We got the #3 pick. Discuss the possibilities.

I would not worry about that happening. I think that quote was more about drafting Miller. Although I think Amen would fit with Ant and Sharpe as well. If Amen is really 215 now, then I can see a 220 lb point forward in the near future.

 

From just reading the tea leaves:

• It seems like over the last few days the messaging has switched from Blazers moving the pick to Blazers probably keeping the pick.
• During this same time Miller has moved behind Scoot in betting odds to go 2nd.

How much of our good options are dependent on Scoot being there?

 

He's Trying Jennifer.

 

I take all these talking heads -- even the ones with a good track record -- with a grain of salt in this particular case.

First, they've all damaged their credibility over the last couple of years, starting with the original "Dame wants traded" reports that caught fire through them and then the ridiculous GPII/Toradol nonsense. In neither case did anyone of real note examine the issues closely or with reason. They just ran with the narrative that would sell in the bigger market. There was almost nothing from the Blazer perspective or POV.

Second, they keep deciphering Dame by other Dame-level stars, with no consideration whatsoever that Dame has his own separate individual identity, priorities and motivations. Sure, he wants to win a championship. Is that his primary motivator? I don't think so, and I think if you view Dame's actions and listen to Dame's words his whole career, I think it evidences that. My read is Dame wants to have a legitimate chance to compete with the better teams in the West and go from there, and, if he has that, he likes the stability and his stature in the community more than anything else. And Dame's been more than reasonable in assessing the environment and challenges facing the organization.

But, no, I really don't trust these national or regional talking heads. They've put out so much speculation or just outright poor reporting that I'd rather hear it directly from Dame before I start jumping out the basement window in a panic; Dame's been pretty good about speaking his mind, so why wouldn't I go to the horse's mouth instead of these other people and their suspect info and motivations?

 

I can't imagine Ant still being long for Portland if the Blazers pick third and it ends up being Scoot.

That said, there's no rule that says Ant has to immediately be traded. I could see a scenario in which the Blazers begin the season with him while easing Sharpe more and more into minutes with the starters to see if the team can play him more without losing much ground, then trading Simons at some point in the first half of the season. Blazers would have a better chance to compete early with the more experienced guard and then turn it over to the higher-ceiling but unseasoned talent.

 

Dame literally said no more teenagers. Keeping the pick would be testing Dame's word. Probably also why you're hearing more about the Blazers trying to get upgrades without the 3rd pick. I don't see much improvement without using the pick.

I don't know if Dame will ask out if we keep the pick. I know they will have a conversation about it, because Dame literally said they would.

 

Great, then have it.

 

Don’t bother. There is a contingent of fans on this board who refuse to acknowledge that Dame said those words.

 

Assuming Scoot is off the board.......

I think what will end up happening is we will keep #3 and try to land a forward with Nurk, filler, and #23.

Chicago is an easy candidate since we could give them #23 and a future #1. But is DDR worth that? Probably not. But if it was Nurk, Little, and Keon, we could save about 5 million. Doesn't that possibly help with our MLE?

Same deal for John Collins?

OG seems to be the best fit for that salary spot but the issue there is appeasing Chicago with the pick we already owe them so we can trade 23 and a future to Toronto. I doubt Toronto would accept it without the extra 1st.

Who else can we get without moving Ant?

 

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

2 surprises:

We sniffed around on Beal.

People are not offering much for Miller.

Worried what happens if Scoot goes 2...

 

EXCUSE ME?

 

PLEASE TAKE MILLER
https://sports.yahoo.com/portland-i...-holds-interest-in-bam-adebayo-145358329.html

 

Interesting article out of Miami regarding Dame. Especially the supposed quote from CJ saying Dame has played his last game in Portland
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article274241285.html

 

We know wings win, so instead of building on that, Portland adding a C that got abused in the playoffs

HIT THE FUCKING RESET BUTTON

 

He definitely did not get abused

 

Two players I absolutely don't want coming to Portland: Zion and Ayton. This team needs a lot more toughness, not less.

 

Dame is on record he likes Bam

 

Lol you want our guy who isn't on the table? Well we want your guy who isn't on the table. This is stupid.

But the key takeaway from that piece is our supposed disintrest in either Pascal and/or OG for #3.

 

Wait who got abused in the playoffs? Surely youre not talking about Bam?