How would they have tried to get the others first when half didn't sign until after Matthews? Did you think that through at all? They rushed to sign Matthews because Farmar and Ridnour were signing in the future?
I must interpret things different than the people who think the world is coming to an end. I read that the Blazers made a list of 6-8 people they were interested in this summer, and signed one of them. I didn't read anywhere that Matthews was our last choice and we were stuck with him. The only negative I read was that we may have paid a hefty price to get him (which I agree with). There is no way we wanted Farmer over Matthews, so to take the stance that we struck out with all the guys listed above could only seem like a conclusion one might draw if they were looking for something to complain about.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. The conclusions being drawn in this thread don't make any sense if you use any critical thinking skills.
Personally I think Matthews was the best choice out of ALL of the players listed. The kid really stepped up his game in the playoffs. He's the son of an NBA player so he's grown up around the game. I think it's a great signing IF we get him. I'm still not convinced that Utah won't match.
From the Columbian: LINK So there you have it. Matthews was the first and only choice all along. I'll trust Brian Smith's sources over Golliver's speculation and bitterness.
Yes Matthews was the main target all along. The Blazers contacted all those other guys first as decoys before they threw a mountain of money at WM. I also believe it was to get those other FA's better contracts. We're so giving as an organization. (And don't forget about Mason)
You just going to continue to ignore that we for one, contacted Matthews first, from all reports, and offered him a contract while some of those guys weere available? I suppose by ignoring inofrmation, you can always view things however you want them. Make sure to pull your head out of the sand to breathe every once in a while, though. Or get a good straw.
That makes absolutely no sense. If Matthews was the 7th choice, why did they sign him first? Especially since he is a RFA, and they knew they'd have to way 7 days. Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Raymond Felton, Kyle Korver, Luke Ridnour, and, Raja Bell were clearly not higher priorities than Matthews.
This is the key, IMO. Looking at his season-long stats are a bit misleading. Looking at his post-all-star stats should give a better idea of what he is capable of. And those numbers appear to be very good, and when looking at the other contracts being given, put this offer into the more reasonable range.
If anyone thinks Ed O is a homer of any sort, they are gravely mistaken... being painted as an Ed O supporter or one who is similar to Ed O only serves to announce that said person is reasonable, calm, and attractive to women.
My guess was Matthews was likely our first choice, and we probably thought we could get him for five years, $20MM. Then the market went haywire. So we're getting our guy, but at a much higher price than we thought.
Looking at the free agents out there, there is no doubt IMO that Matthews was at\or near the top.... I liked Morrow better personally, but it is clear POR liked Matthews better and so they went for him...So he certainly wasn't there seventh choice... My concern is if they do miss out on Matthews, then that leaves them probably looking for choice #4-#5..... They probably would go after Roger Mason Jr....
Matthews was a 23 year-old rookie last year. He's much closer to his ceiling than , say, Jarryd Bayless.
Matthews had an 11.8 PER in the playoffs, shot 39% from the field and 35% from 3pt, and got raped by Kobe Bryant. For comparison, Rudy shot 44% FG, 48% 3pt, and had a PER of 12. Yippee fucking Skippy. It's fun watching people try to talk themselves into thinking Matthews is anything other than a mediocre player.
What is the point? That if we had KP we would be chasing this year's version of the near-miss on a Turkgolu disaster? I don't get it. Miller - a good signing - was KP's 4th choice. So what if we miss out on Ridinour. Felton is ok, but not a great fit for our team. Morrow can't play defense. Korver is a truly terrible defender. Farmar? Please. None of these supposed "misses" is of much consequence. I find the story to be unconvincing that all this adds up to front-office disaster. Call me when we miss out on Chris Paul because we fired KP too soon.
