These playoff are showing it's a pick and roll league. If defensive switching and perimeter close outs are needed, you go with Dyson Daniels or Sochan. I don't think a shot blocking center is the answer.
Well, all that you wrote is true and not sure anyone would disagree with any of it. I just think (continue to think) that there are two trains of thought on this. 1. We want to only win a championship with Lillard so build around him 2. We want to win a championship period. To me - The first isn’t happening. It just isn’t. They don’t have the assets to do it, plain and simple. But everyone is emotional about it, and I understand. It’s risky and sad and unknown etc etc. The second could happen, if they let Lillard go and get a huge return, draft well, and become a team like the Bucks or Celtics- draft and be smart and coach well. There is part of me that thinks Lillard knows this better than anyone. He says the right thing but he knows it isn’t happening here with him. He also painted himself in a corner by repeatedly saying he won’t leave Portland and is Mr Loyal. So we are stuck.
Is this guy right about Duren guarding the pick n roll? That is what we need. https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2022/5...ft-2022-instant-first-round-picks-final-order 7. Portland Trail Blazers - Jalen Duren, C, Memphis Duren is the second youngest player in this draft, but his imposing physicality will be his best attribute from day one in the league. Duren is expected to measure at 6’10, 250 pounds with a 7’5 wingspan while possessing arguably more raw power than any prospect in this class. Duren is not a floor spacer at this stage (he didn’t make a three-pointer in college), but he’ll provide value as a lob target, offensive rebounder, and short roll passer on offense. His status as a prospect of this caliber likely depends on how you evaluate his defense. I’m on the optimistic end there because I believe he has the versatility to play multiple coverages against the pick-and-roll. Duren has the length to play drop coverage and the quickness to stick with ball handlers on the perimeter for a few moments when he gets to the level of the screen. He should also be a major deterrent at the rim after posting a 10 percent block rate as a freshman. Centers of Duren’s ilk typically aren’t viewed as super valuable, but his youth, physical gifts, and emerging passing ability provides plenty of reason to believe in him.
He's got a lot of Draymond Green in him. Excellent hustle defender and good passing already at a young age. If he had a knock down jumper, he would be a top 4 pick.
Duren sounds nice but lets not draft a center, as we all remember drafting centers hasn’t worked out well for the Blazers. I am praying we draft a forward, preferably Keegan, Sochan, and Eason which is my order of preference.
I'll tell you what, I'm emotionally attached to Dame but if we can't achieve his stated goals I wouldn't hesitate to trade him. I don't know if our front office is capable of being realistic because they've been under the leadership of a liar for so long. So they may be blowing smoke up Dame's ass and believing it themselves. If that's the case I hope losing the Pels pick and not moving up through the lotto is a reality check and they decide to move on. I hold onto hope that they have a plan or hopefully many many plans like chess players. I hold onto the idea that we have some talent and maybe Chauncey can make it work together. So I'm hoping that my best judgment is flawed and we are on our way to winning a championship with Dame but if we're not, I wish we'd move on.
I don't think any C is the answer. They just aren't anymore go cheap on C's or get a all-star level PF and play him at C
I live in Tempe, Az. Just passing what is being said on the big sports talker here has been a rumor of Kevin Durant loves Scottsdale, is looking for a house to purchase and wants to opt out of Brooklyn and play here. If so, the Suns would have to make at least two moves; first being they would have to move Ayton because they wouldn't be able to afford him and Durant, with the second being moving Cam Johnson because there is no need for him, Durant and Bridges on the same roster. They spit balled about Lillard here in a 3 guard lineup but that is just silly. Nobody dug into if anything works financially, just talking. The guys here are not big on rumors and always mention to take things with a grain of salt. Calling it a night myself as I was just checking in on what everyones views are as I was at my sons soccer training and was enjoying that. Cheers
I really like him. When he’s good, he’s really good. Seems built for the NBA. He’s got some issues, of course, but if he checks out on the character/personality part I would consider. Not a “need” but very talented guy
Hey neighbor - I'm in Mesa... Anyhow the KD rumor is bogus. He just signed a new contract & is tied up for the next 4-5 years
Hey neighbors, I work in Mesa and commute ... I'll be surprised if the Ayton issues don't get papered over for him with $$$. Internal growth is needed by the youngsters for one more shot with CP3.
In my estimation, Duren is at least (emphasizing AT LEAST) two years away from being a rotational player. He would be an extremely disappointing pick for me.
I think Ben is going to be really good but we desperately need length. People say draft the best talent, but if there isn't an effort to make room for them and create opportunities, they're value diminishes.
I think it stems from me saying “I would be shocked if Grant isn’t in Portland next year” I got that from someone within the organization. I know you are connected and you are usually spot on, but that’s what I got.
Okay conscious... I forgot about a couple of their bench guys and should correct myself. Otto Porter (#3 in 2013) & James Wiseman (#2 in 2020). STOMP
100% agree, I can’t see a way that we are able to Make this team a championship contender without trading Dame. Currently our only home run assets 1. Dame- should be able to get you couple of first round picks and good player in return 2. Simons- star potential maybe gets you a star who is problem on another team if combined with a draft pick (player like Ben Simmons) 3. #7 pick unfortunately not real valuable although there are some hidden gems in this draft I like the guard from Arizona but it’s position of least need for us Here’s how I see this playing out we make a trade for average starter we go into next year and about half way through Dame and the team realize they aren’t going anywhere and they talk about a trade of Dame. I hate it but this is the only option of becoming a contender.
