Are there teams that need a guard like Matthews with cap space? It would be nice to get a first rounder (probably not lottery) and cap space; which we would later use for a free agent signing. If we were able to get a later first rounder and even more cap space, then we could offer that pick, ours and cap space for Rondo. Then I would try and use the other pick (jersey's and possibly Babbit and Smith) for Igs.
Side note, but I don't think Matthews is going anywhere. A new GM may differ, but Chad was talking about getting Matthews to be the new team leader after LMA's failed attempt. A new GM could change that. Everyone seems to want to offload Matthews, but that may not be a good idea. The guy is the hardest worker on the team, plays good defense, shoots well (a bit off this year) and is a great locker room guy. People should be prepared that Matthews might not easily be moveable. I don't think I would trade Matthews unless a solid leader could be brought back. Igs, maybe, but I'm not sure 6ers trade him. Rondo leaves a leadership void.
I agree that Matthews would be important to this franchise if we couldn't land a leader in return. I was thinking the cap space and picks would help us to get a return of a leader. If not Rondo, we would still be able to offer D Will max; while still keeping Batum and Hickson. That could help our chances of giving us an advantage of D Will picking us.
I think Blazer fans are seriously under-valuing Matthews. He didn't have a good season on average, but he played a LOT better after McMillan was fired. Why was that? He could also help in the hunt for Deron Williams. He's a good player and a hard worker. I keep him.
If you get D. Williams, then Matthews becomes unnecessary. If you find out D.Williams is willing and you need more cash for some reason, then you pull the trigger on whatever it takes--even though I think you would be selling low on Matthews. I guess you would only know this if you get to that point and don't have max money available. It sure would sting though to dump Matthews and not get someone good in.
I can see a scenario where the Blazers get Williams interested in signing with them and then work a sign-and-trade with the Nets to seal the deal. That way Williams gets an additional year on his contract as a part of the incentive for coming here.
You gotta forget this Iggy infatuation. He's not a first option, he's a second (at best) -- but so it LMA. Meh, pass.
Not to mention Iguodola up to this year had been regressing lately, seems on the downside not on the upside....Gerald Wallace part 2.....
Yes, but he fits into the master plan. About the same age as Aldridge, elite level player. It doesn't matter at all that he has already piqued. No need to concern yourself with that. This team will win it all next year with this master plan
His splits with and w/out Nate were very similar, with most of his stats being slightly worse after Nate got fired. His PPG went up, but his FG% went down, so it was the 40% increase in FGs attempted that really went up. Not sure the facts match the picture you are trying to create. Having said that, I think it is highly unlikely we are able to replace Matthews productivity at the price he's being paid.
Iggy is a perfect fit for this team. He can also play the 3 along side Mathews. So what if he is a #2 as much as people wanna bitch about LA not being a #1 he is. You don't average 22p a game without being a #1. LA isn't there in crunch time because he is easily taken out of the game because we have no one who can create their own shot(La is constantly doubled in crunch time, no one can create their own shot when doubled like he is) Iggy can. Why do people want to give up on Mathews? Solid defender but has obv weakenesses. It wasn't a shock when he started to play better after McMillian was gone. He stopped having the ball in his hands for extended periods of time. Mathews is a catch and shoot or pass quick player, the longer he has the ball in his hands the more he is going to screw up. He is a bad ball handler but McMillian kept putting the ball into his hands and overused him in a situation that was horrible for him. He is a hard worker and great 3 point shooter. If we have to move him to get DWill of course we do it but other then that keep him.
Looking at this team I think you have to go the other way and bring in young assets. I'd much rather take a shot at Tyreke Evans than Iggy.
I can't stand the thought of Evans in a blazer uniform. I dont' think we need to bring in young assets I think we should build a team to compete around LMA threw his prime. Go for it now not grab young talent and try to compete in 2 to 3 years when LMA is 30.
Tyreke shot 26.4% from outside of 3-feet this year. http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1178695&start=45
Yeah, he's atrocious from that range. You don't trade for Tyreke for his outside shooting. You trade for his playmaking and attacking the hoop.
His play making is attacking the rim and when he is trapped he then passes. Evans is the kind of guy a team like Charlotte wants. A player that is going to look for his shot first before passing and with has no elite skills. He is a person you love when your team is bad but don't want him on it when it is good. He has an explosive first step but doesn't have elite athleticism, is a bad defender a bad shooter and his play making abilities rely solely on his ability to penetrate and pass out.
