Hate him or love him but the last time the Blazers made it to the WCF they had an aggressive GM in Bob Whitsitt. Half way through this season and the Blazers are below .500 against playoff teams. To get out of the first-round last year LMA was Shaq-like - 40 PPG in the first two games. To prevent that series from going into a game seven it took a miracle shot from Lillard. This team isn't elite and still a ways away. Does Neil pull a KP and sit back and hope the bench develops? If that's the case.....
In his 17 years as GM of the Blazers and Sonics, Bob Whitsitt rarely passed up a Midseason Trade Deadline. Those were some of his best trades. I remember him changing the whole Sonic team dynamic each year, midyear. For example, he got Sam Perkins, and suddenly Michael Cage became a part-time player, and suddenly George Karl went from good to great. I find a team more entertaining when it makes major roster changes each year. We anti-same-o same-o guys are pretty bored this season. Kaman is slow with wimpy hands, so he misses most layups. Blake is here for the 3rd time. That's it for the new guys. Count 'em yourself, 1 1/2 new guys. Use your fingers, but bend one. You same-o same-o guys should join us anti-same-o same-o guys.
Really? 45 pts in 81 minutes 47% FG from 2, 54% FG from 3, 83% ft I wouldnt say that he made big statements, but he definitely showed that he could play in the NBA. He reminds me of Nico, with tons of potential. His minutes have been very inconsistent this year and so has his play. He obviously needs to learn better full court awareness and improve on his defense and decision making. But if he is coachable, then he should be able to learn most of that with a good coaching staff, as muich of that is dictated by the coaches plans. He hasnt done anything to raise his value this year, but he DID show the NBA he could play last year in the playoffs in my opinion.
This. His legacy in Portland would've been a lot different had he not ran into a prime Shaq. ......and Fat Kemp.
I liked Bob. But this is not a video game. They're real feelings and emotions and lives involved. If you're a player working under Bob, you could never get comfortable in your situation. Here now, could be gone tomorrow. It's not a way to live and I can't believe you would go out and give it your all working for an organization in such a way. What Neil is doing right now is gaining trust with the guys. When another trade deadline goes by and Thomas Robinson has survived again, he is going to learn what this general manager and team is about. The more comfortable and trusting someone like him gets, the more he will be willing to go out and lay it out on the line for the organization because organization is for him. Doesn't have to be Thomas, just using him as an example. I think San Antonio operates this way. They don't operate as a rotisserie organization. It allows the players to get comfortable in their situation and chemistry to build.
Looking at the roster there aren't many guys I am just dying to get rid of. Batum might go this off-season but no way he goes at the deadline. Really how are you going to get anything good for just TRob and Barton? I would trade Kaman but only if I knew Freeland would be back and stay back. I suppose I could be convinced to throw in Wright but Dame wouldn't be all that happy. The more I think about it the more I think we stand pat again at the deadline. This summer could be big changes though. If there is a move then, as much as I don't think we want it, I bet it is Crabbe.
Not really. SA is always making moves to the end of their bench (14 & 15th man types). They hardly make any trades, usually it is cut a guy and sign someone else to see if he can play.
Trade everyone else on the bench for a solid Nico backup who can slash to the hole, hit free throws and p[lay solid D. We do that and I am one extremely happy blazer fan! NOT CHANDLER! I don't think he is the answer.
Bob also didn't make a bunch of moves mid season, which is what you're asking Neil to do. Sheed was acquired during the offseason, so was smitty and pippen and grant and Greg Anthony and jermaine. Only Damon and augmon were midseason trades. Maybe Neil has a plan for the offseason that he doesn't want to ruin? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I cant say I have an answer, but you don't trade just to trade. If the person we are not trading for doesn't fit exactly what we need and good enough to do it consistently, then you don't make the trade. Chandler is not that person in my opinion. I say stand pat until the offseason if there isn't a clear cut player who will make us better without doubts.
Martin can still play and would be a perfect addition to our bench. He's averaging 20.1ppg on 17.5 PER. How many guys are available that can do that? Yeah, he has two more years on his contract, but it's a VERY reasonable contract. I get the injury fear thing, but he only breaks down when he's expected to be a starter and log heavy minutes as the No. 1 option on offense. Give him a bench role like he had in OKC two years ago and he'll be fine. Consider this: since Martin has returned, MIN is a very respectable 4-3. For the season, MIN is 7-9 when Martin plays and 4-31 when he doesn't. The guy can still make a difference and would give us the reliable scorer we need off the bench. BNM
Very good post. I agree with most of your points. What I disagree with is the assertion that I would rather have Afflalo because of Martin's injury history. For the record, I'd love Martin of the bench. The reason I prefer Afflalo is because he is a MUCH better defender.
