Yes, I know it's uncertain, but that's half the fun. Just check the boxes of the players that you think are part of the long-term future of this team (future draft picks obviously not included). You can select any or all. Only room for 10 in the poll, so if there's anyone else not listed that you think should be included (DSJ? Ben? Didi?), feel free to mention.
Agree that these are in the top 4. But I am anxious to watch Hart play. From what I can remember he is a solid player that both the Lakers and Pelicans tried hard not to include in their trades. he seems to be valued even if he is not a star. The other young players on the list are yet to be determined. But I see some solid role players.
I like Hart too (especially his rebounding as a guard), but if we need that 13 mil of space to acquire a star, we should not hesitate moving him.
In order I would rank; Dame Ant Hart Nurk Little The rest are irrelevant. The team would move Hart or Little if it helped bring in a star for Dame. I'd put the draft picks value each between Ant and Hart. Our pick jumps above Ant if we make the top 4. If the team can't improve the roster significantly, which I expect, then Dame may be out. But I wouldn't be shocked if Dame stays around as Kobe did in LA. Especially if the Blazers are an energetic young playin level team, but not really any chance at contending. So Dame I could see either direction eventually, thus I voted for him.
I think Ant is our only legitimate trade chip (other than the picks). I think Hart makes him expendable. Not saying Hart is as good as Ant, but I'm just really not interested in seeing the Dame/CJ 2.0 backcourt. If we're going all-in on Dame, some risks need to be taken. I'm also not in love with Nas as a starter. He's too unreliable. Dame Hart ??? ??? Nurk We need a bonafide star in one of those forward spots. I don't care which one. I would love to get Randle/Collins/Grant (worst case) at the four and really shoot for a quality player at small forward. If Randle could be had relatively cheap because of his situation in NY, and we make a major play for Brown from Boston, that would be a legit contending starting five. Not sure if a sign-and-trade Ant and a pick is enough to get Brown. Not even sure if we could somehow make the salaries match up. Dame Hart Brown Randle Nurk I have no idea about the bench though. Or......... You trade Dame to Boston for Brown/Smart/pick. You use our two picks on the BPA or you trade one pick and Bledsoe to the Hawks for John Collins. Ant/Smart Hart/Nas Brown/Rookie? Collins Nurk To me, that team has a much better chance of contending in the next few years.
Yeah that Brown/Randle lineup is good. I'm fine filling out the bench with vet minimums if we can get a starting lineup like that. One big issue is we can't discuss an Ant trade until free agency, but we have to make the picks prior to that. I don't think that second group could ever contend. If we are trading Dame I'd rather go younger than Brown, as well as get more picks. Like how the Thunder got SGA after a phenomenal rookie year and 4 first rounders.
Dame, ant, nurk, and Nas - starter types that are/will be paid. Brown and Watford- cheap valuable depth. I think this would be a question better answered at the end of the season. You never know what the new guys will bring. Doubt anyone thought brown and Watford would force their way into conversations at the beginning of the year.
Everyone also thought that Wenyen Gabriel would be a part of the future when he was playing well with the Blazers.
Lol I was just thinking of him. Then he got torched (expectedly) in the playoffs. Brown and Watford are irrelevant long term.
I like the versatility potential of Hart. He can swing between SG and SF to the point that a Dame, Ant, Hart, and Little combination could get most of the minutes at PG, SG, and SF. If Nurk resigns then the key is getting an offensively skilled PF to compliment everyone. I don't think any young rookie will get major minutes but they should get some backup minutes. There seem to be a few of options in the draft. I want to keep Winslow for 4 million but if we need to use him in a trade so be it. Same with anyone else.
Some fans denigrate Nance for being injury prone, but still highly value Little? Weird. IMHO, Nurk is gone this summer and Dame is 50/50. The only other name on that list worth worrying about is Ant...and who knows how the team really views his value.
