All the similarities are there in the draft profiles. Do any of you think it would make sense to sign back Andre (would he consider), and have Marshall play as his understudy. You could give them both 24 mpg. It'd be really nice to have a real PG on the floor all the time (this helps Aldridge tremendously I think). I'd like to do this and go after someone like Beauboius who's basically a 2 but can guard 1's. I think I'd like to hide Andre (or Marshall) against other team's 1's. Obviously I'd rather get Deron, Harden, or Ibaka. But if we were able to head into next season with a rotation looking like this I think I'd be fairly happy. Miller/Marshall Matthews/Beauboius Batum/Babbit Hickson/Freeland Aldridge & BIGS Obviously holes at C, but Aldridge could play there half the time (to give room to Hickson anyways0 and I bet we could sign a few vets. I think we could get Beaubious fairly easy if the Mavs are clearing space for Deron. If they're not, then I think we're one of the most likely teams he signs w/anyways.
No. If we draft Marshall, I'd like to see this organization finally commit to a PG by starting him immediately, not finding him a mentor to learn from.
It's moments like this offseason when I wish that the FA period was before the draft. Say Marshall is available and the Blazers draft him, but then Deron Williams likes what he sees and signs with the Blazers (pipe dream, for sure). Marshall kind of becomes a wasted lottery pick, at least for the next few years, unless he can become a decent back-up in limited minutes, which can't be easy for young players.
I agree and am surprised the player's union didn't ask for something like that. It's in their best interest, as current members, to have free agency beforehand, to give them a chance to actually sign somewhere. Having it after the draft leads more the the possibility a team drafts someone,a nd then decides against signing you.
If we draft a PG, or sign a young PG like Dragic then fucking start him from day 1 and move on. In the lottery, if you select a PG and still need to play him behind a vet, then it was a shitty pick
Completely out of left field, but how about an "early-signing period" 2-3 weeks after the NBA Finals, then a "dead period" for the draft, and start up FA again in late July. You'd have to move the draft back a bit. I know it's impossible now because of the new CBA, but it would be in the best interest of both owners and players, and the marquee FAs/difference-makers would likely land on their new team before the draft.
If we draft Marshall, do we still go after a PG in free agency? Or do we try to use the money on something else?
David Thorpe thinks Marshall is a "perfect fit" for POR, check it out http://blogs.trailblazers.com/Broad...188/EntryID/3840/BroadcasterID/4/Default.aspx
I think you still go after a point guard in free agency if he's in the upper echelon (Williams). Failing that the team still needs somebody who can play backup at the point -- I don't trust Smith -- so they should probably pursue a journeyman type with the intent of that guy maybe starting a few games to begin with but who can go back to the bench when Marshall is ready to take the reins fully (hopefully) by mid-season. Having said that I like Marshall a lot ... I know he's got limitations and there's some concern about his ability to generate his own offense in crunch time situations, but he's so elite at such a critical skill I think the team can live with whatever shortcomings he possesses provided they can find a true scorer/slasher/ball-handler to play at the two spot.
I think at that point, it'd be Deron or bust as far as PGs in free agency. Get a quick answer from him, and then move on. Would not bother with Dragic level guys at that point.
It would also be smart because the NBA really isn't in the news in August/September, and this structure could allow for more/better spaced news cycles. For this year, how cool would this be? Playoffs--through June Early FA signings--July 1-15 Build-up to Draft--July 16-30 NBA Draft--July 31st Dead Period--August 1-10 FA resumes--August 11 Summer Leagues begin--August 20 Training camps begin--September 15 Basically, the league would have something going on at all times. You'd think that's exactly the kind of thing that Czar Stern would want.
As much as the front office blindly believes they are going to retool the roster to compete next year, they are fooling themselves. If they draft Marshall, or better yet Teague, then play them with Nolan as back up. If the team shows signs of life, or gets lucky with their picks, then sign a vet to back up whoever we have the following year for a playoff push
That's still an unknown, though. I assume you're drafting Marshall early because you think he's your guy, or you're drafting him for somebody else as part of a draft day trade. Trading him a month later after getting a FA commitment would seemingly lower his value, unless there is another team in the exact same situation, but at another position (say SG, which is a Blazer need).
I think Marshall could be ok as an NBA player, but for POR to take him at #11, let alone at #7 would be reaching for a NEED pick, IMO there is far better talent that they should be drafting before they would consider Marshall. What this team needs most isn't a PG... it isn't a center..... it isn't a starting caliber SG.... it is a TALENT UPGRADE.... Regardless of position, this team needs BETTER talent...I don't care what position they play, get better players in here... That should be priority NUMBER ONE for BOTH picks... and I think that WILL be available for POR to address at #7 & #11.
Step 1: Draft Kendall Marshall Step 2: Sign Steve Nash to a two year deal There's no better mentor for Marshall than Steve Nash.
If you draft him, start him. don't sit him on the bench for two years. So, so stupid. You know what's better than someone showing him what they do? Playing time and a commitment from the team.
He could definitely be a reach, but I also remember people saying that Russell Westbrook was a reach before he started climbing the draft boards. A lot can change over the course of all the combines, private workouts, etc etc etc. Maybe he gets into 1v1 matchups and just kills it.
