Maybe, but he tried defending the soup kitchen comment; referring to mixing up talent. Obviously it wasn't the case
I get what he's saying though -- Lopez is a bit underwhelming. He hasn't developed like I thought he would. OTOH he was still a better option than what was left on the market. Pachulia? As a backup with spot minutes perhaps. Gortat? Totally overvalued by PHX. The #10 pick? Gtfo Kaman? Declining and wants at least the MLE. This offseason' success will totally be hinged on the development of Robinson.
A soup kitchen is where you put the crappy leftovers together to try and make a decent meal for homeless people. It was meant as an insult to Olshey, who likely isn't giving Ben interviews, nor should he. Either Golliver didn't know this and was defensive for his stupid comment, or he regretted saying it once it became clear what his comment implied. Either way, I think the guy is a gigantic douchebag, which is why I never ventured to his website as a contributor.
This is pretty close to my take. The team is definitely better than what they were at the end of the season, but they look kind of like a 40 to 44 win team; enough for a 9th to a 7th seed but probably not a whole lot more and I don't think he did enough to convince his All-star power forward to commit for another tour of duty. Maybe there are more moves to be made?
How the fuck are there other moves to be made? There is no trade that puts the Blazers into title contention next year. The future at this point hinges on Lillard becoming a superstar, LMA continuing to be an elite PF, and Batum raising his game even more. The bench was what let the team down last year, anyhow. Adding a real "third" player without giving up your top 2 is how a contender is made. Are you really thinking that there is some deal out there that makes this a 55 win team? The only way I see it is with the Roy approach with Lillard, which is to let your RoY become an All-Star talent who creates his own offense at the end of games. I think the team improves at least 10 games alone next year based on stability in coaching, an improved starting C, and Lillard/Batum expanding on their games while LMA remains the anchor to the franchise.
I actually think our team last season could have a 50 win team with maynor at the start and a semi decent bench
One thing about reading multiple internet sites and message boards, is it reinforces that there is absolutely zero difference between what sports writers think about players/teams and what some of you think. There opinion means no more then any of us. And in many instances much less because they are often spread thin. The fact that some of these guys get interviewed as if they are experts is really quite hilarious. (and sad at the same time)
I was mostly musing, I don't really have a strong reaction to what's happened so far one way or another (yet). I think the moves Olshey has orchestrated are "good" from a value perspective, in that he didn't give up much to get what he got and maybe they were the best he could do? (likely). I just sort of doubt they were enough to appease Aldridge's desire to win sooner rather than later. But go ahead and rage against my lukewarm feelings about the trades if it makes you feel better. EDIT: In any case, aren't we agreeing then that the team will probaby win about 10 more games over last year?
I will take this one step further and say that there are many posters who probably know more about hoops than some of the front office people in the league. Also, the great Chad Ford was a lawyer before he and his buddy started a small rumor site, so the only difference between someone like Chad Ford and the rest of us is access. That's it.
Sam Amico @SamAmicoFSO 3m RT @MySportsLegion: Blazers have quietly had great offseason. Added: CJ McCollum, Dorell Wright, Allen Crabbe, Robin Lopez & Thomas Robinson seems a lot of people outside of Portland like what we're doing. Seems the guys in Portland thought we'd land like Dwight or something
Well said. And the funny thing is, a few local people even prove that WITH access, they still don't know shit! Sent from my baller ass iPad FAMS!
I'm shocked by the number of Portland guys panning what we've done this offseason. I would think, after watching fucking Nolan Smith and Luke Babbitt play significant minutes for a whole season, they of all people could appreciate the huge upgrades we've made on the bench. Our starters were never the problem, they could always hang with the best teams. They just always had to come back from behind because the bench would come in and fuck things up. Then they were exhausted and tired at the end of the season from playing too many minutes.
Another: Nate Jones @JonesOnTheNBA 7m Portland's GM is very good. Hopefully this convinces Aldridge that he's in a good spot. If not, move him.
Another: Bill Simmons @BillSimmons 5m I love what Rip City did this summer. Went from zero depth whatsoever to Thomas Robinson, Robin Lopez, Dorrell Wright + CJ McCollum. Nice.
