For those that can't see it. 1. We like our team 2. We tried a few things on draft night, but in the end we got the guys we were targteing 3. We are going to be aggressive this off season 4. There are some guys out there we are targeting. They have to fit our culture 5. Jerryd is going to get a chance
- Claver, they really wanted to go with someone with upside that could do some of the things that Nicolas and Rudy can do in a few years. - Jason Filipi gets credit for it - With Pendergraph and Cunningham, they wanted to bring toughness and thinks they bring it. - Patty Mills, thought with Nate seeing him and it was a steal at 55. Why not take a flier with him? Not saying he's going to make the team, but they have a chance.
- So many rumors with Portland, they do a lot of contingencies. This draft was unique because they thought they'd call a lot of audibles because picks were being traded but it didn't work that way. - KP says Claver was their top target. - A couple years ago, they said they wanted a young team and a lot of growth. The timeline has changed however. - They're prepared, ready and they're a destination for success now.
- Were any of the guys that were traded recently on their radar? KP can't say so. - They want to keep all possibilities open. - KP is excited to meet with some of the FAs out there.
KP also said he wrote down three names at the start of the draft: Claver, Cunningham, and Pendergraph.
LOL at the KP speak. I'm sure he did write those names down, along with every other name in the draft. Basically the interview was what I said correct?
It's statements like that that have earned him a perception of arrogance around the league. If Pritchard wants anyone to believe the above, he needs to do something extreme like place the names in a sealed envelope prior to the draft... Otherwise, it just sounds like baseless bragging.
KP gets knocked for being predictable, but it's because he's always 100% professional and never slips. Sure having guys like Don Nelson around is entertaining, but you see the environment that his upfront and honest approach with the media has created. When KP says he got the 3 guys they targeted, I really don't if I believe him or not, but he doesn't bother me either.
Perception of arrogance? For one, who gives a fuck. And two, it seems very reasonable that those guys were targeted. Pendegraph and Cunningham were 2nd round talents and we had 2 of the top 3 picks in that round. As a GM he should have a realistic plan in place and several contingency plans, and nothing materialized to move around in the draft. Considering we didn't trade around, I think that their plan was to get those 3 players.
Evidence - Blair and Sam Young were still on the board. Depending on health, KP must have had these two in mind. Obviously does not prove that he had them written down before hand, but a case that they had these two targeted.
That would seem to make him redundant - unless he plans to move one of the three, or try to play Claver at PF. And will now get the blame if it ends up being a wasted pick. And DeJuan Blair wouldn't have brought toughness? Right. I stand by my prediction that Blair will contribute more and have a greater impact this coming season than Perndegraph and Cunningham combined. Pritchard repeated the same mistakes in this draft as he did late in the 1st round and in the 2nd round in 2006. Claver == Freeland - a young, long, athletic Eurostash, which, if he lives up to his potential will probably never play for the Blazers (other than the summer league). Blair == Millsap - a "undersized" wide body rebounding animal who we will regret passing on multiple times in the 2nd round who will be a great back-up power forward and make another top team in our conference better. BNM
Have we forgotten the Darius Miles fiasco already? Remember how little sympathy Pritchard and the front office got from media and league execs alike? People most definitely care, and it probably affects the team's ability to make deals now. Would you want to deal with a cocky guy, knowing you're most likely going to get the short end of the stick?
Let me guess. You want to put KP on the hotseat now too. I know, being a Blazer fan for a good 20 years now, how most of you are. But I some of you never cease to amaze me with the bullshit you say. Anyhow, good work KP. I appreciate you.
