If the Blazers can't get a decient deal by the trade deadline, I think we should resign Joel to a moderate three year extension. We can't rely on Oden being healthly and you can never have enough good big men. I bet he would take a little less to stay in Portland. What do you all think?
Most Def. And maybe Joel likes Portland and the Blazers so much he'll take it. Dude is a staple to this team, leads by example, and we need his grit even if it's as a backup. As if he's fully recovered right now? Joel still has a ways to go, but if anyone can come back it's him. I'm confident he can still be better than Damp
3 years? Given his age and injury history, that seems like a very long shot. I won't be surprised if he retires at the end of *this* season.
def a pryz fan opinion, but id like to see him sign with portland again in the off season (after we trade him at deadline), not that he is the answer to blazers needs, but i like him. good to have a tough guy vet off the bench. i want to see him KO tyson chandler before he moves on for good
That's what I'd do as well. A vet min for 3 years as insurance. I think he'll get stronger and be more of an asset next season.
One of my favorite all time Blazers, but everything must (and does) come to an end, and I think we're there.
He's 12 months into an 18 month recovery time. If Joel were willing to sign a three year deal where the 3rd year was a team option and only 25%-50% of the 2nd year were guaranteed, then it could work out for both parties. Really, I think he just wants to head to Milwaukee and play with the Bucks and see his wife and kids during the season.
You know I think a lot of you need to look at some of the recent Joel interviews where he mentions retiring. I know some folks may think it is just a matter of signing him up, but he has been talking a lot about how he is getting to the part of his career where it is getting hard to get over the injuries, and has even mentioned ending his career in Milwaukee, so he can play for home essentially.
He's 32. Now if he has another major injury, then I can see it. But I find it hard to believe he's that close to the end. If he's reasonably healthy, with his size all he has to do is show up and he'll a job somewhere making more money than he could possibly make anywhere else. I've heard the interviews. It could be mental for Joel too. He's not 100% right now, and he has lost a step but he's also not playing as aggressive since the injury.
You say "reasonably healthy" but given the severity of his knee injuries over the last year how truly healthy is he? Sure he may not be in imminent danger or causing more catastrophic harm by continuing to play on a bad wheel but if he's not feeling physically strong or very mobile maybe he's coming to a realization that he doesn't really want to subject himself to the rigors of playing anymore.
