That's a common misconception about the trade rules. The rule is actually that the player can't be packaged along with other players in a trade for two months. So, as long as Denver is only trading Blake, then it's perfectly legal. From Coon's FAQ: http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#85 In addition, teams cannot trade players under the following circumstances: For two months after receiving the player in trade or claiming him off waivers, if the player is being traded in combination with other players. However, the team is free to trade the player by himself (not packaged with other players) immediately. This restriction applies only to teams over the salary cap. (Also see question number 72 for a special case where players can be traded together in less than two months.)
The European Magician isn't too shabby either. Sergio Rodriguez had a breakout game in the same game. 23pts, 4rebs and 10 assists.
The first I'd heard of Blake was when I watched him play in Portland. I thought he'd be a great backup PG then. Could shoot the 3, hustled on defense, and made plays while not turning it over. I didn't see any of him in Milwaukee, but apparently he sucked. I thought he'd be much better. He's a career 37% shooter, so he's pretty reliable from beyond the arc across several years. He was never good at finishing around the rim though. I saw him play one year and liked what I saw. He's a decent backup PG option, but not an impact player. Speedy Claxton with a jumpshot?
Although we have other options at PG like JL3, Vspan, T-mac and Head, I think it would be smart to get a guy at PG who can give us reliable minutes till march. While Yao is out we need to cut down on our problems as much as problem. I think we need to acquire a decent backup PG and a C who can play 10-15 minutes as well. Ideally, we would get Steve Blake for our TE and future second rounder. Then Calvin Booth for Bob Sura. Adding two barely decent guys like that to play bench roles will go a long way in solving a huge problem we have - Alston and Deke playing too much.
Keyword: Blazers. Also, its just beginners luck with his new team. soon, he'll get back to sucking. Rafer should stay our point guard as his penetration creates a lot of opportunities. JL3 is doin great as a backup but u just dont noe when he'll stop producing. For now, the team is good as it is and even if changes are to be made Blake is not the answer.
I am not saying this just because of his game against us. Also I am not saying he should be brought in to replace Rafer, but instead to play 15 or so minutes at the point. I think he would be a much better player here then either Atkins or Jaric who others have said they want. Yes we are winning now but that doesnt mean we shouldnt look to get better, especially if we dont have to get rid of anyone to pick up a player.
I'm a huge fan of Blake, I've followed him since his days at UMD. He's a great PG, despite the lack of stats to back it, but isn't a perfect fit our system. He excels in a transition game and we're much more focused on the half-court offense. But he is an amazingly competent/smart player, and a decently reliable 3pt shooter. He's not a volume scorer by any means, but hits his open shots and is a terrific floor leader. His defense is also solid, but he's best on a zone scheme. He'd be a very solid back-up for us, but as a Steve Blake fan, I'd rather see him on Denver/GS/Cleveland where he can play more up-tempo since we are not ideal to his game.
How about we just let sleeping dogs lie... Oh and he also looks like Ollie in Hoosiers (the short dude who shot free throws underhanded)....LOL
i actually think he'd be an upgrade backing up rafer. And yes, he can be traded for as long as we aren't going for a package of DEN players. Original thread starter...umm..he can shoot the 3 generally (at least over his career I believe he's a solid 3 pt shooter...high 30's at least?) I guess I could be wrong...but he was solid in WAS I recall..
Very good assessment of his game, but you forgot that he's an excelent passer too and led the Maryland Terps to a national championship in 2002. I do like him over Rafer
A couple of years ago, this phenomenon came up so often we gave it it's own acronym: TFTWGFTTWJP... Trade For The White Guy From The Team We Just Played
