While it seems most people on this forum did not like my recent trade of Lillard for Conley, so I can respect that and I have changed directions. I still want to make this team better and maybe all my other trade did was make us different, although ESPN did give me +3 wins. My new plan is to deal Meyers Leonard, Dorrell Wright and Wesley Matthews to create cap space to sign Lance Stephenson. Now of course he is a Unrestricted free agent (So no moves without a guarantee). Matthews could go to Indiana as part of a sign and trade and Leonard and Wright could be moved for 2nd round picks and more importantly the cap space needed to fit Lance under the cap. While the team would no doubt miss Matthews, Stephenson's well rounded contributions would pair well with Batum and Portland would get a third distributor making life easier for Lillard and LA to do work. While giving Lance similar money to Batum is a risk, his balanced skill set, youth and playoff experience will be welcome additions to the team. Do you think Lance's well rounded skill set could off set the loss of Wesley's three point shooting and grit? He is after all 23 and posting 14.2 PPG, 5.2 APG and 7.3 RPG, and his man is posting a 9.9 PER against.
You can't just pick up a guy because he has good numbers. Do you know anything about Lance Stephenson the person? I can't remember exactly who it was, maybe Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose, say how if he wasn't playing for Indiana he probably wouldn't be in the league.
This would again put all the scoring on LMA and dame... Batum and Stephenson are both all around players... It'd stifle us, I think. Both can't get their stats on the 1st unit. It's a nice thought that they could, but I can't see how Stephenson can replicate what he produces with Indiana with us. You only have one basketball to pass to LA or Lopez or Dame for that assist, and Stephenson would have to steal rebounds from Lopez and LMA. lol.
He had some issues coming out of school but I want to believe 4 years with Indiana has fixed those demons and has helped him grow not only as a basketball player but as a professional.
He does not need the same stats just the same well rounded contribution. I think the versatility he provides would pair well with Batum.
I think it's safe to say that Portland's starting unit is pretty much as good as any starting unit in the NBA. With that being the case I don't think moving a collection of players including a starter to produce cap space is a good idea. In this case even if you landed Lance it would be a lateral move from Wes and you moved more assets, to make room. I understand most consider those assets worthless but regardless it's a lateral move for starters and thins the asset bank. If a person is serious about getting the team better then we should consider adding a all star to the starting lineup by trading Wes and Batum or simply adding bench depth using the MLE.
Wait.... Slow down..... You suggested trading Lillard for Mike Conley? Dunno how I missed that thread. Dunno how you haven't been banned.
The only way I could see Wes being moved is if mgmt does not think they will resign him the summer after next when he becomes a UFA. The thinking could be he'll cost too much and CJ will be ready or they go out and get another wing, with Nic being able to play the 2 or 3 that would give us some flexibility in acquiring someone - either an SF or SG.
For our team I prefer Wes over Lance and did Lance have some off the court issues? he might not be a good chemistry fit here "http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2014/01/28/indiana-pacers-would-lance-stephenson-survive-with-any-other-team/"
The thread is still on the first page and I have not been banned because it was a serious question one people found stupid but a real question.
read this, hard to say, has he grown up or could he screw up team chemistry? http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2014/...lance-stephenson-survive-with-any-other-team/
My comment about banning was more in jest over the recent activity and uproar. But beyond that, I'm having a hard time understanding the idea of the suggested trade. Did anyone (besides you) actually like the idea?
If Stephenson can co-exist with David West, Roy Hibbert, Paul George and George Hill... I think he can co-exist with Dame & LA.
