Despite all the discussion around Conley, Hinrich, et. al., I don't think I've actually seen a poll asking people who they think we should target as our starter next year. If I've overlooked it, then feel free to disregard this post.

A few cavaets in my poll...

Given that KP likes to target someone specific and then go try to get them, it seems worthwhile to evaluate guys independent of how much they would cost. All of these guys are likely available at a reasonable price, and I doubt KP would hesitate on his first choice because the guy is slightly more expensive than his second choice.

Also, I'm leaving out the guys that I think are off the market (the first-tier guys, Devin Harris, etc.) and I'm also leaving off the guys who will need a lot of development (Bayless, Rubio, draft pick, etc.). If you want one of the guys who need work, choose 'Blake + an unproven backup' below.

I'm sure I've left out somebody's favorite choice. Feel free to use 'other' for that guy.

Chad Ford floated this one in his mock draft today:

Blazers send the No. 13 pick and the expiring contract of Raef LaFrentz to Memphis for No. 5, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins.

This would essentially kill our cap space next year as Cardinal's contract is one year longer than Raef's.

Pick #5 would sure be attractive (Bayless?), but wouldn't we rather give up some combination of Travis/Martell/Channing/Jack instead of RLEC? Especially in light of Dave's post today.

Let's discuss...

We should trade Joel. He's our most marketable commodity and a luxury we can't afford.

Continue reading this post »