I liked Len in the draft, and realize he's younger then Plumlee, but Plumlee puts up better numbers in most areas. What is it that makes you think Len would be a better fit with Vonleh than Plumlee? Is it just that they are closer in age, or is there something else you like better about Len's game? BNM
The problem I see with Kamen taking on the role of teacher/mentor is he is such a loose cannon. He is not shy to speak out against coaches, management and owners. Is Kaman the player he was last year or the player he has been the previous five years where he has only cared about himself and been poison sometimes to some teams. I could see that maybe he has grown up (mentally) and ready to accept his role on a young rebuilding team but I could also see a bad Kaman emerge on a team that is losing and frustration sets in. With such a young team I personally don't think it is worth the risk. It's tough with Hughes gone . . . but just listening to Kaman during interviews last year I don't think he is ready to be in a coach type role. Not trying to start an argument . . . just giving another perspective of Kaman as a mentor.
I'll say back-up PG. One of my biggest fears for the coming season is that Dame leads the league in minutes played!
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...ers_notebook_meyers_leonard_might_be_the.html I'll tell you someone who helped me is Kaman,'' Leonard said after he had seven points and a career-high 12 rebounds in the Blazers' 97-87 win. "He has played against him a lot and he said, 'Look, he's going to try to get in your head and everything.'''
I realize your question is “what position” is the biggest need. I do not believe our biggest need can be found in a position. Reason, we have plenty of “potential” talent at every position. If Olshey believes CJ will develop into a BUPG, and some of the other players can play more than one position, then this roster has the "potential" to be two players deep at every position with lottery draft picks. This roster has 8 lottery draft picks, while Harkless would be #9 but missed the lottery by one position. #6. Dame #6. Kaman #8. Aminu #9. Vonleh #10 CJ #11 Leonard #12 Henderson #13 Davis #15 Harkless This rosters biggest need is a second all-star caliber player, at any position other than PG. Actually, this roster already has two all-stars, however, Kaman is well into the down hill side of his career. Some fans point to our roster and say there is a future all-star caliber player in there. Fine, I am OK with that, and hope those fans are correct. However, look at the timeline to develop mid to late lottery draft picks into all-star caliber players. The players with potential all-star caliber talent are probably: Vonleh, CJ, & Leonard. Between them, they already have 6 years of NBA experience, yet only a combined total of 20 starts. They will get the opportunity to start this season; however, all of them are a long way from being an all-star. This is what frustrates me when fans think this team will win 30-40 games and be in the playoffs in 2-3 years. The two numbers do not work. 30-40 wins will put us in the mid to late draft lottery. The result will be drafting more project players that will take 2-4 seasons just to develop into a starter, and a few more seasons to develop into an all-star caliber player. If the fans want the Blazers to be in the playoffs in the next 2-3 years, and eventually be a contender, then this team’s biggest need is to find a way to land a veteran all-star player.
Not that I'm concerned with being right or anything. I just remembered many articles where Leonard praised Kaman's mentoring. That doesn't mean Kaman is not expendable.
Looking at the game with positions is antiquated. Especially on a team like ours that just needs talent in general. It's more about skills. We need scorers (either slashers or shooters). Preferably from the wing to space the floor for Dame.
I wonder if this year, like rebuilding(recent tank)seasons where they shut down our star player at the time(Aldridge) to give playing time to others and lose gracefully or at least in a sense reasonablely competitive manor will be this years late season strategy. Shut down dame, CJ plays through his mistakes at pg, while acquiring a cheap sidekick at trade deadline whom can step in like minor was to dame.
If we draft in the mid rounds in next year draft that tells me this team is right there to get back in the playoffs with another year of experience. Plus because we are so young we would be looking for player in FA to put us over the top. Not in the draft next year.
Didn't read other posts, but I say it depends on what you are trying to do. Make the playoffs...... Get to the finals.......Land the most ping pong balls? What are you goals?
First goal is to make the playoffs and then you try get that one or two players to put you there for championship. You never try to play for ping pong balls.
