basically, it was making shots. His rebounding and assist numbers either dropped a little or stayed the same. His minutes were about the same he's just been on an extreme hot streak. In the 10 games of December his FG% is 54% when his career mark is less than 46%; his 3ptFG% is 46% when his career mark is 33% and he was at 37% last season. His Dec. TS% is .674 when his career mark is .558 and he was at .597 last season his Dec. usage rate is 24% when his career mark is 17% while he was at 20% last season those shooting numbers are simply not sustainable. But his performance over the last 10-15 games signals that his numbers last season were likely not an aberration and may predict his new normal
My only concern with Deni is potential injuries. He plays all out on every play and takes a lot of hits. But he sure is fun to watch. I am fine with him starting or having him bring the energy off the bench. Last night they had 7 guys play 30+ minutes, so I am not sure it makes a difference.
That's not what I said. The value was in the potential. We don't even have to keep that draft pick for ourselves. It could potentially be much more valuable closer to the draft. Adding Deni at this point will allow us to win games like tonight, potentially costing us valuable draft position.
Josh Hart is a similar type of player with less size than Deni. Hart played 81 games for the Knicks last season, averaging 33.4 minutes a game. This season, Hart is averaging even more minutes, 36.8, and has played 29 of the 30 Knicks games.
Not saying it is a big concern, just that it is my only concern. I love the way he plays. The guy was projected as a consensus top 5 pick when he was drafted 9th by Washington. Looking at that draft there were a lot of mistakes made by the GMs. Right now he is worth the two picks.
Getting a high potential but already semi realized large player that can score, defend and be a secondary playmaker was the kind of roll of the dice a rebuilding team should make - so I am glad it was done. The late pick provided can be a #2 but it could also be a #29. There are always risks in making any kinds of trades that involve picks - this one seems pretty reasonable to me. My guess is that the 2nd pick will likely be like the first one that Blazers gave - which was a late lottery / mid first round pick - and to me, it seems like a good pick because you basically got a high lottery pick with little downside (as he was a somewhat known quantity at the time) for 2 late lottery / mid first round picks. That's the kind of trade you need to make for a rebuilding team.
Nothing is preventing it from happening, it's just incredibly unlikely that the Blazers get the #1 and #2 pick that year. It would mean that 2 of the 3 teams have fallen off the face of the earth by then. Because for Portland to get the #1 pick (either their pick, Bostons pick or Milwaukees pick) AND the #2 pick is highly unlikely.
He's good enough to help us beat bad teams we would otherwise likely lose to, but not good enough to carry us in the playoffs. So he will potentially/likely prevent us from getting as high of draft picks between now and then... If we win an additional 5 games per season with Deni he could be costing us multiple high lotto picks. The timing matters a ton in this trade. The timing is actually the biggest factor for me.
I'm not seeing it. Taking over is exactly what his role is and has been. He's generally the primary ball handler, and he's not exactly a drive-and-kick type. He's looking to attack the hoop at every opportunity.
It seems like you have this ONE perfect little scenario in your head that if played out exactly the way you want will produce a title contender. And every other path is wrong.
Only you know that path for sure. But I am guessing it includes getting rid of anyone who is good enough to win a game (other than a few of our youngsters) for future draft picks. And essentially making sure we suck for the next few years. I mean if you didn't like picking up the 23-year-old Deni (soon to be 24) who is on a cheap contract, you must really want to wait before trying to win.
I don't like giving up 2 draft picks AND a player many considered worth another draft pick for that player, at this point in time.
I think Deni was worth the cost. POR isn’t exactly great in the draft. They got a player I am convinced will be all nba in a few years. Weak drafts are total crap shoots.
And if Deni turns out All NBA then it could wind up as a good move. I'm just not sure he will. And if we aren't able to add other talent it may turn out to be not enough too soon. Again, I love the player. I question the plan.
Whatever, he's a helluva asset with one of the most team friendly contracts in the NBA and he's still 23, very good trade whether we keep him or move him, I love watching him play so I prefer to keep him.
Definitely keep him. We've already given up the assets. I don't think we could trade him away for 2 or 3 first rounders.
I really like Deni but I don't think the dude has that it factor you're talking about. Shaedon could have it if he develops the fire to. Scoot could have it if he develops the skills to. Deni is a do everything guy who is going to be really valuable to have if we can put together a contender but I don't think he would ever be THE guy on even a playoff team. I'd love to be wrong though... I think he seems cool and I like how hard he goes out there.
