Sorry. You are a Blazer fan right? you know we dont get nice toys like that! I know im in extreme minority, but i think we have zero chance at worst record and no chance for Flagg. I thin we win at least 30 games next year. This is Shae’s year aNd scoot aNd Ayton are gonna gel.
I agree that Ant should come off the bench and I think he would be willing to as long as Scoot shows he is ready. Banton could be the PG or even the PT forward if they wanted to get another guard on the floor with the 2nd unit. (Thybulle or Ruppert? ) As for Grant coming off the bench, I don't see that happening. He either starts or is traded.
Sure--we'll win 30 games and then unexpectedly get the #1 anyway, add Flagg to our stable of youngsters, and the dynasty shall begin.
It is certainly possible. We could keep everyone, be very competitive, win 30+ games, and still end up with the 3rd worst record in the West. Every team in the West should be better. Injuries will be a huge factor as always. Utah and SA are the 2 who I think will be worse if they choose to tank. The East is a little different. I can see 6 or 7 teams who could be on the same level as us.
I'd say wait until halfway through the season. Second year point guards tend to demonstrate a level of consistency and production levels that will showcase if they're a perennial All-Star or not by that point. We can look at De'Aaron Fox or Darius Garland, both of whom did very well in their second years and who are both more realistic best case scenarios for Scoot, as examples. This is in contrast to the Ja Morant, Kyrie Irving, or John Wall types that were demonstrably "future All-Star material" from Day 1. If Scoot doesn't demonstrate it, I agree here and it's time to look at Harper or Traore. Or Wagner, if he blossoms in his second year. Right now, the only strong components of the young core are Sharpe and Deni. I anticipate Clingan to be here due to potential elite defense and rebounding but I also question his health due to his height. Additionally, my concern is if Portland can find a legitimate secondary scorer? We've seen that, once you take away CJ or Aldridge from Dame, Portland isn't a playoff team no matter how many points Lillard scores. Ditto for Steph, now that Klay is old and beat up. That's why, if Bailey or Cooper are gone, you don't say no to a PG this year
