The Portland Trailblazers are pleased to announce the acquiring of Mike Conley, Brandan Wright, Patrick O'Bryant and Chris Richard in 3 seperate transactions.
October 30th
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Mike Conley and Greg Oden have been friends since they were little boys on the tarmac. They're bond and chemistry is sky high. The two played high school and college ball together, where they attended Ohio State University. The two led OSU to the Big 10 Conference championship as well as the National Championship game where they lost to the Florida Gators.
The Blazers have acquired Mike Conley Jr, the forth overall pick of the 07-08 draft for sharp shooter James Jones and overseas project, Sergio Rodriguez, the 27th overall pick in the 2006-07 draft who was acquired from the Phoenix Suns for cash considerations.
Sergio Rodriguez, also known as the "Spanish Chocolate" in Spain, has impressed the Memphis Front Office. They like his skills and athletics as well as his ability to get to the rim. They decided to move Mike Conley because of the log jam with rookie Javaris Crittenton and Kyle Lowry. They are going to leave Rodriguez overseas until he improves some more. They were hoping to trade the draft selection on draft day but that didn't happen. The Trailblazers were contacted much later, due to the fact that Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. have played basketball together ever since they were little boys. They're bond and chemistry is strong and the Portland Trailblazers want their roster to grow together as a team.
The other key reason the Grizzlies did the deal was to obtain sharpshooter James Jones. His stroke from mid-range-3pt is money and that's what they want at their 2. He'll be backing up Miller and Gay when they rest on the bench.
The second transaction the Portland Trailblazers made was trading Raef LaFrentz for Chris Richard. Because of the large amount of cap space the Minniseota Timberwolves had, they were able to pick up LaFrentz' contract with ease. This move allows them to move Al Jefferson back to his natural position where he can dominate opponents' power forwards and not have to guard the best big man on the court.
The Blazers did this to free up cap space so they could pick up a key rotational player in the off-season if needed. They will have a projected 22M in cap space this off-season. Enough money to acquire a few rotational players as well as a star player such as Josh Smith, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, etc.
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Rookie Brandan Wright, who was also a freshman, attended the University of North Carolina. He was named 2007 ACC Men's Tournament MVP. His athleticism will take him far in the NBA, hopefully he can develop into a great player.[/align]
The last transaction the Blazers made today was acquiring Brandan Wright and Patrick O'Bryant for Joel Pryzbilla, veteran Von Wafer and Josh McRoberts.
The Blazers love Brandan Wright and his ability to make put back jams and his atheleticism. They feel he has a bright future ahead of him and want to help him grow and make it happen. Scouts and anaylsts believe Wright can be a future all-star if molded properly. The Blazers front office will do their best to see what they can do for their young organization.
Patrick O'Bryant is a legit 7 footer. His big body allows him to get in position and shot block. He was not utilized properly in the Nellie Ball system (Run & Gun) so the stats may not be there to back him up. The Blazers will do their best to give him time off the bench behind Greg Oden when needed.
Veterans Joel Pryzbilla and Von Wafer were shipped to Golden State in the deal. Pryzbilla is a big body and always does the dirty work for the team he plays on. He will shotblock, rebound and lay his body on the line for the team. The Warriors were looking for a center to start in front of Andris Biedrins while he learns and develops a stronger offense.
The Warriors also obtained Josh McRoberts, who the Blazers feel can be a key rotational player somewhere down the line. The Warriors were not going to do the deal without him so the Blazers were forced to give up their prospect.
Overall, the management is happy with their moves today, and hope the team can grow together. The chemistry between Greg Oden and Mike Conley is already there which is going to be a key reason for success. Brandon Roy, the leader of the Blazers, will do his best as a sophmore. It's his second year in the NBA and he has impressed and turned many heads.
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