I think you're turning something innocent into a problem. That's literally what Grant was brought in to do. As far as the efficiency goes, part of that is because of how much attention Dame/Ant receive. For the record, Dame was having his most efficient season ever until the 2-14 shooting game he reinjured his calf in.
Every once in a while @Ed O sticks his head up above the ground and makes me look optimistic by comparison.
Does Rasta think I am EdO? BTW I don't think I am pessimistic; just kind of a worrier some times. Just worried that the team might get off the track that Billups wants them on. Still concerned about the balance of the roster.
Grant wants the extra responsibility. That’s why he left Denver. He wanted more of a challenge. Detroit was too much challenge. Portland is perfect.
To answer the OP’s question, this team would win 70 games: Dame/Simons/Grant/Giannis/Nurk Bench: Hart, Winslow, Sharpe, Walker, GP2
We are doomed to mediocrity for a couple of years, and then things will get worse as we pay our aging core more money and either pay guys like Grant and Hart or watch them walk without having talent to replace them. *sigh* I wish I weren't so pessimistic, but knowing that management that signed Payton and extended Dame like they did is in place, I don't really see any alternative.
It's kinda interesting that you made this comment on Monday and then Lillard pretty much said the exact same thing in his interview on TNT during the Clippers game on Tuesday. It's been said many times, even SAS said it on First Take as well as Danny Marang, but hearing it from Lillard has me believing it.
Sharpe is really the only chance this roster has of becoming a contender, would need him to be an all-star or superstar, then also have management round out the roster with the right final pieces. I'm not sure which of those is more unlikely, to hit both is exponentially slim.