CNNSI . Backup big man? No mention of a SF. Is this because they believe in Webster or do they have something else locked up? Or just a typo or a guy who took bad notes?
I have thought for a long time, that Brad Miller would be a worthy addition to play backup PF for the Blazers. I know he plays center for the most part, but he has played PF effectivly too. He has excellent range, is an excellent passer, and is at the point in his career where his minutes are limited.
I'm a fan of Miller too. Good passing big man that gives us some toughness. Problem is he would cost us Raefs contract and he's not worth that.
I guess that all depends on what you think we are going to get with Raefs contract. Since the Darius deal, I am not that optimistic about it personally, and am more in the mode of "improve the team why you still have a piece to deal."
Let's assume the comment is true and argue the merits: KP has been astounded by the quick growth of Batum, and loves his long-term potential. KP has locked up Webster already, can't move him now, and anyway was very excited about his pre-season where he looked to have taken a step forward in his game. Outlaw continues to take and make shots late in games. This reduces his willingness to trade good players for a solid veteran SF, but who has a nasty long contract (ie Richard Jefferson). Maybe RLEC is a pumpkin, but all three SF's will still have value this summer or next season. No hurry to get rid of any of them. The injury to Gerald Wallace took one of his targets off the table. The return of Miles to the cap has put a damper on his willingness to absorb massive salary coming back, as the luxury tax makes it double the cost. KP called every GM and ran every scenario and couldn't come up with a plausible deal for a SF he wants to trade for now. Trading for trading, or just to force a consolidation isn't helpful. If the SF isn't a big upgrade over our SF by committie - which has worked out pretty well - why do it? Until Danny Granger or Caron Butler is put on the block who is out there? An long-term upgrade at SF would be nice, but this season it has become clear that two major problems bedevil the team: PG defense Post entry passing / setting up the bigs Additionally, if we can have some offensive modulation, that would really help. Our guys, including Roy, too often lack a feel for the flow of a game and who is hot and what is a good shot, etc. Quality, veteran PGs know how to do this. Thus, KP may have decided that PG is a higher priority than SF. What good is a SF upgrade if we still get burned by the PG defense, can't get the bigs the ball, and can't control the offensive flow? Backup big: KP can see as we can that Frye and Diogu are complete flops. It may not be that a backup big is such a pressing priority, as now is the time to look, so KP has flexibility to be able to make future trades, there are decent ones on the market, and if the small forward you wan't isn't out there, collect other pieces instead.
Regardless of whether we decide to trade for another small forward, one of our current three needs to be moved. I'm hoping it's Outlaw, but we realistically can't trade him until either Webster comes back, or we acquire another small forward in a trade.
Maxiell please. This team needs a tough backup power forward. Outlaw, Frye and DNPiago don't qualify.
I would absolutely LOVE to get a hold of Maxiell assuming it didn't take too much to get him ... but I don't see Dumars trading him for what would probably offer.
Trading AWAY a Small Forward and trading FOR a Small Forward are two different issues. I was addressing the issue of trading FOR a Small Forward as noted in the original post.
why is that? He's not a BYC and his deal is very reasonable. I haven't read any reports that his current injury is feared to be chronic or curtail his career and he's supposed to be back shortly. STOMP
What team will want him included in the deal until he has proven to be healthy? Answer: none. Unless you pay them to take on the risk, which is a bad idea. Better to wait for Webster to prove he can play.
No I know, but I think we need to MOVE one too, as noted in MY post I think one of your points is dead on (about Batum), but even if Batum is the man, we need to move a small forward. The problem is, with Webster injured, we would need a stopgap. Maybe Udoka?
Sorry but I don't think your guess is right. Like I previously mentioned, his injury isn't supposed to be career threatening in any way. He's a young vet with a reasonable contract extending 4 years after this and is very tradable. STOMP
Easy to trade due to palatable contract. NOT easy to trade for positive value until proves can play again.
