I read the article and it was pretty apparent the author had never seen the Blazer's play even once. I read it get the run down on some of the free agents, but the players who he thought should head to Portland made me cringe.
Portland's offense doesn't have movement and isn't balanced (in terms of running much). Assuming the "right system" analysis is correct, I can see why Portland might not be a good fit. Ed O.
Shit, Jason Kidd is the type of player who can thrive in any style of offense. His court vision is still amazing.
ESPN is putting everything on Insider now. God I hate those guys. Why don't they just get it over with and make ESPN all subscription.
I disagree. At this point in their careers they are at a crossroads where they are quite similar in talent and effectiveness, with Blake getting better each year and Bibby now waning. That makes Blake > Bibby.
As it should be when they make stupid decisions. BTW, shouldn't you be packing for the move to Sacto?
A guy no one is talking about is Marvin Williams. He IS a definite upgrade over what we have right now, and is (IMO) available for the right price. As he is a RFA, a S&T would probably probably more likely rather than an outright signing, but with ATL cash strapped with Smith's huge deal and an upcoming hole at PG (with Bibby leaving... maybe), a deal with Outlaw and Blake going for Williams could possibly work. What do you guys think Marvin would warrant contract wise? $28Mil/4 years? Something like that, maybe?
Jason Kidd is probably the most perfect fit for us, and maybe for him as well. We can pay him a reasonable salary and give him the chance to contend right away, which is about all he could ask for. He gives us great leadership, toughness and experience and also fits our timeline great...we get 2-3 years out of him while Bayless hones his skills and waits in the wing.
Is Josh Childress a RFA? That's who I'd rather spend money on, and then get a PG through a sign and trade.
1. Hedo Turkoglu, SF/PF, Magic (UFA) Best fits: Magic, Pistons, Blazers, Grizzlies, Bucks 2. Ben Gordon, SG, Bulls (UFA) Best fits: Bulls, Hawks, Mavericks, Timberwolves, Knicks, Suns, Hornets 3. Andre Miller, PG, 76ers (UFA) Best fits: 76ers, Blazers, Warriors, Heat, Raptors, Knicks, Pacers 4. Rasheed Wallace, PF/C, Pistons (UFA) Best fits: Celtics, Mavericks, Spurs, Magic 5. Lamar Odom PF/SF, Lakers, (UFA) Best fits: Lakers, Spurs, Magic, Celtics 6. Trevor Ariza, SF, Lakers (UFA) Best fits: Lakers, Cavaliers, Celtics, Bobcats, Magic, Spurs, Rockets, Pistons, Jazz 7. Anderson Varejao, PF/C, Cavaliers Best fits: Cavaliers, Celtics, Hawks, Bulls, Nuggets, Thunder, Suns 8. Marvin Williams, SF, Hawks (RFA) Best fits: Heat, Mavericks, Blazers, Pistons, Bulls, Hawks 9. Jason Kidd, PG, Mavericks (UFA) Best fits: Mavericks, Lakers, Cavaliers, Rockets, Magic, Hawks, Celtics 10. Ron Artest, SF, Rockets (UFA) Best fits: Lakers, Rockets, Celtics, Cavaliers
Bucher just said Portland is willing to wait and see who is available after the first players get their money. After that, Portland will be the team with the most money and very little competition.