Dame played four years in college and we drafted him at age 22. Simons didn't play in college and is still only 20.
And who's problem is that? And more importantly, who's problem is it for drafting a high school kid with no college experience?
If we aren’t sniffing playoffs by ASB, otherwise bring them back when good and ready. We are really missing both of them and when they are back this is a totally different team.
If we are 10 games below .500 after more than 40 games, shut them down and give Dame and CJ some rest. Utah went from 17-28 to 48-34 two years ago (astounding 31-6!) and Miami went from 10-31 to 41-41 and barely missed the playoffs, I think it was the same season, so it can be done but if we are far behind then let's relax.
Whenever they are healthy enough to play without risking injury. This season is quickly becoming a dumpster fire, but their careers aren't. Nurk and Zach are still approaching their primes and they need NBA minutes to maximize their potential. Even if they get those minutes on a lottery team, well, it's still experience. Every minute you can be out on the court (and especially playing with Damian Lillard) is a good thing.
I do think though at some point this season you have to ask yourself if it's better just to rehab Nurkic and Collins without playing them. A few things have to happen first. Blazers would need to continue their losing ways through December. If that happens, then I would be shocked if Portland didn't look to go big in the trade market in Jan/Feb in one last attempt to snag the 8th seed. This would be the Love/Griffin kind of trade. If they are losing in Dec/Jan and can't pull off a big trade, that is when you should probably go all in on playing Ant, Trent Jr., Skal, Little, and maybe Collins at the end just to try and set up for next season. Getting Nurkic and Collins back next season will be the biggest thing this team needs. Whiteside may get more blocks, but clearly Nurkic/Collins keep people away from the rim, or force a lower shooting percentage. But, given the hugely disappointing season, I am hoping for some kind of big trade.
Are you saying we should never draft for the future but only those who can provide immediate contributions? So much talent you would never draft.
I think the concept would be that you trade Whiteside and picks for one and CJ and filler for the other. I don't think you can get both without trading Whiteside and CJ.
And so much deadbeat we can avoid. Unless you think Meyers Leonard, Biggie, Patty C, and Jake Layman (who I like, by the way) were difference makers with their talent....?
I think Pat and Jake were pretty good draft picks. Considering where we drafted them, they helped us.
Not that I agree with trading for both or even 1 necessarily, judging by this early start, we are already mediocrity. Theres no chance we get a top pick with Dame leading the charge and at this point no where close to a playoff team without Nurk.
