We MUST get a better backup forward. With Camby on board, it's a good step in the right direction, but Oden/Camby/Aldridge is an injury (or two) waiting to happen... and I don't want to have to rely on Cunningham or Pendergraph or Howard again if one or two of those guys get hurt again. Ed O.
I like Howard in a fifteenth man role like he was supposed to be this past year, but I don't think he's critical to the success (or failure) of this team moving forward. I agree with Ed O, this team is still short a true backup power forward. Who that should be is anybody's guess.
I wonder if Freeland might take Howard's roster spot? He is 3 years removed from being drafted and won't be bound by the rookie scale contracts. Beyond the obvious big 3 Bigs lurk Dante and Pendergraph who should be improved a year in. If the frontline guys are healthy we're only talking 5-10 total MPG and they're good enough for that. If someone goes down to injury then they'll have Przybilla as a valuable expiring deal at the midseason deadline to address needs if it's deemed necessary. Generally Portland has some of the better frontcourt depth in the league... I'm not too concerned. STOMP
but yes I like Howard next year as a filler.. bring him back next year for what we wanted him for this year.
Pendergraph/Cunningham as our backup PF tandem is fine, thanks. Juwan might make a good assistant coach though.
Howard filled in great for us last year. All I want though is that we have some roster space for flexibility in the free agent market. I can guarantee there will be some free agents available that would help improve this team after the free agent feeding frenzy. The last few years I have said, leave some space, talent will be available on the cheap. Yet we go into the year with a roster 15 deep, and some guys on the team at a position where we are 3 to 4 deep never see playing time. Meanwhile at another position where the team is struggling, a free agent is available who would help, but we have no roster space. It doesn't have to be Howard though. Diener can hit the road and free up a spot.
I mean if they have a 15th roster spot available, then I think ahving him there would be fine...if there is room.... He provided some quality back up minutes during the regular season...the playoffs were another matter, he looked generally over matched....
