Wow. I can't believe Rice just asked Howard that question. JH was on CS just now, and to finish his interview, Rice dropped a Q: "Were you paid more your rookie year in the NBA, or your freshman year @ UM?" Howard took it in stride, but I wouldn't be surprised if he freezes out Rice from now.
Rice is abrasive and senile, but he reps the Blazers hard, so I like him. But he's just a notch beneath Heinsohn. BTW, he predicts that LA will probably be signed by either the end of week or before training camp starts. Says both sides want to get it done now, but hold up might be over % of cap next year when the contract takes effect.
How long does it really take to work out that detail though? It's not like cap problem fixes itself before Oct. 31.
Quick says Patty Mills is not on the Blazers' radar as an invitee to camp (tryouts for the 15th spot).
I have read in multiple places, and it was mentioned again on Courtside, that since the cap number is not defined it is causing wrinkles in how the deal is structured. There was talk about structuring the deal as a percentage of max (so the exact dollar amount wouldn't be defined until the cap for next year is set). But, the union seemed to put it's hackles up a bit at the mention of that and in fact, the league would have a say in whether that is even allowable... If they allow the % of max it seems as though the deal could be done quickly, if not, it will inevitably lead to some time consuming haggling between the Blazers and LA's agent over what they estimate the cap will be next year... So...how close to a max deal is LA worth? 80%? 70%? 90%?
I'd guess the Blazers are probably hoping for an 85% of max deal, LMA and his agent would probably prefer a 95% of max deal, and both sides could probably be persuaded to go for a 90% of max deal -- and that's probably just about what he's worth at this point in his career.
Let's say the top 10 power forwards in the league are worth the maximum contract. (obviously a HUGE exaggeration) Judging by win score per 48 minutes, Aldridge is worth 68% of the maximum contract value. Dude needs to learn to rebound and stop being so soft. Then he might be worth 80-90% of max contract value.
Rice said Greg looks slimmer and much quicker. He said Oden was making bank shots and face up shots. Bayno, who was interviewed on the phone, said that he feels Ohio State was a good place for Greg to be because it's all basketball there and there's less pressure there than being in Portland with the media and pressure. Bayno had been working with Greg religiously on "Duncan",series or something like that- which were offensive moves where he faces up in the post, doing stuff like jab steps, shot fakes, keeping his body low and his eyes up, trying to score in ways other than backing in and dunking it. Bayno didn't focus on all offense. He worked with Greg on pick-and-roll defense and trying to guard 2 on 1 or 3 on 1 and other defensive drills, like shot-blocking drills and rebounding drills. Merlin said something about a new radio station coming soon. Don't know if he was serious.
Too add to that, Rice chimed in with a comment about how GO's footwork still needs fine tuning. He thinks the replacement refs will call him for steps a bit this season.
And also, the Blazers still have one roster spot left and Prithcard has said he would fill it. So the guys were trying to guess who would get the final roster spot. Quick said that KP would announce tomorrow or Wednesday traning camp invitees who might get that final spot. Ostertag is out of the running. So is Patty Mills, he has heard. Rice think Loren Woods might get the final roster spot. Quick says he doesn't think Udoka (who has been playing at the practice facility) will be given that last spot. Quick thinks Aldridge will be re-signed by October 31st.
Man, that was a lot of fun. Thanks to MB, Wheels, Rice, Merlin, and the whole studio crew for being so gracious, and thanks to ABM for hookin' a Wookee up. Tim, the guys all sent their best wishes to you and your family.
