There's a reason why he's bounced around the league so much, and I think we saw a glimpse of why last night. His defense was pretty awful. It's just one game and he barely played, but yikes.
Portland really needs to somehow package 1 or 2 of Ed Davis, Vonleh and Leonard for picks or a young wing. There's basically nothing these three guys contribute that can't be done by Swanigan and Collins at a fraction of the price and much more upside. Swanigan's shot looks so pure. He dropped 18 points in his first NBA experience, and it seemed like everything he shot was nothing but net. I still think Collins is a better fit with our starting lineup because it sets a better defensive tone, but I can see how reasonable people can disagree here. Turner should never start again while Lillard and CJ are healthy. There's just no point. The league is sleeping on Nurk/Dame/CJ. Those guys are going to be so damned good this year.
Last season I really wanted the Blazers to bring in McLemore. I think Dame and CJ's character might rub off on Ben, and he really needs some confidence. Got the tools and talent, its mostly mental with him. And a nasty injury now, so good thing he didn't sign here. What kind of wing would you be looking at? Fournier or Hezonja?
I did too, I watched Collins the whole time he was in. I made a comment in the game tread that he reminded me of a 7-1 Andre Kirelenko. So quick, instinctive, long arms. And he's also a very good shooter, but we haven't been able to see that much in games. He definitely has star potential, just 19. I was a bit annoyed that some idiots in the game thread just wanted to talk about punching him in the face.. WTF I also keyed in on Leonard. Leonard wasn't bad, but he still seemed tenative, over thinking...the contrast to Collins was noticeable.
I think he's just experimenting. Harkless is a better fit in the starting lineup, he's just a better player period. Evan is just not a good player. His shot sucks, he's not even that good at taking it to the hoop. He's decent defender, he's an ok ball handler and passer, but he can't run the point. I call him the Mason Plumlee of SFs. What a terrible signing. His 18 million dollar contract is going to make it very hard for this team to have any kind of depth aside from rookies and guys getting the minimum.
Crabbe will be missed more than ppl think. He was automatic from 3point range and the SF shooter this team needs
I agree w/ pretty much everything u said ^ but I'd change some of the players offered: some combo of Layman/Aminu/Mild LeoTARD/pick for the 1 we seek. I like Layman but he's a shooter not hitting shots & IF we can package him up w/ other assets to get the consistent guy we need... I wish him well w/ the rest of his career elsewhere. Aminu's painful to watch. ENOUGH... he needs to leave. As for Mild LeoTARD... this summer/his trainer paid off; he increased his trade value!
Agreed, I'd start Collins. He looks really mobile-- I like the combo with Nurk and Hark. Start Dame/CJ/Moe/Collins/Nurk off bench: Turner/Aminu/Caleb/Davis The lack of wing shooter off the bench is glaring.
There's just no way Connaughton is better than all the guys that will be available after cut down day.
Ah Courtney Lee is a good one. And we can probably get him for just our TPE. But I want to send out some salary too. Ed + Meyers for Wes. Who says no?
Yes, we're very thin at the guard position. We have McCollum, Lillard and Napier. They might be forced to play Turner at guard at times, but I don't think he's very good at that role. I'd think Ed Davis would be an attractive trade piece, especially with his apparent resurgence.
I wondered if Collins was going to even be in the regular rotation, but last night, he looked like a really strong canidate to start. I think he'll be starting soon if he keeps playing D like that. And we haven't even seen his offensive skills yet.
I don't think our 2nd round picks (Layman and Pat) are worth more than a future 2nd rounder. For what they offer, there are plenty of vet minimum free agents who actually play better. I think one of Aminu or Davis is likely gone via trade, to get us under the LT. Davis started, seems like maybe showcasing him - proving he's healthy and able.
I just hope what I think will happen, doesn't actually happen; Olshey waiting until the deadline. We need to get off to a fast start, and the weakness of this team is so evident, we don't need another four months to evaluate it.
