Portland Trailblazers

Forum Forum Lehigh Sports Lehigh In The Pros Portland Trailblazers

This topic contains 12 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by Bison137 Bison137 9 years, 7 months ago.

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  • #20383

    TMH
    Participant

    I think it is noteworthy that the option was not picked up on Affalo this week and that Blake was included in a trade to bring in Plumlee while bringing in no guards. It’s early in the process but the stock must be way up on a former #10 pick.

    #20403
    Bison137
    Bison137
    Participant

    I’m sure CJ’s stock is up, but a few things relative to the above:

    1. Portland didn’t have an option on Afflalo. It was a player option and thus his decision to leave. Denver traded him to Portland late this season partly because he was a rental player.

    2. SG Wesley Matthews is a free agent and is likely leaving. That is a much bigger loss than Afflalo and will have a major impact on CJ’s minutes. Matthews missed the latter part of the season but is supposed to be ready to play at or near the start of the 2015-16 season.

    3. On draft night, Portland traded for SG Gerald Henderson Jr., who started for Charlotte the past 4+ years and averaged around 15 ppg. He could well take over as a starter for them at the two, with CJ coming off the bench.

    In any event, with Portland losing Aldridge, Batum, Afflalo, Blake, and possibly Robin Lopez, they likely will not be a contender for the next couple years. They probably will make a play for a big-name free agent but could easily come up empty.

    #20404

    toddcudd
    Participant

    Is Aldridge move a done-deal? Hadn’t seen that yet…

    #20405
    Bison137
    Bison137
    Participant

    Virtually a done deal that he’s leaving Portland. A good shot to land at San Antonio if they can clear cap room. Other possibilities are Dallas and the Lakers. Also some talk about Houston and the Celtics. Outside shot of the Cavs if they could work a sign and trade with Kevin Love.

    #20407

    toddcudd
    Participant

    Love will stay in CLE, not even a question. Move would be asinine.

    P.S. Henderson is a backup, no question. Connaughton is a bigger threat to starting spot – and he’s no threat either.

    #20408
    Bison137
    Bison137
    Participant

    Why are you so certain about Henderson being a backup? He started the last five years and averaged 15 ppg. Henderson certainly is not a great player but he is a solid one. And Charlotte is certainly not a great team, but over the past two seasons they may have been as good as Portland will be in the coming season. I don’t think he’a a certain starter by any means – but I think he could end up starting if Matthews is gone.

    I forgot to mention Connaughton in my original post, but I don’t see him challenging for a starting job. There is a reason he was not picked until #41 in the draft – and it’s not just that he is a two-sport athlete. There are very few players who have ever been selected that late in the draft and started as rookies (or ever).

    #20409

    TMH
    Participant

    There is a lot to happen yet so everything we say is just projecting. Matthews is the enigma. Achilles injuries can be career ending. I’m not sure how many teams will have legitimate interest in him. I’m not sure Portland does either. IMHO, Henderson is the insurance. I don’t know if CJ will start next year or not. He and Henderson have very different skill sets. The latter is a tough defender but not that skilled of a shooter, CJ, of course, can really shoot but still doesn’t defend that well. With the changes so far this off season, I still feel however that CJ will get a lot of minutes, perhaps 25-30/game. With the trade of Blake, more of those may be spent at PG next season. Somehow Stott is going to find a way to get him on the court. Just my opinion.

    #20466

    TMH
    Participant

    Wesley Matthews signs with Mavs. Another positive sign for CJ

    #20478
    Bison137
    Bison137
    Participant

    Now that Aldridge has committed to the Spurs, Portland is left with only one returning starter. In the past few weeks, they have lost:

    – laMarcus Aldridge left for the Spurs
    – Wesley Matthews left for the Mavs
    – Aaron Afflalo left for the Knicks
    – Robin Lopez left for the Knicks
    – Steven Blake was traded to the Nets
    – Nicolas Batum was traded to Charlotte
    – Thomas Robinson signed with the Nets.

    They have added Vonleh, Henderson, Plumlee, Ed Davis, And Farouq Aminu. There will be lots of playing time for CJ, but unfortunately it will be for a fairly weak team. Major rebuilding project in Portland.

    #20479

    toddcudd
    Participant

    Agreed. They are now in dire need of an impact big man. Anybody of note still on the FA market?

    #20480

    TMH
    Participant

    One small correction Thomas Robinson was playing with the 76ers for the latter part of last season.

    #20491

    TMH
    Participant
    #20497
    Bison137
    Bison137
    Participant

    Grantland on the biggest NBA winner and loser in free agency:

    http://grantland.com/the-triangle/nba-free-agency-winners-and-losers/

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