Probably. I personally don't think we can lure Deron even with a max deal. Of course, after Hedo, I just assume we won't get the FA we're courting. ...speaking of Hedo, doesn't Crawford feel like that alternate universe where we got Hedo and he sucked?
That's after the FA period, though. The cap hold still is intact during the summer if you offer the Q.O. Plus, if the idea is to keep RFA rights on Hickson, don't you have to offer the Q.O.? Although reading Larry Coon, even he isn't sure about it. You can't make an offer to Deron Williams with Hickson still under the Q.O.
My understanding was that it comes off once they go unrestricted. Feel free to find something that proves me wrong. I can't find anything in the FAQ about it.
You can negotiate with Williams, because once you know he'll sign, you can rescind the QO and get your cap space back. (unless I'm interpreting it wrong) The point is you leave your options open. If Williams comes, great, you lose Hickson. If Williams doesn't come, it's still okay because you can keep Hickson as an RFA.
I also like how Flynn is looking; although i wouldn't even think of signing him to a contract unless he shows that he understands that a guy with his lack of height and strength has to give a consistent, tough, intense effort on defense. Although maybe it's be better if they only made him show that in practice, to keep his value down. I wouldn't think any club would offer him over 3 million a year.
Very happy with the play of Hickson, Babbitt, and Flynn (in that order). Hickson is playing with a chip on his shoulder after being cut and wanting to earn a decent contract this off-season, so we're seeing his best effort. Flynn appears to be exactly who we thought he was. A small PG with an ok shot, who's best off the pick and roll or in the open court. I wouldn't want to throw more than 3 years 12 million with a team option on the 3rd year at him though. Babbitt is the interesting one for me. I think it is somewhat fair to blame some of Babbitts struggles on Nate, but others have pointed out, Nate has played and started rookies who earned it. Let's not forget that Luke played horrible in his summer league appearance and that was against lesser talent and Nate wasn't on the bench. I remember Kenny Vance going off about how Luke Babbitt would never make it in the NBA, but hopefully he was wrong and he can be a solid 6th/7th man for us.
Dumbest post of the thread. Every other coach gives rookie 1st-round picks a few minutes per game, nursing them along. Nobody says Babbitt should have started. As usual, you invent a red herring to easily beat.
Hmm--I never really thought about that. I'm pretty sure you're right, and that's really a smart way to go. Repped.
Babbitt seems to have Kyle Korver, Mike Miller ceiling potential, and to be honest I'm alright with that. He's essentially what would be called a one tool player in baseball. If Luke understands his limitations, I think he'll be a nice piece to future team success. It's important though that when he's on the floor he needs to keep his player in front of him on the defensive end, and find the open spot on the floor and spot upon the offensive end. I don't have confidence that he'll ever be a guy you run off a screen for a shot, but if we have drive and dish point guards, (like Flynn has been) Luke should be pretty successful spacing the floor with his deep shooting.
Luke is a pretty good defensive rebounder actually. Shooting and rebounding could definitely make him a role player in this league for a long time.
If we aren't worried about cap couldn't we sign d will to a contract first, then resign Flynn to 3 mil per and finally resign hickson and Batum because we have their bird rights?
The Blazers love to draft people in the first round with no expectation of playing them or having them come over from Europe.
It's nice to see people coming around on Babbitt, but people are still selling him short, saying he's a shooting specialist and a one tool player. Dude is only 22 years old, and doesn't lack tools. He can shoot, put the ball on the floor, has a nose for rebounds, has shown good basketball IQ, and he's also shown a few flashes of some nice touch around the basket. That youtube highlight reel I posted shows the tools he has. I think once he gets some experience he'll be able to use most of them in the NBA. As he gets playing time he's gonna grow, get more comfortable, and be really good. LBFanboy
Well I was definitely one that used to talk mad shit about Babbitt. In fact, I think he was the only player that I absolutely hated coming into the game. With that said, I will admit that I was clearly wrong. Babbitt shows signs of being a decent back-up and role player. He has the tools to rebound, play defense and hit the outside jumper. Those are great tools for a bench player. I'm encouraged every time I see him on the court. He looks as though his confidence is increasing each and ever game.
