Interesting that Ginobli was only an allstar 2 seasons........the only two years he started more than 70 games.
It also sets a precedent and tone with players and agents around the league that the Blazers take care of their players and their players want to be here.
To create match ups that favor us more. Many 6th men could have been starters on their teams based o talent. Usually the 6th man is better than 4 and 5. Edit: For the record, Im not in favor of it, but could see the reasoning.
CJ went from 15.7 MPG to 34.8 MPG and grew into our 2nd star player. Neil talked before the season about how the team was expecting big things from CJ and he definitely came through. Guys who shoot .417 from 3 and score > 20 PPG are worth their weight in gold these days. And after signing Turner and Crabbe to their big deals, it would be hard to justify sticking it to CJ because he's on his rookie scale contract. This was a brilliant move, if not expected. Glad it was done now instead of waiting until the season is over. It shows the team has huge respect for the man.
We all knew CJ was going get max or close to it next year why not just get it over with and they did. I know they was going in the luxury tax next year just like the majority teams out there for next season.
If CJ gets hurt this season, the Blazers are on the hook for his contract - and it is a huge hit against the cap. The Blazers actually took a huge risk here. This is a classy move that's not completely a basketball move. It's about respect for the player.
On the other hand, what if CJ gets a max offer sheet with a 4th year player option, or a trade kicker, or a front-loaded signing bonus, or some other undesirable aspects. The Blazers protected themselves from any of those.
What has a higher percentage of happening? I would say it would be the poison contract, so I think the Blazers took the much better road of chances.
Not much to figure out here. You lock up your best players when you have the opportunity (assuming your best players are good). Portland did just that. Suddenly, Portland is in better shape, long-term, than OKC. That's not an intended slight at OKC, but it's an illustration of how quickly things can change in this NBA, and the importance of finding talented players who want to play for your organization. Portland is trying to build something here. Is it going to win a championship? Hell if I know. But I do know we're going to be competitive as hell for the next 5 seasons (barring injury).
The money was going to be spent either way on him. This year or next year. What has a higher chance of happening. another team offering a poisoned contract, or him getting a career altering injury? I believe its the poison contract. The Blazers have to take a chance either way. I think they took the road that is more likely to benefit them. The poison contract is much more of a likely scenario than a career changing injury.
It would be spent on someone else then though. Maybe not as much, but it pretty much has to be spent regardless right? Id rather take the chance of an injury over a poisoned contract and/or him leaving. Wouldnt you? I mean life is about chances. How to we get better and build a core without taking a chance?
