Mo was a great deal for us last year. A former Starting level PG coming off the bench doing his thing (shooting in volume) and doing his best to keep team going. He negotiated an opt-out for a reason. He'll use it. Is there a market for him for 3-year contract?? We don't know yet. But there are teams that are in major rebuild mode and could sign him for 3 years just for some stability while rebuilding (Dallas, LALakers, etc). I think the Blazers are pretty comfortable using Barton and CJ as primary backup guards next season. Both can hit the PG spot for a few minutes without hurting the team IMO. And there is the possibility that either MoWill or someone else like him slips into late July/August without a deal and we could grab for little $ again (DJ Augustine).
Great to hear!!! With Batum and Barton having PG skills CJ will be fine. There's only what 12mpgs Damian isn't on the floor. I think those three can setup our offense fine. CJ has great handles to bring the ball up the court, the rest off the team knows the offense so well a ball dominant PG isn't necessary. I really like the idea of having less dual PG lineups this season. That is a bad defensive lineup, our team needs the defensive advantage of a taller SG more than they need multiple ball handlers. The team well need a veteran PG such as Udrih to take the third string PG spot, in case Damian misses a game or we have a funky opponent doing a bunch of trapping. If we can sign an offensive SF or big man that will give the bench an offensive option to replace Mo production.
I disagree BP. I think Thomas Robinson was our best bench player. In literally half the minutes played per game, Robinson had a better PER, he had a better eFG%, he had a better DRTG. There are some interesting stats on 82games.com, but what I really think is interesting is that Mo was a net -7.0 PER for us last season, while Robinson was a +3.2 PER. So not only did he do good things on offense, but he played good enough defense that his opponent did not cancel him out. Mo's defense was so bad, he actually had a negative PER. http://www.82games.com/1314/13POR3.HTM http://www.82games.com/1314/13POR12.HTM
I feel CJ is being a little underestimated. That kid can play. I think some fans are just spoiled by what Lillard did his rookie season. I fully expect McCollum to make a jump next season and be a regular in the rotation. I saw a lot of him in college. He is a very smart player. Don't let his rookie season fool you. He will be a player in this league. Question is, will it be in Portland? I could totally see Olshey package him this offseason. He has value. If Olshey sees someone he wants in the draft, I think a package of McCollum, Leonard, Crabbe/Barton and Wrights contract would be an intriguing package for a rebuilding team picking in the lottery.
I think a lot of people don't understand how hard it is to come back from an injury after missing training camp and half the season, and then be expected to compete for minutes on a playoff team.
I think he has the handles for it but I don't think he has the instincts or know how to trust him in that role.
Bad idea. However, I can see him becoming a hybrid bench guard in the mold of a Jarrett Jack eventually.
Brett Brown is the coach, Patty played for Brown in the Aussie national team. Brown is the reason the Spurs got Patty in the first place
CJ will get minutes and likely be a good scorer. But, I agree with others that he won't be playing the point. In those times when Dame and Nik are off the court, Barton will be handling the ball and starting the offense--at least for a while. Barton has significantly better PG skills than CJ. But, CJ could be a really great spark plug off the bench, if he can adjust to that role.
Agreed. Absent another FA coming in, Barton is the backup PG. I think he and CJ will be able to coexist nicely.
