I think people make an unwarranted huge deal of Stoudy's defensive deficiencies. Consider that we were in the top 5 in many defensive categories [ OPP FG%, OPP PTS, etc.], but we were ranked something like 20th as far as key offensive categories go. In other words, offense is a far more pressing concern than defense. As long as our team defense is good, Stoudy's lack of height will not be a huge issue IMO. The backward steps that we take on defense as a result of Stoudamire will be more than cancelled out by the forward steps we take on offense. A smooth pg is essential to a good offense and should catapult us forward.
I completely agree, particularly when you think of the Swift addition at the PF is more of a defensive move than an offensive move. DS would make our offense much smoother than with Mike James running the show, and much more more explosive than with Sura running the show. We are talking about a very productive 10 year starting PG. For us to get DS I think it will have to be a S&T. Portland might be willing to do a reasonable trade (DW + 06 1st or the NY 2nd) rather than see him walk to LA and them get nothing. It is up to Portland unless DS would take our LLE, very doubtfull.
i think it will have to be a sign and trade. i don't know why so many are down on DS, i've always like his game. hell, he's torched us enough. in reality, it probably just isn't fair to ask him to take the LLE.
Stoudamire for the LLE, but if not then let him walk. He has to really want to come here and fit in for me to want him.
I completely agree, although DS WANTS to be here, the LLE isn`t going to cut it with him, he will put up 15 ppg 6-8 apg on this team, take pressure off T-Mac to do a lot of creating, and he can drain 3`s all day long. He`s got a great shot even though some stats wont state that but it seems like everytime we play the blazers this guy is draining shots left and right. He`d be a great fit here, He`d come in and start, but he is definitely worth more than the LLE, now NVE he might could be had for the LLE although I doubt that too.
Time for my first post Even with Damon's height being a problem, I still see him as a perfect fit. He's a true point who can direct the offense and hopefully get some entry passes into Yao. He's still a threat with the three ball too and will get plenty of oppurtunies to prove that with Yao and T-Mac out there. Sura did a decent job with the open three balls but Damon would really punish his defender for sagging. On defense, I don't think he would be a huge liability. He's still quick enough to keep guys like AI and Arenas in front of him. Bigger PGs would be able to muscle and post him but they will have to look over their shoulders for either Yao or Swift's long arms. We also have the option of throwing James in if a guy is totally killing us. If we add Damon too, we can look into adding a defensive oriented SG instead of a scorer. Just picture Damon controlling the fast break with T-Mac, and Swift on the wings and Yao trailing behind (maybe add Luther Head in there too). That's definitely gonna put some highlights on Sportscenter.
Where did you hear about a news conference? That is news in itself. I hope that is correct, because it means another addition (and or subtraction) from the team.
If there is a news conference on Saturday, it will have nothing to do with player movement because the moratorium hasn't been lifted and will not until later next week, thus the team is not allowed to comment on anything.
Does anybody know how DS is in the lockerroom? Do you think he would clash heads with Van Gundy? If we sign him, I hope he does "buy" into the system and not rebel, which could be a disaster as it could effect newcomer Swift as well...
I think he'd come here for the LLE. I think the ambivalence is probably from the Rockets. I also wonder if the Rockets wouldn't prefer a S&T to keep salaries down this year and to relieve some of the glut at guard.
wow, I just found out that stoudamire's middle name is Lamon. Damon Lamon, although I'm not sure how it's pronounced.
DS played well with Sheed, Quitten, and Steve Smith were all part of a great Blazers team in 99-00. His lowest MPG season (about 30) was that year, but one of his best shooting seasons. In fact that team probably should have won the 00 championship, I do recall Smith in particular not stepping up late in game 7 versus the Lakers (Smith was their best shooter and the guy they needed to take key shots), I don't remember Damon's role in the Blazers collapse. DS playoff efficiency numbers are also outstanding, 39% on 3s and 85% from the line. With his quickness, ball handling and FT shooting he would be a great guy to help close out games. Agree pretty much on all points, and particularly one you say that hasn't got a lot of attention. Having JH in the 4 spot and Sura and Wesley in the guard spots allowed teams to cheat on transition D. Infusing DS and Swift in the line up from last year would really punish opponents trying crash the O glass. Lots of easy points for us, or they have to be less aggressive and keep more players back, either way a good thing.
probably pronounced Luh-Mon. hopefully we S&T for him and have plenty of time to find out first hand....while we are playing in the finals.
Out of the teams interested, Houston, Orlando, Miami and the Lakers (possibly Cleveland), shouldn't his best bet be here? We have the big man with more upside don't we? And T-Mac...
Orlando has agreed to terms with Dooling and the Cavs look like they have the inside track to signing that Euro Guard. The Lakers seem primarily interested in getting the Glove back, so that leaves Houston and Miami still in the hunt for DS services. Houston is the best fit for him all the way because Miami has Wade. Rockets need to bust one more move and sign DS. He's the best fit for the team and he wants to be here.
DS is also a great fit for Miami. Wade plays SG and makes the PG look very good. DS is way better than Damon Jones and look how well Jones did last year. If I were him, deciding between the Rockets and Heat would be very tough. I sure hope he likes us more.
