it also has to take into account what it would take to get them. You want Dwight Howard? Plan on Trading Aldridge, Batum, etc. to get him. Feel free to list more than 5 if you want. I'll post my list later.
What would you give up for Rondo that you think the Celtics would accept? I would absolutely love to have Rondo...he's one of my favourite non-Blazers. But I don't think there's anyone on the Blazers that would even make Ainge listen other than Aldridge. Unless he really, really wanted to gamble on Oden. Also, Miller is a dead-eye sharp-shooter compared to Rondo, so the team had better have some shooters at other positions.
I think you have to bank on two things: 1) Boston wants to start the rebuilding process. 2) Hope they are optimistic about Oden's long-term health and willing to roll the dice on him. Oden+Batum+pick(s) is something I'd start with.
Andre Igudala Monta Ellis JaVael McGee Ty Lawson Lou Williams Jru Holiday DJ Augustin Jameer Nelson Kemba Walker Brandon Knight Enes Kanter Donatas Motiejunas Probably more that I can't think about right now. I think all of those particular players are "gettable", a few harder than others, but all would fit with how I think the team should play, and where they are int he process of being legitimate
Why would you want Rondo? isn't one of the biggest weaknesses of the blazers that they don't have enough shooting?
Lou williams? Really? Isn't he just a smaller, less-talented, less-efficient version of Monta Ellis? Well, you have Monta on your list too, so I guess it makes sense.
For his playmaking and defense. Oh, and you must have missed my Camby-for-Bargnani idea, problem solved. (I'm kidding )
For me, in no particular order... 1. Igoudala: Seems to be able to be had on the cheap. Chris Kaman? Really? I'd do a package centering around Batum and Camby pretty easily. Toss in Speights maybe? 2. Johnny Flynn: Could be had for scraps, and I think he'd be a better backup than Mills. He's not meant for the triangle offense. Give 'em Rudy? 3. Courtney Lee: I've just always liked him as a player. Honestly, not sure how he would fit, but if we waive Roy, he'd be perfect off of the bench. 4. Walker/Fredette/Other PG in draft: I'd prefer to have someone who's not a rookie, but talent is talent, and we need someone else at PG for when Andre isn't around anymore (hopefully 2-3 years more with him becoming backup over time). 5. Jeff Teague: This is being optimistic. He'll probably be a lot more expensive than I would hope. 6. Tony Parker: I don't know what it would take, but I would assume that they want to try to get younger. Batum + cap relief + Matthews/Rudy? They would have to be in full-on rebuilding mode for that though. 7. Steve Nash: Not sure how it'd work, but I'd look into it. Problem is I wouldn't want to give up a ton of youth to get him because he doesn't have a lot of years left himself. Trading Miller/Batum is basically getting an upgrade at PG for a couple of years (although Andre is a great player despite how much people complain about his shooting) for part of your youth's future. It would have to be to contend for a championship, because otherwise it's not worth it. 8. Faried: He's ready to play now. He wouldn't be as hard to get as most of these other guys, and he's something we really really need. He would probably be number 1 for me if order mattered. I'll add more later.
1. Dirk Nowitzki 2. Blake Griffin 3. John Wall 4. Steve Nash (with Dirk would be awesome) 5. Dwight Howard
Definitely not the guys I want the most at all, but guys who I think could work here and we could acquire for dirt cheap. This list semi-assumes Brandon is waived Paul Millsap - I think we could probably get him, they need to unload one of their fours, and he would want to start in Utah for sure, perhaps in Portland he'd make an exception though. (or he could start at 4 and camby would back up 4 & 5). This assumes Oden isn't healthy or is gone though. Brandon Jennings - Had a tough season, but plays with no one. I think as a backup who still plays 24-30 mpg he'd be the perfect guy behind Miller. Can shoot (generally though he had a tough year, no open shots in Milwaukee though), extremely athletic, speed demon, nice handles. Would love to see his progression with the athleticism we have. You might laugh but, if Brandon is gone (and Rudy too) Martell Webster - I'm sure we'd be doing them a favor by taking Webster back, clearing up a log jam. I'd move Rudy and Claver for a future pick and Webster for sure. He brings nice defense, last year there were actually lots of open shots, and his contract doesn't run much longer. I'd love our length on perimeter D with Batum (who would then specialize in guarding smaller guys), Matthews, Wallace, and Webster (guarding size in that order). Not a lot of ballhandling but with Miller and a backup with potential who cares. Now how to get any of them, I don't know. The best I could come up with (and it's pretty nuts) Oden to Cleveland for Jamison/4/future #1 #4/Rudy/Claver/future#1 for #2 & Webster from Minnesota #2/Jamison/#21 for #3/Millsap (if they really want the 3 from ASU) - this is most unrealistic probably. #3/filler? for Jennings, #11 - project C? Faried? /\ don't take me too seriously, but would you like this rotation? Miller/Jennings Matthews/Batum Wallace/Webster Millsap/Camby Aldridge/Camby very scrappy, not sure there's enough offense or size though.
Thank you. I'd be willing to give up anyone for those guys though. We do have a third team All NBA PF, a possible top 3 center, Crash, and young talent in Batum as well as some cap relief options.
