The too raw to be in position part is dead on, which is why I think the verdict is still out on him being a pussy. Lets wait until he's actually in position to hit someone. I am the guy who was pissed we didn't take Jeremy Lamb on draft night with the pick, so it's not like am his biggest fan, but as usual we tend to over embellish how bad are annual whipping boys are.
I don't know bro... I've tried supporting this kid. He seems like a monumental waste. I just don't think he will amount to anything worth waiting for.
I have been disappointed with Leonard so far, but I think people are forgetting how frustrated people were with Jermaine O'Neal. Sometimes you have to be patient with young bigs.
After Wilt Chamberlain's rookie year, he was frustrated with his skinniness. It follows that Meyers Leonard will be a good player. Logic.
The over the top Meyers Leonard bashing on this board is what is approaching historical proportions. He was and is a project. I figured a 4 year project when they drafted him. It is not uncommon for young, raw post players to take some time to develop. He has some natural offensive skill that is actually pretty rare in a player his size. He's like a big puppy who hasn't grown into his feet. At this point he's a third stringer. So what's the big deal? I don't have any problem with the Blazers if they decide to extend him and continue to work with him. I get the argument that maybe the $3mil could be used on a better player, next year. Maybe. But doubtful. I wonder how many $3mil centers not on rookie contracts and obtainable as free agents next year are worth a shit? I also wonder if we'll have any money next year to spend on one? I honestly think some of you hate Leonard because he's so pretty.
Rolling target. 2 years from now, you'll say you always knew he'd take 6 years. There is no such thing as a 4-year project. There is such thing as a 3-year D-League player who is then a 1-year project. It is over the top to spend $20 million on an empty roster spot for 4 years. There are too many players out there who know how to play.
If he doesn't show any improvement this year, don't give him an extension. Jeez. This is a boring offseason.
Jermaine wasn't as bad as Leonard. Jermaine was 3 years younger when drafted as a rookie than Meyers. A 17 year old vs a 20 year old is a massive gap at that developmental age.
Sheed and grant told stories of him completely dominating them in practice. Not sure Meyers could do that to them now.
I don't hate Leonard. I have always pulled for him. But just how far is his upside supposed to be? He isn't even contributing on the basic level.
Regardless I would extend his contract unless there is a legitimate need for the cap space. We keep on bringing up trade scenarios where we can barely come up with enough guys to match contracts. Pick up his option even if it is for filler for trades. The guy would have an ending contract.
If we pick up his option he won't be an expiring contract this season. Theres actually plenty of money for matching salary. Between Wright, TRob, Meyers, Freeland, Clavier, CJ we can easily receive a max contract back in a trade.
