Lillard is working his way out of Portland

[Jadoogar]

Portland is looking like a disaster. Philly was missing their 3 best players. Their whole starting lineup tonight probably makes less than Dame Lillard.

Dame is realizing that he put alot into loyalty and things eventually playing out if u just are patient mentality. I mean that sometimes just doesn't work in life as being ideal can bite u in the rear.

Its just been like 5 years and everything seems to be getting worse. Loves Portland prob but their roster has the same problems it has every year. Their defense was super bad last year and they did nothing to really fix it.

Dame and CJ both would help other teams. I mean they tried and came close in Portland at times and prob are lifelong friends. What else can this combo do together?

Everyone else in the West has caught up and Portland is basically a .500 level team now. Phoenix getting to the Finals that prob hurt Dame low key as well as losing to Denver with Murray out. I mean should Dame keep fighting?

Portland is definitely struggling, particularly Lillard compared to his normal self, but the bold is pretty inaccurate. Zeller is a huge defensive upgrade to Kanter, and Nance is a huge defensive upgrade to Melo. Meanwhile, Billups is a more defensive minded coach than Stotts (Though too early to tell if he is a better or worse coach overall). Blazers didn't fix their guard defense, but to say Portland didn't do anything to fix its defense is not accurate.

They're trying but honestly i don't think you can have a good defense with CJ/Dame as your main stars. I think CJ should have been traded a long time ago for a better fit.
Also i undersold the salary point. all 11 players Philly put on the floor make less than Dame this year. It was an extremely terrible loss.

[Ballerhogger]

he keeps saying his 10 toes deep in rip city not sure why this keeping coming up. the obivous trade is their is RC+cj for simmons and filler.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

he keeps saying his 10 toes deep in rip city not sure why this keeping coming up. the obivous trade is their is RC+cj for simmons and filler.

Because Philly fans were chanting his name, not CJs...

[DeBlazerRiddem]

So you think it's just a coincidence that most of the players who regularly flopped on their jumpers are struggling now that players get a fair chance to play defense? The real superstars will eventually figure it out but it does seem like a reason for the mass struggles. It could also be the new ball and some players not having the right feel.

No, not at all. What I do think is that Lillard's struggles are primarily because he can't make a 3 to save his life and that has nothing to do with the removal of foul baiting.

Also this is the first I've ever heard of Lillard being among the worst in the NBA in terms of flopping. Sounds like a convenient re-writing of history to fit a narrative to me.

Lillard liked to take shots off the screen where he threw his body at the defender. Having defenses allowed to play you differently of course changes things. There is a reason why scoring and free throw shooting is down across the league by a huge margin.

Lillard is still getting plenty of quality looks which is why Blazer fans keep saying its not the foul rule causing this. He has plenty of good open looks that he usually makes that he is not making.

Also, point of clarification, his strategy for drawing 3 FTs isn't to jump into defenders but to stop after a screen and let the defender run into him.

[Myth]

Dame is realizing that he put alot into loyalty and things eventually playing out if u just are patient mentality. I mean that sometimes just doesn't work in life as being ideal can bite u in the rear.

Its just been like 5 years and everything seems to be getting worse. Loves Portland prob but their roster has the same problems it has every year. Their defense was super bad last year and they did nothing to really fix it.

Dame and CJ both would help other teams. I mean they tried and came close in Portland at times and prob are lifelong friends. What else can this combo do together?

Everyone else in the West has caught up and Portland is basically a .500 level team now. Phoenix getting to the Finals that prob hurt Dame low key as well as losing to Denver with Murray out. I mean should Dame keep fighting?

Portland is definitely struggling, particularly Lillard compared to his normal self, but the bold is pretty inaccurate. Zeller is a huge defensive upgrade to Kanter, and Nance is a huge defensive upgrade to Melo. Meanwhile, Billups is a more defensive minded coach than Stotts (Though too early to tell if he is a better or worse coach overall). Blazers didn't fix their guard defense, but to say Portland didn't do anything to fix its defense is not accurate.

They're trying but honestly i don't think you can have a good defense with CJ/Dame as your main stars. I think CJ should have been traded a long time ago for a better fit.
Also i undersold the salary point. all 11 players Philly put on the floor make less than Dame this year. It was an extremely terrible loss.

Oh, they're certainly not good at defense yet. But they are already improved from last year, and hopefully they improve further as they learn what Billups expects.

[BNM]

he keeps saying his 10 toes deep in rip city not sure why this keeping coming up. the obivous trade is their is RC+cj for simmons and filler.

Tell that to Daryl Morey. That has been THE obvious trade since June 20. Morey has been insisting for a Harden-like haul for a guy who absolutely disappeared when it mattered most and steadfastly refuses to play for his current team. POR turned down a deal of Simmons for CJ + 3 FRPs and 3 Pick Swaps (aka: the Harden package). It's not like this game of chicken he is playing with Simmons is improving Ben's trade value.

Morey also has a boner for Lillard. That isn't happening and never will. Even if POR decides to trade Dame, it won't happen until the offseason and it won't be for Ben Simmons. Several other teams will be willing and able to beat what PHI is willing to offer.

A trade centered around Ben for CJ has always made sense. Daryl Morey's asking price doesn't. They need to trade Ben, and the sooner the better. Morey acting like he's negotiating from a position of strength is laughable and the reason a trade hasn't already happened.

From POR's perspective, it's no secret they need to balance their roster, and of all the teams rumored to be interested in Simmons, he would fit with their remaining roster best. He would give them the size and defense they need, would let Dame play off the ball more, and POR has the shooters to cover for Ben's lack of range. Re-signing Norman Powell and Anfernee Simons breaking out makes this the perfect time for POR to move CJ.

If PHI wants RoCo, that's not a problem. With Ben + Nance + Little, POR would have three players capable of defending the big wings in the West. Nance was a good low key acquisition and like Simons, Little is having a breakout season.

[Woodsanity]

Portland is looking like a disaster. Philly was missing their 3 best players. Their whole starting lineup tonight probably makes less than Dame Lillard.

Dame is realizing that he put alot into loyalty and things eventually playing out if u just are patient mentality. I mean that sometimes just doesn't work in life as being ideal can bite u in the rear.

Its just been like 5 years and everything seems to be getting worse. Loves Portland prob but their roster has the same problems it has every year. Their defense was super bad last year and they did nothing to really fix it.

Dame and CJ both would help other teams. I mean they tried and came close in Portland at times and prob are lifelong friends. What else can this combo do together?

Everyone else in the West has caught up and Portland is basically a .500 level team now. Phoenix getting to the Finals that prob hurt Dame low key as well as losing to Denver with Murray out. I mean should Dame keep fighting?

They have done things to improve their defense. Not much but they have made some roster changes, problem is they have two garbage can defenders in Dame and CJ. It is very hard to build a good defense around two trash defenders. CJ needed to be traded a long time ago for a two way wing. He is a good player but not a good fit with Dame.

[Ballerhogger]

he keeps saying his 10 toes deep in rip city not sure why this keeping coming up. the obivous trade is their is RC+cj for simmons and filler.

Because Philly fans were chanting his name, not CJs...

Yea after the game he said that but fans obviously want the more popular guy

[BNM]

he keeps saying his 10 toes deep in rip city not sure why this keeping coming up. the obivous trade is their is RC+cj for simmons and filler.

Because Philly fans were chanting his name, not CJs...

Yea after the game he said that but fans obviously want the more popular guy

So does their GM, but it's not going to happen. If Neil Olshey started taking calls about possible Damian Lillard trades, I guarantee multiple teams would be more than willing to offer more than a player who can't shoot, is unplayable in the 4th quarter of playoff games, signed a 5-year max extension and then, with 4 years left on that contract refuses to even attempt to play.

It's like Morey and the PHI fans are so locked in on the wet dream of pairing Damian Lillard with Joel Embiid that they have completely forgotten there are other teams that would be bidding against them should Dame become available.

[Damienfan]

Because Philly fans were chanting his name, not CJs...

Yea after the game he said that but fans obviously want the more popular guy

So does their GM, but it's not going to happen. If Neil Olshey started taking calls about possible Damian Lillard trades, I guarantee multiple teams would be more than willing to offer more than a player who can't shoot, is unplayable in the 4th quarter of playoff games, signed a 5-year max extension and then, with 4 years left on that contract refuses to even attempt to play.

It's like Morey and the PHI fans are so locked in on the wet dream of pairing Damian Lillard with Joel Embiid that they have completely forgotten there are other teams that would be bidding against them should Dame become available.

Name them.

[Ballerhogger]

Because Philly fans were chanting his name, not CJs...

Yea after the game he said that but fans obviously want the more popular guy

So does their GM, but it's not going to happen. If Neil Olshey started taking calls about possible Damian Lillard trades, I guarantee multiple teams would be more than willing to offer more than a player who can't shoot, is unplayable in the 4th quarter of playoff games, signed a 5-year max extension and then, with 4 years left on that contract refuses to even attempt to play.

It's like Morey and the PHI fans are so locked in on the wet dream of pairing Damian Lillard with Joel Embiid that they have completely forgotten there are other teams that would be bidding against them should Dame become available.

agreed .

[bebopdeluxe]

he keeps saying his 10 toes deep in rip city not sure why this keeping coming up. the obivous trade is their is RC+cj for simmons and filler.

Tell that to Daryl Morey. That has been THE obvious trade since June 20. Morey has been insisting for a Harden-like haul for a guy who absolutely disappeared when it mattered most and steadfastly refuses to play for his current team. POR turned down a deal of Simmons for CJ + 3 FRPs and 3 Pick Swaps (aka: the Harden package). It's not like this game of chicken he is playing with Simmons is improving Ben's trade value.

Morey also has a boner for Lillard. That isn't happening and never will. Even if POR decides to trade Dame, it won't happen until the offseason and it won't be for Ben Simmons. Several other teams will be willing and able to beat what PHI is willing to offer.

A trade centered around Ben for CJ has always made sense. Daryl Morey's asking price doesn't. They need to trade Ben, and the sooner the better. Morey acting like he's negotiating from a position of strength is laughable and the reason a trade hasn't already happened.

From POR's perspective, it's no secret they need to balance their roster, and of all the teams rumored to be interested in Simmons, he would fit with their remaining roster best. He would give them the size and defense they need, would let Dame play off the ball more, and POR has the shooters to cover for Ben's lack of range. Re-signing Norman Powell and Anfernee Simons breaking out makes this the perfect time for POR to move CJ.

If PHI wants RoCo, that's not a problem. With Ben + Nance + Little, POR would have three players capable of defending the big wings in the West. Nance was a good low key acquisition and like Simons, Little is having a breakout season.

Why the f does the Sixers need RoCo? I mean, props to his service during The Process, but at this stage of his career he is a 4 who can't guard the 2/3 anymore, and he is not even an average 3-point shooter anymore. Sixers have Harris and Niang at the 4.

RoCo adds nothing to the deal.

How about CJ/Simons? You like that one?

(Blazers would be "NAAAWW FAM"...right?)

[bebopdeluxe]

Yea after the game he said that but fans obviously want the more popular guy

So does their GM, but it's not going to happen. If Neil Olshey started taking calls about possible Damian Lillard trades, I guarantee multiple teams would be more than willing to offer more than a player who can't shoot, is unplayable in the 4th quarter of playoff games, signed a 5-year max extension and then, with 4 years left on that contract refuses to even attempt to play.

It's like Morey and the PHI fans are so locked in on the wet dream of pairing Damian Lillard with Joel Embiid that they have completely forgotten there are other teams that would be bidding against them should Dame become available.

Name them.

Still waiting to hear those teams. You think the Knicks want to give up the farm for Dame? Huh? Thibs would have a aneurysm watching Dame on D.

[trickshot]

So does their GM, but it's not going to happen. If Neil Olshey started taking calls about possible Damian Lillard trades, I guarantee multiple teams would be more than willing to offer more than a player who can't shoot, is unplayable in the 4th quarter of playoff games, signed a 5-year max extension and then, with 4 years left on that contract refuses to even attempt to play.

It's like Morey and the PHI fans are so locked in on the wet dream of pairing Damian Lillard with Joel Embiid that they have completely forgotten there are other teams that would be bidding against them should Dame become available.

Name them.

Still waiting to hear those teams. You think the Knicks want to give up the farm for Dame? Huh? Thibs would have a aneurysm watching Dame on D.

Simmons isn't exactly giving up a farm either. Unless they specifically like the player a rebuilding team would rather future assets. What are the Blazers to do with Simmons if they trade Dame? Their run is over without him. If they want to stay competitive trading CJ would be the move to make. There's a whole checklist full of things that need to go right and wrong on Portland's side for a Lillard-Simmons trade to be preferable.

I wouldn't tell Philly not to bet on it but be aware it's closer to unlikelihood than likelihood. It makes little sense for Portland and maybe even just as little for Lillard if the point of asking out is to influence where he lands.

[BNM]

he keeps saying his 10 toes deep in rip city not sure why this keeping coming up. the obivous trade is their is RC+cj for simmons and filler.

Tell that to Daryl Morey. That has been THE obvious trade since June 20. Morey has been insisting for a Harden-like haul for a guy who absolutely disappeared when it mattered most and steadfastly refuses to play for his current team. POR turned down a deal of Simmons for CJ + 3 FRPs and 3 Pick Swaps (aka: the Harden package). It's not like this game of chicken he is playing with Simmons is improving Ben's trade value.

Morey also has a boner for Lillard. That isn't happening and never will. Even if POR decides to trade Dame, it won't happen until the offseason and it won't be for Ben Simmons. Several other teams will be willing and able to beat what PHI is willing to offer.

A trade centered around Ben for CJ has always made sense. Daryl Morey's asking price doesn't. They need to trade Ben, and the sooner the better. Morey acting like he's negotiating from a position of strength is laughable and the reason a trade hasn't already happened.

From POR's perspective, it's no secret they need to balance their roster, and of all the teams rumored to be interested in Simmons, he would fit with their remaining roster best. He would give them the size and defense they need, would let Dame play off the ball more, and POR has the shooters to cover for Ben's lack of range. Re-signing Norman Powell and Anfernee Simons breaking out makes this the perfect time for POR to move CJ.

If PHI wants RoCo, that's not a problem. With Ben + Nance + Little, POR would have three players capable of defending the big wings in the West. Nance was a good low key acquisition and like Simons, Little is having a breakout season.

Why the f does the Sixers need RoCo? I mean, props to his service during The Process, but at this stage of his career he is a 4 who can't guard the 2/3 anymore, and he is not even an average 3-point shooter anymore. Sixers have Harris and Niang at the 4.

RoCo adds nothing to the deal.

How about CJ/Simons? You like that one?

(Blazers would be "NAAAWW FAM"...right?)

Calm down and try reading the post I replied to - "the obivous trade is their is RC+cj for simmons and filler."

No on CJ + Ant for Ben. How about we split the difference: CJ + Little for Ben?

[BNM]

So does their GM, but it's not going to happen. If Neil Olshey started taking calls about possible Damian Lillard trades, I guarantee multiple teams would be more than willing to offer more than a player who can't shoot, is unplayable in the 4th quarter of playoff games, signed a 5-year max extension and then, with 4 years left on that contract refuses to even attempt to play.

It's like Morey and the PHI fans are so locked in on the wet dream of pairing Damian Lillard with Joel Embiid that they have completely forgotten there are other teams that would be bidding against them should Dame become available.

Name them.

Still waiting to hear those teams. You think the Knicks want to give up the farm for Dame? Huh? Thibs would have a aneurysm watching Dame on D.

Yeah, because Kemba is a lock down defender

[ElectricMayhem]

Look at his empathic play at the start of the season,

its so obvious, he doesn't care at all .

Which one should I believe? Does he care about others or not care at all?

[Statlanta]

WireTap says he's wavering. Whether or not Olshey is there I don't see him winning in Portland. Too much talent lost over the years and not enough player development.

[NWGunner]

WireTap says he's wavering. Whether or not Olshey is there I don't see him winning in Portland. Too much talent lost over the years and not enough player development.

Wiretap says that he wavered and made his decision,not that he's wavering. C'mon man.

[bebopdeluxe]

Dame with a cool 4-for-12 tonight and 1-for-6 from 3 against that defensive JUGGERNAUT, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ummm...how old is Dame again, and how many years are left on that max deal?