SI Prediction: Blazers Will Be Dismantled; Roy Gone

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix makes a list of 10 NBA Predictions for 2011. Included is the (pretty easy to make) prediction that "The Trail Blazers will be dismantled."

Also included, are the harder to figure out predictions that Roy will be part of the "dumped" group, along with Miller and Pryz (how does the team trade Roy for even neutral value in the short term?);

and that the team will build around LaMarcus (ok, understandable) and Wesley (the team is building around a role player? - really?).

Other interesting predictions:

The lockout will last longer than the previous one;

Carmelo will be traded to NJ;

Hornets will be sold and moved out of New Orleans;

Dallas will beat the Lakers in the playoffs (Yeah!)

Yao Ming will play again.


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...2011.nba.predictions/index.html#ixzz19uhkQ1kd

 

I don't think Wes is a role player.

Even I could predict that the Hornets will be moved.

Yao probably will play again.... in China.

 

My prediction is that nothing happens with the Blazers in the way of trades or roster moves through the month of January. The schedule is soft and the team, as constructed, could improve its playoff standings dramatically. At the beginning of February, Cho will assess where the team stands and if a playoff push is realistic. He'll know more about Roy's condition and his chances of contributing. If things look reasonable in terms of making the playoffs, then I would think he'd look for deals that would bolster the team for this year without moving Miller or Camby. On the other hand, if things are slipping and Roy's truly done for the year, then I'd expect a major move with an eye towards the future. Such a trade would involve moving Miller and maybe Przybilla or Camby along with other pieces.

 

Wesley and LaMarcus are both uptempo players, If these are the new cornerstones I believe a coaching change will also have to take place.

 

I agree 100%.

 

Hahaha we are gonna dump Roy and miller? Sounds like Chris isn't a blazer fan. Not to mention ..... Nobody's trading for Roy

 

Sure, you can predict the Hornets will be moved - in the same way that 2 years ago practically everyone was predicting the Blazers were going to be a force in the Western Conference for years.

How'd that "obvious" prediction work out?

As for Yao, he specifically predicted he will play again in the NBA for the Rockets.

 

Mannix is not a blazer guy. Remember that

 

That "obvious" prediction was destroyed by injuries. Is David Stern going to lose his voice and both his arms so he can't communicate in the sale of the Hornets? The team hasn't been successful there. The NBA has already failed in New Orleans once before. I think they would have moved the team already if Hurricane Katrina hadn't happened.

 

What team in it's right mind would give anything of value for Roy?

 

They wouldn't. At this point I would accept an expiring contract for him.

 

Turn that around. Would you give up an expiring contract for a player scheduled to make 80 some odd million dollars that mightnot be able to play at an NBA level anymore?

 

Roy for ZBOEC?

 

Depends on what they believe. If you're Dallas, and your window is rapidly closing as Dirk and Kidd grow old, plus you just lost Caron Butler for the year... what do you do? Butler is expiring. Would you trade Roy for Butler and filler? It also depends on whether people think Roy is done, or just pouting like some of the reports are saying. If they think he's pouting, maybe we could get something for him. Maybe that's been the plan all along...

 

But if everyone thinks he is pouting then why would the Blazers give him up for nothing? I am not sure you are going to find a scenario where one teams thinks he is pouting and another team thinks he is washed up.

 

Maybe that's why we're hearing so many reports about Roy pouting. Maybe the team is actually releasing these rumors to try to drum up some more value for Roy.

 

Doubtful IMO. He would still have to pass a physical. And they might ask him "Hey Brandon were you faking it or are you really hurt?" I just don't see him being traded until he plays again. And if he can be effective enough to help a team then I doubt we trade him. But at least in that scenario it is possible.

 

Roy for Butler? That would exceed my wildest dreams.

 

Getting Roy to Dallas will be really hard due to salaries. I was playing with it on trade machine, and it's tough to come up with something that makes sense for both teams

 

I think the earliest we're really going to see Roy moved (if at all) is the season after the lockout. Some team might be convinced that a year and half away from basketball could have given him some pep and at that point he'll only have a couple of years left on his deal which makes the risk a little more manageable.