Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hibbert

Olshey was hired with a plan, and the first "swing" he took was the Hibbert deal. He successfully wooed Hibbert and signed him to an offer that some considered excessive, and some outlets even reported that Indy hesitated in matching it.

So they matched, and his first swing was a miss. But you can't say he didn't do a great job of identifying a huge need and targeting a player with upside to fill that need with blue chip talent.

There are dozens of different ideas and scenarios out there about what we might do this summer, so I won't rehash them in this OP. But I'm confident that Olshey has plans and contingency plans going into this summer that will take the Blazers to the next level. Here's hoping it pans out.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

Not only did that move give me confidence in Olshey's ability to evaluate and get a deal done, it also showed Allen is willing and ready to give a max contract for someone Olshey thinks is worth it.

I also liked that Olshey didn't just jump to another high priced free agent after Hibbert fell just to get some signing in for the summer.

Here is hoping that Olshey can find a major player this summer to add the current Blazer roster.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

Why should he get credit for something that failed?

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

For the reasons I stated.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

He should get credit for identifying a talent who was underrated by everyone else. He does not get credit for finding a situation in which he could close the deal.

Yes, I hadn't thought of that, the way Pritchard jumped around until he got Andre Miller with his 3rd offer of the summer.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

In Olshey I trust, but in PA, I don't trust.

I think Olshey would like to keep to the plan of not panicking and only find guys that will be here for the long term. I fear PA will panic though and demand we sign marginal players to get us to the 8th seed and stuck in NBA purgatory forever, lik ewe have been for so many years.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

For once, I think PA is going to have trust in his GM and let him do what he sees fit.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

I had the same thought last night while watching Hibbert. Olshey went after the right guy and, in hindsight, probably would've been justified at throwing an even bigger/max offer (if even possible - don't recall) his way.

Here's my worry: there's other threads about trading LMA, so I won't turn this one into that, but the pervasive feeling is that our window of opportunity w/ LMA as a franchise pillar is closing. IF Olshey can't land "the right guy" this offseason (IS there a right guy?), punting again (like we did w/ JJ) doesn't seem like a viable, sustainable, or frankly, a realistic option moving forward.

The various warts on each attainable guy has been discussed plenty in other threads, but Hibbert had everything we were looking for. IF we're still trying to build around Aldridge, the (reasonably attainable) guys I'd be most interested in trading for are DMC, Biedrins (with us getting other assets back for taking his salary), and Udoh. Just not convinced that any of the other names mentioned really do enough to put us into true contention (which should be the goal) - not even necessarily convinced that these guys do, but seem like the best combo of availability for the price and what we're looking for in a C.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

Allen didn't panic last summer after losing Hibbert and demand to sign a marginal player.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

Yes, I know.

But the comment at the end of the season asking....basically pleading or demanding Olshey that we would be more competitive this coming year infers that he will panic

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

True. Allen can be irrational sometimes (always with the idea of trying to win a title), but I'm thinking as long as Olshey doesn't try to rebuild by hitting bottom, Allen will go with his advise.

Funny our difference in thinking what purgatory is. It seems you hate the team stuck in round 1 of the playoffs. To me, that 6 years of no playoffs was purgatory as a Blazer fan . . . but getting out of the first round would be sweet.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

IMO, 6 years of no playoffs means you have an inept front office. Stuck in round 1 of the playoffs also indicates an ineptness, but not as bad.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

Olshey never signed Hibbert. Look up the facts.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

We all know that. It's not a fact or fiction thing though. the offer sheet was accepted, and to help both teams out, was withdrawn when Indiana agreed to match the exact offer that was presented by us to Hibbert.

You seem really surly Eric. Is everything ok?

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

RE the OP:

Considering I also thought Hibbert would be perfect for the Blazers, and I know less than Sargeant Schultz, I'm not sure trying to get Hibbert necessarily proves Olshey's brilliance.

The "most encouraging sign" to me about Olshey is that he targeted Lillard.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

I dont think my concern is that Olshey doesnt know how to target good players but rather does he have both the backing and realistic options to get the players that truly "move the needle" and take the next step.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

That's not a concern about Olshey, though.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

Valid point, it is more a concern in general. I just wonder if the blame for that concern will placed in the shoulders of Olshey at some point.

 

Re: Most encouraging sign about Olshey's competence heading into this summer: Roy Hib

nope