I think he's saying "don't get projects". But it makes for a much more sexy headline to imply otherwise.
LOL at "settle" for "Wemby/Sharpe" era. I think most fans would be hugely excited about that! Sign me the fuck up!
For those of you worried that we're going to trade Shae for a borderline all star instead of including Ant... if we are going to get a star player, we're going to have to include Ant's salary to make it work or I guess use Jerami in a sign and trade but that would be really risky. I think if we land the first pick we'll keep Wemby and we'll trade Ant, Nurk and future firsts for a forward that complements what we would then have on the roster. I think if we land any pick besides the first pick that pick will be outgoing with Ant and Nurk and likely more picks to get the best player possible to be our second option. Now we just get to wait and see.
Unfortunately, lately teams have been asking for and getting the moon for star players, with high draft picks becoming less valued then 5 or 10 years ago. This IMO is not the time to vastly overpay for someone, rather build thru the draft and trade or keep Dame depending on what he wants. I think it's better for both sides if he leaves, he gets a chance at a ring and Por gets a rebuild.
I don't know if it's smart to be in the mindset of him being "all" the team can do, because that sets us up for a lot of disappointment when reality hits and they drop in the draft.
I think anyone can be traded except Dame for the right players. Yes, even Sharpe (I dont want that but he's not going to be dominate on both ends for a few years). Simons, Nurk & Picks can be dealt and even Grant could be signed and traded. it all depends on what players are available for trades.
I think you're substantively right... giving up chunks of the future won't make us a contender for anything other than HCA unless it's a remarkable, remarkable deal (like you allude to)). I'm not sure that Dame agrees with us, even though it seems so obvious. I think that he really believed that Grant was an important addition, and I think that he thinks that another piece or two being swapped in will make a big difference. But (again, as you allude to) who gives a fuck? What does Lillard know about building a championship-level team? LeBron James doesn't know anything about it, and he's won a lot of rings.
We're in a position where we care about the team's well-being after he retires. He doesn't have to give a shit about the team after he retires. Our priorities are very different. In this case I would tell Dame to try and understand that the franchise can't destroy itself for him (any more than it already has)
Yep, and thats exactly what he should say. Wer have enough assets to acquire 1 or two really good players and then fill with seasoned vets like other contenders do.
I think he will give a shit after he retires. How would you now what in Dames mind or heart? This is exactly what pisses him off, when people/fans think for him.
I said he doesn't have to, not that he definitely won't. I am not disparaging Dame. I love him. I want him to retire both a Blazer and a champion. But I also love the Blazers, and don't see the benefit of trading our future away for a chance to maybe see if a bunch of veterans gel with Dame.
He might give a shit, but he doesn’t have to give a shit. No one is actually thinking for him. A lot of us just think making an all-in move right now isn’t a smart decision.
C. Taylor Hendricks Even if the Blazers don't move up, and draft between 5-8, I think some quality players will still be there. My guess in the top 5 (no particular order): - Victor Wembanyama - Scoot Henderson - Brandon Miller - Amen Thompson - Ausar Thompson I think there's a good group of wings available in the next tier: - Taylor Hendricks - Jarace Walker - Cam Whitmore - Gradey Dick There's a lot of potential 'sleepers' in this draft. I like: - Brandin Podziemski - Noah Clowney - Kyle Filipowski - Trayce Jackson-Davis - Zach Edey The Blazers currently have 3 picks in this draft. My guess is they trade at least one to upgrade talent for the 'now'. My hope is they trade their late 1st rounder, and not the lottery 1st rounder.
I would’ve said Hendricks as well if he was one of the options. I think the consensus is Whitmore and Walker are possible sneak-ins to the top 5 and that the talent dropoff happens after 7. If we had #6 and it came to Whitmore or Walker, I’d probably try to trade down a couple spots and grab Hendricks. Hendricks would be my Plan B if the first 5 you have on your board are gone. Honestly, I’m not high on Gradey Dick for this team. Hendricks, Whitmore, Walker in that order for me.
Plus he shouldn't push to hand out fat overpaid contacts to GP2, Nurk, Ant, even himself Blevins style then wonder why we have a lack of means to surround him with veteran talent. I don't remember Duncan or Nowitzki doing that.
Those two together are guaranteed to win at least as many Conference Finals games as any team since the Sabonis Blazers.
