Draft Grades

GMs all across the NBA have been getting the Cronin treatment from their fans since the draft started. Apparently all GMs are trash.

 

I gave us an A. We got great value at the picks where we drafted. I can see all three guys being rotation players down the road and both Scoot and Murray can contribute right away. I give the team an F as far as doing what they said they'd do.

 

I see the speculation that we trade Scoot, because there have been guys drafted and then traded a couple of months later in the past.

The thing with those latter cases, though, is, in almost every one of those instances, the draft-and-trade was rumored during or even before the draft. That's why I'd be very surprised if it happened here. Some team would have to absolutely love Scoot and be willing to trade the farm for him, and, right now, we don't seem to have a team that fits that profile.

 

Those Blazer Uprise guys also mentioned not liking that they feel like Cronin mislead them.

I don't understand why this matters to any of you? Why does Cronin need to loop you in and communicate on the true direction of the team? Why can't he change his mind and tactics if the situations or opportunities change over many weeks and months?

I just care what actions the team does, what players they sign, what picks they acquire or give up, and what good or bad contracts they have. I don't care if he sticks to some comment from months ago or goes against it - I want him making the best decision at the time he makes it.

Now a part of his job is communicating to employees, players, owners such as Dame and Jody. So I hope he had much more clear honest direct and updating information for them. I would highly suspect he does - but those are private conversations and they don't need to be relayed to any of us. I don't see why he needs to do any of that publicly to me or other fans.

 

Fans whining about being misled by a GM like those you're describing are stupid for thinking that a GM would actually tell them what they're going to do and even dumber for calling attention to their stupidity. They have a name for a GM that tells you what he's going to do... John Nash.

STOMP

 

Is it misleading if you are trying to make a move, but the offers you get are garbage so you don't make a move? Remember how he got roasted when he did make moves that brought very little back? There were discussions, but no one was willing to give up what the Blazers thought was equal value, or no one thought the #3 pick + was equal value for what they were giving up.

Was he supposed to sell at 60 cents on the dollar? 70? 80? What would have been an acceptable number? They are trying to make deals, but they just have very few tradeable pieces. They had the #3 which was worth a lot. #23, not worth that much. Nurkic, worth even less. Little, not worth a lot. Ant, worth some, but an undersized SG, sometimes PG isn't bringing in massive offers. So now you have to start combining all of those and you end up with very little left and a gutted roster.

Everyone asked about Sharpe and why wouldn't they? He has massive potential and is on a rookie deal which is worth GOLD with the new CBA coming up. To #3, Sharpe AND Ant + for the salary cap money to make a deal work? That is a lot to give up...and for what? Siakam who has said he isn't resigning? A very talented but oft injured, overweight, poor social decision making Zion? Nets weren't trading Bridges. So I'm wondering what was legitimately out there that Cronin was supposed to move so many assets for that wouldn't have left Portland with a shell of a roster and nothing but some exceptions to fill everything else out with?

 

I agree with all of this.

But at the same time the reason many people are frustrated (Dame probably included) is because how the messaging has been since Cronin took over. Each deadline we're told how anxious the team is to compete around Dame, overpay for a difference maker, build a contender etc. etc.

And each deadline we fail to deliver. When you look back at each individual move and the reason they made those moves, it all makes sense. But at some point all the talk is tiring. We were told by Cronin, Chauncey and Dame and the EOY presser that this time would be different. We would get something done. And we walked out of the draft with a generational talent that plays the same position as Dame.

I'm not asking for them to get fleeced, but I hope at least internally they're discussing the idea that they need to pick a lane, and that lane may not include Dame.

 

God I hate listening to call-in shows.... the people who call in to Chad's show are a bunch of casual morons.

 

You can change that by stop dialing and hanging up the phone.

 

Gave him an A. Great draft for the future of the franchise.
A plus if Dame doesn't jump ship.

 

I voted A, but I am no college guru like some of you guys. That said, especially since Schmitz showed up, we have had amazing drafts. Shaeden and Scoot, back to back? Wow!

 

There is such a thing as implication. You fail here.

 

Does anyone else find it a little pathetic they’re including this in an email to season ticket holders?

 

LMAO

 

Winning the NBA title is much to do with team chemistry, healthy roster come playoffs, and a shitload of luck. What the Blazers could use is a replacement of Nurkic. I truly don’t see him contributing to chemistry, health nor luck. Great kid from what I can tell, but imagine our roster with a more athletic center? A more athletic center will help with chemistry. I’ll take Ayton for Nurkic, Little, Johnson and a future 1st.

Re-sign Grant and find a way to add Bruce Brown and I think the team will be young, fun, athletic, to which chemistry can be found through Dame’s leadership. Get to the playoffs healthy and with a shitload of luck ….

and we’re young and developing as well - do wish we would used the 23rd pick on the best available PF or Center, therefore I give the draft a B+

 

would you rather listen to casual morons, or committed ones?

 

Committed morons at least do some research. They formulate an opinion based on something. These people don’t know shit. One of them compared Scoot to Jamal Crawford.

 

This is in-line with what I’m thinking but you wrote it better than I did (mine was a random string-of-conscientious without sleep, lots of travel, lots of stress, to be fair).

 

I'm saying B+. Scoot wasn't some genius maneuvering, he fell into their lap.
Tayshaun Murray will contribute with his shooting and intelligent play, but he's not the physical presence they need to get.
Rupert gives me a little Batum vibe. I'm hoping he gets some time in the GL so there's more reason to go watch. He and Badji will be interesting to watch develop.
BTW-I just saw Jabari at LO Grill in Wilsonville and it got me thinking. It has to be tough when you're the 9th or 10th guy and they pick a guy that could take your minutes and ultimately your spot on the roster. I wanted to say hello and wish him good luck because I do like him, but my daughter, being the level-headed one, told me to leave him alone. I like the kid and I love that he rebounds. This team needs interior defense and rebounding as much as any other facet of the game.