. Most of his good shooting comes off open shots created by others. He is a shooter without conscience and has some nifty moves to create space, but his good numbers depend on a steady diet of open shots.

Edit:. Because we are small, we needed a 3rd guard that can't be defended by size. GTJ is easily defended by size because of his poor driving ability.

GTJ is kinda like a Powell/Ross hyprid prospect. He is a strong kid that is a streaky shooter and a willing defender. Not someone that is going to draw many fouls, ala Ross, but is a much better defender then Ross. I really like GTJ for what he is now and feel like he should continue to improve as a player.

[d-train]

It is good to hear that you are happy with Powell. He is much better at getting to the rim then GTJ. That may be obvious, but just saying. I would bet he steps up his defence once the playoffs or play in start. The shooting numbers being down concern me though, because he probably got much better looks in Toronto and he is a catch and shoot guy. GTJ is better at creating a shot off the dribble and has a mid range game. GTJ also make some passes that Powell never has.

Over time, you will find GTJ is strictly a catch-and-shoot player. Most of his good shooting comes off open shots created by others. He is a shooter without conscience and has some nifty moves to create space, but his good numbers depend on a steady diet of open shots.

Edit:. Because we are small, we needed a 3rd guard that can't be defended by size. GTJ is easily defended by size because of his poor driving ability.

GTJ is kinda like a Powell/Ross hyprid prospect. He is a strong kid that is a streaky shooter and a willing defender. Not someone that is going to draw many fouls, ala Ross, but is a much better defender then Ross. I really like GTJ for what he is now and feel like he should continue to improve as a player.

I don't believe GTJ is going to improve much. He is a good shooter and will always be a good shooter, but I don't see his shot getting better or less streaky. He could improve if he ever becomes an effective defender, which he isn't now. He is an active defender with good hands. If he is defending someone that can protect the ball, his defense is almost worthless.

[dkb9696]

Over time, you will find GTJ is strictly a catch-and-shoot player. Most of his good shooting comes off open shots created by others. He is a shooter without conscience and has some nifty moves to create space, but his good numbers depend on a steady diet of open shots.

Edit:. Because we are small, we needed a 3rd guard that can't be defended by size. GTJ is easily defended by size because of his poor driving ability.

GTJ is kinda like a Powell/Ross hyprid prospect. He is a strong kid that is a streaky shooter and a willing defender. Not someone that is going to draw many fouls, ala Ross, but is a much better defender then Ross. I really like GTJ for what he is now and feel like he should continue to improve as a player.

I don't believe GTJ is going to improve much. He is a good shooter and will always be a good shooter, but I don't see his shot getting better or less streaky. He could improve if he ever becomes an effective defender, which he isn't now. He is an active defender with good hands. If he is defending someone that can protect the ball, his defense is almost worthless.

I think the floor for GTJ is a Ross/Powell type.

[JasonStern]

That feeling when you realize the Blazers are probably going to lose Norm (and in effect GTJ) because Olshey gave Jones a player option and will try to save face by picking up Collins' QO.

[Case2012]

That feeling when you realize the Blazers are probably going to lose Norm (and in effect GTJ) because Olshey gave Jones a player option and will try to save face by picking up Collins' QO.

Hopefully the whole FO is gone by then including Stotts.

[DaVoiceMaster]

I'm happy with Powell as opposed to Trent Jr. That's not to say I didn't like Trent Jr cuz I did, but Powell is a complete player, not a one-trick pony like Trent Jr.

[GEE]

All of this is just nuts to me... The emergence of GTJ looking like a Wesley Mathews 2.0, I thought, was going to allow the Blazers to finally move CJ, which I thought, was the real issue. Acquiring Powell for GTJ did nothing to help with the main issue of being undersized almost always at the guard position. Instead, it gave Stotts the ability to go even smaller, feeling the need to start Powell at the 3.

And I highly doubt we'll be able to pay/keep Powell beyond this year. With the rise of Simons and Little, maybe Olshey felt this thinning of the roster is a good plan, but I don't expect to see CJ going anywhere now, but envision a rotation of Dame / CJ / Simons at the guard spots going into next season.

[JasonStern]

And I highly doubt we'll be able to pay/keep Powell beyond this year.

Blazers would need Jones to opt out and then renounce Collins. Ideally, they'd then sign Powell to a declining contract to offset the pay raises in Dame and CJ's contracts. And then you'd have a very expensive back court (also forced to play SF).

I'd do it. Powell is the best player of the three, losing GTJ for nothing would set the team back (although Zach Collins over John Collins did that as well), plus retaining Powell makes a CJ trade far less damaging offensively. But I don't see why Jones would opt out of $9M when there's a very reasonable chance he can't get half of that a year in free agency.

[d-train]

DJJ is going to opt out because he will make more money. Whether he stays with Blazers or not, he will make more money by opting out.

If GTJ is Wes 2.0, then Powell is Klay 2.0. Thankfully, neither is going to replace CJ. We improved our team by trading GTJ for Powell. We aren't going to diminish our team by trading CJ for a lesser player. Our guards are not too small. Our frontcourt has potential to take advantage of favorable matchups whether we go small or big. Powell and RoCo are our best forwards and they are comparatively small, but in most cases they win any size mismatch. We are big at center and in most cases win the size mismatch.

If we lose Powell in free agency, it will be because Olshey decided against overpaying him. How is this letting GTJ go for nothing? It is more likely GTJ gets overpaid and he has made it clear he wants to get overpaid. Why would Olshey overpay GTJ and not overpay Powell? What is the logic behind we could lose Powell and would have been able to keep GTJ?

[Case2012]

We might get lucky and swept in the first round, so Stotts and Olshey get canned. That way we can get a competent GM who will build a team around Dame that he deserves, and a coach who knows how to execute plays, and coach defense. Hate to waste another season, the first half was crazy, but i wouldn’t be surprised if we got swept again. Maybe a gentleman’s sweep at best.

[Norm2953]

And I highly doubt we'll be able to pay/keep Powell beyond this year.

Blazers would need Jones to opt out and then renounce Collins. Ideally, they'd then sign Powell to a declining contract to offset the pay raises in Dame and CJ's contracts. And then you'd have a very expensive back court (also forced to play SF).

I'd do it. Powell is the best player of the three, losing GTJ for nothing would set the team back (although Zach Collins over John Collins did that as well), plus retaining Powell makes a CJ trade far less damaging offensively. But I don't see why Jones would opt out of $9M when there's a very reasonable chance he can't get half of that a year in free agency.

DJJ seems to be out of the rotation after the Powell trade but lots of guys seem to opt out for no apparent reason.

Real chance if he opts in, Portland will trade him if they feel he does not fit in their future plans. Portland has to fix
some real holes in their roster for Nurk and ZC have missed the better parts of two seasons and simply cannot afford
to go another season without their bigs.