It does sound stupid, and it would be the gutsiest trade ever made. But if you could GUARANTEE that you're trading Lillard for Simmons I think it would absolutely be the right thing to do. The league is STACKED with PGs right now, and nearly devoid of any wing talent. Trade Dame for Simmons, sign someone like Dragic and we're a far better team than we currently are. And to everyone saying that CJ is fine because there aren't any big, dominant SGs in the league right now: all it takes is one. As soon as the next 6'7" dominant SG enters the league guys like CJ will be crushed. And this small-ball thing the league is going through right now isn't an evolution of the game, it's based on where the talent currently lies. If another dominant C comes along we'll be right back in an arms race for big bodies. And if a dominant C ever gets paired with a dominant wing we'll have another dynasty on our hands. We just happen to be in a time period where all the wings (aside from a couple) are mediocre, the Cs are role players, and there are 15+ good-to-great PGs. But dominant wings are always the starting point for building a championship hopeful.
Interestingly they recently did a poll on the 2013 draft in another forum, CJ who was picked #11 was currently rated the #4 best player at this time from that draft - that was an average of his ratings. That was a really crappy draft class!
They have different ways of utilizing their athleticism, but I see them as pretty similar athletes. Dame is a bit more straight ahead while CJ does a lot of side to side, but their speed, strength, and ability to get to the spot they want doesn't differ by much. CJ is also improving rapidly at getting to the rim and getting freethrows. Actually, he's probably improved faster at that, relative to playing time, than Dame did. It would have to be a very good shot, and even then only if you're convinced there are 2-3 franchise players in the draft. The lottery is too unpredictable. But remember, it's a two-part play. By moving Dame for picks, you're assuring this year's team of a very high pick, so now you have multiple theoretical shots at those top guys.
Not as athletic? I've seen CJ do a mid step, afterburner juke move that Dame could only dream about. Dude can explode when he has to. And Dame IS athletic. Both guys are, but they each have their own best stuff. I too am somewhat on the fence about CJ but I'd love to see this combo have at least another season after this before we do anything crazy.
What if, when this player comes, when that comes; it doesn't sound like you believe the recent trends in the NBA are long lasting changes. We will just have to disagree on that one. I believe the rule changes have permanently increased the effectiveness of skilled PG's. Physical SG's are far less important in today's game. But I don't believe there's one better or worse position to target to build a contender; its all about talent and a mix of players that enhances teammates strengths but masks their weakness. You can build a title winning team with any position as the best player. Last year Golden State did with Curry at PG, Heat did with LeBron at SF, Mavs did with Dirk at PF, Lakers did with Kobe at SG, Heat did with Shaq at C. Spurs did without any of those MVP talents but a collection of borderline all-stars. There's no blueprint that has to be followed to build a contender. Perhaps the best blueprint is having an open mind. Most people thought the Spurs couldn't win as they have without MVP candidates. Most thought the Warriors would never win with an offense primarily based off jump shots. There will be another style of champion in the future with a style most expect cannot succeed.
CJ is a volume scorer, that's why he's a perfect 6 man...he builds leads and probably finishes most games. He will eat 2nd unit defenses alive coming off the bench. Not so much against starting 2 guards. I do think that he'll continue to improve because his hoops IQ is off the charts..the guy is a gym rat and is just tasting success...I think the most interesting speculation on this whole season is whether to sell high on CJ or Meyers or go with them. I don't have the answer.
they came out of the same draft and frankly Olapido does not fit well with Payton as they both are very poor shooters, Olapido is no longer starting and now coming off the bench. Seems to me Victor is much better suited playing with a scoring PG like Dame, and CJ with a PG like Payton IMO both Orlando and POR should now be asking which guys are long term fits as talent evaluation from previous recent drafts progresses. ORL has other guys they should be playing and already have Fournier who is playing very well and recently drafted Herzonja (spelling?), so they really need to look to "better fits" IMO
Beals DWS is higher than his OWS... his advance statistics say he's a better defender than offensive player. http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bealbr01.html#advanced::none
