Portland should get him. Lolz. No but for real, strictly basketball wise I actually think he would fit despite his age, and I think he would love to play with dame. I bet he regrets leaving orlando and he could thrive again in a smaller market like Portland where the fans would all get behind him. Blazers would instantly turn into a contender.
The second part ok. The first? That should never be a reason to not go after a player of Howard's caliber. Guy isn't near the end of his career.
NO has said he is focused on bringing in people in Dames career arc. I would do the same. Start deviating from the long term plan and the whole thing can collapse
Who are the available, yet needle-changing, free agents whom we should try to sign this summer? They must be 1) good enough to be one of our top 3 players and 2) exactly Lillard's age. Try to fit your list into one post; I don't have all day.
That's not what we are looking for. We need the guy who will be moving needles in 3 seasons time. We are not winning the ring next season. No chance. So if I were you I wouldn't be thinking along the lines.
It's pretty simple. Career arc or not. If you get a chance to get a player the caliber of Howard you do not miss that opportunity. EVER!
For me it isn't the timeline or career arc that puts me off. It is that Howard is already 30 and with his constant back issues he could be retired within 3 years.
What a joke. He's in his last contract year I believe, he can opt out. The dude is washed up, should be averaging 25 and 15 easy but his body has declined due to his injuries and his game was largely based on his athleticism. I wouldn't even call him a top player in the league these days. He's never happy anywhere he goes. Always has drama and shit. We're not instant contenders with him by any means. Just like how the Lakers and Houston became serious threats to win it all when they got him, right?
I agree with you in this case, but I am curious who you would like to see us go after with our money this summer? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You want a center like Howard you'll have to gut the bench to get him seems, but Boogie or Anthony Davis are better long term targets in Dame's age bracket...it's a huge risk. Howard has a lot of game, and a lot of injuries while at the same time, ain't getting younger..I think he's more likely to want to chase a ring before it's too late and Portland might not look like that place short term.
Howard is too injury prone. He has major back issues. Five years ago, I would absolutely want him, but right now? No thanks. He's on the way down and I imagine he only has a few years left of decent production before he retires.
I think Howard is fine. They're just not using him in the offense in Houston. Look at his USG%, lowest since his rookie season: The guy with the beard that falls down a lot has a USG% of 32.7%. Terrence Jones and Corey Brewer have a similar USG% to Howard.
As far as "Dame's career arc": Dame is ready to win RIGHT NOW. Surround him with the right players right now, and we win, right now. If we could get two all star walk on free agents this summer who want to team up with Dame to win RIGHT NOW, I don't care how old they are, if they can produce right now. There is never any guarantee what's going to happen tomorrow. As Blazers fans, we know this.
We need to go after someone like Favors, Horford, Dieng (maybe)to move the needle. Dwight will be in the league a while because he has like 17 kids which means huge child support, but physically he has declined. His skill never developed and he relied on athleticism in his prime. Deandre Jordan was swatting him left and right in the playoffs because he is essentially a more athletic Dwight at this point.
