If we can't afford a decent C to put next to LMA, I could see them entertaining trade ideas for Randle. They'd be targeting rim protector C's on their rookie contracts to fit the salary in. Some potential targets are Gobert, Whiteside, some more realistic options that might actually be on the trading block are Henson & Dieng.
Hells to the NO. Stop everyone with the trading Randle just to make a couple smaller things easier. Black and Sacre can hold down the fort until we fix Upshaw. Spend the money more wisely.
1-4 and the 6th man (Randal off the bench) we'd be set even with all the rookies and sophomores on the team. I wouldn't fret if we needed to start Black at the C this season if it was because we put all our money into LA.
They're not trading Randle. Every report has made that abundantly clear. I've heard they might be willing to trade Russell for Cousins but I've heard nothing of trading Randle.
How many games did Rob personally lose for us? He's a big body that plays decent position defense and holds his ground. Black can swat a bit. If Upshaw looks good in summer league bring him to camp. If he looks good there put him on the damn squad.
Agree about Upshaw. Sacre is a 3rd string center, man. It's not about how many games he lost us. He's just not that talented to come in and give big minutes and still be productive against the more talented big men in the league. He's a hard-working blue collar player; good locker room guy. Kind of fits in the mold of a Kongo Kash, Ronny Turiaf role off the bench.
That's my point. Are we not in agreement that L.A. is Plan A? If we get him we go from there in strengthening the 5 spot. It seems silly to me to be talking about guys like Jordan and Chandler if we can't afford them because we've signed L.A. Why did Mitch bother with Upshaw? I doubt he's planning on first seeing if he can stay straight for a whole year if he's looking like our best center option by far, and saying all the right things and doing all the right things. Take the chance with the 1 + 1 minimum contract.
True. But not talking about big minutes. I can't be the only one here expecting improvement in his sophomore year from Black as well. Stronger, improved skills, young and able to play decent minutes. Maybe L.A. will agree to some 5 in limited times when needed. I don't know, just saying. Hasn't he in the past? We know he doesn't want to be "the" 5 going forward.
RE LTL: Yes, L.A. is plan A. Agree with strengthening the 5 through free agency or with a last resort option like Black. I still think Black is an upgrade over Hill. So, by default if we're forced to start him, I think he he's a good fit even in a reduced role in limited minutes. We're talking about Jordan and Chandler in case L.A. doesn't sign. An alternative plan to upgrade the 5 if you will. Upshaw presents no gamble. A high talented prospect that we could sign and keep track of on our own summer league team. If he pans out, we'll have a good shot at putting him in the D-league and potentially bringing him up if he plays well and keeps out of trouble. Similar to how Jabari Brown finally got his opportunity. By the way, our D-league doesn't get enough credit. They do a great job developing players...
LMA or DJ? If LMA doesn't want to play C, he's not an option I like. DJ might be my first choice. Then LMA or Chandler.
I see nothing I disagree with there, long as you don't break out the ..... "well we could trade Randall" to make this far less significant piece happen for our future than finding him and being lucky enough to have his unique talent on our team in the first place. It's damn hot outside ..... so I think we're good. At this point with the possibility of Upshaw I'm not even that keen on max contract for D. Jordan. Which I was, the second I saw them pass on Okafor. Chandler maybe OK.
Maybe he just means full time or much time at center? Little as possible. That would be OK. If none at all, then you're saying you don't want L.A. at all either? Just asking. I like DeAndre but real thinks he's a sack of rocks mentally. With Upshaw in the wings would it make sense to pay that kind of money then for Jordan? Assuming the best OF COURSE that Upshaw finally gets act together.
Here's what J.J. Hickson said about LaMarcus playing the 5: The six-year veteran refused to name names, but he said he was disappointed with some of the current Trail Blazers who voiced their opinions publicly stating that they desperately needed to acquire a traditional center in the offseason. At 6-9, Hickson played out of position at the center spot and lacked the defensive skill-set Portland was in dire need of. Yet still, he felt like he did all that he could do considering the situation. “I was playing out of position,” he said. “I know for a fact that L (LaMarcus Aldridge) doesn’t like to play center. He doesn’t like it. He just doesn’t. He’s an All-Star so he’s going to trump whatever. I had no problem playing out of position. I feel like I did it to the best of my ability. I was one-of-six guys in the league to average a double-double, so I think I did pretty good.” “As a player, he should use anything for motivation,” Aldridge said after learning about Hickson's comments to CSNNW.com. “So if he wants to use that to motivate him, that’s fine http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/hickson-elaborates-olsheys-comments-and-takes-shot-lopez
LMA and DJ are known commodities. We don't have many of those on this team. I'd take LMA, even if he doesn't want to play C, but I'm not a fan of players who won't do what's best for the team. Especially if they're max players.
