Wow, thanks for those awesome examples. I was uncertain, for a brief moment in time, in the actual difference between signing something, and not signing something. Now, with those clear examples, in nearly identical situations, I understand the difference.
I think he means, signed, as in "signing the extension"; b/c we all know he's already signed with us currently.... Unless I am reading your post wrong
did we overpay fpr LA??? sporting news article Before I get around to previewing those pesky Blazers (and having to take yet another stand on Andre Miller(notes)), it's worth taking a closer look at the LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) extension. Aldridge and his team appear to be well on their way to a five-year, $70 million deal. That's a hefty chunk of change for a player who, by most accounts, has either yet to fulfill his potential or reveal exactly what his game's going to be, or maybe both. Not exactly the kind of semi-speculative investment we're used to seeing in these troubled economic times. But here's what people don't seem to understand about Portland: as good as they've been, Kevin Pritchard's five-step program to a championship depends on Aldridge, Roy and Oden. Since Oden's lagging way behind, it's all the more important that Aldridge be kept in the fold. I know it's cool to say stuff like "just don't pay the bum" or "why would we give that dude that much?" We heard similar things about Rashard Lewis(notes) when he signed with the Magic. While Lewis was overpaid by any objective measure, he was the ideal fit for that team—that is, before Turkoglu stole our hearts. Regardless, the signing was based on what he meant to that team's plan for the future, not some universal index of value. Brandon Roy(notes) is great, but the ascendant Blazers need the rest of a core. That's Aldridge and Oden. Plus, if Aldridge does get this vote of confidence from the team, it may sink in just how much he means to them, what the task at hand now is, and that he needs to come into focus to help the Blazers go all the way. It's vintage Pritchard that they kept Aldridge hanging and were careful to not break the bank on him. But while some see a soft tweener overpaid, anyone looking at it through Portland's goggles sees an essential piece of the roster, even if he's not there yet. There's just no other option. Expect to see Oden handled this season with this destiny in mind. Because if Portland can't make it work with this well-laid model, they really have to blow it up and start from scratch.
He hasn't signed yet but remember the team is currently in Canada. If he were to sign his contract in Canada he would be paid in Canadian currency but he would also be entitled to free socialized medicine for life. I know, it's a tough decision. Remember Roy got a press conference and a big media hug when he signed and LMA deserves the same. He'll sign his extension when the team is actually back in the United States.
'Fraid so. I was just seeing if my post would cause MM's head to explode. My attempt has apparently failed, but I will double my efforts.
And at that point I will rejoice, and not correct anyone that says he is signed, when he obviously is not signed. Trenton Hassell anyone?
And then we'll find out that Blazers have been talking to Hassell in secret about his extending his contract, Stern will take away our next 5yrs of draft picks and KP will kill himself because he can't Pritchslap anyone on draft day. I see where you're going with this and it scares me. Hug?
There's a slight difference. http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/15873023 "Hedo, Blazers agree to deal" http://blog.taragana.com/sports/200...rs-after-helping-magic-reach-nba-finals-8459/ "Turkoglu agrees to join Trail Blazers after helping Magic reach NBA finals" http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/07/03/turkoglu-agrees-to-terms-with-the-blazers/ "Turkoglu agrees to terms with the Blazers"
