Goal, upgrade the forward position. Most drafts, I'm taking BPA. At pick 7, in this draft, the odds are better to draw to inside straight than upgrading the forward position. If there is a forward in this draft that is an upgrade. Trade up to get him. Or, trade out of this draft, with players, to bring in an upgade at forward. If we keep pick 7, this tanking season was a waste.
If the Blazers scouting identifies a player who they think will be a better point guard than Scoot, do you think they will go BPA and draft them? If the Blazers scouting identifies a player who they think will be a better shooting guard than Shaedon, do you think they will go BPA and draft them?
Identify and draft a player with star upside who isn't a guard with the higher lottery pick. Trade #14 for a future pick or package with a player to get a young player they like on another team. Avoid trading 14 to move up; do not invest further in this draft. Use #34 to address shooting or playmaking—BPA basically. Sign them to a 2way. Trade #40 for a future 2nd.
I am only here for the mayham. I like some of the guys on this roster, I am "emotionally" invested only in a couple, so I just want to be entertained.
The idea should be to invest in two way wings/forwards and backup bigs, from here on out. Ideally, this is Cody Williams and Zach Edey at #7 and #14. If the Blazers see a point guard they really like (ex. Reed Sheppard), it should only be to replace a Simons or Scoot that is being traded away so that Portland can invest in wings/forwards. Blazers are weak at the 3/4, need rebounding, need POA/perimeter defense, and need secondary/tertiary ball handlers. The prospect Portland is looking for should be able to space the floor out with shooting of some kind, in this case that they retain Scoot as a starting PG. Naturally, this means a 'toolsy', glue guy wing/forward. Again, this points to Cody Williams and Zach Edey at #7 and #14. If Williams is gone, Holland is a safer pick than Buzelis but probably cannot play well with Scoot due to not having a three point game and due to needing the ball quite a bit. If Edey is gone, Portland should take Tyler Smith. Dream scenario is to walk out with Sheppard+Williams+Edey next to Sharpe, even if it includes trading half the roster.
my goal is to buy all the hype and then some on whoever they draft and then complain all season when my expectations aren't met STOMP
Missi, he was early on the radar and I liked his game but he it's like he slowed down rather than improved over the course of the season. Not sure he's the Capella clone some were/are claiming him to be, in that sense. Ware, I'll be honest that I haven't really watched that much this season and he didn't stand out that much during his stint with Oregon. But his stock has been climbing due to the combine so I've been trying to do research on him. He is intriguing and has more of a modern game. Just haven't come to a consensus just yet.
Ware sure crushed the combine but there are legit questions about his motivation/motor from HS to washing out at Oregon. STOMP
Has this happened to many Blazers rookies for you? I was very disappointed with Scoot. Camera/Rupert were way better than I thought. Most other years Blazers rookies I think generally have reasonable hype.
I think the only thing keeping Ware from being a lottery lock is his attitude/work ethic. He wasn't gonna get minutes at UO until those things improved, along with some maturity issues. That's why he went to Indiana. But physically, a pretty good comp is Claxton with more offensive upside.
Capella seems like a very good comp for Missi, or even RWIII. I think he's a couple years of growth and maturity from contributing consistently. He seems like a good developmental pick.
Generally agree with the approach. I don't think Williams will help rebounding or as a POA defender... especially if we keep Grant around. I think Holland and Buzelis are better prospects when it's all said and done.
So, I think the #7 and 14 should be used on length guys. Buzelis, Williams, Risacher, Ware, Edey, Smith types with high ceilings at both ends of the court. I think building a contender means having as many guys as possible to throw at Wemby for the next 12-15 seasons. With one of the seconds I really want to see a strong defensive, true PG. I would love either Newton or Shead, probably Shead the most. He's got that dawg in him that this team needs more of. His comp IMO is Marcus Sasser, who I think will have a long career as a backup PG. I think he would be good for Scoot to go at every practice. I like Newton's defense, leadership and length, plus he's a winner. I've always wanted a taller, defensive backup PG to match with our short, defensive challenged SG's. My new second round crush is Ariel Hukporti. He runs the court like a gazelle, he will be able to score inside, he's got quick bounce which should translate to switchability and rebounding and he'll bring some toughness, too. #7 Risacher, Buzelis, Williams (Holland or Castle would be plan B) #14 Salaun, Smith, Ware, da Silva #34 Shead, Holmes, Klintman #40 Newton (if no Shead), Hukporti, Dunn, Bona, Dante
