Rumor Blazers now pursuing Jermaine O'neal

he was good last year..we need another big

 

Yup. We could really dominate with one of his quality added to the roster.

 

only thing is..isnt he based in dallas where his family are?

 

That's what I understand. But he's got a soft spot for Portland. IMO it all comes down to where he has the best chance to win a ring...

 

My only concern is, how many minutes is he going to get when Lopez and Freeland are healthy again in a couple weeks. Add in Kaman. Dallas probably has more available PT for him.

 

Dallas is a poor mans Portland. They're getting hype cuz of Rondo but they're still flawed defensively.

 

Doubt the dude really cares about PT at this stage in his career. If he's got the chance to add a dynamic in the playoffs that helps win games for a long run you'd think that's all that matters.

 

Even though he was only used 18-20 minutes a game JO was only able to play in an average of 37 games per season over the last 4 years, and never managed to play an entire 82 games in any season of his career due to ever-increasing injuries.

Seeing him refuse to retire over the last few years brought back memories of watching Ali staying in the fight game way too long, after there was nothing left to prove. He's old and worn out, and he's got no knees at all anymore. He should rest on his laurels and enjoy his family.

As for the Blazers, it would be sheer idiocy to bring in anyone for 1 season and think the benefit would outweigh the damage to our playoff hopes. We've got great young players and great chemistry, and bringing in JO would completely put the brakes on getting them ready for the playoffs. After he bangs his knee in the first playoff game we'd be turning to Meyers or Thomas to save us after they hadn't played in months. One and done again.

 

LMFAO. WHICH "GREAT YOUNG PLAYER" WOULD ONEAL BLOCK EXACTLY? MEYERS LEONARD?

 

Sefko at The Dallas Morning News says this about O'Neal:

Question: Mavs have problems against bigger teams. O'Neal isn't the answer at this stage of his career. Are there any other possible targets out there, perhaps with Felton’s contract as trade material?

Sefko: Rest assured the Mavericks are looking. But serviceable big men aren't growing on trees. You're not going to reel one in that's much better, if even equal, to O'Neal. The Mavericks aren't looking for a 30-minute man. They need somebody that can provide 7 or 8 hard-working minutes per half against some of the big teams in the league. O'Neal can handle that.

 

If he's truly going to go with what his family wants like he states in the article, my money is on him going to Dallas.

 

I don't see much value to bringing him into the team. Leonard is better and can use the time.

 

That's an interesting and gutsy view so far. I would need to see 3 good games in a row form Leonard to get there. If consistent the gap isn't huge but they are also very different players. Low post and weak side defense vs outside shooting. But I sure did like the way Meyers rebounded the other night

 

If the Blazers are truly looking to sign O'neal, I'd think it would be as a stepping stone to another move. Maybe a couple of players for a veteran wing who can attack the basket?

 

That was kind of my thinking as well. Like if you're going to do it then go for it. This might not be a decision of one player but rather a few. I'm not saying I agree either way but I suspect this may be how the Blazers are looking at it

 

Fuck. Am I the only one that thinks JO is a bad idea?

 

My father's a life-long GS Warriors fan. He thinks Meyers Leonard would be a good trade for them; especially now with no center.

"He wouldn't have to score; we got enough scorers. Just pass the ball."

I imagine he'd fit in perfectly down there. Young team, needs another young face in good shape; especially at Center. Not sure who we'd get out of it; probably a draft pick. But it would be nice.

 

You can say that again...

 

Longterm, there's no need for Jermaine. In the short term, it could certainly help the cause while Lopez is out. I love getting Leonard PT, but next week when we're playing Memphis and SA, I will be a bit more nervous when he's out on the court.

 

Bottom line the playoffs are a grind, things slow down and the more inside presence you have the better.