Official Portland Trailblazers Thread - 100% Hedo Free!!

[benji]

They aren't just slow, they're historically slow.

At least they're one of the three or five best offensive teams in the league, unlike their buddies in the pace cellar, the Pistons. Now that's a soul-draining team to watch.

[Lamrock]

I was intending to bandwagon Utah for the third straight year, but as it turns out, my favorite team is far better than them this season.

*Major homerism, non-backed-up statements and impracticality ahead*
Right now, its come to my attention that the Blazers have a very small, but somewhat feasible chance of not only making it past the first round, but also making the NBA Finals. Bear with me here... In the first round they face a hobbled Spurs team, and with the tiebreaker should have homecourt advantage. Very winnable. The second round would be the Lakers. While the Lakers are far better, the Blazers have had their number as of late, and the Lakers have a knack of blowing huge leads this season. A long shot, but winnable. Then there comes the conference finals... I think that the Nuggets are the favorites to come out here. Houston is shorthanded, the Hornets aren't playing well, and the Mavs aren't that good. I'm not very sold on Denver however, and I think with Karl's coaching, the Blazers might be able to steal a game in Denver and take the series in 6.

From there they get swept by Boston or Cleveland, but its the thought that counts.

[benji]

They did move into first place on offense recently. As much as I hate them, they're not far from having a perfect offense. They're upper tier in shooting and turnovers, although it seems like nobody on the team drives. If they boosted their shooting and cut down on the turnovers (see the Hornets last year for a playoff team that did this) even slightly while keeping up their unstoppable offensive rebounding (they crush the second place Sixers and violate everyone else) they could start to really seperate themselves offensively adding another point or two to their offense. (And if someone could start getting free throws? And maybe up the three point content? Outlaw and Roy take too many 20 foot jumpers, in my opinion, instead of stepping out a few extra feet where they both shoot a respectible percentage.

Problem is, they aren't very good defensively. They're the same as everyones perception of the old Suns teams. Only they slow the game to a crawl in order to take mid-range jumpers at the end of the shot clock instead of putting up shots in the first seven seconds.

[NovU]

Problem is, they aren't very good defensively. They're the same as everyones perception of the old Suns teams. Only they slow the game to a crawl in order to take mid-range jumpers at the end of the shot clock instead of putting up shots in the first seven seconds.

Interesting insight, and seems it's very true. The defense just isn't there and I don't think there will be key defensive stoppers when it really counts. Oden I think will be pretty much ineffective with foul troubles and will be seldom used cause of his lack of offensive ability.

[benji]

Eh? He shoots 60% and for players over 1,000 minutes he leads the league in offensive rebounding. (Two rookies lead the league, and a soph is fourth, how awesome.) He also takes 90% of his shots in the paint, which this team could use more of. And he's creating most of his baskets by himself.

[shadowgrin]

The defense just isn't there and I don't think there will be key defensive stoppers when it really counts.

You seem to forget mighty Joe Pryzbilla.

[NovU]

Eh? He shoots 60% and for players over 1,000 minutes he leads the league in offensive rebounding. (Two rookies lead the league, and a soph is fourth, how awesome.) He also takes 90% of his shots in the paint, which this team could use more of. And he's creating most of his baskets by himself.

I guess I didn't realize he was such an efficient player with 3rd best +/- rating behind Roy and Aldridge.

[Donatello]

Hedo Turkoglu has agreed in principle to sign with the Trail Blazers, according to sources.

Turkoglu cannot sign a contract with Portland until Wednesday, after the NBA has released the salary cap for the 2009-10 season.

The deal is believed to be worth roughly $50 million over five years.

Turkoglu had dinner with Blazers coach Nate McMillan in Florida on Wednesday, and the forward flew to Portland to visit the team and city on Thursday.

Via realgm.com

[Lamrock]

Not excited. We were the best offensive team in the league this year, and with a young core, it would have made more sense going with the 23 year old defensive-minded Ariza. Not only is he a vast improvement on D, he is more of a threat offensively than Batum, who, despite being loved by the Blazer fans on RealGM, is a major project. Turk is 30, and in a couple years, his contract will be a joke.

There are things to like about this though. Hedo is a point forward, and having more playmakers will aid Oden's development. (I still have faith in Greg. Apparently he was actually good last year!) Also, it helps to have another player that can take the pressure of Roy. The only way this helps their defense however is if Nate decides to go with a Roy - Rudy - Turk - LMA - Oden lineup, which I don't see happening.

If Kirk for Outlaw + Blake happens, its a good offseason.

[Donatello]

Orrrr not...

Hedo Turkoglu has backed out of his commitment with the Trail Blazers and could sign with the Raptors, according to Yahoo! Sports.

[Lamrock]

Now it looks like Battier is the target. Would cost Rudy, and one of our many SF's, but sign me up! Dude is exactly what this team needs.

[Donatello]

I'd be okay with seeing Rudy go- if he really did make those comments he was quoted as making here recently (regarding Turkoglu)... bad attitudes really rub me the wrong way. We have plenty of offensive potential without Rudy anyway. I hope Webster doesn't have to go (or Outlaw, really- but I'd rather see Outlaw go, I'll stick by Webster until the end), but I think it'd be worth it for a defensive presence like Battier (not to mention the seemingly good attitude).

[The X]

Shit, Battier could push this team over the top. I also think making a deal for Hinrich as starting PG (I think he'd be great complement for Roy in backcourt) would help. Paxson's an idiot, so he'd probably take Blake & change.

[Donatello]

I agree, I'd love to see Hinrich here. Again, I hate to see Blake go because he's been so loyal, but... that's a huge upgrade.

[The X]

I agree, I'd love to see Hinrich here. Again, I hate to see Blake go because he's been so loyal, but... that's a huge upgrade.

I like Blake as well, but I just can't see point in having both Hinrich & Blake. Minutes really have to open up for Bayless in backcourt this season, hence part of reason Rodriguez was given away to the Kings.

[Andrew]

Paxson's an idiot, so he'd probably take Blake & change.

I don't know. That still sounds like more than he'd Paxson would ask for.

[Lamrock]

What about Josh Childress? If Portland is able to pick him up, then that would be even better. if we can do a sign & trade with Atlanta (Outlaw/Webster + Blake? to get Childress, we're set. He can defend, and is a far superior offensive player to Batum or Outlaw.

[cyanide]

Isn't Childress in Europe?

[Andrew]

The Hawks still own the right to match contracts too, since he'd still be a restricted free agent if he returns to the NBA.

[J@3]

Edit: Note to self: Be awake for at least 30 minutes before reading and responding to posts.

Love, Jae

[Donatello]

Saw an article that said Childress is in Milwaukee to talk with the Bucks. I agree he'd be a good fit on the Blazers.

And loljae.

[Andrew]

Either way it comes down to the Hawks being willing to make a sign-and-trade. I guess they might do that if the right deal is on the table and they would at least be getting something in return. Still, they might prefer to try and smooth things over and bring him back on board themselves.

[The X]

Some very disheartening news for Aussie bball fans as Patrick Mills broke his foot on first day of practice. Shame he didn't stay at Saint Mary's for one more season

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319431


And I'm also very surprised that the Blazers would be playing hardball with Brandon Roy. That's the one player you wouldn't expect it to happen to I'm going to feel like Andrew did about Ben Gordon if Blazers don't get the job done & sign Roy to a max extension. What more does the guy have to do? How can you offer an above average player like Turkoglu 5 & 50 and not be willing to give Roy a 5-year deal?!? I wonder if the demise of the Portland Trailblazers franchise is about to begin

Source: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... extension/


Whilst I like the idea of getting Kirk Hinrich, I don't know about Bayless going. I guess you have to give up pieces to get pieces. Although frankly I don't think Tyrus Thomas & Kirk Hinrich are worth Carlos Boozer & Jerryd Bayless.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319607


Although the following could throw a spanner into the works as Blazers have offered Millsap a 4 year, $32-36 million deal that the Jazz will have to deal Boozer to match. That probably puts the above proposed 3-way deal to rest. I'm a little surprised they are going after Millsap, although I think he's better value than Hedo Turkoglu. Makes me wonder if LaMarcus Aldridge is in the team's future (maybe only for right amount I guess). Should be interesting though.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4320029

[Andrew]

That's a real shame about Mills. Hopefully it doesn't derail his NBA career before it even begins, I can't imagine it bodes well for his chances of securing a roster spot unless the Blazers are really keen on him and his potential.

[Lamrock]

Some very disheartening news for Aussie bball fans as Patrick Mills broke his foot on first day of practice. Shame he didn't stay at Saint Mary's for one more season

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319431

I reckon they will still sign them, as they will need some minimum contracts to fill the roster anyway. It is unfortunate though.

And I'm also very surprised that the Blazers would be playing hardball with Brandon Roy. That's the one player you wouldn't expect it to happen to I'm going to feel like Andrew did about Ben Gordon if Blazers don't get the job done & sign Roy to a max extension. What more does the guy have to do? How can you offer an above average player like Turkoglu 5 & 50 and not be willing to give Roy a 5-year deal?!? I wonder if the demise of the Portland Trailblazers franchise is about to begin

Source: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... extension/

Kevin Pritchard had sucked this year, but I gotta lay the blame on this one for Paul Allen. How do you lowball Brandon Roy?!

Whilst I like the idea of getting Kirk Hinrich, I don't know about Bayless going. I guess you have to give up pieces to get pieces. Although frankly I don't think Tyrus Thomas & Kirk Hinrich are worth Carlos Boozer & Jerryd Bayless.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319607

Bayless is looking like a bust, but the Bulls would be crazy to ask for him. Fernandez would be a better fit anyway, but they would be getting Boozer, so they shouldn't ruin the deal by requesting a piece of a team's future.

Although the following could throw a spanner into the works as Blazers have offered Millsap a 4 year, $32-36 million deal that the Jazz will have to deal Boozer to match. That probably puts the above proposed 3-way deal to rest. I'm a little surprised they are going after Millsap, although I think he's better value than Hedo Turkoglu. Makes me wonder if LaMarcus Aldridge is in the team's future (maybe only for right amount I guess). Should be interesting though.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4320029

The Blazers don't need another power forward. I think this signing will actually make the 3-way deal more likely, as Millsap's deal would cost Utah 15 million next season counting luxury tax, and they have already verbally parted ways with Boozer.