I've seen many opinions on what the Blazers should do this offseason. I just read Tom in Hawaii's proclamation: "don't ****  trade travis outlaw."  Most believe a new point guard is necessary.  Do the Blazers need an offensive minded or defensive minded PG? The best of both worlds would be nice. Some say, if they had to choose, a defensive PG would be the best fit. Others say the opposite and some don't see why the Blazers need to sell themselves short. I've heard about the impending playing time crunch. I heard Martell Webster say that things don't need to change...keep the team the way it is. I read somewhere that James Jones is concerned about minutes, because of the SF log jam that will occur once Greg Oden takes the court and Outlaw is forced to play more 3. If some changes need to happen or Jones says he may have to consider free agency a bit more strongly.

Travis is one of the many exciting developments of the 07-08 season and it would be a shame to lose him after all the patience the Blazers have shown him. However, there is a reason why Tom in paradise is scared. to lose him.  Jarrett Jack's resounding 55% leave vote on Oregonlive from the fans and the overwelming agreement that Jack isn't the answer at point guard. The blazers will probably have to give someone to get that final piece to the championship puzzle. The Blazers could go cheep, not trade Travis, Martell or ______ player that most fans would hate to lose, but what would they get.

Here are some thoughts:

Ramon Sessions

This is a guy who was drafted just last year. The Blazers looked at him, thought about drafting him and passed. But, after sitting on the Milwaukee bench all year, Mo Williams got injured and Sessions exploded. Bucks fans were exclaiming they have the next Chris Paul/Deron Williams etc. He ended this season much like the way Travis Outlaw finished last season. Full of promise. He was a great playmaker and shooter on a depleted bucks roster...but Pritchard is wary of players who end the season with such a bang will little substance to preceed. That said, even Pritchard had to comment on the fine play by he youngster from milwaukee towards the end of the season. Jack for Sessions would likely be the trade Pritchard would call with first.

Russell Westbrook

The Blazers probably won't have the option of drafting Westbrook with the 13th pick this year...most mock drafts have him going a few spots higher than 13. But, Pritchard will find the least expensive way to get him if thats who the Blazers decide to draft (Jack  may get the Blazers to where they want to be). However, Westbrook has no NBA go to offensive moves create his own shot. He certainly won't be spoting up from 3 and will likely take longer to develop than the Blazers are willing to wait.

TJ Ford

Most people outside of Toronto agree that his value around the league couldn't be lower. Kevin Pritchard is a smart investor and likes to buy low. Toronto, if they decide to keep Calderon, will likely have to trade Ford for dirt because of Calderon's recent comments. Raef + Jack and a 2011 protected draft pick might be the best offer Toronto recieves for Ford. However, someone over at the Realgm forum summed up Ford quite well in 2 words: "Spinal Stenosis." So...even though Ford's value is low there is merit to his percieved value (not to mention his large contract).

Beno Udrih

Emerged as a legitimate starting PG in Sacramento this season. But, I know very little about his game. Is he a good defender? Does he have the ability to start on a championship contender? I have a feeling the Blazers could pick him up with the vet exception this season if they so desired.

Petteri Koponen

We'll see in summer league, but he's probably not there yet. (Oh, just a side comment...Joel Freeland will never play in the NBA.  He won't ever be good enough).

But, the guys that the Blazers could get without giving much up are the guys who are either risky or guys with 'potential'. McMillan wants another reliable vet somewhere on the roster (even if it isn't at the PG position). He certainly doesn't want to lose Jones' calming veteran presence. The Courtside crew of Rice and Barrett seem to think the Blazers need to get older. But, the veterans who fit Pritchard's plan come with a higher price tag. That's because those 'veterans' are guys who are still fairly young...25, 26 or so.

In the end, I'm of the opinion that the Blazer's need to thin the roster. Rudy will need minutes...something Paul Allen and Kevin Pritchard most likely guaranteed him in Spain. Greg Oden will need minutes. The easiest thing to do is trade Jarrett Jack. There is 28 minutes to throw at Rudy.  But where is Oden's minutes going to come from. You can show me all the pie charts and playing rotations you want...there will be an unhappy Blazer somewhere in the SF, PF or C slot.

But, the Blazers don't have to consolidate right now.  Management can see who makes progress this summer and next season.  So, maybe Sessions is the perfect fit.  He can develop behind Blake, but still has the talent to play now.  He doesn't have to eat up minutes, unless he good...but I doubt anyone will complain if thats the case.

Would you trade Jarrett Jack for Ramon Sessions?

Sessions stats as a starter this season  (warning:  really small sample size):

G    GS    MPG    FG%    3P%    FT%    OFF    DEF    REB    APG    SPG    BPG    PPG

7      7      42.7    .469     .400    .737      0.7      4.9      5.6      13.1     1.7      0.4      13.1