We don't need a 6'4" back up wing though and we need a starting small forward. Ariza is doing great, but depending on what we do next year, who is the starting small forward? We need to solidify that position. Another season and Little could likely be a better option as back up wing than Beasely and he's already here on a rookie contract.
Probably 'cause all three of those guys are shooting under 40% on the season and putting up single-digit PER's. I don't see how they can be at all surprised that the offers are not strong.
Until he is back on the floor and playing, it's hard to count on anything from him and might have to become a back up when he is ready to play again.
For all intents and purposes, our starting lineup is set for next season, barring any further injuries. Dame/ CJ/ Hood/ Collins/ Nurk. We won't see this group for a single game this year, but I think everything I've read about Neil's plans and reading between the lines indicates that they want to give this a shot before moving on to bigger and better options. What we need for the future outside of these guys is: - depth to sustain injury - defensive versatility - shooting - a possible PG in case Simons' development stagnates - trade pieces to make a move at the deadline next year in case we bomb the early part of the 20-21 season (contracts/ picks) The goal at this deadline should be to acquire at least some of the above without breaking the bank on our assets this year (exceptions/picks/etc).
I have an irrational affinity for Frank and think he can turn it around in the proper role. As a lead guard next to Simons off our bench, he'd be a great fit. I know there are others who feel the same way here.
No doubt it was a combination of both. Players burn a ton of calories during a game and when you aren't eating properly, it will definitely effect their strength and stamina.
Funny you should mention that. I noticed this week that Brooks is finally listed as a SG -- and not in a 3-guard lineup -- which is what I was making a case for before the draft when I said he's a lottery talent. He was a mediocre SF prospect being played out of position.
He's a great fit for the Blazers though. Right age, right salary range and he's a good 3 & D player... he's exactly what the team needs at the SF position. That combination is what makes him so attractive to contending teams. Basically, he's a 5-6 year younger version of Ariza and we're seeing just how valuable that skill set is to this team. Of course, that skill set is going to be very attractive to other contenders, notably Golden State. Apparently, the Wolves covet Russell and want to work a deal with the Warriors, but the Warriors are also asking for an unprotected first back. I don't think that Ariza and the Blazers' first will get the job done, so if Neil wants Covington he's likely going to have to make an additional trade that includes one of our young guys like Trent, Ant or Little for another piece back from the T'Wolves...likely Napier since he'd be a great fit as backup PG.
small forward and shooting guard is pretty much interchangeable in todays game. Most sites have him listed as a guard/forward.
I doubt Hood is anywhere close to being able to start by the beginning of next season. If he is back by the All-Star break, that might be the most optimistic and that may even be too early. Then, what will he be like when he gets back? Matthews was never the same.
Hood got hurt December 6-- this usually takes a year to come back from these days. Matthews came back like 7 months after, albeit it took him a while to regain what he could. It's a fair point, but I think it's still way too early to write off Hood. I think he will play 60+ games next season as long as he isn't hurt again. Nice piece from Quick in the Athletic about Hood today btw. You should check it out.
Not writing him off, just that the medical odds are against him. My mom was a physical therapist for 40 years and she could help 'normal' people rehab back to basically being 100% but athletes very rarely got back to their previous level. Hope Rodney is in the small minority exception category.
I think I’d rather take a shot on Carroll for cheap than give up a first for Covington. The more I’ve watched of Covington lately the less interested I’ve become. Don’t get me wrong I’d still take him but he’s really not that much better than Ariza so I don’t know why he’s worth a first.
Exactly-- this is what I'm saying. I struggle throwing in a first, much less two firsts, and salary relief. Gimme a break, this guy is a solid starter. The value they're seeking is for a bonafide star. We can go dumpster diving and get a reasonable facsimile for a fraction of the cost.
Carroll seems like a Neil-type trade. Someone who fits something Portland needs but has fallen out of favor with their current club and who should be fairly inexpensive to acquire. Carroll can D it up and his shot this year in SA is very much an outlier from the previous 6 seasons. He would also allow you to have a significantly improved defensive front court at times with Ariza while also keeping Trevor and Carmello's minutes down. They are in their mid-30s.
Yeah Covington is better but when you factor in the cost of both give me Carroll. Pretty sure spurs would give him to anyone willing to take on his contract.
