...for the sake of argument, would you rather he: a) Draft one? (such as UNCs Lawson) or b) Either trade for one or acquire via FA marketplace? I believe this team has grown up to the point that it wouldn't be conducive to draft one to "lead" this team. However, if KP were to bring a PG in here, I believe it would be via trade or free agency. I'd love for the team to sign the option on Blake as the "backup", and keep Bayless around to develop. Blake loves it here, so I could see him accepting a backup role on this improving team. Send Channing walking and draft a PF.
I could see KP going HARD after Rubio in the draft, consolidating some of our cheap talent and picks.
i put trade id rather not have more experiements that may or maynot go sour.... that said if we were to go after one draft pick id go with rubio for sure
Lol not as our main guy right now... kind of like in Sergio's role... as a somtimes 2nd string/ sometimes 3rd string guy. While still having Blake as our starter, and a FA or Bayless as the primary backup.
I would love to have Rubio as well- but outside of the big three, I don't see what we could offer for him. Would you accept- Rudy, Outlaw, & Bayless for the Rudy pick if you were a lottery team? Would the Blazers actually offer this? Rubio sounds like the real thing- defense and passing, but I don't think he's worth an Aldridge or an Oden.
I have a feeling that the team believes Steve Blake is our starting PG for the next few years, and they'll try to develop a young PG behind him whether that's Sergio or Jerryd. KP needs to make a decision between those two, or bring in another young PG to groom.
KP has drafted a PG in every drfat he has been apart of. Sergio, Bayless, Green etc. I really think he would go in the direction of established PG, but I think it will depend on how the playoffs go for us. If we look really overmatched I think he will add someone like Bibby. If we lose, but don't look overmatched I think if he adds one it might be through the draft if he is the BPA. Like Lawson who is a defensive minded PG
I would offer anything outside of our big 3, and Rudy and Joel and Batum. They can have their pick(s) of Bayless, Outlaw, Webster, Draft Picks, Cash.. etc so basically not likely to happen, but KP has made hard decisions before.
I am just wondering why this is being brought up now. It is playoff time, not trade/draft time. In the past, we would have been doing this now because there are no playoffs. But this year there is playoffs, so I am confused as to why this is even being brought up.
Truthfully? Because I have a debate going with a friend. I was curious as to what others might think. Sorry about that. Go Blazers! Playoffs, Baby!
KP wouldn't do anything this summer. Portland would have to over pay to get Rubio, who sure sounds like the real deal but so did Marco Jaric when he got drafted. If anything he will invite Koponen over for the summer league again and see what progress the kid has made. If it isn't enough, then we begin next season with the same 3 dudes. If he has improved enough to make the team, then he will be brought over and become the 4th PG on the team. Honestly I think KP and Nate are perfectly happy with Blake as the starter. They are in no hurry to replace him. I am under the impression KP is in no hurry to make many changes at all to the team as it stands right now.
Without any specific names, my gut tells me we should trade for a veteran or sign an experienced free agent. I still think Bayless has the potential to eventually assume a more prominent role, but I really don't think a youngin' running the show (unless named Paul or Williams) is going to get it done as the team enters the early stages of title contention. Of course I could be wrong, but I'd be much more comfortable with a guy like Miller, Kidd, Hinrich, etc. than trying to draft Lawson, Maynor, Teague, Flynn et. al. and putting them out there in a situation where they'd be more likely to fail than to succeed. I guess all of this is predicated on what kind of play we get out of Blake in the playoffs; if he shows he can perform at a high level in that situation then you start to ask yourself if you can get by with what he gives you ... he might end up surprising us all, but I'm not holding my breath.
Except this off-season is going to be his one chance to play around with cap-space for many years to come -- it's use it or lose it, which isn't to say he couldn't make a trade down the line, but this summer will be a somewhat unique opportunity for him.
You worded the poll what "WOULD" KP do. The likely answer? Draft someone. If you had asked what he "SHOULD" do, then I would have given the opposite answer.
Perfect off-season: Trade assets (Rudy, Bayless, Outlaw, draft pick, cash) for Rubio and then sign Andre Miller. Shift Blake over to the back-up shooting guard, since he's basically a spot-up shooter for the team who can also pass More realistic off-season: Sign Andre Miller to serve as a veteran point guard for a couple of seasons while Bayless develops Most likely off-season: Sergio and cash traded for a first-round draft pick, KP selects BPA and point guard situation otherwise remains unchanged
Well, that would change the point guard situation quite a bit, I wouldn't have to cringe every time chacho throws up a prayer from 25 feet. But Miller is sounding better every day; he's a west coast guy who has said he'd like to come back out here and there aren't too many other serious up and coming contenders with cap space in the west who could out compete us if KP wanted to get aggressive and do a sign and trade for him.
I'd be absolutely great with Miller. Not sure what he'd cost, though. Miller/Blake/Bayless Roy/Rudy Martell/Batum LMA/Outlaw/Draft Pick Oden/Pryz That's 12.
