Thought he was exposed last year when he went on he got all moody about not making the all-star game lol.
Agreed. I don't think they'll magically be a contender, but they seem like they'll be much improved. (Disclaimer: I thought Lance Stephenson would do that too so I'm basically Jon Snow)
No way the Blazers become a contender with losing Batum, the trade at least hints that the Blazers are not 100% on Aldridge staying.
There wasn't much to follow, the preseason sports hernia took him out of any early playing time. He didn't earn many minutes when he did return to health even when the team had an obvious need for him. Jury is out if that's a him thing or a coaching staff philosophy thing. Other rookies have earned a good bit of PT for this same staff the playoff year so it's not entirely philosophical.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I understand the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pistons?src=hash">#Pistons</a> had talks to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> about Batum, but balked at offer. Before you ask, don't know the offer. </p>— Vincent Ellis (@Vincent_Ellis56) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vincent_Ellis56/status/613865344474681344">June 25, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Told Charlotte had concerns about Noah Vonleh's acclimation to NBA. Had difficulties picking up on plays. Questions about his feel for game.</p>— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/613860169903173633">June 25, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Charlotte is also desperate to get some playoff wins under their belt. Very good trade for them. What are the chances that they trade their pick for veteran talent
They can offer him the max without clearing space since they own his rights. However, they may be doing it for Love...
Neil Olshey: BOLD! No one mentioned this potentially opens up a spot...in Portland...for Ariza. I am not shopping Trevor Ariza! _______________________________________ <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I should think you could pencil in starters for now as Walker, Batum, MKG, Zeller and Jefferson.</p>— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) <a href="https://twitter.com/rick_bonnell/status/613880018716987393">June 25, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Lol Ariza is 3 years older then Batum, I don't imagined they'd want to replace him with a much older replica when trying to rebuild
Batum is a dick-puncher, but he would have been awesome here. He's an elite defender and a very underrated playmaker. Harden, Batum, & Ariza would have been a killer perimeter line-up.
I was more getting at that this team will be fun to watch. To see how these guys mesh and what not. I don't really see MKG as a question mark either. He can't shoot well, but he's a decent slasher and his defense is already ELITE. I think Kemba is great (and really fun) but he can't keep shooting under 40% from the field if this team is going to make a jump forward.
