Couldn't agree more. I've never been on the trade CJ train. The guy is pretty amazing offensively. I am on the "improve the team" train. So if CJ is the chip that gets that done, so be it.
That's pretty much where I'm at. However, that's much easier said than done. No matter who you trade CJ for, replacing him with Curry is NOT an option. Maybe Hood. Maybe. But under no circumstances is Curry a viable replacement. Then we come to who we should trade CJ for. I'd trade him for a massive upgrade at SF. I'd trade him for a bigger, two-way SG. Outside of Davis I'd be very hesitant to trade him for PF. I would only trade CJ for a non-Davis PF if we're getting back significantly more (another 6th-man level player and/or lotto picks).
Well, I was hoping for a more detailed explanation. Eternal optimist, I am. I mean, I'm guessing it's just a height thing, but figured I'd ask rather than just assume.
The people that most want to trade CJ say that it's because of his height, defense, and propensity not passing. Curry has all the same issues, but isn't even half as good as CJ.
Not just lately, the advanced numbers on him all season have been really good. His +/- and net rating have been near the top of the roster all year.
As great as I think curry is, not everyone's a fan of the taste of masala. I think Curry is ideally a really good reserve, but he wouldn't kill the team as a starter if McCollum fetched an upgrade at another position. He's a great shooter, and he's a competent play-maker for others though his Assist Rate numbers have suffered in joining a team with both Lillard and McCollum.
So I guess it depends on when you trade CJ. I think with Curry being as good of a shooter as he is and filling in well for CJ has made it so unless they can clear cap space they probably can't afford Curry. I wouldn't be all that shocked if they can't afford to keep any of the guys they don't have bird rights for. The only really good news in that department is that half the league will be FA's too so maybe some of the Portland guys fly under the radar. Curry is not a 1 to 1 replacement for CJ in my book, but if you traded CJ on draft day (going into the new year), and were able to afford to keep Curry, maybe you can upgrade at wing enough to have that overall be a positive?
it's possible to be in favor or Portland exploring CJ trade options (for a subjectively good common sense return) and still not see either Hood or Curry as a suitable long-term replacement at SG. For a year of transition, sure, especially with Simons and Trent on-board And with Nurkic missing). But long term, Blazers would need to find somebody better; or at least they'd need to upgrade one of the wing positions for Hood/Curry and Harkless. Portland's couldn't afford to be that weak at two positions where the rest of the league was strong
In the theme of this thread. Kanter since Nurk went down: 26.5 mpg, 17.6 pts, 11 rebs, 1 blk, 1 stl on 65% FG, 56% FT. Only 0.4 asts per game. And a net + 54 in 5 games. Collins since Nurk went down: 21.2 mpg., 10.4 pts, 4.8 rebs, 1 blk, 0.8 asts pm 56% FG, 70% FT, 54% 3pt per game. And a net + 14 in 5 games. More importantly with Zach: 1.4 fouls per game.
he was 1 for 4 in two games in this five game stretch. It should normalize-- he's a career 78% shooter.
He really is showing signs of maturation on offense. He's going up strong and pump faking. I hope its a sign of things to come.
Game is starting to slow down for him. He's playing relaxed, confident and patient on offense. And aggressively looking for his offense. And he's aggressive on defense without the dumb fouls. I knew this day would come
Part of it might be the lack of pressure playing for NY the last couple seasons and then coming into a situation where you're trying too hard to show your new team you can help them. Free throws are one of those things that can mess with you if you're thinking about them too much.
There was a moment last night where Kanter FUCKING JAMMED the ball through the hoop. And then the camera zoomed in on him and he was Zach!
