It is, but what's Portland to do with Nurkic out and likely, not gonna be anywhere near 100% this upcoming season? Leonard and Harkless for Whiteside was a decent risk to take. Whiteside could pan out and turn back to putting up 17/14/2 again for all we know, if not he's expiring. What I hate the most for Portland, was the decision to let Aminu go. Aminu is a very good 3&D player, and a good rebounder as well. They let him walk for nothing and are hopping Nasir Little replaces his production I guess, but a really big risk to take when they are a trying to compete now.
Gasol was never purely athletic, when he was younger, he was athletically gifted but he always relied on his skillz. One of the best rebounders and nimble scorer. Chandler was good at what he did but never worried about scoring much. One was a star and the other was a role player in their primes. In the end they are about the same, Gasol looks at tad worse at that age Oh, Tyson is 2 years younger.
Gasol was already washed up a few years ago. Now he’s 39 and coming off stress fracture as a 7 footer. He’s done. I’m confident Chandler can provide 10-15 solid minutes while Capela rests. He’s the better rim protector, rebounder and screen & roll player. Probably should get a couple easy lob baskets as well.
I also think Chandler "Don't call me Parsons", is a better locker room guy. He's always seemed low maintenance to me as a lottery pick. No attitude and gets along with his team and knows his role without causing issues. So I think he is a better fit all around.
Gasol's done. The fact that he's still securing the bag in 2019 is a testament that familiar names do matter.
Whiteside always seemed to be a poor man's Dwight Howard. If he accepts his role as a PnR threat on offense, stalwart on defense, the trio of Lillard / McCollum / Whiteside could be a really scary thing. But like Dwight, Hassan never seems to be all in, 100%. So I'm doubtful Whiteside will be as effective as he could be.
The contract year phenomenon is a real thing. I think Whiteside is going to surprise everyone that’s underestimating him. He has a lot of things going for him to succeed. -Playing for a legit playoff team looking to contend where he can make a huge difference in how far the Blazers go. -Being out of Miami. Fresh start. There should be no distractions. There’s no nightlife in Portland (I know). -Major opportunity on a Center friendly team. -30 years old. Last chance at a big contract. He’s been going thru the motions and was rarely focused the last couple years but even then he’s put up 13 points,11 rebs and nearly 2 blocks per game in just 24 mpg. If he gets 30+ mpg as expected I’m thinking he puts up similar if not better numbers than Capela/Gobert.
AAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGH! What do you mean, no whistle? I’ll try again: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHH! (Beep!) Yes! Got the whistle! No offense, he was almost our AAAAAARGH!
The Rockets were one of the first teams hot on Gasol. The Celtics were as well. People do not realize how talented he was. He had a 7'5" wingspan and was quite agile. I have heard some grumbles about his work ethic over the years. Kobe at one point said something, then in Chicago the media always said he didn't believe in practice. Oddly enough I never heard any work ethic issues in San Antonio. Either way I have to smile at the idea of the Blazers turning him into an assistant coach..... guy should have been an absolute monster defensively but never put in the effort, didn't believe in practice and let his girlfriends wandering eye destroy a Lakers appearance in the Finals.
Great. This is just wonderful. I can see it already- Our front office had to make room, so we can sign another of your guys washed up castoffs.... ~Ryan Anderson holding on line one....~ SMH. Someone please, just shoot me now. Lol
I hope he does stay on with us. It's been 4 1/2 years since we've had a "Big Man" coach. Talk about ret*rded.... Hell, at this point; I'd take Chuckie Cheese. BTW- what the heck??? "R*tarded" gets filtered on your site? Weird. Lol
oh boy... there is a dark history with that word here. a very recent history, one that resulted in the exodus of a few prominent members.
