I actually like there SF potential. Aminu/Harkless seems like a really good defensive SF rotation. Agreed that Aminu sucks on offense though.
I wanted to make a thread about it actually. The comparison between Philly and Portland rebuild. The Blazers have already made wise moves and loaded up in young talent in one offseason after their fa all left. While Philly is heading to now the 4th year of tank with almost nothing to show for it.
Considering the different circumstances surrounding each team's respective rebuilds, and the fact that the Portland rebuild has only now begun, this is a really bizarre comparison to make.
...the Portland Trailblazers will draft the next coming of Sam Bowie/Greg Oden, while passing up on the next coming of MJ/KD...you know its going to happen.
Thank you for understanding that liking the potential doesn't equate to immediately being a contender the coming season in the west...
Seems likely. He had the requisite salary for Batum. That being said he is only 27 and could sign on the cheap on his next contract, which would give him value. He is a quality player, just not a great fit unless he can improve his outside shooting. The Blazers have a hole at that two spot. McCollum is more combo-ish.
Yeah but its kind of a testament to how good their front office has historically been that they were on the wrong side of two bad, bad mistakes, and yet still were able to make the finals during the MJ era, and were also consistently a top 4-5 team in the West even without Oden. They were unfortunate to lose Brandon Roy, he was a great player and probably would have been one of the best 5-10 players in the league for the past 5 years if it hadn't been for his knee injuries.
Even if LMA was added to OP's post, the loss of Matthews and Batum is a death knell to their hopes of contending. I think Lillard and McCollum can be good, but not "Splash Bros" good.
the circumstances were NOT so different. Philly did a bad trade but still had plenty of talent in their roster and an all star( Jrue). They decided to sell EVERYTHING off for picks and leave the roster completely BARE. Then they drafted ONLY injured players or players who won't be in the NBA for 3 years. The Blazers were left with similar talent and instead decided to get other young prospects. The circumstances are extremely similar the difference is the philosophy of the rebuild. The one is extreme the other is not so. BTW it was revealed today that Hinkies plan is 7 year. That means 7 years of blatant tanking.
No franchise can plan for losing their star. The question is what you do and how you cope with it after. So far Portland has been proactive and extremely smart. Got prospects, have plenty of capspace to rent and they won't give their pick either.
