I hope your right. Ever since I have seen this guys name on the charts, I thought that Rudy had some insight about him and told KP he is a keeper. Blair is still there though! Maybe we can get him in the 2nd round.
On paper I somewhat agree (though it's really hard to project just how any of the guys in this draft are going to pan out) but his knees must have looked like holy hell on wheels ... I'm not saying KP is infallible, but he does have access to better and more complete info than we armchair GMs do.
Blazers don't know when Claver will come over. He has a buyout, but not Ricky Rubio type. He could come over this year if the Blazers wanted, according to 95.5. He won't be over for at least a year, according to Jason Filipi
IF (and it's a very big if) the Blazers don't deal the pick, it could be a "keep Rudy happy" gamble. Claver comes over right around the time Rudy's rookie deal is up. Gives Rudy a countryman and motivation to stay. But I still think that KP has something up his sleeve. Maybe both sleeves. Funny, reading these threads, 3 years ago the draft got an F- from some because they traded Bassy & the Russians and got Roy instead of Adam Morrison. Then 2 years ago Oden got high marks but when Zach Randolph was traded the moans rang in heaven. And yet, so far, KP has really not made a bad draft move.
Rationalize all you want. We wasted a 1st round pick on a second round talent who will likely pull a Freeland and never play for the team. Way to mail it in KP!
Indeedy. I have no problem spending the 31st pick (a sweet unguaranteed deal) on Blair and just see if he pans out and/or holds up.
Who the hell is this Nicholas Batum kid? Did we really have to take him in the first round, I bet we could of picked him up in the second round for cheap.
I don't mind us chasing a free agent, but I honestly don't like this years options at all. I really hope we are trading caproom and a player for a star on another team. I think Hedo is a 6 mil player that will probably get 10-12. Andre Miller hasn't really won anywhere he has been, and isn't worth more then 6 mil, but again will get too much. Claver pick doesn't bother me, but I have a feeling we won't get take anyone except small FA this year and lose that caproom to extensions to Roy and LA
Hopefully Claver plays in summer league. After seeing him on youtube I'd really like to get a closer look at him.
dude can dunk, to be fair. He looks like a decent prospect, I just really wanted Blair. [video=youtube;2_ufVzTs4FU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_ufVzTs4FU&feature=related[/video]
I've never got the impression Rudy cares about having friends over here. I think the guy wants to play, win, and feel appreciated.
