I'd stay with Sharpe too. With Camara-Avdija-Clingan-Scoot-Thybulle the Blazers are getting flush on supporting players and 3rd/4th options. They need a couple of alpha dogs. Sharpe may not be that, but right now he probably represents Portlands best chance at an alpha.
Not as good as Dyson though. And dude is 22 years old. He won most improved player. I like Shaedon too, but i'd like to see him jump up a step next year.
Sharpe's 3pt percentage was not good, but he still made 67 more than Daniels did last year. Shae just needs to be a bit more selective. And we all know he attacks the rim pretty well.
Toumani and Dyson will be fighting for DPOTY for the next decade. Put them on the same team and you’re building a steel curtain defense. Especially when you also factor in who I think will be the true defensive anchor: Clingan. They aren’t go-to scorers but neither are liabilities. I think you’d even have to throw in a MIL pick to get Atlanta’s attention
well, might be that Zion's trade value has dropped well into the negative: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45393231/zion-williamson-sued-allegations-rape-years-abuse
Sharpe this up and coming season is make or break for him -- time to put up ( more consistent ) or shut up ( trade him ) cause he is too talented to just be above average with moments of stardom.
Was Deni a "big swing trade"? Because a Deni-like player that I can sort of see us trying for is Jeremy Sochan. He's just turned 22 (younger than Nique Clifford, for example) but has had a couple of years in the league, like Deni. But is he worth giving up the #11 for? And do we want a player that San Antonio (in this scenario) doesn't want?
Deni shot 37.4% 3's his last year in Washington. Sochan shot a career high 30.8% last season. Deni increased his minutes per game every year of his career - that is until the Blazers benched him behind Grant last season. Sochan had a career low in minutes last season in his 3rd year for a 34 win team. I'd certainly pass if the cost is giving up any first round pick - let alone #11.
You make it sound like Deni was benched the whole year. He started 54 of his 72 games. He started the season alongside Grant. He struggled, went to the bench, and played better. The way "turbo" plays, I think the 32 minutes a game he logged last year is pretty good. I don't want him getting hurt. But I assume that number will go way up this next year.
The only player that, although a giant risk, would vault Portland into a legit contender in a few years is Zion. If you can manage his weight and get him away from the Louisiana trauma - you’re adding an All-NBA player who is only 24/25. When healthy: Zion > Luka
Reminds me of the Blazers trading for Shawn Kemp. Difference was Kemp carried a team to the finals and outplayed Jordan. Zion's never played a playoff GAME. Two seasons his team made it he was injured.
a quibble...he averaged 30 minutes, not 32. So yeah, I'd normally expect his minutes to go up; not sure if it will be by much, maybe 32-33 here's the thing though: Portland had 4 players who started every game they played: Simons-Ayton-Camara-Grant. If all those players are back, is it realistic to assume Billups will suddenly make any of them backups? Or is it more realistic to assume that 3 of Sharpe-Deni-Scoot-Clingan foursome will be backup?...at least to start the season Avdija certainly made a compelling case for not only starting, but being the best player on the team. But Chauncey-logic may very well send Sharpe to the bench instead of Grant
Good point, yes, it was 30. I was looking at his last 5 games by mistake. But even at 30, he essentially tied for the most minutes he has ever averaged. As far as "Chauncey-logic," not positive Deni will start, but I do think he averages the most minutes on the team.....even if it is off the bench. He needs to play with both the starters and the bench players. He makes every player better....except maybe Scoot. (The jury is still out for me on that one.)
Not really the same thing. Kemp was old and over the hill by the time we traded for him. Zion is only 24.
