As much as I don't like KAT's mindset, if the Blazers have a chance to acquire a player that gifted who would fit well with Dame then you absolutely have to take that risk. KAT is one of the few possibly available players I'd give up Simons for. So expirings, any combo of the young guys, take on any unwanted salary from Minnesota, and add 3 1st round picks with little to no protection and hope that's enough to beat out other teams. A core of Dame, CJ, Hood, KAT, and Nurk next year would be a pretty formidable lineup. I still don't see Minnesota giving up on him though.
Nurk has very little trade value while injured. I doubt a team like Minnesota would value him over expiring contracts, players on rookie deals, and picks.
Think everyone is underselling how good KAT is. I believe he is the best offensive big in the league-- possibly ever. Seriously. He's a 7 footer averaging 50/40/80 on high usage while putting up 27/12. And until this year, he had only missed 5 games in four whole seasons. Didn't realize you were so high on Ant?
They probably would hate his salary, which is why they would probably want multiple picks, Collins, and Simons. Given his defensive short-comings, I don't see a trade that would be good for both sides happening.
Towns could play with any of our big men. He's better than CJ McCollum. If the goal is to be a championship contender, you have to get the best players you can.
Why would we want to make Nurkic expendable? Wouldn't it be better if KAT and Nurk formed a dominating big man duo?
I like the idea of Towns, I'd give up anyone outside Dame. Though we do have to keep a few pieces so we can build a team after.
How good were the Pelicans with Anthony Davis? It's extremely hard for big men to lead teams anymore.
Hood will be fine as a role player going forward. He didn't rely on quickness or lateral movement to be effective, just length. Plus even without an Achilles anyone can just stand in the corner and shoot 3's like our offense makes the forwards do. Our defense is a bunch of people standing around as well so he'll fit right back in!
I really don't get why all of you are so optimistic about Nurk's part in the Blazers' future, he has already missed 2 out of 3 postseasons. I LOVE his game, but Centers (and even point guards) are replaceable nowadays. Being young & talented at the Forward\SG spots is more important.
Because his injuries with Portland aren't structural they are broken bones which in most cases don't prevent athletes from regaining previous athleticism and strength. If you want to think that Hood won't be the same again then fine, I get your point but there is nothing that will prevent Nurk from eventually being himself again. Both of his injuries with Portland also took place towards the end of the season so the timing was bad. Would you not want Paul George on our team because he has been injured a few times?
The idea of KAT and Nurk forming a dominating big man duo is fantasy. It's not happening. Why didn't Denver form a big man duo of Nurkic and Jokic? I'm sure some fans had that on there mind too.
KAT can play PF, Nurk and Jokic can't. It's that simple. In fact I think KAT would be better as a PF playing next to a legit center (think Aldridge-esque). Your post is hilarious considering you are the #1 proponent of trading for Kevin Love and he's a way worse fit than KAT would be. It's not even in the same ball park.
Porzingas had good value while he was injured. With Nurkic close to being recovered i would think he still has pretty good value as he is young and on a very favorable contract.
And Porzingis was on his rookie deal still at the time which is why I put in my post "players on rookie deals."
I just think he will keep getting injured in numerous places throughout his career. It's not nice to think about it, but we've seen it with other players like Kevin Love and Blake Griffin and he is bigger than both of those guys. I also don't know how well he can match up against actual contenders. He wasnt that great against GSW death lineup nor AD and the Pelicans, i dont see him doing well against Harell, would you want him switching on Harden? ... i'm just not 100% sure he can be trusted as a cornerstone in this day and age. Paul George is a different story. Different body type and a premier forward in a forward driven league (Curry and Thompson are an anomaly).
