I think the Lakers were stupid enough, desperate enough, and arrogant enough to trade whatever we wanted.
Pau for LA? Pau was a UFA at the end of the season. The rest of the 2013-2014 Lakers are worse than a dumpster fire. They're just junk players.
It was bad. And they still managed to win 21 games last year. Which is why it amazes me when people look at our team and think that 25 is a high estimate of what we might win.
What NO has done and does very well since the minute he arrived in Portland is talk a good game. Can he put together a contending team . . . time will tell.
Yeah I'm definitely not in that boat; I put 24 as their low, 48 as their high... it's just a total unknown. I know lots of folks like to be pleasantly surprised so they sleep on the team. It's a strategy for being happy that works for them, and that's cool.
At this point I'm not concerned with wins and losses. I'm worried about developing our young guys. I measure success next season by how CJ, MyLe, Vonleh, Crabbe, et al develop.
We know what NO has not done: been able to sustain a playoff contending team been able to bring in big names into Ptd via trade or FA been able to keep franchise player from leaving Maybe no GM could have been able to do this . . . maybe
I like the way this is going.... What he has not done: Overpaying for veterans on long term contracts to appease the star. Missed the playoffs since he's been here. Worried the young star enough to want a Players Option in final year. Done nothing in his power to appease the diva superstar. Any more?
Well technically he missed the playoff his first year here but got them started in the right direction with the drafting of Lillard (his biggest accomplishment in my mind) He has not had another draft pick turn into a starter on a playoff team (yet) He has not been able to kept to his word of saying he only makes moves that "move the needle" He has not been able to keep together what most consider one of the best starting line ups in the NBA He was not able to build a deep vet bench to support that starting line-up This is fun . . .
His list and yours. That's *2* things. I hope your wife is going to teach the kid to count! Edit: oh sure, post a 3rd list and screw up my point! No consideration for your elders...grumble grumble.