I think a lot of basketball fans, including many Blazers' fans, have lost perspective when it comes to Portland's offseason results thus far. We're a 54 win team in the West. This ties us for second-best record in the conference. We stood toe to toe with the Lakers, Celtics, Magic, and Cavs last season. The greatest improvement, even if we landed our number one target, Hedo, was going to be the advancements made by our existing players. Some of you are mistaken if you feel other teams are laughing at us for not landing Hedo; or, missing out on Ariza and Bass. They're fucking thankful, but they're not laughing. These other teams had to make loud changes if they want to continue their success. They didn't have a choice. There isn't a doubt in my mind that Oden, Aldridge, Batum, Roy, Fernandez, and Bayless become even better basketball players next season. That's six players covering all five positions where we will be improved at. Sure adding Hedo would have been wonderful. It didn't happen. There's no shame in that. We missed out on Carter, Jefferson, and Ariza because of this. That's just the risk involved by targeting a player and taking the necessary steps to try and get him. If we had gone after Vince Carter, many fans would be screaming that we didn't pursue Jefferson instead, since the cost was lower and he was years younger. If we had gone after Jefferson, fans would be irate that we didn't pursue Ariza. Look, the goal is to add another quality player while losing as little assets, resources, and flexibility (current and future) as possible. Hedo was going to allow us to only lose our cap space. Millsap is allowing us to only lose our cap space. I would expect the next move (Lee or Williams) to be the same. It appears to me that Pritchard understand the value and control in building a team through the draft and free agency. This leaves Portland in the driver's seat. Now, eventually, Portland will have to relinquish control to deal with other teams, but there's no reason to rush into anything, especially with solid free agents without a team. Even if Utah matches and Millsap is snatched back, there's still quite a few free agents available that would improve our team. David Lee, Marvin Williams, Andre Miller, and Ramon Sessions are all realistic options for us. Odds are a deal structured with a "toxic" second season could deter New York in matching for Lee. Or, a deadly signing bonus could scare off Atlanta from matching for Williams. Using up all of our cap space to skyrocket the 3rd and 4th season in a deal for Sessions might be just the trick. And, there's always Miller, who would improve the team in the short term. I could see any of these teams succumbing to Portland's pressure and working a sign-and-trade deal as well, which would allow us to sign a player at a more reasonable rate and/or moving a then expendable asset. Again, Portland keeps control. Portland isn't the big loser this offseason. They're the big winners of past offseasons, and in turn, don't need to swing for the fences. They can continue to make smart, calculated decisions for the foreseeable future. That doesn't mean that they're not improving the team. No one wants to acknowledge the additions of Victor Claver, Dante Cunningham, Jeff Pendergraph, and Patty Mills. Sure, Claver and Mills won't likely contribute next season, but like Rudy Fernandez, they'll be welcome additions in seasons to come. Cunningham and Pendergraph both bring the grit and defense we were so sorely missing from our bench big men last season. No one wants to recognize the effects of releasing poor fits, such as Sergio Rodriguez, Channing Frye, and eventually Travis Outlaw. While all three are and will be quality players in the league for some time, they're not suitable for us any longer. Their absence opens the door for other more suitable options, such as Bayless or Fernandez). Even the non-moves in keeping both Koponen and Freeland were rewards as far I'm concerned. So, shit, have a little restraint before you spout off about how our team is doing zilch. Show a little appreciation and even a little respect for the job they've done. And, maybe open your eyes to realize that they are indeed refining the team, just not at your pace, but at their pace. And really, isn't that how it should be? K. I feel better now.
I totally agree, but prepare to be called someone who is happy to lose in the first round, yadda yadda yadda... Excellent post!
I'm content with this offseason 100% in terms of not getting Hedo (thank you Jeebus), and in terms of missing out on Millsap (odd to tie up the cap space, though) Other than dicking over Brandon Roy on years, the offseason seems OK at this point. I'm not sure the team is even negotiating with LMA at this point, either, but hey, everything seems OK! So, other than you not even mentioning these elephants in the room...GREAT POST!
I really hope it's nothing, but the OP in this thread didn't even mention this situation in his post. I found that odd.
Really? LMA apparently hasn't received an offer, and Roy is at an impasse. To say it is a "non-issue" seems to be a bit ostrich-like, no?
Well, for me, I'd like to at least reserve judgement until Roy has had the opportunity to make his public declaration.
a 54 win team LAST YEAR. While the rich get richer we stay the same. Do you wanna win a title or do you wanna have a good regular season? I guess your the kind of guy that will be happy being the Dallas Mavericks for the next 5 years.
Personally, I don't consider talk radio shows to be conclusive. Besides, it that weren't the case, why would he even bother with an independent version coming up this week?
I didn't mention because I realize it's a non-issue. They're called negotiations for a reason. Portland doesn't and won't have bitter feelings towards Brandon Roy after a new contract can be agreed upon and neither will Roy towards Portland. It's business. Pritchard's job is to sign Roy to as beneficial a contract extension as possible and Roy's/his agent's goal is to gain the most financial security as possible. We likely made our offer: 4-year max. They've made theirs: 4-year max with a player option. Those offers aren't that far apart. Deron Williams and Chris Paul both signed the same contract extensions last year (again no one in Portland wants to fucking acknowledge this). Neither offer is a slap in the face to the other. This is a non-issue and will be cleared up at some point without hurting the team. We only heard about it because Roy's agent decided to go public to apply pressure. Personally, I hope Portland doesn't cave in. Giving him a 5th year is completely fine, but allowing Roy to assume control of his future isn't in Portland's best interest, and any Blazer fan that actually thought about this for a moment, would agree. Again, Portland's doing the right thing here. If Brandon doesn't want to do it OUR way, let him become a restricted free agent and we'll match. Remember, the pressure is on Brandon to receive an early extension. We gain nothing by doing this unless it's handled OUR way.
While surely Blazers fans post with their emotions, I am sorry but I feel you are wrong. There have been too many mistakes made this year to just let it pass. Between RLEC and not having Brandon locked up to be the team leadership present to bring in free agents, it comes across to me as somebody who is overly confident running the show, because they weren't prepared properly this year for the events that transpired. Anybody who is bringing in free agents to join a team knows that you have team leaders meet them and try to recruit them. That didn't happen here. If I remember right, it was KP and Tom Penn at the airport, both of them looked like they had both been at a strip club for 3 days, and KP was still tucking in his shirt. Give me a fucking break and demonstrate some professionality. If you don't see what's wrong with that, then you probably haven't done business before.
Other than "I've signed a contract", precisely what do you expect to be positive about his press release/statement?
Don't forget Jay Jensen literally ducking under the "Welcome Hedo" sign he was holding to cover his face. That was pathetic. Bungled...
Great post, Crimson. This summer reminds me of a false air raid. Everybody is running around in a panic right now, but as soon as the siren stops screeching and the skies return to blue again (which they always do), all the panic and consternation will be forgotten. This team is still in great shape, and will only be better next year with all of our young players making improvements. Can't wait for the season to start!!
