Part II: Neil Olshey promises an 'aggressive' offseason

I promise the same.

 

Easy tiger. I know you are suddenly a free man, but keep in mind . . . women are of the devil.

 

He's going to have to be very aggressive. The west is tough and I don't really see any of the top 8 teams getting worse then they where this year. If Olshey can't find the right mix to get the Blazers back into the playoffs I doubt Paul wont hesitate to find anther guy for the job.

 

I want Tiago Splitter as our D oriented big man. I have a feeling Olshey agrees with me.

Splitters our guy. Mark my words.

 

I like Spitter and Gortat. I wouldn't mind a center like DeAndre Jordan though I think he could play well with Aldridge.

 

That is the group that Tony Allen puts Portland in in terms of "things to do."

smh.

 

I hope so!

 

I like Splitter but I would prefer more size. I would add Mozgov to the list of possible RFA's.

 

The only problem with this is Rip >>> Wesley. And Billups' impact can't be understated.

All 5 of them were also above average defenders

 

That's what she said.

 

This part is telling IMO. Neil knows we have an advantage In June before free agency starts. Sounds like that will be his priority. I think we all agree with it. Unbalanced trade is his goal:

"The way Olshey sees it, the Blazers are far more unique on June 27 -- owning what figures to be the 10th overall pick, three second-round picks and the influx of cap space four days later -- than they are on July 1, when free agency begins"

There will be more than 12 teams with roughly the same salary cap room as the Blazers, creating a volatile environment where the right-to-match, quality of team and geographic intangibles enter the free agent equation.

"Anybody who can get their homework done on draft night instead of having to wait until free agency is going to do it," Olshey said. "Now, you don't want to do a deal just to get out of free agency, but if it's the right deal, you do it as soon as possible."

 

I too like Splitter and Gortat. I like Varejao too but he is a little older and is coming off his best year ever, which makes me worried he's going to regress to the mean.

To me, the obvious best case scenario is Noah. He's only 28 - a defensive and rebounding force, and would seem to compliment Aldridge perfectly. He also seems to be the least likely to be traded, but I'm just speculating. Anyways, I put Noah on the top of my wish list!

 

Interesting comparison, the 2004 Detroit Pistons.

Dame = Billups (ok)
Aldridge = Sheed (I guess so)
Batum = Prince (kinda)
Wes = Rip Hamilton (no)

Sorry, but Rip Hamilton was 10x the offensive player that Wes is. I would love to have a young Rip Hamilton.

 

Man, young Rip was the next generation of Reggie Miller.

My question is, where does Ben Wallace play into the equation? I always thought he was the main reason for the titles, even though they were largely titles by consensus.

If there are two teams that are actually similar to those Pistons teams, it's Denver and Memphis.

 

That's the missing piece that Olshey is trying to obtain this summer.

 

I think this off season will answer so many questions

Did Leonard make enough progress in training to sign an older center as a band aid, or do they go for a younger center that will be here for many years?

Will they "settle" on players Olshey siad he wouldn't like to do because of pressure from PA?

Can Olshey, Damian and LA sell the Blazers to FA's?

 

I saw this the other day and was surprised. But it confirms what you said.

http://bkref.com/tiny/AMX2F

 

I think Larry sanders is exactly the Ben Wallace type player.

Undersized height, excellent rebounder, excellent help defender, excellent lateral movement, terrible free throw shooter, non existent offensive game.