I'm leaning towards Whiteside not being the answer as a starting center and Nurk wont be starting until next year. We will give Whitside a few weeks, but if it doesn't work Neil should make a move. One option is Marc Gasol. He is an expiring, I think after Toronto does their first few weeks of celebrating to open the season they would be open to moving him, we could give up a draft pick.
Why wont Nurk be starting until next year? He'll be fine. Also, its preseason. Whiteside will be fine. But we should still trade him, just not for a C.
Tristan Thompson is looking surprisingly lively this preseason, but his deal also expires at the end of this season, so I don't see Cleveland's incentive.
When also looking at contracts, positions, desirability, & the possibility of the other team trading - the options are fairly limited. Griffin, Hayward, Porter, & Gallinari
I'd also be very happy with Iggy, but they'd have to throw in a contract they want to dump, and the only one I can see is Slo-Mo (who I'd be very happy with, but I don't know if they regret him or like him).
if that's the list, and it may be, then I'd rate them in order: Griffin-Porter-Gallo-Hayward. But that's when ignoring salary and cap if the China mess does cause the cap to drop, Whiteside's expiring contract may have the most value to Portland because it expires, rather than what it can be traded for. So then, from that list, Gallo is the only one that has an expiring deal
I agree. What we need from him is to rebound and protect the rim until Nurk gets back. Granted the 6 turnovers against Phoenix were frustrating to watch, but Nurk had a few of the those games too until he settled in. Actually Nurk had 70 more turnovers last year than Whiteside (I believe both played 72 games) Not sure what everyone's expectations are for Hassan but I will be happy if he just keeps opposing guards from attacking the basket on a regular basis.
Yea but Nurk will probably be nowhere near where he was before he got injured. Which is totally understandable.
Whiteside had over 10 boards last night with limited play. If he rebounds and protect the rim and score sometimes then that will be satisfied for him. It looks like Zach might take up the scoring from Nurk this year. Last night 1st unit was playing real good both side that 1st quarter.
We just need to stay in the playoffs and get him back to his old self by the end of the season. I think that is reasonable to expect. I think if we're at full strength in the playoffs it won't matter too much if we're home or away.
I'd like that for us, but why would Minnesota pull the trigger on that trade? I don't think they would...
Whiteside is going to beast....let the dude break a sweat...if he doesn't work out talk to Detroit or Cleveland.
I like Baynes, think he could do the job as a starting center for a while and then as back up center. Should be gettable for next to nothing as well though matching his salary will be difficult - we mostly have too high or too low earners on our books.
