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Blazers to end single affiliation relationship with DLeague team

Discussion in 'NBA Dish' started by Carl Herrera, Mar 9, 2014.

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  1. Carl Herrera

    Carl Herrera Member

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    #1 Carl Herrera, Mar 9, 2014
  2. eMat

    eMat Member

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    A contrast in philosophy between the Rockets and the Blazers: the Blazers believe it is best for players to be and practice with the main squad, even if they don't play, while the Rockets would rather have their prospects get playing time, even if it is not in the NBA.
     
    #2 eMat, Mar 9, 2014
  3. WinkFan

    WinkFan Member

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    The Blazers claim to have better results developing players by having them practice with the team, instead of play in the d-league. Of course, they apparently determined this without having anyone play in the d-league.
     
    #3 WinkFan, Mar 9, 2014
  4. DreamShook

    DreamShook Member

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    Not only that, Rockets just try things out. the D-league team is asked to implement progressive basketball ideas and see how it works like the "Neon Green Light from Three" approach currently being run by the Vipers. when Rockets send down players those player automatically become the focal point of the offense. No way Players like TJ and D-MO develop as quickly just practicing with the varsity team. Myers Leonard could have benefited greatly from a stint in the D-League with him as the focal point. He is going take even longer to develop as a result of just sitting on the bench and practicing. Morey probably thinks the Blazers are making a mistake.
     
    #4 DreamShook, Mar 9, 2014
    1 person likes this.
  5. shastarocket

    shastarocket Member

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    The article mentions them sending down their rookie, CJ McCollum (for two games while rehabbing!). Sounds like they utilized it poorly.
    -----------------------------------

    Definitely dated, but this article mentions that there is a ~$400K cost to have a single affiliate. In a small market like Portland, this has got to figure into the decision.

    Edit: in fact that $400K figure is an estimate since the NBA franchise actually has to absorb the entire yearly cost of running the team! So, having the franchise in Idaho is probably more expensive just because of travel.

    http://www.nba.com/dleague/riograndevalley/rocketsvipers062909.html
     
    #5 shastarocket, Mar 9, 2014
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2014
  6. eMat

    eMat Member

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    Good point, DreamShook.

    400k includes the players' salaries, right? That is a very low figure then.
     
    #6 eMat, Mar 9, 2014
  7. A_3PO

    A_3PO Member

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    I bet there is a budgetary reason driving this move.
     
    #7 A_3PO, Mar 9, 2014
  8. Old Man Rock

    Old Man Rock Contributing Member

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    That's pocket change for Mr. Allen. He farts millions in his sleep.
     
    #8 Old Man Rock, Mar 9, 2014
  9. BleedRocketsRed

    BleedRocketsRed Member

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    The Blazers are a small market but have always operated on one of the higher budgets in the league. Their ownership group led by Paul Allen is quite good. Back in the early/mid-2000s, their payroll was the highest in the league.
     
    #9 BleedRocketsRed, Mar 9, 2014
  10. BamBam

    BamBam Member

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    Wow, that's a whole lot of stank!!!...:eek:
    .......
    .......
    .......
     
    #10 BamBam, Mar 9, 2014
  11. Carl Herrera

    Carl Herrera Member

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    Unlikely a money issue, the operating cost is not significant if NBA teams pay one end of bench minimum wage guy more than it costs to run a DLeague affiliate.

    In this case, I wonder of there is a bit of personal unpleasantness with the owner of the affiliate, see here:

    http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/2/2...managing-investor-bill-ilett-discusses-end-to

    They guy says the problem was last year and things are fine this year, but this may well be just PR work.

    As others mentioned, HOU is using the DLeague for more than just sending down rookies to get minutes, they are also "developing" coaches (Finch) or even front office guys and trying out basketball theories.

    Moreover, they have been using RGV to look at guys who were not drafted and not in the NBA for possible signing to the main roster, some recent examples are Greg Smith, Tim Ohlbrecht and Troy Daniels. Now, of course they don't have exclusive rights to RGV players (James Johsnon, for one) but having worked directly with a guy is still helpful in signing and evaluating him.
     
    #11 Carl Herrera, Mar 9, 2014
  12. A_3PO

    A_3PO Member

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    Very true, but based on his flaky (weird) stewardship of the Blazers, I wouldn't rule it out. Over the last few years, the Blazers sure don't seem to be high on his priority list. Some people even thought he was preparing the team for sale.

    I think it's a short-sighted move, especially when you look at what teams like the Rockets and Thunder do with their d-league affiliates.
     
    #12 A_3PO, Mar 9, 2014
  13. Ziggy

    Ziggy QUEEN ANON

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    Zach Randolph got his start being the man on summer league teams, they should know better. I see a guy like Parsons who's been an integral part of our team since he's been a rookie and still feel he would have benefited from some d-league play. I feel like he'd be more comfortable hitting that 2nd level on offense when it's needed from him if he spent some time developing as the main option.
     
    #13 Ziggy, Mar 10, 2014
  14. REEKO_HTOWN

    REEKO_HTOWN I'm Rich Biiiiaaatch!

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    Who's the last player drafted by the Blazers who developed into something good in 4 years?

    Lillard.....and that's it.
     
    #14 REEKO_HTOWN, Mar 10, 2014
  15. TheRealist137

    TheRealist137 Member

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    1. Lillard is a 2nd year player
    2. Aldridge? Brandon Roy?

    All were drafted by Portland.
     
    #15 TheRealist137, Mar 10, 2014
  16. A_3PO

    A_3PO Member

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    LMA was a draft day trade with the Bulls, but your point is made.
     
    #16 A_3PO, Mar 10, 2014
  17. jtr

    jtr Member

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    This year RGV is Morey's personal sandbox. They are taking ~45 three point shots a game and their pace is ~109. Will we see that for the Rockets in the future? I don't know.
     
    #17 jtr, Mar 10, 2014
  18. shastarocket

    shastarocket Member

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    Not to go off track, but:

    Aren't draft day trades essentially another team picks the player you want AFTER you've already initiated the trade? (As in, Blazers-Bulls agreed on trade in principle, Bulls instructed to draft LMA, Blazers instructed to draft Tyrus Thomas, trade executed)

    I was under the impression that's what happened with Battier-Gay
     
    #18 shastarocket, Mar 10, 2014
  19. Dgn1

    Dgn1 Member

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    Cheap cheap cheap
     
    #19 Dgn1, Mar 10, 2014
  20. Fyreball

    Fyreball Member

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    I'd even put Nicolas Batum on that list. Again, a draft day trade, but he's been a Blazer from the beginning.
     
    #20 Fyreball, Mar 10, 2014
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