What are your thoughts on Luol Deng?

Apparently he's beginning to or near beginning to workout after his leg fracture. I believe he'll have clearance to play ball in four weeks. If he passes a physical and his fracture is healed correctly, do you want to add him to this team?

I sure do. I think he's the best talent out there, at a position of need, that might be available. Of course his availability is only a hunch, but with Salmon's SUUUWEEET deal, half the cost and for half the time, I would think they'd be interested in moving Deng for the right price.

Reasons why I think he's perfect:

- potential All-Star talent at a reasonable price (in line with what we'd be signing Roy and Lamarcus to)
- same age as Brandon
- from an awesome college program
- ft% increased every year
- solid rebounder for his position
- at 22 he had an amazing PER of over 18
- because of last year's struggles, his value is low, which is the perfect time to buy
- has awesome length and size
- very good mid-range game
- perfect compliment to Roy and Aldridge
- plays well in the halfcourt
- plays well in the open court
- can handle the ball
- works hard

The bad:

- no long range shot and likely won't ever be
- few injury problems the last two years

So, what do you think? If you like him, what do you think would be necessary to get him?

Rudy Fernandez & Travis Outlaw and we eat the remaining $6M in cap space.

Rudy, Travis, and Steve.

Rudy, Travis and a re-signed Channing Frye.

Is there another small forward that you'd prefer?

Given the cost to get Deng, would you rather stick with Batum for now and move on to the next possible deal?

 

I like his talent but I hate his injury history and large contract that goes along with it. Trading for him would be a huge financial risk IMO. Having said that if the Bulls would be willing to part with him for nothing more than cap relief and some modest pieces (say Travis and maybe Sergio as a throw in) I'd probably give it a long hard thought. Overall I'm pretty sold on Batum's long term potential as the starter, so I'd probably focus my attention elsewhere.

 

I would rather focus on the PG position too, but the problem is that there really aren't any PGs out there that I would want more than I would want Deng at SF. He has always been one of my favorite non-blazers.

 

I loved Deng's talent and potential a couple of years ago. At a young age, he had produced and developed really nicely. He was a good defensive player, a very solid scorer and passer and could rebound. The type of talented all-around player who could fit into any team.

However, after two straight injury-marred seasons of regression, I'm wondering if he'll ever be able to deliver on the promise he had at 22. His contract is well in line with what he had accomplished through 2006-07, but the last two seasons have decreased the likelihood that he'll justify his contract.

I think I'm about where Nik is...if Chicago doesn't want much more than salary relief (I'd give up Outlaw and/or Webster and/or Rodriguez, but nothing more) and the Blazers can't find a better way to use their cap space (Sessions would be a better way, to me), then I might well roll the dice on Deng. Deng and Batum would be a really nice combination at small forward, and I think Batum could find extra minutes being matched at different positions against different opposing players.

 

He is an upgrade over anything we have at the 3.

 

I'd take him if the Bulls were willing to trade him for spare parts. Maybe Webster + our cap space for Deng.

 

My priority would also be Sessions first, then address SF.

We need to clear some roster space - the problem is to do that without just tossing away tradeable talent (like Outlaw, Sergio, etc)

iWatas

 

Just my humble opinion, but I don't consider SF a position of need. I don't like the idea of bringing in a player that will slow the development of Nic.

 

Batum only played 18 minutes a game last year. If the Blazers brought in a real starting SF and had Batum back him up he would still get at least that.

 

I like Deng, but if we go after a SF...I would prefer Caron Butler, Richard Jefferson or Gerald Wallace before I consider Deng. Also...I would NOT trade Rudy to get any of them. There has to be better trade proposals that don't include Rudy.

 

Too expensive, too long of contract and injury prone.

 

Cool. I think we all agree he's got a lot of talent and could be on the verge of being a very special player. Is he injury prone or just hit a some spots of bad luck? Regardless, you're right, he's a risky acquisition. High risk, highest reward of all the potentially known available players.

Anyway, what I'm trying to do is build a consensus on the players that we're more likely to be focusing our efforts on and the predicted cost it would take to get them. I started with Deng because he was at the top of my list, from the other thread. Hopefully I can add this consensus to each player and then post a final ranking.

Thanks to all of you, I'm actually feeling more prepared than ever for this draft/off-season and looking forward to it more than ever before.

 

Interesting. By not including Rudy, you're limiting the height of risk involved. I suppose it depends on how badly Chicago wants to erase their recent signing. My guess is, if the offers they're receiving amount to solid reserves, they'll likely keep what they have or deal Salmons instead, who's value may net them as much or more.

Sounds like a move for Deng may not be at the top of Portland's list.

 

I agree with MM. A rotation including Deng and Batum could work just as well for Batum as he had last year. For that matter it could help Deng as well, lightening his load. The great thing about the versatility of Batum is I could see him playing other positions as well as the 3 too.

 

I'm willing to move Rudy for the right player. Rudy's impact for this team is limited IMO because of Brandon Roy.

Aren't you as concerned about Gerald Wallace's past injuries? Or, has his proven track record, despite those injuries, given you more confidence in him?

Jefferson's contract would be the same amount as what Brandon will make. I don't see management sinking that much money into our starting forward spot for less production.

Butler's interesting, but his age worries me. His cost would be significantly higher than Deng's as well.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I thought a lot of the Bulls problems last year revolved around the team not showing any love to any of it's players by re-signing them. I think quite a few players, Deng included, felt the organization didn't want them there anymore.

 

I used to feel that way also. I guess I still do. But, I think the impact of "sore feelings" or "bad chemistry" may just not be that significant. I don't know. It's so subjective.

 

Maybe so, but I think Nic will deserve, and maybe expect more than 18 minutes next year. I'd stick with Nic.

I see that you include Rudy in your trade senarios, and that would be a must. If Deng came to PDX, and Rudy stayed, one or more of Rudy, Nic or Deng would be unhappy with minutes.

 

Wondering what everyone's thoughts are on Luol Deng and the Bulls? Obviously he's showing that he's healthy. I'm unsure if Chicago would even entertain moving him, even if they were fairly compensated. Chicago's record isn't good, but I doubt they feel moving Deng is the answer. I suppose the best scenario if we were to come to them with a way of improving their team and moving Deng would be to help them improve at the two and four position, allowing Salmons to return to his natural position. It doesn't look like we could help them in that regard as we don't have any available fours that would immediately improve their team. We have Bayless and Fernandez, but Bayless isn't consistent enough yet. I bet Rudy would be a start though. If we could find a third team such as Utah (Boozer), Miami (Haslem), or Washington (Jamison), I wonder if a deal could be structured to bring Deng to us?

Since Boozer and Haslem's deal only last till the end of this season, I would think Chicago would be weary of losing them for nothing. A package of Jamison and Fernandez might be enough to get a deal done. If we sent Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw to Washington and Chicago sent Pargo to them as well; if Washington sent Jamison to Chicago; if Chicago sent Deng to us; and, if we sent Rudy to Chicago, would that do it IYO? Would Chicago be better off?