I love the idea of getting Paul Millsap, but I just don't think it is going to happen.  I understand that Portland wanted to force Utah to make a move, but have we really accomplished that?  Boozer opting to stay in Utah was more poisonous than anything we have done. Utah doesn't want to lose Millsap,  but I see no reason why Utah and New York wouldn't do a David Lee sign n' trade for Boozer, since that would take care of Utah's PF issue, and give New York a one year Boozer rental that doubles as an expiring contract.  So Utah would basically be in the same spot, since they were going to just let Boozer walk anyway. The only differences in that scenario is that they'll end up with Lee instead of Millsap (two players in similar molds), and we would be deeper at the PF spot.  Was our offer sheet really "poisonous" enough? 

One thing I thought of tonight is just how much adding a player like Millsap to the team makes as much sense, if not more sense, than someone like Turkeyglue.  If we were to add a player of Millsap's stature, the Trailblazers would arguably have three of the best positional tandems in the entire NBA.  We would have what I believe is the best SG tandem in Roy & Rudy.  We'd have the best PF tandem in Aldridge and Millsap.  We would also have the best C tandem in Oden & Przybilla.  Not too shabby.  Feel free to argue if you can think of better positional tandems in the league.

I'm in favor of leaving the SF postion alone, assuming that Martell Webster comes back healthy, which is a huge question mark.  I think Batum and Webster are solid enough, are very athletic, and can shoot the ball well.  I think Nic will continue to improve. With a bit more bulk, I'd love to see him expand his game to where he could post-up some people using his long arms and jumping ability as an advantage.

I think the most realistic possibility to improve our PG spot with someone who would fit the bill would be to land Kirk Heinrich. If we land Millsap, we'd certainly have to trade Blake and Outlaw for salary matching purposes to get him.  If we don't land Millsap, I think we'd have to do Outlaw, Bayless, + Cap Space to get him.  At this point, I'd be fine with either scenario. I used to be big on Bayless, and I still very much like him, but at the same time, I am tired of banking on potential when it comes to players.  It seems like 2 out of 3 players that are highly touted because of potential end up as disappointments. I'd rather have a sure thing.  If our PG postion consisted of Heinrich as our starter, and Blake as our backup, I would be very content with that. Kirk is an above average PG, and Blake would be one of the best if not the best backup PG's in the league. So that would make another really solid tandem.

Depth Chart

SF  Batum, Webster, Cunningham

PF  Aldridge, Millsap (please God!), Pendergraph

C    Oden, Przybilla, (Bring Back Ha)

SG  Roy, Fernandez, ? ? ?

PG  Heinrich, Blake, Pooh?, Maybe a Brevin Knight?

Like many Blazer fans who began to speculate about who Kevin Pritchard was referring to in his conversation with Canzano at the Saturday Market, I've been trying to think of every imaginable scenario that would A) Put us in the conversation to be championship contenders, B) Fit the culture KP has managed to create here in Portland, C) Make sense to the other team, and D) Fall into the category of "Man, seriously, if you only knew who I was talking about."

I've seen many people throwing out names like Chris Paul, Deron Williams, K-be Bry-nt, and even Lebron James. I have a hard time imagining those players going anywhere in a trade...especially when you consider how much value their respective NBA franchises stand to lose if those players leave. 

I imagine that many of you who have clicked on this link have already formulated arguments as to why "Duncan doesn't fit our timeline," or "Lamarcus is young and is only tapping his potential".  Well I must say that I tend to agree with you.  And, that is where this all takes an interesting twist.  If in fact KP was referring to Duncan in his conversation with Canzano, and that is a HUGE if, it isn't because Duncan is his target...it's because KP's real target is Tony Parker.  The key to getting Tony Parker, I believe, is to take back Tim Duncan, and help restock San Antonio's roster with some young promising players, better contracts, and free agent opportunities.

Quite frankly, San Antonio is in a bad spot.  They are a team that was/is designed to win now with an abundance of aging players, and they faded towards the end of the season. Losing Ginobolli for the playoffs was obviously a big part of that, but I'm not convinced he puts them over the top anyway.  I also think San Antonio is losing the appeal of a place where veterans are willing to take a pay cut and try to win a title.  I may be wrong in this thought, but I don't think I am.  So why would San Antonio do a deal with us?

Duncan is scheduled to make around $20 Million over each of the next 3 seasons and Parker is scheduled to make around $13 Million over each of the next 2.  Since I don't see San Antonio getting any better (and only getting older), what is the point of keeping them around? That's what the Sonics/Thunder did with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.  Even though those guys have gone on to both reach the NBA finals, we've got to remember that they are both the 3rd option on their respective teams.  Suddenly, the Thunder are supposed to be a fun and exciting team that's up and coming.

Portland has some guys that San Antonio wants.  We know for sure that San Antonio recently wanted Przybilla as they tried to sign him. We know that they wanted Batum, but KP snatched him away.  I'm sure they would be more than happy to have Aldridge, who is due to be an all star for the better part of the next decade.  In fact, they probably like players like Rudy, Bayless, and Outlaw too. 

So why not make a deal if it makes sense for both teams?  Contrary to what some might say, The Blazers do have the ability to match salaries under the current CBA, as they can still use Raef LaFrentz in a sign and trade, and could probably somehow do an extension on Lamarcus' contract as well.  Raef would be making some darn sweet money for 1 year as a Keith Van Horn type of throw in, but I could see San Antonio paying the salary for a year, if in the end it removes the financial obligation of paying for Duncan and Parker's big contracts over the next 3 years. It would be like what we did with Steve Francis when we traded Zach Randolph away. Plus, when Duncan gets to be about 36-37, we could then slightly retool our roster with his $21 Million Dollar expiring contract, and THAT COULD EXTEND OUR CHAMPIONSHIP WINDOW TO AS LONG AS IT MIGHT BE IF WE JUST STAND PAT NOW. The deal would have to include Aldridge, Batum, one of (Blake or Bayless), one of (Przybilla or Rudy) and some draft picks.  We'd have to throw in what San Antonio wants, without completely gutting our bench.  There are different combinations you could do to make this trade.  This particular one would send Bayless, Rudy, Aldridge, Batum, #24 Pick, maybe some 2nd round picks, and LaFrentz's loop-hole contract. As much as I love Rudy, I just don't see him starting on the Blazers as long as we have Roy, unless we move Roy to the SF, which would be controversial to do.

Portland        

PG-Parker, Blake, (Kopenen ?)

SG-Roy, ? (resign Fred Jones...you owe him KP)

C-Oden, Pryzbilla

PF-Duncan, Outlaw (Freeland  ?)

SF-Webster, (Udoka in as part of the deal?)

San Antonio

PG-Hill or Bayless

SG-Ginibolli, Rudy, Mason

C-Thomas or Oberto

PF-Aldridge, Bonner

SF-Batum or Finley

I was surprised that the Blazers did not move him when the trade deadline arrived, but I was not shocked either.  It was amusing how Raef LaFrentz had morphed from a Power Forward who was a solid body, can rebound, block some shots, and even have decent shooting range...it was interesting how he became an acronym (RLEC)

My thought I've had though, and I haven't heard or seen anyone discuss it, is the possibility of bringing him back.  Most people on this site have said we need to address our backup power forward position in the offseason.  I totally agree with that sentiment.  So my question is, why not make LaFrentz that guy?  He is only like 31 years old. I know that he is just a shadow of what he was when he signed that massive contract that just recently expired, but would he not do a sufficient job at a price that should be somewhat reasonable?  Is he not a veteran presence we supposedly could use? He is already familiar with our players, coaches, and system.  We'd only need 8-12 minutes a game out of him.  He could also be our #3 center, which people say we lack.

Unless we can get a player who can lock that job up in the draft, we'll probably have to overpay for a big man through free agency.  So, unless he is totally washed up, I don't think it is a half bad idea to bring him back. What are your thoughts?

There has been analysis after analysis after overanalysis after urinalysis on this site about who we should trade for, who we should sign, or if we should just stand pat with our roster.  Small forward and Point guard are the two positions brought up the most.  However, I'm not sure that is the best course of action.  A few thoughts....

Too many people seem to think that point guards who can drive past anyone at will, lock-down defend, nail three pointers, and average 10 assists a game, can be found at the nearest Walgreens.  For us to get one of those all-stars (because that's what I just described) would be no easy task.  I obviously wish we could have one of those types of players, but I can guarentee our roster would have to change more than just dumping Raef, Travis, and a 2nd rounder to get one.  Besides, what GM would want to give up that type of player, unless that player was a headcase like Marbury? Point guard is the hardest position to play.  Blake is ok, but I yearn for a more talented PG...one who can play better defense on the perimeter.

I think we are fine at small forward.  I really believe Martell is the man for the job, and Batum will be in a few years if Martell doesn't get it done. 

We're fine at center...nuff said.

We're fine at shooting guard. Again, nuff said.

The power forward position is what I'd like to address.  I'm very happy with LMA, with the exception of his tendency to float away from the basket and not get many rebounds.  He is young, is a major talent, and currently has a very nice salary considering what he's worth to our team.  I'm in no hurry to see him go at all.  Also of note, I'm disgusted with our backup power forwards. They are simply inadequate in my opinion.  God Bless Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, Ike Diogu, and RLEC, but they all have one major thing in common...They are consistantly inconsistant and can not be relied on.  Channing Frye had 6 good games last year, and if it weren't for the last week of the season, he would have only had about one or two real standout performances.  He has been less than impressive so far this season. Diogu simply isn't athletic enough.  Outlaw seems to take one step forward and one step back.  So what to do?

The question I have BEdgers, is whether or not you think it would be more beneficial to gain a star point guard at the expense of losing LMA in a trade to get one, or do you think it would be better to stick with LMA?  My thought is if we trade for a really good point guard like a Tony Parker, we could use some of the potential free agent money we are going to have to sign someone like Okur from Utah. This is just one example I suppose, but unless we are willing to make a trade that probably involves LMA, Outlaw, and RLEC, and maybe Sergio, we won't get the type of pg people are clamoring for; that is, unless you believe that person is Bayless, which only time will tell.

Could we realistically get a Tony Parker like player, and sign someone like Okur?  Heck, I'm tired of Okur always having the Blazer's number everytime we play the Jazz. The guy has great shooting range, and has been an all-star. None of our current power forwards can say they've ever been an NBA all-star.

1st Unit: PG-Parker, SG-Roy, C-Oden, PF-Okur, SF-Webster

2nd Unit: PG-Bayless, SG Rudy, C- Przybilla, PF-Freeland, SF Batum

We could eventually have 4 all-stars in our starting 5.

The latest game against the Utah Jazz, I believe, is a microcosm of the problems our team has had with being consistent, learning how to maintain a lead, and having the killer instinct needed to put teams away.  We had a chance to put Utah away when we went up by 11 points...but the Blazers bumbled and fumbled around, and let a team that had lost all momentum get right back in the game.  The Blazers never recovered after that, and it has made me consider a few things I'll share in a moment. 

For three quarters against the Jazz, the Blazers played a very acceptable and reasonable game considering the talent we have...it wasn't perfect but they outplayed the Jazz and played the way we know they are capable of playing (and have come to expect from them by this point in their progression)
Then they reverted to 2005 in the fourth quarter. I think most Blazer fans can relate to my frustration in this. 

Kevin Pritchard has done a fantastic job so far, and I simply want to say that I hope he is not done.  As frustrated as I can get at Nate for what I think are questionable lineups, a lack of flow in his offensive schemes, and some of his in-game decisions, he is not to blame for every little thing that goes wrong.  The thing I think is holding our team back from the success we hope to see, (and the point I want to make here), is that many of the players on our roster are really just one dimensional talents. Some would try to argue with me that they are "role players," but please hear me out.  We lack players with multi-dimensional talent and skill on this team, and it will continute to be our achillies heel. It will really continue to hurt us, as long as these one dimensional players continue to get big minutes. That is why we are sloppy on offense, and are allowing 50% shooting on defense.

We only have two players on this roster, in my opinion,  that are well-rounded and polished.  They are Brandon Roy  and Rudy Fernandez.  Roy can penetrate, create his own shot, take care of the ball, and play good defense.  Rudy can do all of that as well as shoot lights out from 3-pt range.  His D is weak, but he'll get you a steal or two a game.  Beyond that, we simply don't have multi-dimensional talent.

Oden, LMA, Webster, and Bayless,  have potential to be well rounded, but they definitely are far from polished right now.  Oden is raw offensively. LMA has lacked an interior presence on both sides of the ball, Webster is becoming more of an all around player, but needs to stay healthy and finally live up to the "potential," and Bayless is kind of like Travis Outlaw in a guard's body...that isn't meant to be a knock on him, but he needs to learn how to be a PG in the NBA, and his one year in college was more of a combo guard type of role. 

1) Steve Blake- sufficient shooter who can run an offense.  Can't drive past opposing guards, and often time is blown past by opposing guards.  He would be one of the best back up PG's in the league.

2) Joel Przybilla-Good defender...and that's about it. He would be one of the best backup centers in the league.

3) Sergio Rodriguez- Great court-vision for passing...and that's about it.

4) Travis Outlaw- Valuable when his jumper is falling...poor defender who also takes the offense out of its flow way too much.

5) Channing Frye-see Travis Outlaw minus the offensive flow part.

6) Ike Diogu-reputation for his low post game, but his athletic ability seems lower than Zach Randolph's

7) Nicholas Batum- Mostly defense, though he has potential to be multi-dimensional.

8)Shavlik Randolph- Who cares

9) RLEC- Only has cap relief value, or so I've been told.

So let's be honest.  Six of the 9 or 10 guys who are seeing major minutes on our team are very one dimensional talents who bring significant liabilities to our team. So it should be no big shock that the best we can do is just sort of hang with teams, rather than whoop up on them.  Having Martell Webster and Greg Oden back will be tremendous for this team. I think Martell has grown up and he's a big part of our team's future.   

I think Channing Frye, Ike Diogu, Sergio Rodriguez, and RLEC should be gone by this time next year at the latest.  You could even throw Outlaw into that group too, although I'd like to keep him as our backup 4.  I don't know how we are going to do it, but we need an upgrade at point guard.  We need to be able to put pressure on opposing defenses by driving to the hoop, and we need to take pressure off of our own defense by slowing opposing point guards down.

Our lineup should be

Starters                                   2nd Unit

Webster-SF                            Batum

Aldridge-PF                            Outlaw

Oden-C                                   Przybilla

Roy-SG                                   Fernandez

???-PG                                   Blake

Eventually Bayless will overtake Blake, and then maybe even the starting job at some point down the line. I wouldn't mind Kirk Heinrich, but it would be nice to have a point guard that can get to the hoop, draw fouls, and finish (What we all hope Bayless can be). I'm not sure if Kirk can do all of that.

What are your thoughts?

Sure would be nice to have him, especially now that Branch, Engram, and Burleson are all banged up.  With the exception of New England, (now that Brady is out for the year,) why the heck do we seem to be cursed with the injury bug so much? 

For the bright spots Ruskell seems to have, I'm sick of the arrogance...Arrogance to think not franchising Hutch was the right thing to do...arrogance to let every other area of the team be set, but then just flat out neglect our receiving core at the start of the year, thinking Courtney Taylor will lead us to the promise land. 

Wanna hear a good joke?

If Mo Morris' injury is serious, we should offer to resign Shaun Alexander back onto the roster. LOL 

Tweener recently posted about a friend of his who apparently is seeing the light (or hopping onto the Blazer Bandwagon) and suggested that we come up with something to make his friend say or do in order to affirm his new love for the Blazers.  Many suggested what could be done with the baby blue Kobaby Jersey, but not many mentioned anything about words, phrases or slogans.  I personally think that needs to be revisited, especially since "Junk Drawer" has pushed his post off the page.

I will start it off by this heartfelt rendering of "Blazer's Grace" which is really my cheap knock off of the hymn Amazing Grace.  Tweener, my friend, I think you should have this convert of yours sing "Blazer's Grace" to the tune of Amazing Grace, and you should record it so that we may see his face shine as he undergoes the miracle of being a "Born Again Blazer"  

Blazer's Grace

Oh what a waste the years have been

Rooting for Laker’s Gold.

What Oden Roy LaMarcus bring

Has changed my wretched soul.

...............................................

Pritchard taught all GM’s to fear

His drafts our fears relieved

How precious did his slap appear

The hour I first believed

..............................................

Through many trades, buy-outs, draft picks

Our roster’s looking fine.

To break the Lakers hearts and necks

It’s just about our time

...............................................

(KEY CHANGE UP)

When we’ve been champs, 10,000 years

With trophies we have won

I wish that I had been a fan

Cause Laker fans are dumb.

Listening to Blazer's Courtside tonight, Barrett and Rice mentioned what I thought would be a really beneficial trade for both of the teams involved to do.  I don't know if this was just an idea, a rumor, or what.  Here is what it was:

Blazers send New Jersey:

Jarrett Jack, Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, Raef Lafrentz, 13th Pick

New Jersey sends Portland:

Richard Jefferson, 10th Pick

The rationale here is that Jefferson would fill our needs at Small Forward, and then we could use the #10 pick to obtain D.J. Augustin, improving our Point Guard position..

Our starting lineup will then be Jefferson, Aldridge, Oden, Roy, & Augustin.  Our backups would be Webster, some PF (Maybe McBob will be much improved this year), Przybilla, Rudy, & Blake.

If Augustine isn't available at 10, perhaps we can get Alexander, keep Blake in the starting lineup, and sign Petteri Koppenen to fill Jarrett Jack's roster spot.

I personally would rather include Webster than Outlaw.  James Jones is an adequate reserve SF. Otherwise, we could draft someone who could be a back-up forward or guard with a second round pick, or package our second round picks for a late first round pick to get one.  I should mention that Jefferson does have 3 more years on his current deal, for quite a chunk of money.  However, LaFrentz's contract is a big help to us in this situation, and we have Paul Allen as an owner. 

What are your thoughts? I say, get it done KP.

I absolutely love the term "Pritch-slapped"  It is a pure combination of finesse and power.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who shares this sentiment.  However, there is someone else who I think is getting the short end of the stick in all of this reverence.  He may not be of the Pritch-slap status, but has been known to cause some draft day havoc himself.  That man, my friends, is Assistant GM Tom Penn.  He was Robin to Kevin Pritchard's Batman when it came to dumping off players to New York, and receiving trade exceptions, players, and picks from Phoenix.  I'm sure he has even nastier tricks up his sleeve for this year's draft.  You see my fellow Blazer fans, some of you have been right in assessing that the GM's of other teams may hessitate to deal with us out of fear (and justifiably so) of being Pritch-slapped.  So we must unleash a new weapon...a weapon they will never see coming.  That's right people.  After the 2008 NBA draft, people won't just have the Pritch-slap to fear.  They will also be fearing the "Penn-stab"  Too risque for you?  I suppose we could morph it into being "Penn-poked" Could you imagine the embarassament of Jon Paxon if he were to be both Pritch-slapped and Penn-poked during his tenure with the Bulls?

Next on the agenda...Why in the heck does it seem like so many people are content with the idea of trading Travis Outlaw away? He is our best bench player.  He has improved every year.  He finally had a break-through year last season.  He is on pace to possibly crack our starting line-up at the Small Forward position.  He has verbally said he wants to be an all-star.  On his own, he has decided to take the initiative to work on his game over the summer and come into camp in tip-toe shape.  He is one of the best athletes in the league.  He has accomplished the success he has without any moves to the basket or ball-handling ability.  He can get his shot off against anyone in this league.  With practice, he still has a ton of upside to meet.  When he gets it all together (not if, but when) he will be a huge huge asset for our team.  So my question to the people who seem determined to out this guy is, "Who's your supplier?" I must join forces with Annthefan and #25 you to infinity.  25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...25...

Finally, in the spirit of the first paragraph, what would be some cool "methods" used by players on our roster or Blazer staff we could think up that would be used to describe the way they'd enforce their will on people?  We have Pritch-slapped and now we have Penn-poked, but what else can you think of?  Come on people, it's the summer and it's slow posting around here.  Let's have some fun.  For example, if Brian Wheeler were our GM, we could say that people got "Wheeled-over".  If Oden dunked on someone, we could say they've been "Odenized" If Von Wafer his way, I suppose you could say that they got Wafered, or perhaps "Crisped."  Come up with your best stuff.  We need to start some new trends.