The Blazers have done very well in the face of adversity (Roy, Oden) and constant front office turnover. They are kind of similar to the Rockets with Yao and McGrady but are in a better position to bounce back than the Rockets have been thanks to (a) the amnesty clause, (b) the fact that Aldridge is still healthy, and (c) the fact that Oden's injuries happened before they signed him to a max deal. I think they have the room to chase Deron Williams and has an attractive team with Aldridge and some high picks (which can be used to either draft or trade for talent). Deron going to Portland would actually be kind of sweet, given that Deron was the "assistant GM" when the Nets traded the Blazers a high pick for Gerald Wallace. In fact, what would be funnier is if Deron signs in Portland and Gerald Wallace also opts out (he, too, has a player option for next season) and joins Deron in Portland.
conveniently they lost him the year they could amnesty him ... the same year yao's contract ended ... so you cant compare the 2 situations
Once they don't get Deron, and they won't, watch them turn their focus on Dragic. Hibbert is restricted and Brook Lopez is a bad investment. They will make the price of Goran sky rocket.
Unfortunately for them, those lottery picks are likely going to be out of the can't miss prospect zone. Not unless they get really lucky. I severely doubt Morey would've drafted Oden and Webster over Durant and CP3/DWill if he was in Portland's position.
The Blazers and the Jazz keep getting into the lotto without tanking. Thats good management right there.
Blazers have to hire a legit coach, finally pay Batum and show some stability before anybody gives them the time of day. I think Blazers fans will be disappointed in free agency.
Hopefully for us that's the case. That way they will be interested in trading draft picks for established talent.
I read an article last week this is their plan. The rationale is giving LaMarcus Aldridge help to win now, while he's at the peak of his career. Blazers fans haven't been this angry in a while. The front office dysfunction and team meltdown this year has temporarily injured the brand. If they hire a competent GM, a good coach and have a solid offseason, all will snap back to normal. But I don't think the organization can do it.
the losers in the Deron Sweepstakes will all be hot on Gogi's trail. Dallas / NJ / Portland all have documented interest (in Deron)...any combination of two would make a bidding war unfavorable to the Rockets. unless we can get a deal done with Gogi before the Deron chaos comes to an end, I am not liking the looks of our competition for his services.
2 draft picks. A franchise player. A glue guy that can fit anywhere. Plenty of cap room. Of course they're not rebuilding, who the hell would ever think they would be rebuilding?
Dear Jesus if they sign Lopez to the max, coming fresh off IR, I can't imagine the fan-base being too excited.
