Last week, when the Blazers were teetering on the edge of falling out of contention, it seemed like Cho's decision about trying to make a major move prior to the deadline was being made for him. Trading Joel seemed certain and moving Andre and/or Camby for younger pieces looked really likely. Since then, the Blazers are playing better again and are likely to improve even more when they get Roy and Camby back in the very near future. Meanwhile, the teams in front of them are playing poorly. Denver, which is likely to move Carmelo, and Utah, which has lost Sloan and seems in disarray, look like they could fall out of playoff contention and leave the door open for the Blazers to move up. All of a sudden, writing off the playoffs seems like a poor idea, at least IMO. Outside of the Spurs, nobody in the West is playing dominant ball and, if the Blazers catch fire, the prospect of yet another first round loss no longer seems certain. I'm not going to say that Cho should stand pat, but moving Miller and Camby at this point seems to me to be a really poor idea. While I love Joel and what he's done for the franchise, I wouldn't mind seeing him moved for a younger PG or PF. I think doing less at the deadline rather than more may be the best option.
If I'm Cho, I have to keep Andre around; you have a team option to exercise if you want, which would allow a trade next season. Joel is getting better, but you kinda need to kep him around as well for insurance purposes. The team also is not bad enough, even if you trade both Joel and Andre (assuming Roy and Camby return) to get a good lotto pick by tanking. So you go for the playoffs and the morale booster this season rather than letting it fall apart. Sure, you lose Joel as a trade piece, but who knows if he's all that valuable, especially when Allen is watching the luxury tax as much as the next owner. Joel may be more valuable as an expiring to us than to any other team... ...I think Cho will stand pat, and I actually kinda support that. It seems the best of the available options.
I don't see much of a dilemma. We're not good enough to compete for a top four slot in the WC, much less for a championship. I think we have to trade our vets for younger players, hope GO pans out and hope Roy can give us 15 mpg of his old self.
I agree that has to be the long term plan, but I don't think it has to happen before the deadline. Camby and Miller still have value prior to the draft or during the summer. Joel is the only piece that goes away after the season.
Given LMA's recent dominance and the impending return of Roy - I would probably look at keeping Miller and seeing what can be had for Camby and or Joel and parts (picks, young-ones, overseas stash). If we can get a big young as a return - like A-Randolph - or any serviceable backup bigs - it would be good - and young PG prospects or a good vet like Hinrich (backup PG at worst) - should also be the targets. If we can do something around Joel/Babbit or Joel/Williams for Hinrich/Hilton Armstrong - we would be in a nice place. Can probably get something better for Camby.
Good points. I think the Blazers should exercise their option on Andre Miller, and keep him around. But I think moving Przybilla - and using whatever trade exceptions the team has available - to improve the Blazers' depth at PG or upfront, is a good idea. The Blazers can't trade both Camby and Przybilla unless there's a starter-quality center coming back (obviously), so I would advocate keeping Camby.
Anyone know how many millions of dollars the franchise stands to make by playing one round of playoffs, say to six games? I'm guessing the financial incentive combined with the fact that, except for Joel, we will still have all of our trade pieces after the season is enough incentive to largely stand pat and not upset the apple cart for now with regard to trading our contributing players -- unless of course a really killer deal comes along.
Good point. "The greatest danger could be your stupidity." - The Bayless trade "A fanatic is one who can't change his mind, and won't change the subject." - If Nate is fired because he did not achieve enough. "The first step to better times is to imagine them." - A trade for the PHX trainers "Decide what you want and go for it." - The CP3 trade "There is yet time enough for you to take a different path." - Any trade involving Patty Mills (directed to Paul Allen) "A secret admirer will soon send you a sign of affection." - LeBron James forcing a trade to Portland as he wants to play with LaMarcus "Love is like wildflowers...it is often found in the most unlikely places." - Like Minnesota. "Love is the only medicine for a broken heart." - David Stern reverses his all-star replacement decision "There is a true and sincere friendship between you and your friends." - The Blazers send Elliot Williams and Luke Babbit to Real Madrid for the rights to Sergio Rodriguez "Excitement and intrigue follow you closely wherever you go!" - Zach Randolph returns to the franchise that drafted him "Your many hidden talents will become obvious to those around you." - Anothiny Randolph for the NOH Pick and a trade exception "Don't forget, you are always on our minds." - Any trade that sends Joel Pryzbilla out "You will witness a special ceremony." - Greg Oden recovers earlier than expected and wins the Finals MVP "You will be invited to an exciting event." - LaMarcus Aldridge is traded for Kevin Love, followed by an invitation to the draft lottery "Consolidate rather than expand business projects in the near future." - A trade of multiple players for one is consumed "It doesn't matter. Who is without a flaw?" - a Trade that brings us J.R. Smith. "The world may be your oyster, but it doesn't mean you'll get its pearl." - Probably what will happen
I would move Joel and Camby, and then depending on what the offer is for Miller, I might hold onto him. It really all depends on what's available. If the right deal comes along that nets us a starting point guard for the future, I would hope we do it.
I am really tempted to start repping. You know, if I wanted anyone to like me, I would, but I'm going to hold out a little longer as a board outlaw.
LMA has blown up into a legit post threat with consistency to boot. If I were Cho I'd try to package anyone outside LaMarcus for a top-tier PG to pair up with Aldridge. Oden/Batum/Wesley/picks/JPEC/AMEC; I think he has the pieces to get something done.
