We got the #3 pick. Discuss the possibilities.

I don't know it necessarily goes up, I'd say it could open up more opportunities.

Let's say Boston is only interested in Scoot, then Miller being available doesn't really change any part of their offer. But having both players available means this and more potential offers are all available to the Blazers.

Well unless a team actually wants Amen.

 

I have a feeling Joe Cronin will be the 2024 NBA Executive of the Year.

 

The more we explore all these ideas, the more I think the right move is to draft at 3 and then try to trade Simons and maybe Nurk.

If it's Miller, I think we plug him into the lineup and he immediately contributes. We would need to sign a backup point guard.

If it's Scoot, we try to get him minutes and see where we stand with Dame. Probably bring back Reddish of the bench.

Either way, Simons gets dealt. I think try to get Chicago to take the NYK pick and drop our future pick. Try to get Toronto to accept Ant/Little/couple future picks for Siakam. He's going to be a free agent after this next season. I don't see why they would keep him and lose him for nothing. I also don't see why they'd re-sign him. That team needs to rebuild.

See if we can get the Warriors to take Nurk/Knox/Keon for Draymond.

Dame
Sharpe
Grant
Siakam
Draymond

Scoot or Miller off the bench
Thybulle
Reddish
Watford
Eubanks

See if we can sign someone like Naz Reid with our MLE.

This makes Dame happy because he gets Siakam and Draymond. We get to keep our third pick to pair with Sharpe for the future. The bench would need the most work. I'd try to get a backup point guard (if we don't draft Scoot) and another big man.

 

Interesting idea. That starting lineup feels real awkward, but I can't exactly put my feeling on why.

I wouldn't think the either the Raptors or Warriors trades get accepted by those teams, but as you said, they may if it's the best offer they get and they feel like have to move off those guys.

 

I think drafting Miller over Amen would be a mistake.

 

That’s what you’re going for. Sadly they might not decide to do that kind of deal until the deadline.

 

Amen can’t shoot though….

 

Did he say what Houston or Detroit are looking for in a trade?

 

Amen would be a great fit for the Blazers and vice-versa. His athleticism, size, ability to put pressure on the basket, defensive potential, and passing, fill a team need.
Miller is clearly a better shooter, and that's important, and slightly taller, but Amen is better in every other way.
It feels like Amen would elevate the Trail Blazers (Shaedon Sharpe in particular) more than Miller.

Danny Leroux said in his podcast "the thing I feel most confident about is Amen Thompson over Brandon Miller. The idea is, Miller fits in more places, but it takes so much for a player where he is to become the "oh shit" guy. The most underappreciated thing in the league is how hard it is to go from being a non-Lebron to being the best player on a great team. And you need these unbelievable physical gifts, and unbelievable player development. If I had to roll those dice, I think Amen has the tools to do it. I'm going to go upside. Especially because of the feel, and the motor, and the mentality."
He also said he could see all of Henderson, Miller and Thompson being the best player on a really good team, or a great #2 on a really good team.

1:21:30 mark in this podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vjqZjFPf2nrpHRU2D6d7N

 

It means the Blazers are Not Comfortable taking Wembanyama if Scoot and Miller are not available.

 

In determining whether Scoot or Miller has higher value compared to the other, one must ask

What teams needs a PG? What do they have to offer us?

What team needs a wing? What do they have to offer us?

 

I think drafting Amen over Ausar would be a mistake.

 

I think drafting Ausar over Scoot would be a mistake.

 

Windy said Houston wants to win now, their ownership is pushing very hard for it, so they want vets not another lottery pick.

My opinion that aligns to much of what we've heard including them trying to sign Harden, signing Ime as coach, and concerns they already have the max number of players on rookie contracts aiming for touches-extensions-etc that a franchise should have. Honestly I've thought Houston could even make offers for Dame, but I just don't think the Blazers will be ready to switch to considering Dame offers by the time that #4 pick is made.

Windy didn't provide as many details on Detroit, I think he said they have a lot of rookie contract players already and might prefer more veteran talent or future picks instead.

 

Its funny how they gush over how great the Heat would be to watch if they have Butler and Bam alongside Dame.

The Heat have no picks to trade and a bunch of undrafted guys. What kind of shit do they think the Blazers will take back in a Dame trade? Duncan Robinson overpaid contract and 2nd round picks...

 

Agreed. If it's thought that Amen's J can be improved to passable, he's clearly the better prospect.

I am not nearly as high on Miller as most are. The dip prior and then low release on his shot will be an issue getting clean looks at this level. If he's not able to get his shot off without space, he's a 3rd option at best. Also, like Dame I like shooters to have an ice cold temperament while Miller seems to run a bit hot. Those guys are generally not end of the game closers. While I won't be crushed if Portland selects him as I see him on the next tier below Scoot with a few others, that is not the direction I'd choose to go.

STOMP

 

Its not that simple, there could be 3 or 4 team trades as well so none of the pieces another team offers for #3 need to be something the Blazers want or receive. Theres likely 1000's of permutations of what could happen in a trade.

Additionally a team needing a PG or wing often doesn't impact a pick as high as #3. Teams most often draft for talent and BPA at #3. Especially with wings, teams usually need around three of them and they play multiple positions. But we're also seeing many more teams play with two short guards than we used to.

 

The media needs content and the possibilities of small market teams surrendering assets for pennies on the dollar to goose the hopes of larger fan bases is a well established go to move this time of year. A fleecing rumor doesn't need to make sense to capture attention/make money.

STOMP