Game Thread GAME# 1: BLAZERS @ SUNS - OCTOBER 18, 2017 - WEDNESDAY, 7:00 (PDT), NBCSNW

Don’t forget Kurt Rambis’s glasses

 

With some TPE help yes

 

We are already over the cap and this move makes a ton of sense on such a young team.

 

I don't think that would work. Pretty sure incoming salary can't be greater than the TPE. But if we added Layman to Leonard it would.

 

I'm so glad now that we kept Harkless and didn't trade him for a year of Melo.

 

It's one game. Let's see the offense flow for at least 20 games before considering that a blessing in disguise.

 

This. I always knew he was a great puzzle piece on this team.

On an off-note.....I sure am glad none of us were at this game tonight. We'd probably be shot leaving the arena.

 

So what did I miss?

 

Oh my god that was glorious. Just watched the game on league pass and I couldn't be more excited for this season. Defense, Real fucking defense? I didn't know that was an option. Wow! The 3pt shooting was amazing, but I saw that coming. Loved seeing Dame and Nurk on the bench in the 4th, laughing and towel waving together. Let that happen frequently.

If the Blazers can play like that consistently, there is no ceiling. But I worry that having CJ back could derail the defense. I love CJ, but he's also a pretty lame defender.

I'm so excited right now. Just love these guys.

 

Which poster did I make the Patty C bet with again? I can't remember, but I'm looking good so far.

 

Not directly, but we could trade the Crabbe TPE for Chandler straight up, and then, since PHO would be far enough under the cap, we could trade Meyers for a top 59 protected 2021 second round pick, or similar nonsense.

We'd use up the TPE and increase our salary by about $3 million a year for the next two years. Given the depth imbalance between our front court and our backcourt, you'd have to really believe Pat Connaughton is the answer at back up SG to use up the TPE on another big man.

BNM

 

My fear is that CJ comes back and throws the chemistry off.

 

LOL, before the game everyone was worried about the lack of shooting in the starting line up without C.J. Now, were worried about the lack of chemistry with him.

BNM

 

What cheese goes best with gloating, please tell me?

 

In fairness, it's a legitimate concern. How often have we seen similar things with this team or around the NBA? Where a player comes back from even one game to throw off the chemistry of a good run or victory?

It happens more often than you think.

But....at least we know what our Bench can do if it doesn't work out. Now we have to focus on being consistent.

 

No I don't think so.

And even if we could, I don't think we would. Can't see Olshey adding salary like that.

 

I think Casatica di Bufala would be a good fit. Luxurious, bloomy rind Italian Water Buffalo cheese.

 

Why can't we? The Crabbe TPE is $12,969,502. We can use it to acquire any player making up to this amount + $100k. Chandler is making exactly $13 million. So, it works within the boundaries of the CBA.

But, I agree Neil probably won't use it for another big man when our front court is already crowded. If he uses it at all, it will have to be for a real difference maker.

BNM

 

I think Leonard looked bad.

Having said that, he looked roughly half as bad as usual. It's still not good but he was only half as late to every play as he normally is. Progress. Half as bad, progress, hopefully.

 

At first I thought about Harkless was like many of the athletic freaks that every team has, akin to Phoenix' Chriss. After watching this game, I found myself shouting repeatedly over how Harkless was every where on defense. It was a real treat to watch. I think he's a real valuable player.