Texas Chuck wrote:I don't think that's actually true. Some people did, but a lot of people did not. And speaking only for me, I've never thought of CJ as being on the level of either of these players particularly Middleton. I think if you traded Simmons and in a different world where Giannis hadn't extended and the Bucks lost in round 1 and he signed with Toronto or something and you ended up with Middleton as the centerpiece I think most people would be like this is a really nice salvage. Jrue, probably not. Not dynamic enough offensively and also older and even more expensive than CJ.HotelVitale wrote: I’d also point to Middleton and Jrue as similar players whom everyone hated as contracts.
Not trying to compare the four guys, just saying that Harris and CJ would be very capable of having huge games in big moments and all of sudden seeming like great pick-ups well worth their $. The problem with both of them--and Middleton--is that if they're not hitting tough jumpers at a heroic rate they're not very good. Don't get to the line much, can't impose will through driving/passing, don't defend at a high level, don't change the game physically. (And I think what you said may be true of Middleton now, but remember Middleton was widely tarred for not showing up against TOR and seemed like one of those overpaid volume shooters.)
BlazersBroncos wrote: I agree CJ is overpaid, and that he needs to tone down the contested long jumpers. But his age should matter little. At least on offense his game is set to age tremendously well.
Strongly disagree, combo guards who aren't naturally super athletic need every bit of their athleticism and quickness to keep getting up good shots at high volume. CJ still looks spry and he works tremendously hard but he absolutely can't afford to lose a step and hope to keep playing at this level. As a Blazers fan you know the little crossover dance CJ does to get himself separation--he often barely gets those shots off as is, and his driving game (often set up by that) would suffer quite a bit if he loses a step too.
He might age well in the sense that he'll still be a useful shooter who can pour in like 17ppg for a long time, but the Sixers really don't need 2018 Eric Gordon. CJ needs to be current CJ for him to maintain his value, and I'd start to get nervous he'll still there in another year or two.