Who is it? Nic or Martel? I like the thought of keeping Nic with the starters. Playing the defensive stopper roll. Can you imagine the offensive firepower we are going to have coming off the bench next year? It will be a tough training camp between the 2!
I've never been a big Martell believer, but for some reason I think his outside shooting and what was becoming decent perimeter defense the year before are going to be enough to fend off Nicolas, especially the ability to spread out a defense and create more driving lanes for Roy and room for Greg to operate on the block. However, I'm somewhat dubious that Travis, Martell and Nicolas will all be with this team next year.
The NBA's reducing the amount of players that can be on the court, for each team, to three? Damn, I don't think Shavlik and "Ruffles" are gonna be too entirely pleased about being "5th-string"!
I'm not a Webster fan (that is to say, I'd love for him to succeed, but at this point I am dubious that he'll be anything more than a reserve level player). I like Outlaw's burst-scoring ability, but that's best utilized as a bench weapon. A Vinny the Microwave type. So, it's Batum as the starter next year, to me. He's already decent. With another month-plus of regular season/playoff play and an off-season to get stronger and work on weaknesses, I think he'll be more than solid next year. I'd love to be able to deal Webster (perhaps as part of a package) for a decent young point guard. Like maybe try to tempt Milwaukee into a sign-and-trade for Sessions. I think the optimal arrangement going forward is Batum as the starter and Outlaw off the bench. No real role for Webster.
I have no clue on Webster. He showed great progress during the preseason, then he got injured. He comes off to me as the type of player who will take a long time to shake the rust off. I'm content with Batum as the starter and Outlaw coming off the bench. In the offseason I think were going to unload Webster, Sergio and Frye.
What's to say KP doesn't trade for, or sign, one? I mean, all we heard about were 3's (Wallace, Carter, and Jefferson) potentially coming in pre-deadline. Right?
My buddy was at 24 hour fitness downtown two nights ago and Martell was there shooting. He said that Webs was shooting half court shots like jumpers and making about 80% of them. I guess he was money from the side for 3 also. His shot will probably be pretty good once he gets back.
yup on all counts. Batum is probably the best right now despite being the youngest/least experienced in the league so he's the main guy. I don't think there is minutes for all three. I could back trading Outlaw or Martell, but I value Travis more and think he brings a better fit of skills to the lineup. All things being equal, I'd much rather move Martell STOMP
his contract is below MLE level and is a plus if anything and his foot isn't thought to be a chronic problem. I doubt teams will be lining up with great trade offers for him, but I also don't think either issue you listed is much of one. I'm much less convinced that next years starting PG is on the roster STOMP
He is on the roster. I am sad to report that next years starter will be this years starter. Blake may not be great, but he is a damn sight better then any other option. I have my doubts that Portland will do anything this summer.
Which seems more likely: 1. Batum develops a more reliable perimeter shot than he had in his first season. 2. Webster recovers fully from missing an entire season. In the meantime, he becomes a much better defender, slasher and rebounder than he ever was in his first two seasons. Pretty obvious who looks like the odds on favorite to win that battle.
I think Nic will continue to start because of his defense. Our pathetic bench could use a Martell Webster(an aggressive Martell). Outlaw will most likely be the backup PF. Barring trade: Blake/Bayless Roy/Rudy Oden/Pryzbilla Batum/Webster Aldridge/Outlaw Sergio and Freeland a draft pick will be our 3rd stringers. On the other hand, you could argue that our bench needs the defense more than the starting unit.
I really see Outlaw being moved to primary backup PF. Batum is our starter with Martell as the primary backup.
That is my thinking on the roster as well. "Barring Trades". Of course, there WILL be trades. But we don't know what those will be yet. If there weren't any significant trades, I agree that: Batum would continue to start. Blake would not be cut (TO) and would continue to start. Outlaw would not be cut (TO) and would be the backup 4. Webster would be the backup 3. Frye would be cut.
Between Webster and Batum, I think Webster will win out the spot. He looked on his way to having a good year before the injury and his shooting will work well with a healthy Oden. Batum shows flashes of being brilliant, but is still too limited offensively. I still hold out some hope that we go after Butler or Wallace at the 3 spot, though.
What if we don't play Martell as a 3? I'm wondering about Batum as the starting 3 with Outlaw backing him up and having Martell as Roy's backup at the 2 (and trading Rudy as part of a Spanish Armada trade). Gramps...
