Do you think Dame is gone? Do you think we should trade him even if he doesn't demand a trade, just out of mercy (and because the writing is on the wall about a Blazer team led by him)? Related: how bad would our record have to be after 41 games for either of these questions to come up by this season's trade deadline? (Here's hoping we explode out of the gate and I will look back on these questions and chuckle affectionately.)
I imagine if we miss the playoffs, he will want out. I don't think we trade him if he doesn't ask out, personally. And if we miss the playoffs, Olshey is most definitely fired.
I “hope” that if we start the first 25 games under 500, top brass replaces Olshey. Why wait for the end of the year? By doing this, we have a chance of keeping Dame. If management is too chicken to cut Olshey loose - Dame SHOULD ask to be traded.
I don't think Dame will ever leave while under contract....not saying Neil won't blow it up and trade him but as long as he's the franchise leader...he won't be if he leaves unless he goes to a worse team than the Blazers...I think we'll make the playoffs but early this season we'll have ups and downs figuring this system out
Depends on the reason we miss the playoffs. Injuries? Zombie attack? Also it depends on Dame's relationship with our new GM.
Miss the playoffs? This isn't a realistic scenario in any universe. It supposes that at least 8 other teams in the west also go 82-0. Ridiculous. barfo
Dame is likely gone next season one way or the other. If we dont make the playoffs the chances raise exponentially. If Dame is gone before CJ that's gonna be sad
I just don't see how us missing the playoffs is possible (barring horrific injuries, which, well, Blazers).
what will be sadder is if Olshey is the one who trades Dame... ...because you just know he'll want to build a team featuring CJ. That means MeJ will lead the league in shots, usage, and dribbling. If Dame is traded, RoCo and Nurkic will sign elsewhere (and Nance would likely do the same the summer after). What should happen is that CJ and Powell and any player over 24 should be traded soon after Dame for as many 1sts as the Blazers can grab. Go full rebuild, and get some high lottery picks too. Watching the Blazers featuring MeJ would be Olshey's wet dream but be must-not-watch TV for anybody else
I agree. I think the furthest Portland would fall is the Play-In, although I suppose anything is possible then
Nahhh, remember last season. Injuries don't effect/affect us. We should still be winning we were told.
I love this look on things, but do you mind me asking what you saw in the preseason that makes you so sure?
Is there a specific thing or things you saw our team do in the preseason that leads you to this opinion?
Missing the playoffs, getting a play in spot, or losing in the first round all have the same consequences: 1. Neil out. 2. Dame most likely gone.