I would say that is a rebuild. Retool would be replacing a player with a better player. I don't think CJ is better than Matthews or Leonard is better than Lopez. Rebuilding around the 3 core pieces I just explained would make us take a step back, IMO.
For the next 5 years...similar to LMA in 2009, except if LMA had been a 2x All-Star. Like a completely healthy Roy, if you will.
I voted rebuild; because if LaMarcus leaves this team won't be able to compete for a title next season. Contend means trying to win now, and possibly looking at sacrificing long term assets in a draft picks or players to have a better roster the next year or two. That wouldn't make sense if we were outside title contention. The difference between retool and rebuild is what we expect from the next 1-2 years. A retool aims to have quality players now whereas a rebuild sacrifices current year wins. Management may define it differently for marketing reasons. There is a benefit to the Blazers being in the lottery the next two years; the Blazers would keep both protected 1st round picks and then the draft pick owed in the Afflalo trade becomes a 2nd round pick. It would give the team a chance to play CJ, Meyers, Crabbe, this years draft pick minutes without worrying about losing a few wins. The team could use their cap space for younger players on cap friendly contracts. It would mean exploring trades for Nic Batum to get a young talent in return. We could even make a run to resign him in the summer but if we are rebuilding there is no reason to have him next season. It would mean Lopez and Wes very likely sign with other teams as they would be in their 30's by the time the other Blazer players are ready for a playoff run. I like how Dviss1 called it asset acquiring mode. We would hope that one of CJ, Meyers, draft pick, free agent or trade acquisition can become a solid borderline all star player to pair with Damian. We would try to accumulate as many other assets; draft picks and young talent as possible. Once we've got those first two allstars keep an ear open to other teams disgruntled stars. Eventually look to cash in all those assets for the final 3rd star in a trade. Its not going to be easy but its the most likely avenue to eventually build a team that can contend. Hopefully it would just be two seasons in the lottery followed by a decade of contending.
No to rebuilding. At most, tear it down one year to get your lotto pick (Lillard injury, like the spurs did with robinson and got Duncan). I think retooling is always a better option. Please no more Sam Presti, Rich Cho, Sam Hinkie rebuilds.
The Oregonian's vote is in...rile us up to blow 'er up and wait another 10 years! Yeehaw! Meanwhile, keep telling us that Paul Allen is the common denominator over the last 15 years. (Uh, hey Canzano, there's another one you haven't thought of...)
