As most of you know, PA tends to draft PG's whom he hardly uses and then goes out in the FA market and grabs one who is 25+ in age. Is PA finally going to make a move and stick with Nolan Smith and Jonny Flynn as our resurrection? Or is PA just showcasing them so we can get Steve Nash, Deron Williams, etc? The other thing thats bothering me, is the Felton issue. It took 40+ games for Felton to get in shape and he's still causing costly turnovers. Why is Felton still having 28+ min games the past month? Is interim coach Caleb being told by PA or upper management to help the team make the playoffs? Anyways, I knew about a month ago this team was going nowhere and I'm sick of Felton being played with so many minutes. I want to see Smith and Flynn get experience and minutes. Did we draft them for a reason or are they just another wasted space on the bench since our history with PG's are usually the same under PA?
If that is the question, the answer is showcasing. What part of "tank" do you not understand? My bet is wasted. barfo
Felton getting so many minutes is annoying but neither Smith nor Flynn is the PGoTF. We will either sign Nash/Dwill/Dragic or draft someone like Marshal. Personally if we strike out on everything I wouldn't mind resigning Batum/Hickson then drafting Marshal and signing Nash to a 3 year deal and keep him at around 25m while we have Marshal develop behind him.
Annoying as it may be, Felton has a better chance of playing PG here next year than Flynn or Smith. That would be money.
I think we are showcasing Nolan Smith and not Flynn. There is no advantage to showcase Flynn because he is an unrestricted free agent. What I do believe is that they are playing Flynn more because they want to see if they want to keep him. If he does a decent job, then he will be a fine back-up. If he looks like he isn't progressing with the added responsibilities; then he isn't worth keeping. I have a feeling that Nash will be our second target; #1 is obviously Deron Williams. Personally, I'm not too impressed with Williams because he had an opportunity to lead the Nets to the post season; even with a depleted roster. I mean look at the Suns; whom has less talent than the Nets. Obviously a superstar pg will have the ability to at least make the playoffs; even with little talent. If we make a free-agent signing of Nash; then we will have enough left over to make a lop sided deal. I'm hoping that we use that cap space to offer Philly Matthews, Babbitt, #11 pick and Smith for Igudala. There is around 4 mil we would have to cover to get it done. Why would Philly do it? Well they receive a nice 4 mil TE that can be used on another player or cutting salary. They would have 3 very manageable contract (Matthews was front loaded so he goes down each year, Babbit and Smith are on rookie scales, and they have a high draft pick to work on). After this deal is done on draft day, then I would hope we get the #5 pick and pick up Beal. I think Beal has a great shot at being a "superstar" if he put his effort in.
Showcasing implies that we are building value ... based on the results of what we've seen, my guess is the Blazers are just trying to get an idea of whether or not these guys can actually play at all.
I was out of the country for two weeks with no TV. I did read the boxscores, but was curious to hear how Flynn looked in the last 7 games?
I don't think we're showcasing anyone. We're just trying to get a better grip on playing skills in real game situations. As to our "direction", I know we're making a run at Williams. Aside from that if we draft at #11 we may just find ourselves a good PG. Otherwise, just muddle through the best we can.
Deron William's calf has acted up again and won't play against the Knicks. He also had a stomach virus and didn't get to play against the Blazers on 4/4/12. I hope he has minimal injuries next year if the Blazers go for him.
Flynn has not looked very good, nor has Smith, and Felton is gone IMO, I hope none of these guys are here next yr, we need a clean sweep at the PG position
Smith is a SG, he'll be saved just to save face. Flynn is gone. Felton could easily stay, would make a solid back-up. All depends on what other PG we get.
You are right on Smith. He is a combo guard at best, not a PG. Flynn is gone, but I don't see any way Felton is re-signed
Ditto for your avatar. Take out all the fumbles Felton has made in the last 5 minutes of games and you got a good PG. Insert Starting Caliber PG to take over that duty and you have a solid veteran back-court.
What in the world makes you think, that even if Felton would agree to be a backup, that he'd agree to be a backup HERE?
What do you know... Raymond Felton Q&A: Trail Blazers' point guard discusses disappointing season, future http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...lton_qa_trail_blazers_point_guard_discus.html
