Bayless, Roy, Batum, Aldridge, and Oden? Then key reserves: Pryzbilla, Fernandez, Webster and Outlaw? Basically, I can see Bayless working well with both Fernandez and Roy. I think Webster is one that could even play the 4 spot if Nate wants to play some small ball. Regardless, I sure hope Bayless isn't just like the others: Outlaw, Webster and Blake; people that tease us with what could, then fall back to reality.
I think the starting lineup is likely correct. I see Rudy as the only key reserve out of those that will likely be akey reserve for us in two years.
Starters I agree, still think a banger PF would be ideal. I'll give you a fearless forecast, in 1-2 yrs Patty Mills will be the backup PG. We will have a 4 guard rotation of Roy-Bayless-Rudy-Mills with Batum playing some guard situationally. The speed-shooting combo of those guys with Roy makes me smile. Speed kills in the NBA.
So you think Webster will eventually be gone? I can say yes to Blake, Outlaw and even a possible Pryzbilla (only because he may want starter salary and have to go elsewhere).
Well I hope he works out. I actually see Webster's potential being one like Gerald Wallace with a shot. He's got to gain that confidence and build up that rebounding.
Mags, the next guy to surprise most here will be Patty Mills, write it down. We IMO are going to transition from two old-boring-slow PG's to a lightening combo of Bayless/Mills. It won't obviously happen overnight but IMO it has a very good chance to happen the next 1-2 years.
I think Kopo Could possibly come over and be our 3rd PG next season. Not sure where that leaves Pattty, but I think Kopo's potential flexibility to play the 1 and 2 because of his height. Depending on roster moves, I can potentially see him AND Freeland being brought over. Mills being shipped out. I don't see Martell or Outlaw here long term, but who knows. I hate to give up on Martell's potential, but I also hate waiting around on it. 2-3 years ago, that was fine, and you fight through the inconsistencies. 5 years in, adn when you haev a team looking to compete for a title, it will et more difficult to deal with. I'd love to see us bring in a veteran SF to play behind Batum next season, someone who can give us 10-14 minutes a night without complaint, but could step in and play 35 if absolutely necessary. Not sure if that is through trade or free agency. Wouldn't mind seeing another pickup similar to Howard, if he isn't back next season, just as a veteran guy to have on the bench, if nothing else. Howard, Joe Smith, Oberto. Also, as backup C, it's probably unlikely, but the man I see as our backup next season, in a role he might take, making slightly below MLE money...A 14 man roster next season of: Miller/Bayless/Koppo Roy/Rudy Batum/vet?/Cunningham Aldridge/Pendergraph/Howard Oden/Shaq/Freeland
I wouldn't mind seeing that. In about 2.5 months we might get Batum back, and I can hardly wait to see him get back in a uniform again to help this team out.
Anyone coming out from injury is a DAMN GOOD THING. I would love to see us make the playoffs and have Oden come in as well. I know it's a dream, but it would be so SWEET! Could you imagine us having such an unlucky season, then it turns around right at the end?
Here is what I hope we see: The team plays pretty well between now and the all star break. They keep themselves 1 or 2 games over .500. Then both Batum and Rudy come back. The bench gets longer and Portland's perimeter defense gets a huge shot in the arm. Portland proceeds to tear up the league for the rest of Feb and March. (Something along the lines of 24 and 6 in the last 30 games). Oden comes back at the end of March. He doesn't start or even play big minutes but does give the team a good 15 minutes off the bench every game. He starts to round into shape at the end of the season. Portland goes into the playoffs the hotest team in the league. The team no one wants to play in the first round. The get either the 4th or 5th seed in the playoffs. After that, my pipe dream is they beat someone in the first round and face the Lakers in the second round.
I agree. As long as Bayless is a threat from long range, there is no reason this line-up can't work. Even if he's only so-so from deep, it still may be our best bet in the future.
I'm all for trading Blake and Outlaw right now for a guy who can play some 3/4/5 for us and is versatile, I think Diaw makes a lot of sense. Doesn't need the shots, great passer, good team defender, and why not another frenchman. His contract is hefty but only runs two more years, and he can play spot minutes all over the place. Plus having another ballhandler makes it easier to play Bayless more minutes at 1. Miller/Bayless Roy/Fernandez Webster/Batum Aldridge/Diaw Pryzbilla/Diaw
You guys do realize pryz is 31 right now, right? Do you really think "the future" he will still be able to take the pounding like he does now?
Mags, it's why I love this photo for more than Brandon's thundering dunk This lineup is a glimpse into our future.
I like the original rotation but without Webster. Batum can basically do everything Martell does but is a superior defender. Right now we have no wing defense so Martell is our best option by default. Next year I would love to see the 3 player rotation at guard with Bayless/Roy/Rudy, a 3 forward rotation of Batum/LMA/Outlaw, and a tag team center of Oden/Pryz. Now over the course of an 82 game season there will be injuries, blowouts, and back to backs where players such as Blake/Martell/Penergraph can get some burn. But during crunch time and into the post-season the above would be the only players I'd have getting regular time on the court. Now if we can try to flip Miller/Blake/salary relief for a long term talent upgrade I'd love to see it. I hear some saying because of this seasons injuries we need to make a trade to bring in some help. I would rather do the opposite, send out help but bring in higher future long-term talent. We are not going to contend this season, so if we loose the production of Miller but gain a risky young player with upside this team could add wins in future seasons when the contending window is open at the expense of wins during the current season.
I've always envisioned an eventual three-guard rotation: Roy/Bayless/Fernandez in the backcourt. Three players to rotate through two spots. That way, they all play 30+ minutes. I don't think Fernandez would be happy with reserve minutes, and it's a good way to leverage all three talented guards. Batum/Aldridge/Oden as the starting front court I definitely agree with.
Yep remember Drexler, Porter, Ainge? That was one of the most successful guard rotations I can remember. Everybody was happy. Everybody did a little bit of everything. And they were responsible for an assload of points being put on the board. The key to happy guards is playing time, and their talents being used in a fashion that makes the game fun for them.
