Paul Allen, Neil Olshey stood pat in draft, but wasn't inactive

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by SlyPokerDog, Jun 26, 2014.

  1. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    The 2014 NBA Draft has come and gone with the Portland Trail Blazers opting to stand pat. This year’s draft was one of the most anticipated, filled with projected difference-makers capable of turning franchises around, as they say.

    However, for a team fresh off a 54-win season that includes eight players that are in their first two years in the league and at most, two roster spots available for next season, the organization has made it clear from their stance that its strategy is to improve the team’s depth via free agency.

    General Manager Neil Olshey tirelessly and feverishly worked the phones Thursday from start to finish, surveying the landscape, seeing if there was a beneficial deal to be had in order to move into the draft. Some deals were enticing, some not so. Procuring a late first round was being discussed, but ultimately that was the extent, we're told.

    Read the rest of the article here -

    http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/paul-allen-neil-olshey-stood-pat-draft-wasnt-inactive
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2014
  2. BLAZINGGIANTS

    BLAZINGGIANTS Well-Known Member

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    Fluff....

    Like every team does.

    I like marshmallows.
     
  3. Fez Hammersticks

    Fez Hammersticks スーパーバッド Zero Cool

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    Upgrading talent should override development.

    Developing Clint Capela >> developing Leonard.
     
  4. HailBlazers

    HailBlazers RipCity

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    The World Championship Spurs disagree.
     
  5. BLAZINGGIANTS

    BLAZINGGIANTS Well-Known Member

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    Wow. So true.

    This board is so divided. We could deepens our bench, for certain, but I like what we have here otherwise. Yes, explore opportunities to improve 1-12, especially at the 2/3, but we have a lotta room for growth with our young core. I like some of the young guys we have on the bench. I expect growth next year without moves.

    We don't have to ask... Neil is looking for ways to improve. He's brought us this far. I'll be patient.
     
  6. Fez Hammersticks

    Fez Hammersticks スーパーバッド Zero Cool

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    You can't compare the two.

    The system in San Antonio turns shit to gold. They also have a coach who knows how to get everything out of player by putting him in the right role.
     
  7. bodyman5000 and 1

    bodyman5000 and 1 Lions, Tigers, Me, Bears

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    Patience doesn't do shit if the rest of the team gets better when Aldridge gets old. Swing for the fences or do something creative. Like use Paul Allen's money to transplant DuJuan Blair's brain in M Leonard's body.
     
  8. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    Yes and no. The Spurs know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. Khawai Leonard was acquired via trade. Patty was developed after being picked up. Yes, they mine the late first and second rounds like old prospectors. But they know when they need to pick up someone too.
     
  9. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    If we actually had Billionaire Supervillain Science, we'd have just given Brandon Roy new knees... if only. *sigh*
     
  10. PDXFonz

    PDXFonz I’m listening

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    Free agency is going to be very exciting for us!
     
  11. bodyman5000 and 1

    bodyman5000 and 1 Lions, Tigers, Me, Bears

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    I still don't know why they can't. Meniscus transplant and a year of swimming and cycling for exercise. Guy is still young. Tommy John surgerynof the futurem
     
  12. cmeese47

    cmeese47 Well-Known Member

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    So exciting with that abundance of cap space we have.
     
  13. Fez Hammersticks

    Fez Hammersticks スーパーバッド Zero Cool

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    Amico was on ESPN radio prior to the Kings pick and thought they'd go Elfrid.

    He said that the consensus around the league is Isaiah Thomas' market is between $4m-$6m/per.

    I think he could be attainable -- Wes Matthews structured, front-loaded deal? He's instant offense and was very efficient. We'd have our go-to guy off the bench.
     
  14. cmeese47

    cmeese47 Well-Known Member

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    Lets see here Shabazz Napier taken at #24 he would be a good fit for a team who needs a back up PG.
    Thanasis Antetokokounmpo long athletic defensive wing, makes sense for a team with a terrible bench and little defense. Bonus value watching Rice try and say his name.

    Fuck you Olshey stop holding on to the one good move you made in Lopez and improve the team.
     
  15. Fez Hammersticks

    Fez Hammersticks スーパーバッド Zero Cool

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    I actually liked Huestis, a 3-D guy, but I thought for sure we'd have a chance at him late in the second round or as an undrafted FA.
     
  16. Blazinaway

    Blazinaway Well-Known Member

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    and how do we know Napier is not another Nolan Smith? rather go after a vet backup PG like Ramon Sessions or several others
     
  17. BigGameDamian

    BigGameDamian Well-Known Member

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    Or walks away.
     
  18. blue9

    blue9 Well-Known Member

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    This is such a disingenuous statement. At best TWO of those eight players were contributors to the team.

    I really hate this idea that by bringing back the same roster we can only improve upon last season's success. The only starter that has potential for major improvement is Lillard, and even there the potential improvement is limited to defense and efficiency - his PPG/APG/RPG aren't going to change significantly. Robinson and CJ are the only two bench players that have significant upside that they may or may not fulfill. Barton, Freeland, and Leonard may all improve but realistically there's not a whole lot of untapped talent that they can grow into...they just might become slightly better 8th-man rotation players.

    Incremental improvement is not going to push this team over the hump.

    With that said, I don't think that's the plan. Looking forward to significant changes this summer.
     
    oldmangrouch likes this.
  19. BLAZINGGIANTS

    BLAZINGGIANTS Well-Known Member

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    ^You don't think Barton can improve much? That's kind of silly, really. You see it in flashes. That kid could be legit. I watch him, and yes, sometimes he's out of control... and then I cover my eyes... and then he still finishes the play.
     
  20. cmeese47

    cmeese47 Well-Known Member

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    Honestly I think Barton and Robinson have the most upside on our bench. Barton is probably too confident for his own good but the kid has crazy energy on the court. He is aggressive on defense, both in a good and bad way, he attacks the basket and rebounds the hell out of the ball for being like 170 pounds.

    Robinson like Barton is a high energy guy. Give me our starting lineup with 5 energy guys off the bench and this team could actually be a threat.
     

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