Calderon WAS traded out of Toronto for not much, until Jordan stuck his nose in (talk about meddling owners) and nixed the trade. Now Calderon is understandably pissed. Howsabout we kick his tires? Bayless and Joel for Calderon works (hey - if they like Jarrett Jack, they should love Jarrett Jack on Steroids). And we might even insist that the Raptors waive Joel instantly so that he can stay in Portland and rehab, and be ready to be re-signed for the playoff run. That would make a PG pairing of Miller and Calderon which is great in everything except defense, but it gives us a REAL PG coming off the bench, and a player who can shoot well enough to play alongside Roy. I know there's a real Spaniard-a-phobia on this board at the moment, but Calderon's stock is pretty low, his defensive deficiencies wouldn't be as terrible with a Camby or an Oden (or a Prz, when we get him back) behind him and (horror of horrors) he might actually enable us to hang on to Rudy, and have Rudy reclaim his form. Provided he has the Spanish PG DNA of throwing perfect lobs to Rudy. We know at least that he makes his own Spanish ham, so that's got to count for something.
I'm still pretty high on bayless and I hate Calderon's game. I think he is overrated and wont do much here.
It hasn't even been two years since many Blazer fans thought of Calderon has as a top 10 PG in the league. Remember how many threads we had about the guy? I was not one of his fans, but I do think next to Roy he would be very effective. Still can't play D though.
My daughter was trying to explain to me the other day that two negatives equal a positive? I'm too Right-brained to get it - When pondering Bayless being twice the player that Calderon will ever be, my mind gets all mushy....kind of like that discussion with my daughter!
Negatives: Old, unathletic, terrible defender, doesn't fit our window, requires ball in hand to be most effective, Can't create his own shot Positives: Decent Shooting Can run a team
I'd rather have a Vet who has actually proved he can play than a guy with "potential". Bayless was never worked out prior to being drafted and was never on the radar when we drafted him. KP took him because he slid down and he was a good value pick. I have no idea what Bayless is. After two years that is kinda sad. We need a PG BAD !! I'd prefer a younger PG but Calderon would do. Also Calderon Is not a whiny bitch like Rudy. He has been in the league and knows how it works. I need a new Avatar
Almost everything. Getting his own shot, getting to the hoop, but most importantly playing defense. Bayless actually raised his game in the playoffs and has a ton more upside then Calderon. Plus Calderon is way over paid. The Raptors would trade Bayless for Calderon(if salaries matched) and would be super happy.
The only currently active Spanish players I would be happy to see us acquire is one of the Gasol brothers. Other than that, no thanks.
Apparently he's given up on Calderon less than 2 seasons after he lead the EC in assists per game. (Not that it was an accusation, but I have never given up on Bayless, because I never liked his game.)
I wouldn't mind a prime veteran, but honestly our core guys are in their prime or young. We don't want a PG running on fumes on the downslope when the rest of the team is firing on all cylinders. I would MUCH rather pick up a Conely or Collison who have a prayer of slowing down penetrators then a guy who in my opinion is basically a better passing, less athletic Steve Blake. Our path to a championship rests on maximizing Roy/LMA/Oden and also being one of the top 2 or 3 defensive teams in the league. We need to have a top shelf defender at the point who can feed the post and shoot the three. Being able to get into the lane is another needed, although not critical, trait. Shooting and passing isn't enough, Passing and creating isn't enough, defense and shooting might be enough, but I'm greedy I want a triple threat guy who can drive, shoot, dish and also defend. He needn't be a god at all 4 but he ought to be excellent doing at least two of those things and passable at the other two. Calderon is not the answer and neither is Miller. Defense and shooting should be the focus followed quickly by feeding the post and getting his own shot.
