Screw the cap space, we have some players to keep.

I have been in the 'maximize cap-space' group, but I throw my hands in the air and yell "screw it". Lets make sure we keep Maynor and Hickson. I really think with what we have, a few tweaks and natural improvement seen amongst youngsters, The Blazers could be battling for home court next year.

 

We desperately need a defensive center though.

Can we keep Maynor while also signing a defensive big man and maybe another scorer? I'm not so sure.

 

See this is what I'm thinking as well. We will still have full mle to offer for another player; even keeping both players. Stotts first year, hicksons first full year and Lillards first year. How couldn't it be a better season?

I can only imagine what this teams record would be with maynor all season.

 

If nothing else, we need a defensive center. It's a must. I really like JJ, but he and Aldridge are simply too similar.

Maybe we could trade sign-and-trade JJ for a center?

 

We will still have a few mil to make a lopsided trade or a ~ MLE signing. I also want a defensive center, but I think Meyers has recently shown me enough to believe he will be a very good C if we stick with him, although he may always be more offensive minded. He has the tools to develop into a defender, it could just take the right coaching and time.

As far as another scorer, I don't think that's really needed.

 

Aldridge has the tools to be a defender too, he just never has. We need someone that will protect the paint. That has become painfully obvious.

 

Ultimately I think keeping Maynor, S&T Hickson for a big defense first starting C like Gortat/Dalembert, and then using the MLE for a backup 4 or 3 is maybe the best plan at this point.

 

Neil knows when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. He also knows (and loves) point guards. I trust he'll make good decisions.

 

If Portland can get Dalembert for around 6-7 mill, they will be golden. If not, the defensive big is just not available.

 

Ya, but does he know when to walk away and know when to run?

 

Those are both Lillard's decisions to make, apparently.

 

Nice,

If any photoshopers want to cut out Lillards face and put it in Kenny Rogers hair and beard I want that avatar

We could call him the gambler

 

My bottom line is we don't keep both Hickson and LMA, especially when JJ will likely get 7-8 mil per, They are both PF's and too similar IMO. JJ's done yeoman's work at C but IMO we don't want/need that longer term

 

Honestly, if I was ballsy enough, I'd trade LMA for Marc Gasol, keep Hickson and Maynor, and start Hickson at PF.

 

Makes no sense for Memphis anyways.

 

Marc Gasol is a top 3 Center in the game imo. I would definitely do that. Don't see why MEM would entertain it though.

 

I would rather go after Samuel Dalembert than resign JJ Hickson.I think Dalembert fits the team better.

 

Z-Bo's getting old, LMA is a top 5 PF in the league too... maybe we throw in Leonard and Freeland to anchor the center position for them too. Eggs in one basket, sure but it's Marc fucking Gasol.

 

Leonard will become that