http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...ers_given_75-1_odds_to_win_nba_title_war.html FWIW Roughly the same as the Celtics.
I don't recall asking about players or teams taking the risk, ever. Because no one - in recent memory- has the history Lamarcus does. Once again, for the LAST time - Butler NEVER requested a trade, he NEVER stated in a PUBLISHED ARTICLE that he HATED Chicago and he NEVER turned down a MAX extension to say, "I just want to look at my options." while privately cancelling all his endorsements and selling all his assets tied to Portland. They didn't truly risk losing him for nothing since his worst case scenario was to sign the qualifying offer, in which case they simply could've said, well, where do you want to go? We will trade you to them to get a draft pick, AT LEAST. That's better than NOTHING. Also, there were not PLENTY of warning signs that Jimmy Butler CLEARLY wanted OUT of Chicago based on - the things in bold, which are applicable to LMA's situation. Making it COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. Additionally, I'd say the risk of Jimmy BUtler leaving was mitigated by him playing out last year without an extension. Doing it two years in a row - AS HE STATED HIMSELF - he got what he was looking for ---- a max contract offer with longevity. LMA wasn't looking for that, HE ALREADY HAD IT. Also, I wasn't looking to trade lMA this past year.I would've traded him to the Bulls in 2013, or the Sacramento queens for DMC - if that was ever a legitimate option. Once it got to last year, we were pretty much fucked. That I agree with. Also the bulls would have no say in where Butler went if he was in LMA situation. The player gets to dictate by telling the team trading for them, "well I won't sign with you - hence Kevin Love and Dwight Howard going to teams of their choosing. Yeah, Dwight bailed on LA, but as you say, there is a 3/38 chance of that happening. But Dwight didn't have the history LMA has of hating the city he plays for. The fuck up was not trading LMA for the Bulls godfather offer while it was on the table or the Cavs last year. Yeah, fans could've been pissed, but you know what? All Olshey would've had to say is - "LaMarcus didn't want to be in Portland long term. We had to make a move." And all the fans would've understood, he wanted fucking out.
I believe you. 50-1 before all the moves isn't very encouraging. 75-1 or 100-1 after is the same result: slim chance.
I'd be interested to see the LMA 'I hate Portland' link. I don't remember ever hearing about that. barfo
It was something to do with Jason Quick. He asked LMA about something and LMA said something along the lines of "This is why I hate Portland" or something like that.
Actually, I found it: linky By Quick's own account, he badgered LMA until LMA got pissed off. I hate to defend LMA, but that's more a statement that he hates Quick than that he hates Portland. barfo
Don't get me wrong bro. I understand your point and agree. I'm just saying sometimes you can beat the odds and come together. A lot of these players were on some shitty teams, which can effect the way they perform. Maybe in a good environment, they can make a decent leap. Something like Rolo did for us.
So you are saying if Wes doesn't go down with injury and we make a deep run, Aldridge was gonna bolt?
I think it would have taken a trip to the WCF at least, and even then.... I don't know. The groundwork had been laid. He clearly wanted out.
While his draft choices have been solid, his free agent signings and trades aren't really anything to throw a bow at...I'll give this much to him...he is one hell of a GM. He has the ability to get something for nothing, but right now I can tell you he's sweating...probably loosened that tie a few notches.
I dont agree with that assertion. I would bet that LMA would have left regardless. With that being the basis of your viewpoint, there is not much to discuss since we can never know for sure what would have happened IF.......
