I think we can all agree that the Blazers have been needing guys who can create for others and create their own offense. Last year, we didn't have any of this, except for maybe a little Elliot Williams who remains a huge question mark. We got Damian Lillard, a guy who can definitely create his own offense and get it going for others. I think the Blazers weakest spot is a SG. The Blazers don't HAVE to go into free agency as it is unlikely that we will be successful at getting a primetime free agent. We COULD still make a lopsided trade. Who are some of these candidates? Andre Iguodala Monte Ellis Kevin Martin Jason Richardson Tyreke Evans Evan Turner This looks to be more of a sure-thing than to hedge all your bets on getting Eric Gordon. I don't have much interest in OJ Mayo at all. Any other suggestions?
Throw everything at Eric Gordon and make it very difficult for the Hornets. Looking at the SG market there just isn't a lot that appeal to me. If the Gordon pitch fails our best bet would be to S&T Batum for one. My favorite option is with the Spurs and Kawhi Leonard, who played both SG and SF last year.
I just don't think it's going to happen. Maybe a frontload max contract to Gordon? Even then, it's doubtful. If Olshey thinks there's a shot, great, if not, we need to make another move quickly before we need to shell out a contract to Batum. Getting one of the guys I listed for cheap would be a good thing. Or do we pin our hopes and dreams on a Elliot Williams? That's risky. Kevin Martin I hear is on the block with the SGs they have in Houston now. He would be a nice get on the cheap. But would would be the cost for him or any of these players? I'd like to keep Elliot.
They want to keep him but with Austin Rivers on board I think they'd at least reconsider matching a frontloaded contract. #1) Eric Gordon (RFA) #2) Kawhi Leonard Undersized gunners: #3) Lou Williams (UFA) #4) Rodrigue Beaubois (8'4" reach, solid for SG's) I think Leonard is extremely intriguing at the SG spot. Has very good defensive instincts; 7'3" wingspan with a standing reach of a PF -- 8'10" He looks like he's going to be an above average 3pt shooter as well. Still very young: an entire year younger than Lillard.
I think they think they're going to play Rivers at PG alongside Gordon. I really don't think they plan to let Gordon go.
Is it just me or is this a really weak FA class (except for players like D-Will who won't come here)? I'd rather use our cap space to absorb the contract of a player a team wants to dump. If only that stuff about Noah hadn't been total bullshit.
That's why I put that list of players in the OP. It's fine if they want to try I guess but they need to offer, get rejected, then get the deal done before they left Batum go to another team. Might be best if they just made a deal today or tomorrow for one of those high powered shooting guards that are on their way out. K-Mart, Iggy, etc.
I don't get the interest in OJ Mayo. He's certainly not an upgrade over what we already have in Wes Matthews.
What is with the Gordon love? The guy has played fewer games each year because of injury. Why in the world would we want to overspend for someone like that?
Olshey has shown to backstab guys. says they love them, they'll be here, but then trade them for the good of the team. gotta love it.
I read one report where Olshey got off the phone just after one version of the CP3 broke down, told everyone that they weren't goining anywhere then got a call right after that restarted trade talks, then the trade was completed. Are there other instances?
