Lillard's and Aldridge's relationship. (He will come back Portland one day)

I remember when people fell in love with Zach Randolph. He was also once young and untouchable.

 

I don't agree with that. I don't like playing LMA at PF at this point in his career so it's more about not wanting that type of lineup versus any indication of my trust in Zach.

 

The Blazers dont really switch PNR’s, though which would be LMA’s biggest weakness as a PF. Not sure why he couldnt play PF. Not sure what would make LMA unable to play PF?

 

What? The Blazers don't switch PnR's?

Against stretch fours LMA would be out guarding the perimeter. It would be a disaster.

 

Agree. I'd rather give Collins a full season of at least 30+ mpg to see how he handles it.

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/miketo...d-benefit-trail-blazers-on-and-off-court/amp/

If It Happens, A LaMarcus Aldridge Return Would Benefit Trail Blazers On And Off Court

 

So we can draft another Caleb Swanigan with a late 1st round pick?

Come on. If you feel Aldridge will get you closer to a title you do it. Everyone falls in love with youth. Sometimes you have to go for it. Maybe Aldridge isn't that guy. But with our current team, sometimes you have to go for it. Out of all the guys available he may be the cheapest and doesn't hamstring us financially. I feel like one first with Bazemore and Skal is a pretty cheap bundle for a perennial all star. Even if he is aging.

 

The Blazers normally play drop coverage on PNR’s, and their scheme doesnt seem all that likely to change unless their players complain about it some more. I haven't seen much evidence that Zach is capable of defending very good on the perimeter. Zachs a better shot Blocker than LMA.

I feel exactly the same about Zach now as I did last year at this time and Im not sure thats good. I guess its good that Zach is still young.

 

His numbers were better last year as a PF than as a center which were both very good and he is light years ahead of any PF we have right now as he shoots very well from 16' to the 3pt. line so he can still space the floor with Nurkic. I know you are hot on trying to get Griffin, but the cost would be significantly higher as Westbrook kind of set the cost for a player of Griffins ability.

 

and those stretch 4's on the block would be a disaster for their respective teams going against Aldridge . I also think you are selling Aldridge short as a defender. Pops didn't seem to have a problem using Aldridge at the 4 when he had Gasol and then Poeltl as as a center. Derozan and Aldridge also almost lead the Spurs to an upset victory over Denver in the first round. I want the best team possible and holding grudges against former players seems a bit ridiculous. Derozan and Aldridge can help this team and if all it costs us is Whiteside (Harkless and Leonard), Bazemore (Turner), Skal and maybe a couple picks

 

People always underrate how much basketball fit matters.

 

I'm not hot on anyone that we'd have to overpay for. Westbrook's value was nothing. The Thunder got two 1sts for taking Paul's contract. We'd have expirings to give Detroit.

 

And I think that team is worse and I'm also accounting for Aldridge aging.

 

Well i think it will be awhile before he will need a cain to use while playing and he is coming off one of his best seasons so he doesn't seem to be slowing down. He could be a 2 year rental and if it ddoesn't work well he's a tradeable asset either in the off season or by the trade deadline and if it is working we negotiate a reasonable contract. It is basically a 2 year tryout.

 

Are they changing the rules to allow 10 fouls? Im kidding!

 

Im not sure why were throwing Derozan in the mix, Im not super high on LMA or Demar, but Id much rather have LMA if I had to have one. I think Hood / Bazemore are capable of giving you just as much as Demar while being better better 3 point shooters.

 

With Dame and CJ I'd rather have Bazemore and Whiteside than Derozan and Aldridge. Plus I believe Skal can develop into an Aldridge type player. Giving up picks on top of that is crazy.

 

Well once Nurks healthy I dont think Whiteside has any value here. I definitely dont expect whiteside back next year. Bazemore is also an expiring. Saying Skals going to be an LMA type, I mean I like Skal but it seems a little early to call that. Lets not forget Sac just traded him for Swanigan...

If they want to go all in to try to win during Dame’s prime Im all for that. Not that LMA would be “going all in”, but they’ll probably have to give up picks to get all star caliber players.

I definitely dont want Derozan, at all. LMA I think has a year or two of good basketball left.

You higher on Zach or Skal?

 

I'm saying both LMA and Derozan would be a waste of those assets and wouldn't make us better. I don't think Nurk can be counted on to play big minutes this season so Whiteside will be valuable and if he's tradeable I'd rather it be for someone that's a better fit than Aldridge.

I think Zach is better than Skal but both have high ceilings. I'm not saying they'll get anywhere close but they both have useful skillsets.