Apparently some execs believe Wes/Lopez/LMA will bolt: "Some NBA execs are convinced former Marquette standout Wes Matthews will be bolting Portland in free agency. Matthews is expected to be one of three top-flight players to leave Portland during free agency, the others being star forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who appears to be leaning toward San Antonio, and starting center Robin Lopez, who figures to draw interest from numerous teams, including the Bucks."
I know it's not the popular opinion but to me the writing is on the wall. Your quote is how I expect it to play out with our guys. As far as who we bring in...No idea.
Quick mentioned that Neil wants players who can create their own shot. As constructed this team is very predictable. Well coached teams expose this as we saw San Antonio and Memphis toy with this team. They aren't as close as some may think and maybe that's why most of the FA on this roster are bolting - and it's probably mutual, outside LMA. Aminu can't create his own shot. Monroe can, and I like him, but he stops the ball like Zach pre-Memphis. Tobias Harris, who is young enough to grow with what's left of the core, should be more of a priority/target.
I like Harris, but... He put up similarly strong numbers to Afflalo on that team. It remains to be seen that he's the real deal.
Yes to Monta. Similar system in Dallas so the adjustment shouldn't take too long. I know there would be questions defensively though.
On the other hand, if Wes was hanging out with Parsons and Chandler in LA then it could very well mean Wes is recruiting both those guys to Portland..the plot thickens!
I've mentioned Tobias numerous times; weren't you vehemently against him calling him a "tweener blackhole"? Quite the deviation, no? What swayed you?
Not even Wes can "recruit" a non-free agent like Parsons. Who, by the way, has quite the reputation himself as a recruiter.
Wes is a pretty persuasive guy, and I was just playing devil's advocate here for the hell of it. Non free agents get traded all the time. Batum wasn't a free agent either..just saying
So they were all just swapping surgery stories? Maybe they were all hanging out in the doctor's waiting room.
I don't see us throwing a max contract at Harris and that's what he wants..I really like his game though
So, we're 33 hours away from the start of FA. Where will Olshey be tomorrow at midnight eastern? Denny needs to hire scouts at PDX to see where Neil is flying. #notcreepyatall
I doubt he will get the max if Khris Middleton isnt getting the max. Id offer him 14 or 15 mill, just under whatever his max is to prevent it from having escalator language. Cap explodes next year, 15 mill for a 22 year old scorer that rebounds pretty well with a good mid range game? I'll take it, especially if LMA is leaving. Youth movement.
Everybody seems to like Harris but no one thinks he should get the max. I was just listening to Michael Thompson and John Ireland (The Laker radio broad cast team) go through the list of free agents. They both gushed over Harris. Absolutely love the guy. Went on and on about him.......but weren't sure if he is worth the max yet. I admit I have barely watched him other than some video from this year. If everyone loves the guy, I say pay him. It is a position of need and he is only 22. I would wine and dine the kid and if they think Kawhi is a lock for SA, then make Tobias feel like he is our #1 priority. I would sell him under the pretense that LMA is gone and that he would be part of a great young nucleus. Get Dame in on it too. Then if LMA comes back, they would have to back away from the max deal
