GEE wrote:Wizenheimer wrote:monopoman wrote:
those stats have been referenced repeatedly, at least the raw scoring stats for CJ without Dame have. The context that is usually missing, is that to post those scoring averages, CJ's usage rate has been north of 37% and his FGA have been north of 24 a game. For reference, Dame's usage was 31% or lower, normally, and only two players in the last 15 years have topped 23FGA/game, Harden and Westbrook
another bit of context that is often un-mentioned is that Portland's record when CJ was posting those numbers was around a game or two over .500, last time I saw it posted. For reference, Portland's record when Dame was playing without CJ was around .720, again, last I saw it posted. Which brings up the very relevant point that with all the chatter about how CJ plays without Dame, there's no comparative chatter about how Dame plays without CJ, or how Portland plays in that case. Dame has broad shoulders and carries the team to better records and the playoffs. Meanwhile, it seems CJ's shoulders are very narrow and the only thing he carries on them is his own numbers
the only way CJ would post those kind of numbers on another team is if he's traded to a trash team and can dominate the ball and usage. If he's traded with a good team, like Philly for instance, he's have to share scoring opportunities with Embiid and Harris. He would very likely have fewer FGA's and less usage than he does on Portlandmonopoman wrote:I'm not saying CJ is some amazing 1st option without Dame but he has looked a good chunk better when Dame sits and he is given the main man role. I also will point out Simmons is a flawed player, his value has only come down each year he is in the league. While, Simmons for CJ would have been a pipe dream 3 years ago that is no longer the case.
I also have a hard time seeing a team that would benefit more from CJ than the Sixers, they have a great C that can create his own shot but outside of that they are iffy in that regard.
to start with the cost of a potential trade for Simmons: if Olshey was willing to trade Ariza + two 1sts for RoCo; and Jones + a 1st for Nance (plus obligate 7 years of 1sts to the terms of that trade; and is unwilling to include a 1st, or two, in a CJ for Simmons trade...he's an even bigger idiot that I believe, and that's saying a lot
this leaves everything resting on Billups having a bad of magic beans, because Portland is very likely to go into next season with the same starting lineup that got boat-raced by an injured Denver team. Maybe the bench is a little better, but if it is it's only marginally better. So Olshey's obvious bet is that Billups, in his 1st year of being a head coach, and only his 2nd year of coaching, can be significantly better than Stotts in his 25th year of coaching. Maybe he will be. Maybe Billups will be a player>coach in the mold of Pat Riley rather than in the mold of Maurice Cheeks. It just seems like a weak bet with Dame making the noises he's making
and yes, there's a risk attached to trading for Simmons. But I think most of the risk is on one side of the equation. I do not believe Portland would be risking much by trading CJ, especially not with Powell signed for 5 years. Much like the minimal risk Golden State incurred when they traded Monta Ellis with Klay waiting in the wings. Again, CJ's shoulders are too narrow to make for a big loss
the risk would be if Simmons can get his head screwed back on right. Yeah, he has a major flaw in his shooting game. But he'd be coming to a team that has Dame as leader, Billups as a PG-whisperer, plus vets like RoCo and Powell to help in the transition. The chance that Simmons could turn into Portland's version of Draymond Green is well worth taking the risk
Simmons has all-league talent notwithstanding his flaw. He's an all-league defender who finished 2nd in DPOY voting. More is that he can defend at an all-league level on both the perimeter or in the paint; he can defend all 5 positions. He's good setting screens. And of course he's give Portland a second elite passer and facilitator
it's obvious Olshey wants the status quo and to prove himself right about the "roster not being the problem". His massive ego got bruised from all the pushback he got for that assertion. I have such a low opinion of him that I'd believe he attached 7 years of 1st round obligations on the nance trade just so he can point to that and say the Blazers didn't have the assets to get a Simmons trade done. Excuse me, I've got to go to the store now and buy more tin-foil
I guess I'll be needing some of that tinfoil as well, because I agree with you 1000%. As far as CJ's production though, I just think he's been really good, considering he's in a fairly horrible situation here. I want this deal done for CJ's sake as well. I could see his career taking a huge leap if traded to Philly, whereas staying in Portland, he'll remain THE PROBLEM.
Bottom line... Great trade for both players, and both teams involved. GM's egos are holding things up.
Has there been any indication that the Blazers are looking to trade CJ?
