Why? Is there something going on that this helps set up? PG or combos: Lillard, Smith, Williams Did they feel like that wasn't enough or is someone headed out of town in a trade?
Definition of veteran journeyman who will provide emergency depth, without threatening the playing time of your number 6 overall pick.
Breaking news. Thanks, Drako. Let's keep the Ronnie Price stuff here olshey said from day one that Lillard was the guy. No reason to bring in anything but a cheap vet for insurance
Okay, I guess that makes sense. This signing shows his faith in Lillard (or desire to get a good pick next year).
I don't know if I feel any better about our backup PG spot. At center we have Hickson, Freeland, Leonard. PG is still by far our weekest and least deep position. If Lillard has a 5 game injury it could get ugly very quick. Edit: Olshey said its a vet minimum contract
I'm pretty sure Williams isn't going to be playing any PG.. Don't know why he would. Nolan is more of a combo guard and you need more than two point guards.
Weird, I keep seeing posts like this ... Do people understand that it's probably going to be ugly more often than not anyway? -LMA coming off of a hip surgery and probably going to be slow to get to his full strength for some months ... let alone basketball shape. -Rookie Point Guard -Paper thin depth at center -tons and tons of youth on the roster This is a lotto year people, just embrace it and enjoy watching some of these young guys develop and cross your fingers that Nic can live up to his deal.
Without knowing the details of the deal, my first reaction is that signing Ronnie Price is a good, but unexciting signing. He's a relatively solid player that doesn't come across as whiney or selfish so that Lillard can develop.
I agree . . . but not embracing it. My hope is Lil is so good it is easier to accept. Still don't get the Leonard pick, but maybe I turn on that one too.
New coach and new system will not exactly help them get off to a fast start either. The Blazers will need someone unexpected to emerge in order for them to make the playoffs. And that player IMO needs to come from the SG position. That is the only spot that could surprise me. (Assuming Nic is at the 3) Elliot or Wes will have to greatly improve.
LaMarcus is coming off of hip surgery, and "probably going to be slow to get to his full strength for some months ... let alone basketball shape." Jesus, did he have hip replacement surgery?!
LMA is already working out and running. Rookie point guard - yes, but surrounded by veterans. Lillard looks seasoned and plays at a nice pace. No denying this - but center isn't exactly like being weak at PG. It's a PG league right now, not center. Lillard (rook) Wes (vet experience) Batum (vet experience) Hickson (vet experience) Aldridge (vet experience) Ronnie Price (vet experience) Jared Jeffries (vet experience) Craig Smith Nolan Smith Luke Babbitt Elliot Williams Meyers Leonard (Rookie) Victor Claver (Rookie) Joel Freeland (Rookie - but has lots of experience, especially playing in the olympics) Age wise, yes we are "young" but playing wise, we've had some players on the court for a while. Honestly, barring injuries, doubt this is a lotto year, unless they tank.
wendell maxey @w_maxey i'm down with that. good player, great guy. RT @BlazerFreeman: #Blazers will sign Ronnie Price later today.
