I am very happy with the combination we have at SF at least once Webster comes back. Webster is our shooter and Batum is the defensive specialist. I want to see us make an upgrade at PG. We need a veteran PG that can shoot, drive a little and play solid defense. Blake just doesn't cut it for me. I didn't think Hinrich was much of an upgrade but I'm starting to reconsider. I don't want to hear that Blake will be fine, he's just been playing against the top guards in the NBA. Those are the teams and players we are going to face if we make it to the playoffs. We are getting killed by the other teams PG's. With Rose playing well in Chicago they might be willing to accept Blake, Travis, and Raef's contract or some combination. Is Raef's contract to big a chip for Hinrich? BTW- another question. KP seems like a very loyal guy who tends to get close to the players. This is normally a no-no by GM's. Mainly because you might get to close and end up not making a trade because of it. Anyone else concerned? I know most of us think he can walk on water (I'm one of them), but he will make a mistake. Not everything he does will come out smelling like roses.
PG and it's our most glaring need right now. Preferably a Vet who could hold the for down until Bayless is ready. I'm thinking along the lines of a Kirk Hinrich, Jason Kidd (exp. contract), or even a Mike Bibby (exp. contract).
In the abstract, PG should be the first priority. As a practical matter, finding a SF will be easier.
I dont think we upgrade either one. I'm happy with Webster and Batum. I think the combo of Roy, Bayless, and Rudy playing point will be very good.
I say we take a wait and see approach, as the trade deadline approaches we can better evaluate our players and our trade options
I don't think we have a glaring need at either, as Bayless, Fernandez and Rodriguez offer intriguing possibilities for the second guard spot, alongside Roy, and Webster, Batum and Outlaw offer intriguing possibilities at small forward. Therefore, I think Pritchard will simply look for the most talented player available (factoring in age as it fits with the core) rather than trying to target a specific position.
Get the best value, irrespective of position. If we can get a stud center for Outlaw and Raef? Do it. If we can get a great prospect at PG? Do it. I don't think we're going to make a single move (or even two) in the next 6 months that will turn us to a championship contender this year. We are building for the long haul, and while I'm 100% in favor of winning as man games now as we can (unlike the last few years, where winning meaningless games hurt our draft chances) if we can keep accumulating undervalued assets, it'll pay off for us in the long run--on the floor or in future transactions or both. Ed O.
In the big picture I'm much more comfortable with the situation at PG then SF as I think that Bayless will eventually (like by next year) be part of a deadly 3 guard rotation with Rudy and Roy. Travis and Martell have had years to develop their respective games and neither seems within a reasonable vacinity of being an average starting 3. I do like Batum's chances of developing, but his lack of a decent J has him trailing behind Bayless as a prospective starter. Here's hoping Dumars is looking to shed salary by midseason. Prince + filler for Raef + either of the SF vets and/or next years 1st. STOMP
We need to upgrade every possition always. I love Roy and Aldridge, but if another team wanted one of them and was willing to trade us someone like Bosh for Aldridge, Outlaw and whatever then you do it. Webster and Batum are both good role players. Blake is a good role player as well. Either one makes sense.
If I had to pick one or the other to upgrade I'd try and find a more serviceable point guard. Personally I think a trade for captain Kirk would be a decent idea, since he's a pretty solid defender, can hit from outside OK, and doesn't demand the ball in order to be completely effective; basically I look at him like the starting quality version of Steve Blake.
Trade for someone who can play Point forward, and play Bayless (or Roy) at PG, and then Roy (or Rudy) at SG. 3 good distributors potentially makes up for not having a top-flight PG.
I have to agree with others in this thread: I'm fine with the SF and points we have. If you have an opportunity for an obvious talent upgrade, sure, make the deal. But trading potential for potential ie Outlaw for Conley isn't savory enough for me. We've recognized our established core and we're a few seasons away from making judgment on that, so for the time being we find supporting players to fill in weaknesses around them. Last year, we were a very good shooting team and unselfish, but we lacked good individual perimeter defenders. Bayless and Batum might be our answers. Both players also appear able to penetrate on offense. Both excel on the break and I'm confident with game experience, both players will be able to lead breaks as well as fill lanes. Their outside strokes are a little inconsistent, but luckily outside shooting isnt a weakness for this team. What else are we missing from our point guard and small forward positions? I think the real position to address is interior toughness, rebounding and interior scoring. That was our biggest weakness last year and continues to be this year while Oden is out. Having insurance in case of an Oden injury or foul trouble would be nice. I havent given the possiblities much thought, but maybe someone like Nene or Camby?
In the longer term we're good at both. Webster/Outlaw/Batum => we'll keep two of them and they'll continue to improve. Bayless will morph into the companion next to Roy, and they will play a three guard rotation with Rudy. Maybe Sergio gets some burn for the foreseeable future too. I think we're still a year or two away from competing for a championship, but we have all the pieces in development and it only takes a hot streak to win a playoff series.
I doubt Chicago gives up Hinrich. They're likely to try to make him in to more of a 2 as it is, and with Ben Gordon pretty unlikely to come back, they'll need someone for that position next year.
Me too. Seems like an eternity since we had quality SFs on the horizon. Hinrich is perfect for this club. He's tough. Doesn't take shit from anyone. A defensive-perimeter team of Hinrich, Roy, and Batum would be tough to penetrate against. He's never been a strong 3-point shooter, but he's always been average to a bit above average. This year he's hit his first 7 of 14. That's a great sign! He is exactly what Portland needs. I'll go so far as to predict that we would not only make the Playoffs with this line up but we'd have a legit shot at getting past the first round.[/quote] I'm hoping Chicago would entertain a package of Steve Blake, Channing Frye, and Ike Diogu though. I'd really like to save Lafrentz and Webster for an upgrade at the SF.
While he's not a "complete" player, Aldridge is still damn good. He's a great high-post offensive player and a solid defensive player. He could work on his rebounding and go to the low post more, but he's pretty solid in my book.
