Assuming both players play at a high level consistently moving forward, which or what type of complementary players could make the Blazers a top-4 team in the Western Conference over the next 2-3 years? Avdija turned 24 on January 3rd , and Sharpe will be 22 years old this May 30th. Salaries for Avdija and Sharpe and the team:
Don’t count Scoot out. I’m still hoping that Scoot can take that major step forward and become the franchise player. He’s only in his second season.
Getting to the top 4 in the west will take a player yet to be on the roster. Whether or not that player is a forward or a PG will depend on who is available to us. But who to keep from our roster? I am keeping Camara, Clingan, Scoot, and Walker. (Walker's improved 3-point shot has shocked me, resign him for cheap.) Although I would trade any one of them for a star to complement Sharpe and Deni. I would like to re-sign Ayton for a reasonable salary. We need his offense. He and DC complement each other I have changed my mind on Thybulle. He is worth his current salary. Simons, I am not counting on but I would love to see him come off the bench at a reasonable salary. They get a star PG or Forward...and they are top 4 in the west.
Both players can probably have 20+/5/4 type stats together. Or at the least, Sharpe becomes a 25+/5/4 player at his peak and Deni remains 19/8/5 (per 36). I'm of the belief that the all around SG-SF combo wins championships. Wade-Lebron, Kobe-Odom, Brown-Tatum, MJ-Pippen. It's going to depend on how much both add to their games but I don't see any reason why they wouldn't get better every season.
I legit think Scoot, Sharpe, Camara, Avdija and Clingan….with Shooters and defenders around them is going to be a problem sooner rather than later. They need an athletic big, Thybulle or someone like him, guys like Huerter and some real vets like Steven Adams. A coach that preaches team basketball and an understanding that, like Boston, the wings are the alphas
Was just reading how NY wouldn’t mind trade for Deni (Bridges for Deni). A few months ago everyone in here would be all over this trade, I’m not sure that’s the case now. Only down side of Deni’s game is his turnovers which should improve. Loved seeing Deni and Sharpe playing leading roles last night, fun to watch. I’ve been saying it for a while Sharpe plays so much better when he knows he’s the leading man on the team instead of taking back seat to Simons. They HAVE to trade Simon’s this summer.
We need steady, reliable, willing bench vets who can teach the kids the mental tricks of the game and keep them from losing track of the bigger picture. Wayne Cooper, The Greyhound, Danny Ainge types…
Look at Houston and Detroit. 2 years ago, Houston won 22 games. Last year Detroit won 14. It's doable and honestly, not nearly as hard as people think. It's just being smart and not drafting Jonny Flynns over Steph Curry.
I would have been calling people fucktards and lemmings for not doing that deal. Now the only fucktard is me
Clingan, Avdija, Camara, Sharpe, Scoot If Sharpe was traded in a package to bring in Dyson Daniels (or better), okay. Becoming seriously good on D is the starting point. Who to add? A veteran center —Brook Lopez or Steven Adams — to help Clingan and fill minutes. An athletic PF or PF/C from the draft A low cost veteran PG — off the bench, efficient, get into the offense on O, scrap on D. Shooters off the bench … and not currently on the roster Walker, Rupert, Murray, Reath are good to bring back on the bench but are not of highest priority. Thybulle is stay or go if healthy. Trade or don’t extend — Ayton (fit and $$$), Grant ($$$, years, age), Simons (fit, $$$ next contract), Williams (perpetually injured).
At minimum, I think you have to add Tou to the list. Sharpe, Tou, Deni are the foundation. The coach (Billups or new coach) needs to make it clear that all starting spots are based on play, not salary (ie - Ant, Grant, Ayton). IF Grant is making shots, he's not a bad player to have as a BACKUP F for 15-20 minutes per night. He's switchable and he can score. His big issues are rebounding and being passive. I would like to move on from Simons. Ideally getting a good shooter who can play-make a little (ie - Huerter) back would be awesome. The Ayton/Clingan rotation at C is fine for now, although I don't particularly like either player. I just think the C position has just been de-valued enough that as long as you have someone who can box out and rebound above average - you're fine there. The major question is what to do at PG. Scoot has an opportunity to fill this hole. I would target Immanuel Quickley as a player who might be tradable. Maybe some trades like this: Portland/Chicago Robert Williams + Murray <=> Heurter Portland / Orlando / Toronto Simons to ORL <=> KCP + Pick to Toronto <=> Quickley to Portland
The tabloid sports media always proposes the Blazers send their talent out to the big markets. Deni is younger, better & on a much cheaper contract, so I'm guessing Portland stands pat. Unless you're asking about something over the top obvious, when you speak for the board's opinion in absolutes you're bound to be wrong. Sorry but no I absolutely wouldn't have been all over this trade as I viewed Deni as likely Portland's best player since they acquired him. STOMP
Count him out bud. He’ll have a solid journeyman career making a good living like that. That’s about it
Both have future superstars on their team (All-NBA talent) Houston with Amen Thompson or Jalen Green and Detroit obviously Cade Cunningham. We have nothing like that
