KP will either pick 1) BPA, or 2) the position of a player we trade away Personally, I think we're done filling holes using the draft (we didn't do it last year, either). If you want your roster holes filled, it'll be with a trade or FA. How much cap space do we have? $6 mil?
About $8 million after renouncing Frye, Randolph and Ruffin. Renouncing Blake or Outlaw would free up $4 million more for each player. So Portland can expand it to around $12 or $16 million if they want to lose either or both players.
I would be really interested in seeing what it would cost to get Rubio, but at the same time I still think we need a vet point guard.
Rubio is an interesting prospect though. I watched him during the Olympics. He likes to gamble on defense like Rudy. He has a lot of potential.
Rubio would cost a lot. He's the consensus #2 pick. Jennings' scouting report, who did this sound like: (From drafexpress) -Decision making - Dominant ball-handler - Efficiency - Out of control at times - Shot-selection - Ability to fight through screens - Activity level - Commitment to playing defense - Man to man defense - Leadership skills - Not ready to contribute immediately - Not productive enough - Average size - Upper body strength - Poor rebounder - 3-point shooting percentages - Ability to catch and shoot - Low shooting percentages
Jennings has some raw talent, but is not the player we need. First, he is projected to go way too high in a weak draft, which means we would have to overpay to get him. Second, he might as well have missed last season with an injury, for all the developing/learning he did in Europe. We don't really need a "project" player. Third, unless his failure in Europe taught him a little maturity and humility, he is too much of a "me first" player to fit in here.
well we have two high second and two low second round picks to play with if anyone will play with us. We will see what Intl players move up the board and what american players will slip down. 24th...32nd...38th...55th and 56th. Henk Norel Nando De Colo Vladimir Dasic Sergio Llull PG/SG 21 years old; 6'3"; 176 lbs. Real Madrid, International Jonas Jerebko
True, but realize that KP is big on "Character". Think of all the guys on the team like Roy, LMA, Oden, etc. Even if they didn't finish school, they were at least intelligent and disciplined enough to get into school. It wasn't like Brandon Jennings was intending to go play in Europe. He went there as a last resort because he didn't qualify academically to play at Arizona. Do you want a dumb-dumb on the team? Granted, Outlaw has done okay...after about six years, but he still makes bonehead low-basketball IQ players frequently enough. With how fucked up and twisted college sports is (with agents and coaches and everything) if you can't get into a top-tier school somehow you must have a screw and a half loose. No thanks to him. Damaged goods.
I wonder if Blair's health will be a concern to GM's. According to Draftexpress, Blair tore both ACL's in HS.
So, basically no one is sold on defensive PG options such as Beaubois or D.Collison? Not that I think they're the saviors, but for all the talk of us needing a defensive upgrade at PG, I thought they'd be getting some more love in here.
Say no to Collison, he's not that fast and just isn't someone I think will project well to the NBA. He should have come out like two years ago, probably would have gone significantly higher than he will this year. I don't know much about the French kid, but I'd consider taking a look at him. We've had some pretty good success drafting international players late in the first round (Rudy, Batum) not to mention the other frenchmen who worked out well despite being drafted in the latter first round (Parker, Diaw).
Beaubois I only know from second hand accounts and have never seen him play a single minute, but isn't he projected as a second round guy? I guess you could take a flier on him and stash him overseas to get some more experience. Collison on the other hand just doesn't jump out at me as having a chance at all of being anything other than a situational player, or a solid defensive minded backup who can distribute a little, but his levels of athleticism and build don't exactly shout 'NBA starter'.
I think this draft could prove interesting b\c the talent level available from 12-20 or so appears IMO and many other so called experts...weaker than previous years. What does that potentially mean? It means that some picks may be available to be had....it means that for a GM like Prithcard if he sees a player that he covets...like a Curry for example...he may be able to swoop in and get him without having to trade away that much... It only takes one team...Roy (#7) & LaFrentz from BOS for Telfair & Ratliff?....and that was to buy a pick at #7 essentially.....I don't see POR having much trouble moving up to the #10-15 range if they really like a player...... I'll say this about Curry...He can shoot the light out, and looking at all of these other PG out there...most of them have question marks regading thier outside shooting....IF, and that is the big question here, If Curry can play the PG postion effectively at the NBA level, then he would be a very good choice for POR IMO....you couldn't leave that guy open could you? I mean with Sergio and Bayless...and even Blake to some extent, you can cheat off them b\c they don't make you pay often enough...I have a tough time seeing Curry not being able to hit an open outside shot consistently....that would be a very dangerous weapon to have...If they could acquire him at a marginal cost...then they shoudl do it IMO..... This team needs a banger, but I think they are best served looking to a veteran for that.... Shavlik, Ruffin, LaFrentz & Frye are gone...Sergio is likely gone as well...I think one of the SF will have to go, but they may hold onto all 3 for another year...that leaves at minimum 4 open spots (possibly 5 or 6).....good for adding 1-2 vets and a rookie or two...plus a camp invitee....
If Freeland is a banger, that would certainly make him the exception for European big men. If he *is* a tough guy, I hope he is in a Blazer uniform next season. If he is just another finese player - let him stay in England and drink warm beer!
