I wasn't aware that we evaluate players by trying to avoid insulting them. Sure, Paul Allen can split up the salary of the productive player who would have filled the undrafted high schooler's spot, just as I could burn all of my money in a fire instead of buying something with it, but most people prefer to spend money productively on economic resources with any probability of ever contributing. The 181-pound 6-8 22-year-old undrafted high schooler has about a 1% chance, but I'll generously grant him 2% so I'm not "borderline rude" to him.
We still have 2 roster spots open. And know one says we have to meet the minimum team salary. Plus it is only Mid July. Lot of things can happen.
I count 14 players, including Kaman and Frazier (or substitute a new bench PG for him). No one says I have to avoid being stupid and splitting my bank account among the stores from which I already bought all my belongings, either. As for your 3rd & 4th sentences, that's my point. To make lots of possibilities (including taking advantage of all that spare cap, which you guys keep telling me that we don't HAVE to do...well duh), we had 2 openings, now we have 1. Decreasing the "lots of things can happen" by wasting a valuable roster spot on a 5-year project, more like a forever project, is my whole point.
What other options are legitimately out there? Having Montero on the roster does not prevent them from doing anything. If the Blazers find something, they cut Montero to get the roster spot they need... But the market is pretty barren right now. In the absence of other options, rolling the dice on Montero is not a bad choice.
Hoopshype must be behind. they have 13. Either way...who gives a shit about the 15th spot? http://hoopshype.com/salaries/portland_trail_blazers/
Yes, they missed Connaughton. I still count 14. So Montero takes one of our two openings, leaving one. No other players want to play? Watch Summer league. Then look at a Free Agent list. Someone always says, "We can't get rid of McMillan/Pritchard/Aldridge/you name it because, can you name anyone on Earth who could replace him?" You seriously want me to list who could replace the illustrious Luis Montero on our roster?
True but do any of the other guys have a higher ceiling than Montero? Clearly we don't know but most the guys have played college ball, some NBA, International, NBDL etc...etc... Montero has played far less and perhaps the coaches see a guy able to at least somewhat hang with absolutely no refinement or experience.... Bigger yet, are we fucking really arguing over a minimum contract guy? I mean in reality where we don't bitch about everything that happens, does it really matter to the scope of this team this season, especially when he can be waived at any point?
We're arguing over the player or two whom we could have gotten at Midseason, worth on the order of $20 million per year. Or we're arguing about the $1-6M guy who will be salary dumped by another team on the last day before the regular season. Or we're arguing over the extra options we would have had in some big name trades that Olshey will now have to sit out, in order to develop a guy whose pedigree is nowhere the 5-year projects called Outlaw, Webster, and Leonard. Montero is 5 years away from being 5 years away.
...none of which Montero's presence prevents, since he can be cut at the drop of a hat if management is so inclined, with no material negative impact to the franchise.
I yam flyin' like an eagle! Man, this Tasters Choice French Roast is too strong. Gotta go back to Regular Blend.
I submit to you all that, going into training camp the last few years, we have had 15 (and more!) personnel under contract, and that didn't stop us from being able to make moves during the year to possibly upgrade the team.
Someone dropped the ball in signing this guy. The dude tries to force some crap shot or drive every time he touches it. Worst summer league player I"ve ever seen in my life.
Montero highlights from tonight. His shot is actually pretty good mechanics wise. It just looks like he's fading away cuz he kicks his leg out like kobe. Hes straight when he releases. He's a sneaky good rebounder as well, you can see his length there. Love watching him in transition. Of course everything needs work but you can see the skills are there.
