Stephen A. Smith says we're a piece away from winning it all

So scanning the posts...
I read people getting mad at two NATIONAL media types talking about the blazers... one of them gave them credit. one of them was reserved in his judgement.
while blazer fans(myself included) have been calling some some national media coverage because the Blazers are for real?
Then some blazer fans dislike what they say because they don't crown the blazers the champions right at the moment?
come on people.... You don't have to like what they say. But people are talking about the Blazers.. which is what people wanted. don't deny.
Is it wrong of them to reserve judgement on the blazers? to take a "wait and see approach?"
I watched the episode of first take where skip and smith discussed this.
Watched smith defend his argument to skip about the blazers are 1 piece away. and skip said. OKAY I'll give you that.
(after smith had to repeat himself like 4 times)


Also, at this point in the season. 17-4, 21 games in. I wouldn't trade/add anyone until the off-season. I want to see what this group does in the playoffs. Or even if they make the playoffs.
They've played well together. (and blazerfanatic will enjoy seeing this. Even Batum has sort of won me over)
His defense is improved. One could argue that even though Durant got 33 against him. He made Durant's life hell. Made Durant work, and that's all you can ask.
However I still reserve judgement on Batum until I see 82 games.
Hes played well for 21 games, I want to see it for the rest of the season. Which is a huge change, because I was calling for his head before the season started.
I actually want to WATCH him more.
mind-blowing. never thought I'd say that......
Yes I could pick apart parts of his game. But hes shown improvement even from last year when he started hot.
(fyi i could pick apart parts of everyone really but Lopez... who would have thought that hair could grow on me...)

Oh and Freeland. Knew he'd be improved, said it before the season started. But didn't imagine he would be as improved as he is. Impressive.

I swear Meyers Lenard looks like a bust. Looks to be having the exact same issues as last year. Lets hope year 3 brings some hustle and effort.

 

Exactly. I just think it's cool that they're actually talking about us. Repped.

 

Like, on accident. His point was small market west coast teams don't deserve to have good players. The scary part is, the league probably agrees.

 

Lowry and maybe Amir Johnson or Tyler Hansbrough

 

Lowry would be a huge upgrade from Mo. I just don't think we have the pieces to make it work, unless we use one of our starters. I really don't want to use any of them.

 

It just all depends on what they're looking for and what we're willing to give up.

Are we willing to sacrifice some of our young talent to boost our chances at winning now? Adding Lowry and someone like Johnson or Hansbrough would be pretty huge for our bench.

Would you give up Robinson as part of that trade?

 

Yeah but I think T. Rob's ego would be at a all-time low

 

I hate to say it.... but that's not our problem. If a deal comes along that makes the team significantly better, you have to do it.

 

I understand this is business, but I can't say I wouldn't feel sorry for him. He seems like he could really find a home here in Pdx.

 

I agree man. I would feel really bad for the guy, and I've been very happy with him so far. I see a lot of potential in the guy, and I love his energy. I would hate to trade him because I think he's a big part of our future, but if the right trade came along, I think we'd have to consider it.

 

Not really a fan of giving up a big for a small.
Leonard isn't ready to play the center/pf position.
If we were to trade t-rob. would need a back-up big in return.
I'm a fan of Aldridge continued rest throughout the season.

 

Maybe not the missing piece but this would make a lot of sense:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/memphi...ufos-might-perfect-pickup-224800599--nba.html

 

A random student from Willamette University.....how the hell does that get onto Yahoo sports?

Would love the deal, see no reason why Memphis does it though.

 

If they'd bite on a combo of Robinson/Leonard/Crabbe/future 1st I think that missing player is Hawes.

His range and passing fit right in with this system perfectly.

Also, we'd be eight deep with reliable scorers with Hawes/CJ/Mo off the bench.

 

You could probably get Frye for the same package without a first.

I don't think we can move a future first anyways because our pick owed to charlotte has an unknown year

 

If I were running a bench squad, I'd want TRob and Frye at the same time. Also, Crabbe is putting up some interesting numbers right now. I'm not sure I'd move anyone outside of Mo, Wright, Freeland, Claver, and Leonard.

 

It would probably take freeland, claver and Leonard. I would actually be fine with that.

 

Would love to get another serviceable big so that we could put Leonard in the d-league for a good stint. Really think consistent minutes against inferior talent could really boost his confidence and give him time to develop.