Been meaning to post my impressions of the Fan-Fest. First off, waay too much defense was played! Second, some of my questions were satisfied surrounding our PG outlook. Felton: The camera does indeed add 5 pounds, in real life he looks to be the perfect sized guard to control the ball. I was very critical of trading for him, but I have come to the conclusion that he is a younger, faster, and better shooting version of Dre. His pick and roll skills are top notch and I look forward to seeing him go to work with LA. Smith: Pleasant surprise. Very confident, definitely has PG skills and high IQ. Has ability to create for himself which will be very useful if he can facilitate the ball upon doing so. He made a least one brilliant pass during the Fest so it appears he has it in him. His confidence should bring him some much needed PT/experience this year. Felton teaches Smith the Pick and Roll: http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2011/12/trail_blazers_the_magic_of_mentoring.htmll Crawford: Definitely made it to the right place. Looked like he was enjoying himself with LMA on the bench during the game. Sounds like he'll be playing his share of PG this year, or perhaps B-Roy style point (More iso's Y'all love?). http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...zers_shootaround_notes_the_starting_five.html
Waive Armon Johnson...keep both Johnson (potential) and Barron (another serviceable big).... Guards are totally fine without him: Felton\Smith\Matthews\Crawford\Williams and even Batum could play there if needed as well
I agree, and I was a big Armon supporter early on. But with Felton, Smith, and now Crawford splitting the minutes, when will AJ play? And his ceiling isn't anything that makes me think we can't pick up the same caliber of PG on the open market if our PG's are befallen by injury.
Waiving A. Johnson counts against the cap and Barron wouldn't, and while he might be serviceable there are always other serviceable centers. Barron is nothing special, he is average or below average in all regards (athleticism, hands, size, touch, footwork, passing, etc.) Armon is our third PG and is young enough (a little room for offensive growth) with good enough defense to not release.
John Canzano @JohnCanzanoBFT Nate McMillan told me Nolan Smith has surged ahead of the other young guys in camp. He's playing with confidence, and a high basketball IQ.
Well smith is older than the rookies. He's actually had burn in Clippertown. Well at least more burn than any of our youngins.
Glad to hear were on the same page coach Great Points. Armon will get another shot this year to develop, like it or not.
One. Who cares? It ain't much money when you consider how typical this is in the NBA. Then, consider our owner's situation. Big guys break down quicker than little guys, generally speaking. Why keep the 3rd-4th best PG on your roster over the an equivalent big, especially given the packed, short schedule? He's not likely to get any time (except in the D League). Writing off a minimum salary shouldn't force your hand in the NBA, especially with a wealthy owner. Believe me, I expect AJ on the roster over other options, I just don't believe it makes any sense.
Year after year we find ourselves depleted at center in midseason. Lets' stock up and keep Barron. He's better than what will be available, e.g. Oberto, Sean Marks, or a CBA pickup. Armon is just preventing Nolan and Elliot from developing.
