Blazers Hit Targets in Draft
posted: 6/25/2009 at 10:17 PM
"We had several guys we were focusing on, and we got those players. We're very pleased with our draft." That, from Kevin Pritchard, following a busy NBA Draft on Thursday.
Portland fans, who've become accustomed to seeing their team select players with household names, were probably left scratching their heads after the Blazers selected at 22 in the first round. Only those who follow international ball, and studied mock drafts prior to Thursday probably immediately recognized the name Victor Claver, when his name was called by commissioner David Stern.
So, while many frantically ran a search on Claver's name on draft web sites, Pritchard's staff was quietly celebrating the fact that they had the man they wanted. They had to move up to the 22nd spot, in hopes of landing him, and it proved to be enough.
Claver was in Portland, and went through a pre-draft workout, but that was more than a year ago, before he withdrew his name from the 2008 draft. The Blazer scouts loved what they saw then, and stayed right on his tail during last season, when he grew and matured. He'll likely have another year or two gel into an NBA player before he's asked to actually sign with the Blazers.
It's very possible Claver will be paired with Rudy Fernandez on the Spanish National Team this summer for the European Championships. He was the final cut on the Olympic Team last summer, but according to some, should make the squad this time around. He doesn't turn 21 until the end of August.
The nice thing about this pick is the Blazers can afford to wait on Claver, who is 6-10, and over 230 pounds. He's athletic, can shoot with range, and reportedly has tremendous potential. So, while not a move that comes with the media splash we've come to expect, the Blazer scouts feel they've plucked another gem out of the European talent pool. And, they've got a pretty good track record on the prospects they've acquired.
So, while that move was focused on the future, another move was made, with another Spanish player, that could pay dividends in the near future. The Blazers traded Sergio Rodriguez, along with the 38th pick in the draft, to the Sacramento Kings, for the 31st pick. They used that to select Arizona State's Jeff Pendergraph.
Pendergraph, who impressed scouts in his workout in Portland on June 17th, was selected at 31, and could have a more immediate impact. As fans who followed the Pac-10 know, Pendergraph is a very physical 6-9, 240, who will provide toughness to Portland's front line. He fared very well in his workout against Tyler Hansbrough, and like Hansbrough, went to school for four years. That simply means he's more NBA-ready than most, and we'll get a look at him during the Vegas Summer League.
Another player who was involved in that same workout for the Blazers was Dante Cunningham, who starred at Villanova. He also played four years of college basketball, and comes in at 6-8, 235. He was second team All-Big-East his senior year, and was named the conference's Most Improved Player. Cunningham led Villanova in scoring and rebounding during his senior season.
With their final pick of the draft, number 55, the Trail Blazers drafted an Australian point guard, Patty Mills, who played his college ball at St.Mary's. Mills, who led Team Australia with 14 points per game in last summer's Olympics, played just two years at St.Mary's. Mills was projected in some mock drafts to go much higher, and the Blazers were thrilled that he slipped back to 55. He's also expected to take part in the summer league for the Blazers.
So, in short, the Blazers gained a roster spot by moving Sergio to the Kings, can take his money off the books, and with Claver not expected to come to the NBA for a couple of years, gain another roster spot. This indicates the team is set to be a major player in the free agent signing period which begins July 8th. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on July 1st, and then upon learning where the NBA salary cap will be set, can begin signing players on the 8th.
Even though this team was built through the draft, the Blazers are now in the position to make adjustments to the roster, store away talent for the future, and attack free agents. The day didn't perhaps have the flash of recent drafts, but it still goes down as a win in the eyes of the Portland executive team. Now, we can turn the page and get set for the next step, which is only a couple of weeks away.
Watch the archived video (first part, give it about 25 seconds)
Watch the archived video (second part)
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One note on the Vegas Summer League. The Blazers Broadcasting team will be heading to Las Vegas to broadcast three games in high definition on Comcast Sports Net. We'll broadcast the games on July 15th, 17th, and 18th, live from the Thomas and Mack Center, on the campus of UNLV.
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Barrett, are you trying to say that the Blazers moved up to 22 to get Claver? Couldn't we have just got him at 24 also?
What was Pritchard's real motivation for moving up to 22? I'm guessing this was a baby step in a bigger plan that ended up falling through? Any comments?
I cannot believe that Mills slipped that far. He will be better than Blake. Well done Portland, you may have just had the best pick in the draft since Arenas slipped to the second round.
All-in-all a better draft by KP and his team than could really be expected. I only hope they didn't make a mistake bypassing the NCAA #1 rebounder and letting him go to the Spurs.
Now, on to the free agents...
The draft wasn't quite as exciting as I hope, but I'm content with the results. But now after waiting and waiting for the draft to get here we have to wait again, this time for when we can sign FAs!
mrblazer,
Sorry to even think of questioning you! Sheesh!
From what I've read after signing LA and Roy we will be over the cap.
But, hey, you are can't be wrong, so excuse me for even questioning you.
Man, talk about throwing a hissy fit over nothing.
Claver is a very good pospect. Let´s see in he improves his game in Spain the next season, but is my opinion he is going to be a solid nba player.
Good morning everyone,
First of all I would like to thank Sergio and I wish him the best.
Secondly, I don't understand what the situation is for our SF position. If Claver stays in Europe for a while, we still have Travis, Martell and Nic. If he comes, we have 4 SF + a rookie PF in Pendergraph.
In my point of view we are now full of assests to deal with when free agency market opens. But who is likely to go ? What about Travis with now Pendergraph on his way for Backup PF ??? What does it says about Martell's recovery ?
I think it is another genius move from KP but we will see that only when the season starts.
Anyway it is intriguing and exciting.
It is another subjet for us Blazers' fans to debate on till next year
Goooooo Blaaaazeerrrsss !!!
Guillaume
In KP I trusted. In KP I still trust. I don't watch college basketball, and I'm satisfied with the team we have. And to learn KP is happy and the Blazer executives are happy, makes me a happy Blazer fan.
I'm also very glad we got international players. More internation players = more international views = more of a market in Portland = fair calls. I'd like to see the Rockets take on that.
Regardless, just hearing this makes me want the Blazer season to start up again. I'll hope to watch some of the summer league, thanks for the updates again MB.
Do you honestly believe we got the guys we wanted? Pendergraph, Claver, Cunningham, come on. Nate McMillan even said to Ben at Blazersedge "We didn't even have Dejuan Blair on our board, we figured he'd be gone by then." How are they doing their job if they haven't even scouted Blair? He was EXACTLY what we needed and instead we went for Pendergraph, a guy who couldn't even average 10 rebs a game in the Pac 10 but looked great in workouts. Great Job KP. Another 10 years of mediocrity. Christ can't we just please do things right for more than 1 or 2 years in a row.
If we wanted so many damn euro players we'd follow an ACB team. Until then, how about maybe drafting some people who will actually play on our team. Thank you.
I think I commented on this blog that KP should check out Patrick Mills. Guy has been described as poised and beyond his years. So I knew KP would be very happy to get him. He is also the fastest man I've ever seen on a basketball court. Steal of the draft.
Good news regarding the Summer League games. I am looking forward to those 3 broadcasts.
Mike:
I don't know these players we just acquired, but if they are good enough for the Blazers they are good enough for me.
Are the summer games you televise going to be on 95.5 also?
We should have about five roster spots we can fill. with a little mor salry cap.
Great fill in on the players we got, I thank you.
hg
While reading the blogs on Oregon-Live, it seems that fans would rather have a big name player rather than having the most talented and most fitting our needs player.
It's kind of like the old song, "I over-looked an Orchid while looking for a rose." I am glad the Blazer staff didn't do that.
hg
We never got anybody that hurt us and we never gave up players, cap space or guaranteed contracts to divide up the playing time for the players we already have.
I couldn't see trading off players we have that needed playing time to develop for players that would also need playing time to develop.
Now, we can get the immediate help through FA that the players are already developed. McDyess comes to mind.
An article in Oregon-live said this was essentially a way of saying we pass on the draft put still shoring our future.
hg
We need not bother trying to assess the talent level of these draftees and/or how they will fit in with this team. It is incredibly unlikely that any of them will garner a roster spot next year.
Claver was picked because Chicago liked him and he will undoubtedly be packaged in a deal for Hinrich.
Sergio was traded with our second round pick, for a second round pick, because we were looking to dump his salary and get further under the salary cap. We will use that additional money to get Turkoglu. Orlando knows they have no chance of re-signing him, which is why they got Vince Carter. They are going to end up regreting that decision, and the decision to give up Courtney Lee. Carter is a past- his-prime, selfish player, that will end up dragging the Magic down. Trading Lee was a huge blunder that will end up haunting them for years.
The free agent signings start on July 1st. Expect to see us sign Turkoglu, trade for Hinrich, and THEN go to work locking up B-roy and LaMarcus. A team is allowed to go over the salary cap to retain its own players, which is why they will get the other business taken care of first.
All in all, a great day in Blazerland. The planets are aligning and all is right with the universe.
RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!
people always want the big name, people always think they know somebody better that kp has no clue about. im glad sergio is gone im glad we picked up some more pieces to play with and see how they turn out.
Unless I'm missing something here, we just traded away our only backup point guard (Rodriguez) and picked up three forwards and Patty Mills, who will take time to grow into an NBA point guard. Plus, Steve Blake is recovering from shoulder surgery. That leaves the Blazers pretty thin at PG.
I suspect and hope that KP and the gang have some more tricks up their sleeves.
Now we have 3 players stashed away - Koponen, Freeland and now Claver.
With all that's said and done, how are the Blazers going to get past the Rockets and Mavericks?
The Blazers need to make a deal to get Steve Nash and make him the starter and Blake the back-up.
I'd rather go this rout than try and see if they can 'convert' Bayless into a point which could take many years or might be impossible to do.
Then they need to steal Ron Artest from the Rockets to get the type of player we need and to ensure we get past the first round next year.
Honestly, I am more than a little disappointed with this draft. They didn't address any of the teams needs (unless you consider Pendergraph, or whatever his name is, a serious candidate to backup LA). We STILL have too many SF's, a solid but not championship caliber PG in Blakey and no one besides Pryz and maybe Oden to play some tough D inside.
KP better be up to something in Free Agency b/c otherwise we are up a creek without a paddle. Nearly every other contender made a significant move to get better and the Blazers simply stood pat
Honestly, I am more than a little disappointed with this draft. They didn't address any of the teams needs (unless you consider Pendergraph, or whatever his name is, a serious candidate to backup LA). We STILL have too many SF's, a solid but not championship caliber PG in Blakey and no one besides Pryz and maybe Oden to play some tough D inside.
KP better be up to something in Free Agency b/c otherwise we are up a creek without a paddle. Nearly every other contender made a significant move to get better and the Blazers simply stood pat
Two words to keep in mind for the Blazers future: Steve Nash. He wants it. We want it. Make it happen guys!
Our picks were not what we expected, but they're alright. I can deal with Pendergraph and Cunningham because they're experienced and tough. Getting Claver gives us cap space and another promising european prospect. Patty Mills was a beast. All 3 second round picks will make the team, no doubt.
Bleah,
I don't normally say this kind of thing, but your an idiot.
To the rest of you wondering why KP didn't get a big name in this draft is because THERE WERE NO BIG NAMES! With the exception of Blake Griffin who we had no chance at getting there was no one worth giving a guaranteed contract. So The Genius uses his to clear more cap and stash more talent while getting probably the two best bodies at PF. Cunningham looks like a clone of Bass and both have big NBA bodies.
Does anyone really believe we're going to go into the season 10mill under the cap?
As far as all those high on Blair it is not as if we were the only ones to pass on the guy. At his size, unless he is Charles Barkley he has no chance of becoming an all star and KP doesnt waste picks on guys who have a chance at being solid but rather looks for those who have a chance at being great. Someone posted that Pendergraph didn't even average 10 boards a game. Pretty rare feat in college for anyone. In fact, only nine college players averaged over 10 boards and Pendergraph is 19th on the list so he is obviously a good rebounder.
We now have the capability to sign any free agent we want. The kneejerk reaction from some of you is incredible.
Believe me, we are going to add a big name to the roster for all you malcontents. I would not be surprised if we get two.
We will be the number 1-2 seed in the west this year.
Believe me.
eclecticspider, I believe you, because it's already happened. We tied for Denver, who was number 2 in the West, near perfectly. People are saying we got lucky this year. Although we did have games where Brandon Roy made an incredible shot, so have the Lakers, and not to mention I came name well over 3 games that we *SHOULD HAVE* won. Philly at home, Cavs on the road, and Charolette on the road (Blazers were like what? 10-30 freethrows that game? If they remained focus...).
To continue... LAC at home, Magic at home... again, just incredible shots made.
If Baron Davis's shot that put the game into overtime was instead for the win I think it would have been one of the greatest shots in recent NBA history.
As for drafts, like I said earlier, my trust is in KP because I don't know anything about college basketball. What I do know is that KP and the Blazer executives are all professionals at the jobs they have. We are not, we are just simple fans that think we know whats best for this team. And even though some GMs screw up, I'm sure the right choices were made this year.
I am ecstatic that the Blazers were able to get Mills. I've seen Mills play in person at St. Marys 5 or 6 times, including the games against Oregon and Davidson, and I must say, he is the quickest player I have ever seen (and I work for the Golden State Warriors). Mills has heart, and he is a great leader. He is mature beyond his years and is simply entertaining to watch.
By picking Mills, the Blazers also picked up thousands of fans here in the Bay Area (CA) and in Australia. He is guaranteed to quickly become a fan favorite in Portland and I believe he will be their starting Point Guard next year assuming they don't do something stupid like trade him away.
Mills was definitely one of the biggest steals of the draft, and he will quickly prove all of his doubters wrong. DON'T FORGET, this is a guy who was widely believed to be one of the top 2 or 3 guards in the draft before he injured his hand! I remember jumping from site to site and seeing Mills projected in the 12-20 range of the first round. Congratulations Blazers! I look forward to following your team and Patty Mills for as long as you hold on to him!
Blazer Fans,
Why are we making a fuss about Hinrich? He won't get us to the next level. He's not as good as Steve Blake. Blake is smarter, a better passer and shooter. A move for Hinrich makes no sense. I say keep Steve Blake. Even if we have a chance for a real upgrade, I think Steve would be one of the best back ups in the league. Hinrich is not the answer. Anyone else agree or disagree? I just can't see it 'making sense.'
I would have to say that Mills could possibly be one of the biggest steals in the draft. He is only 20 years old yet he has a high basketball IQ and is usually always the quickest player on the floor. Also a reminder that he put up 20 points against the USA team in the Beijing Olympics. I think this guy will be a great asset to the Blazers who will prove himself in the Summer League games.
Portland fans will be very happy with Dante. I watched 90% of Novas games for 4 years and you have never seen a guy improve this much. He is great athlete, has big hops and will keep getting better. His downside is he may be an inch or two short. He ate up Blair in the elite 8. I think Blair got his shot blocked about 10 times that game by cunningham and Villanovas big guards Redding and Anderson, who arent even pros. Strong motor, strong work ethic, 0% body fat, runs the court great, can guard 2, 3, 4, Unbelievable improvement
Thank G Serg is Gone,
I'm just telling you what KP told all of us- that Claver was their guy. KP thinks he'll be a starter in the NBA in a few years. But, I see where you're going, and it does make you think. Wouldn't that be great? To learn about all the stuff that almost happened on draft night?
Brethren,
I can't tell you how many people have called Mills the "steal of the second round" today. Not sure if he is or not, but he's got a lot of fans, and that's a good thing. I can tell you, they didn't think he'd be there at 55.
Sylvie,
I second that on Sergio. He was one of my favorite guys on the team. Always a smile on his face, and always willing to chat about anything. Just a tough situation for him, and I hope he succeeds in Sac.
Bleah,
Do you really think they didn't have Blair scouted? They have intel on everyone, and there were issues concerning Blair. It wasn't just Portland that passed on him. Last time I checked 54 wins is a little better than mediocre. And, this team was absolutely built through the draft, so I don't get that comment either. Thanks for the thoughts though.
Paul,
I'm sure they do.
Halllee,
Good info on Cunningham. You're right on the body fat stat. Dante tested out at 4.8%- second-lowest of anyone the team worked out. And, he's 6-8, 230. I'm anxious to see him in Summer League.
MB
I must admit, my living room was among the many in Portland filled with a chorus of head-scratching when Stern read the name of Victor Claver. One friend just blinked in disbelief, knowing that DeJuan Blair remained undrafted; the others just stared on in silence. For my part, I had predicted Beaubois, who ended up in Dallas(he was picked one spot behind our original pick, so I'll take that as a victory). It was as if all across Portland, every Blazer fan shouted in unison, "Who is this guy?!?" Anybody that saw him coming can put a sock in it, because we know you're full of it.
Now just to be stubborn, I'll entertain the notion that my original prediction still has a chance of panning out(Nash), and this business in the first round was just to free cap space in preparation for the free agency, as many fans have speculated. If that is the case, we've done very well and should be in fantastic position to scoop up the starting PG that we could still use. However, I will stand by an earlier comments of mine that we can still win rings with Blake, and our primary need was a solid backup 4.
Job well done KP. After spending the day watching footage of Pendergraph and Cunningham, I'm impressed. In fact, I'm amazed they fell as far as they did. Pendergraph especially looks great. I love his energy and his attitude couldn't fit the team better. I had trouble making a character assessment on Cunningham, but he seems like a good fit. These guys should fill the Frye spot perfectly.
Then there's Mills. I hadn't heard of him either, but reading up on the guy, I'm shocked that he fell into the 50s. This guy will fill the 3rd PG spot nicely. From all accounts, he's got a lot of speed and doesn't mind sacrificing his body, which is turning into a common Blazer trait. In time, he could grow to be something truly special.
So really, this was a very successful draft. If for no other reason than we can toss all of these dudes whenever we please to make room for whomever we want! So we managed to improve while freeing cap space(adios Sergio!). I've read a lot of negativity out there, but that sounds like a good deal to me.
Sorry we didn't trade away the whole team to get the first and second picks, but hey, you really can't complain about getting four solid players while only loosing one whining little scrub with an ugly shot. I hope he has a blast in Sacramento, where minutes will probably be the least of his worries. So really folks, lets have a little sit down and take a few deep breaths.
First of all, this isn't over; we should be prepared to loose everybody that we just drafted. Secondly, if we keep them all and don't make a trade, that's fine too. We did make it to the playoffs with the team we have. So unless you think that Sergio was the reason behind the season: relax. With the exact same roster we can make it to the playoffs and probably go further now that we've got experience. I have predicted us going to the conference finals next season, and I stand by it. It doesn't matter if we trade for Nash or CP3, or whether we stick it out with Blake, you will see the Blazers battling for a shot at the title next season.
Go Blazers.
Blair lovers,
The dude has a tattoo that says, "God's Gift".
'Nuff said.
Go Blazers. In KP I still trust.
I just got a quick question Mike,
Was Rudy giving intels about Victor Claver like he did about Rubio ("Don't know if he is NBA ready").
Is Rudy high on this kid ?
I do know that the scouts did a heck of a job collecting intels about him but having Rudy's thoughts might be interesting.
Thanks
fivehundreddogs,
I knew we were going to pick Claver because I read this article:
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2009/06/slamonline-mock-draft-victor-claver-no-24/
Heh, actually I didn't read that until after the draft so I didn't have a clue who he was either, but that guy sure nailed it!
MGB: That was an interesting read, thanks! Did you notice that this same guy had Patty Mills picked to go 16th?
We may indeed have gotten the steal of the draft -- maybe even two of them.
I'm saddened to see Sergio go but now that I've had time to reflect, I feel better about his situation in Sacramento.
I would be surprised if he will not be the starting point guard next season. There's just no way Beno Udrih or old man Bobby Jackson is better than him.
It's going to be hard with all the superstars the Blazers have but I hope he whips Steve and Jared's butt next time we play them.
MILLS's greastest asset is ability and confidence. He will prove this from his first performance for the Blazers. As he did with his first game at college level and international level.
it seemed like there was a range that the blazers were searching in, one that mirrored free agents that we may want to go after. the skill sets, character and experiences that blazers execs covet are what we wound up with, yet again. claver may have skills like tukoglu. pendergraph & cunningham may have qualities like bass & turiaf. the position(s) that we will look for in free agency were acquired in the draft. there was no eye popping name or star player that will provide a marketing opportunity, but pieces to the championship puzzle and process. we have furthered the trend of stock-piling talent and building in redundancies so that the system is fail-safe. if we do land hedo, bass or turiaf, we now have others that fit the mold, and can develop to keep our bench strong.
6'10" 220lb hedo
6'9" 224lb claver
6'10" 250lb turiaf
6'10" 240lb pendergraph
6'8" 250lb bass
6'8" 230lb cunningham
mills was likely an unexpected steal that should satisfy those that were hoping for us to take blair as he fell to the second round. blair's best days are likely behind him however. he may suffer from the ike diogu syndrome, dominant in college, ineffectual as a pro.
signing free agents and that whole process should be exciting to watch.
lastly, thanks to sergio for his efforts. i particularly loved, amongst others, his two alley-oop passes to travis to finish the '08 season.
GO BLAZERS
Travis:
You are right; the draftees do mirror our needs. Claver won’t be coming over this year, therefore he won’t be a sub. Do you think Turk would settle for being a sub, and not being the number one option? He can play many positions though.
I really like it like it is.
Blake, Bayless and Mills
Brandon, Rudy ,Bayless, and Maybe Martell
Batuum, Travis, and Cunningham and Martell
LMA, Pendergraph, Travis
Oden, Joel and Pendergraph
I know many want to get rid of Travis and Steve, but getting new Free agents will not free up pt and that is our needs. Travis will probably be the third man out because we need a banger down low and defensive presence at the three.
For the main thought, these draftees filled our vacancies off the lower bench and other than Pendergraph taking Frye’s place nothing has really changed.
Really the only piece that was missing IMO was back up pt and back up power forward, I feel like we addressed them. We have all the rest of the pieces just not enough PT for them to develop. If Bass or McDyess or Turk would be willing to come off the bench and not demand pt, that would be great.
I would love to have Nash for the two or three years he has left, but I don’t want to give up Steve, I think Steve is a valuable piece to us.
I am willing to sit back and wait. I guess I want my cake and eat it too.
hg
I was reading other blogs and seen people talking alot about the point guard position. I can say one thing; no Steve Nash. Too expensive and is at end of carrer. Throughout the season I seen people cutting down Blake's play and I love him, but can agree that he'd be a perfect off the bench player behind a premier point guard. Thank God sergio has been traded, best of luck to him. Now to the serious matter- Mike Bibby is a free agent. GET HIM. He will fit Portlands style so well. For Portland to stay idle will not be as successful as last season for teams now know who Portland is, and those teams will have made upgrades. You'll add veteran to great youth and it potentially will result in Championship. We all seen how much he has done for Atlanta. Again; GET HIM. Yes Chris Paul is good and had Pritchard been GM at the time, he'd be a Blazer (Pritchard lobbied hard for him at draft time to no avail) but now I'm not sure he'd fit our system. Besides, he's not ready to leave NO and and they wont let him. So there it is- Mike Bibby Baby, do what it takes Pritchard-Allen, I beg of you.
Congrats on picking up Patty Mills. You also inherited all living Saint Mary's Gael alumni, and most of the population of Australia.
Portland fans, where were you the last two years when Saint Mary's upset Oregon? Two years ago Mills scored 37 points in that first big upset when Oregon was still nationally ranked.
Here's a marketing tip -- figure out how more than a dozen of Saint Mary's games were broadcast live Down Under. Then do the same.
Then, invest in a bunch of Australian flags, and learn how to yell the following everytime Mills makes a basket:
(Side 1) AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE.
(Side 2) OI, OI, OI.
(repeat).
(Side 1) AUSSIE
(Side 2) OI.
(Repeat)
(Repeat original).
Don't be surprised if a bunch of funny sounding sort-of-English people start showing up in Portland bars and restaurants. Just introduce yourself and join in the fun.
We're looking forward to summer camp. When and where does it start?
"We're not going to give Sergio away."
KP
Well, he kept his word. He didn't give him away. He paid somebody to take him off our hands.
I'm convinced, now, that KP has a plan to make at least one more very significant move, this summer. Otherwise, i don't think he would have been so desperate to get rid of Sergio. I mean, it can't be that difficult to trade a serviceable PG making 1.5 with an expiring contract.
Sure, yes, we moved up from #38 to #31.......................and i was dumbstruck with excitement. Then, we use #31 on Pendergraph. Now, i know KP likes to go out and get his targets, and i also believe that Pendergraph may have been underrated on many mocks. However, i don't care if Pendergraph becomes a perenially allstar and takes over as team leader. My opinion is there is no way on God's green earth he isn't available at #33. Oh well, though, i certainly could be wrong about that and just speaking ignorantly.
Mike, you know how much a fan i am of the international game. The rights to Victor Claver usually would have me overjoyed. Once again, i doubt the casual fan really knows how good of a prospect we just picked up.
The problem is, though, we stash these guys away and never bring them in. It's frustrating. I was so excited about Freeland and Koponen when we drafted and traded for them. I was jumping around celebrating and everyone else was looking at me like i had a penis growing out of my forehead.
The same goes for Rudy and Batum. But those guys were picked with the intention of coming over as soon as possible. Every player we draft with designs to stash, you might as well kiss them goodbye, forever. We could have used both Koponen and Freeland, last year. I think they would have made us deeper and better and perhaps helped us win a few more games, which is significant. If they help us win just one extra game (like when Blake was injured or when we needed more toughness than Frye could muster), we're a #2 seed and probably get to the Western Conference Finals.
It's difficult for me to see those guys never brought over to do us any good. By the time KP deems them "ready" to contribute, the money they can make overseas will be ridiculous compared to the peanuts we can offer them. It may be difficult to get them if there ever comes a time when KP wants to sign them. Just ask the Spurs about Tiago Splitter.
The decisions KP has made with these international prospects are more than likely correct. I'm humble enough to know KP is far more capable of making those decisions than i am. However, that doesn't keep my ignorant ass from being extremely frustrated and completely underwhelmed with the acquisition of yet another player we plan to stash.
The truth is i like these players enough to where i would rather see other ball clubs retain their rights just to be able to see them play more often. I feel badly for Claver. KP says he thinks he could be a starter in the NBA in a few years. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind he is 100% correct. However, Claver will be lucky to even be in the NBA in a few years, let alone starting in it. If Claver's dream is to play in the NBA, draft day was a pretty sad day for him, in my opinion.
The reality, though, is that it probably makes no difference for the blazers. What really is going to make a difference is what KP does with the rest of the summer. I'm not truly enthused about any of the names i've heard. If there is a player out there i like for us, i haven't been made aware of his availability. KP will need to surprise me to get me excited because none of the names being tossed around, right now, do it for me.
mrblazer,
I hear you, and like you, would love to see a couple of these players brought over. However, as badly as I wanted to see Koponen make the team last year, it likely would have meant another year in Europe for Batum. So, based on that track record, I can't really argue with the decision makers.
I also agree about the players available in the free agent market. The only one that really gets me excited is Turkoglu, who will probably get a huge offer from Detroit. There's always the sign-and-trade option, and I have to think these guys have a definite plan in place. The fact that they got rid of Sergio makes me think there's a definite plan to get a point guard. We're not going to camp with just Blake and Bayless at the point, that much is true. Who do you want to see them go after?
MB
Welcome to PDX, Moche; we're glad to have you and the "sort-of-English" folks you seem to represent.
Let me tell ya, the more Aussies we can get in Portland, the better. I've had the great pleasure of meeting a heap of Australians, and apart from Vegemite, I've got a lot of respect for the free-wheeling folk of the land down under. There's nothing I'd love more than to have a gang of drunk Aussies at every Blazer game. I'll just put it this way: if 5 Aussies got me to enjoy and entire game of cricket, I can only imagine what they can do to the Rose Garden.
All the same, Moche, be prepared to see Patty limited to the kind of playing time that Bayless was subjected to last season. I know you're fired up, and I know the guy's good, but we've caged Bayless for long enough, it's time we turned him loose to see what the guy can do. We'll still see Mills in garbage time, and he'll probably get some opportunities through injuries.
What I want to see is a veteran PG come in and school the both of these kids. They're both winners with heads for the game - what's missing is a master. Give 'em two years under a real Mr. Miyagi type of dude, and they'll be catching flies with chopsticks in no time.
I really hope Mills gets to stick around. For that matter, I don't want to loose any of these 2nd rounders. Mills could eventually be the 2nd PG. I think Jeff will back up LMA quite adeptly. Cunningham could fill the Outlaw void perfectly. Granted, he isn't the clutch, 3pt shooter that Travis is, but he can hit the jumper consistently from a decent range and can play some serious defense. In a couple years, he might be able to extend that range a bit. In the meantime, here's a vid that gives us a taste of what he can do now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07eyQ-rnXvw
Pretty cool, eh? Between him and Perndergraph we've covered our TO/Frye bases pretty well. That should free up a little more cap space for...wait for it...Nash!(Oh, you knew it was coming) His short tenure with PDX should be enough to send Baymore and Patty to the next level. Then it's free and easy, Rip City. We'll just set sail for the Champion Seas and hold the course.
This draft gets better by the minute. Every video I watch gets me more and more fired up for these guys. Claver looks like a total freak on the court; he's like a longer Rudy! Really, what at first felt like a let down has built and grown into a solid, smart draft. We couldn't have done any better. The only question left is, how do we approach the Free Agency?
Personally, I'm on the edge of my seat. The draft feels like the anticipation of the blow; like KP just cocked back his hand and we all flinched. Now the hammer's gonna drop and our ears will be ringing for weeks. Bring it on, KP.
Go Blazers.
MB,
Do you give any credence to the rumor that we'll do a S&T for each Miller and Hedo, using a player some cap space on each? It'd be a nice way to get two players with the same cap space we might only get one player with if possible.
I am pretty much in agreement with Mr Blazer. I get excited about our over seas players but never get to see them play.
There is a thing about being a glutton or overly selfish. I say if we don't need them then let them go where they can seek a better future somewhere else if the NBA is there dream.
I have a whole garage full of valuable stuff that I never use, but I save it for a rainy day. When the rainy day comes, I usually buy a different set of valuables to keep saving my rainy day valuables.
My point is what is the point of doing that.
When you are talking about people with feelings that want a chance to excel or get to the NBA, It is really sad. It is true that these players are getting better salary over in Europe than the could get here, but if their dream is to play here than we should let them go if we don't need them.
Also, on the point of getting different players and losing what we have doesn’t seem feasible to me. The players we have did a fantastic job last year. Now everybody is saying we can’t go any further up until we get some better players which would mean giving up our players.
Mike, you want Turk. One hundreddogs wants Nash, Electricspider wants Kidd. But what we would have to give up to get them would be like saying we don’t like our team lets trade them off for a new team, because , like said many times over, to get something you have to give up something. But the something’s that you have to give up needs to be replaced. So what is the point of trading? We traded our bottom end roster, we no longer have Sergio which was replaced with Mills, I understand we are letting Frye go but we replaced him with Pendergraph, we traded Shavilik for Cunningham. Why give up our rotation players? Why not let them continue upwards like the original plan was. I don’t think the cake is nearly done.
hg
I see nothing wrong with picking up over sea draft picks. They are usually late first round or second round picks. Picks that are hit and miss anyway. If we didn't pick them they most likely wouldn't have got picked anyway in some cases so we are not cheating them out of anything, if anything we are giving them a chance they might not otherwise have.
Of course it's hit and miss, but we've had our hits in Rudy and Batum.
Instead of trading out of the first round this year, not wanting another young player, we instead made the pick we did which might pay off in the future, if not nothing loss. Great strategy.
Touché MGB
hg
As far as international marketing, Claver doesn't seem like he does much, since we already have a player from Spain, but Mills could open up a great big new market to blazermania. Assuming he is good enough to make the roster.
Anyway, the draft sounds fine to me. Blair is a total crapshoot and the blazers felt they could get guys that they believe have a solid chance of contributing to the team.
This draft will be a really good one to judge just how wily KP and company at draft selections, but we'll have to wait a couple of years before all the evidence is in to make that assessment.
The benchmarks will be:
1). Does Claver eventually come over to US and become a solid NBA player?
2). Does Pendergraph (or Cunningham) play well enough to be a viable backup PF?
3). Does Mills turn out to be a viable NBA player?
From the picks the blazers' had, I would say that what you would expect from that set of picks would be that they would at least produce one player good enough to be a backup at one position.
If the picks bear more fruit than that, then KP and company delivered. If not, then they didn't. Even so, it wouldn't be that big a deal because a set of draft picks that can only expected to produce a little, if they don't produce anything it is no big deal, it is the blue chip draft picks where drafting prowess really matters, and KP and company have done well on those overall.
Lance,
I think you essentially are correct but I look at it a little differently. I think when you look back and there are no better players taken after your picks then you did the best you could. Some years there really are no late round gems or if there are they are not compatible with your needs at all. So say three years from now the only better player than Claver after 22 was a small forward then you have to take that into account.
It is blatantly obvious that our GM has saved his ammo for bigger game than can be found in the draft, at the same time he drafted to our needs in hope that one of the rookies can make a case for themselves. As Barrett has said we are a different team now. No one is wowed by the Spurs Draft picks except for their foreign acquisitions. We are now that kind of team.
As an Australian and a big fan of the Blazers, I'm so glad Patty Mills got drafted to your team. This is a guy who is a proven scorer and scored 20 pts on the American Olympic team. If a guy can do that already at his young age, think about how many points he'll score on Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Jason Kidd in a few years time. Great pick and I also like that pick for Claver, he is a great prospect as well.
I mostly visit and read, but I wanted to make a comment about the choices of the draftees, partly because there has been so much heat generated because a point guard was not taken until very late. Quite a few of those were disappointed in the choices.
Last year, the teams that we lost most consistently to were those who were playoff bound teams, and if you are observant at all, you discovered that all of the playoff teams, but especially those who go all the way, have a very powerful low post presence. By that, I do not mean that they have an overpowering center. No one in the league will ever again be able to get by with only one or two head bangers in the low post! the teams who win, will have at least three and maybe four players who can dominate there.
The reason for that, as I see it when I watch the games, is that every team has at least one and probably two dry spots in their outside shooting during any given game. So, if your team is playing another team that shoots primarily from the outside, you will probably be close in scoring through most of the game, and if you are a bit superior in talent, you will likely win.
But the secret to these teams that consistently go to the playoffs and win, is that when they hit a dry spell, they take it to the hole with three or four guys, and they will not be stopped! That is why they are winners.
The Trailblazers have not had that dominating presence in the low post, and that is why they did not win this year. The greatest point guard in the history of the game, will not get though the sea of arms one has to navigate to get to the basket, when you have that kind of low post presence. A case in point was LA in the last two games. Their low post presence was too dominating for anyone to get to the basket. Orlando's point guard, would work his way in, only to have to work his way back out again. There was NO shot available, and that was time after time!
Well, hello out there - What kind of players did we draft? First a future power forward or center, when he matures a bit, and then two power forwards. Both bangers under the basket, and both graduated seniors capable of helping this year.
Pendergraph may need to add a little more bulk, but he is still a banger! Cunningham, I think that is his name, is a bit small for power forward, but not too small for small forward, and we really do not have any small forwards who are bangers! Now we do!
I congratulate KP and all the others for looking to put us in place for a championship much sooner than if we had traded all out picks to get the number one point guard in the draft, because that would not have improved our capability to win in the low post. And that, in my opinion is where it is at.
This isnt meant to stir the pot, but reading the little dust up between MGB and MrBlazer made me want to do a little digging to see if I could find any Darius Miles contract info myself.
According to the the "Jazz Junkies" website......
"We also must include the list of players that will actually eventually have value due solely to the fact their contracts come off the books in the summer of 2010:
Jerome James (proof that Isiah Thomas knew what he was doing all along!)
Cuttino Mobley
Brendan Haywood
Tim Thomas
Brian Cardinal
Antonio Davis
Mark Blount
Bobby Simmons
Troy Hudson
Darius Miles
Kenny Thomas
Shareef Abdul-Rahim
Matt Bonner
Etan Thomas"
I know that source isnt definitive, but if it is wrong, at least we know that it is something that is commonly being passed around as truth.
As for free agents, I would like to see Portland use some cap-space and the trade exemption to go after Gerald Wallace. To do that, I'm thinking we would have to give them Webster and Outlaw. I think this gives Portland some hustle, toughness a guy that will drive it to the hole and more playing time for Batum. I would be sad to see those two go, but in the long run, Portland would be better. I think I would then hold off on a point guard until we see how Bayless and or Mills progresses. Besides, Nash probably wont be available until close to the trade deadline.
I have a question regarding KP thinking Claver will be a starter in the nba in a Few seasons. Does he mean he thinks Claver will be a starter for the blazers or for another team? If KP thinks he will start for the blazers then does this mean he thinks Claver is a better prospect then Batum? I just dont think he is a better prospect then Batum. I can think of know other reason of this draft selection then to either stash him away for a long time or using his rights in a trade for someone else.
Sorry to be so long winded for a first post, but I wanted to add a brief post script that I should have had in the first post.
You add these new young bangers to Pryzbilla, who is one of the best bangers around the basket in the league, as well as Oden and Aldrige, our young point guard that we added last year who is unafraid to attack the rim, and of course Roy, who also is unafraid to attack the rim, and I think we may just wind up with the best Phi Slamma Jamma team in the NBA!
Go Blazers!
Moshe i would take miles over mills but i think he will develope in to a great guard for us. much love for oregon
Some of you people claiming to be Portland Trail Blazer "Fans" are idiots. I bet none of you have ever even played basketball at a competetive level. Signing Andre Miller is the key next step to getting past the first round and further. He is an unselfish point guard who will put the ball in Roy's hands at the end of games and he has good perimeter defense and can add much needed toughness to the SOFTEST YES SOFTEST team in the NBA (except B-ROY,JOEL,and BATUM.) WE dont want Kidd that would be a stupid decision by the Blazers. Hinrich is over-rated and some fans only want him because they are looking for the great WHITE hope. The Blazers will never win a championship with mediocre guards. Blake needs to go too. He was making very stupid turnovers all season and nobody seems to see some of the back-up point guard-like mistakes that he was making. Patty Mills is a terrific pick and the steal of the NBA 09 Draft he will be one of the rookies competing for R.O.Y honors and will be a solid back-up point to Miller. Turkoglu, hmmmmmmmm, I would pass on this guy yeah he makes 3's but he has dismall perimeter defense a problem that already ails our Portland team. People of fans wake up this is not the Timbers, or the Lumberjax, or even the Portland Nutreas, this is a pro team so get your yuppie minds out of real sports fans conversations and stick to the minor-league sports.
P.S and NFL stadium would fit very nicely in the jantzen beach area built in a package with the NEW Interstate-5 bridge. Open your eyes and shut your mouths!!!!!
MB,
The one and only player that I think would be perfect for the Blazers next year is Steve Nash. Tell me if I'm wrong but it would complete our team and give us the best chance to win a Championship next year.
He's just as good of a shooter as Blake, probably better. He would be able to run the pick and roll beautifully with Oden and Aldridge, and he would give us another offensive threat. A starting lineup with Nash, Roy, Batum/Webster, Aldridge, and Oden. . . That is a crazy starting 5.
He would give us an immediate chance to win a Championship. The Blazers keep saying they want to run the ball more because they have the right guys to do it. Well Steve Nash is the perfect guy to bring that to the team. The way he plays is exciting, it will get the crowd involved even more, and he is a 2 time MVP. The only people I would even think about trading for him would be Outlaw and Blake/Bayless, and maybe one of our draft picks. But I say if we can get Nash, go for it, even if we only have him for 1 year, it will be worth a Championship.
Sign Miller:
You are right I have never played Competitive BB above high school. But WTF does that have to do with being a Blazer fan.
I can’t play but I can read and watch. Calling me an idiot won't get anybody on the team or off the team. We just give our opinions. KP does the trigger pulling call him an idiot.
Contrary to your input, there are lots of opinions that differ from yours. That doesn't make you right and the other fans wrong.
Let me tell you with your diarrhea of the mouth, I can guarantee you that I will listen to their civil opinions long before I would listen to obnoxious opinion even if I was to agree. In which I don't. I presume that puts me on the top of your Idiet list.
Stupid HG
RipCityKillas: I do not believe we can win a championship next year with Nash or anybody Else. Our players are still growing and we would have to get much better on team defense that takes lots of time and from what most bloggers say Nash doesn't play defense.
I love Nash, but if you get him that will be the end of our big advantage for the future. Selling out the future for one year isn't worth it.
hg
If Claver is the next big guy who can put the ball on the floor ala Turkoglu/Odum, then that was a good move. These draft picks do fit our needs, so I'm not disappointed. As PTBob said, in a commendable post, the problem with this team is the lack of inside post scoring. Although many fans seem to think a better PG is all we need, but then you look at the NBA champion Lakers, and notice they don't have a "premier" PG, and the reality, that the ability to score in the post, which they do have in spades, and rebound are what made them the best team in basketball this year. The Cavs didn't have an elite point guard, Orlando made it to the finals without their elite PG, and then blew it when he came back to play against the lakers. The only true elite PG in the final four was Billups, and he couldn't balance out LA's ability to get easy points around the basket with Gasol, Ariza, Bynum and Odum.
Andre Miller would be the wrong choice for this team. He's a good player, but isn't the difference maker we need. We already have Roy who can drive in. Our other guard has to be a guy who can shoot, or defenses will just pack it in against us. Miller can't shoot neither can Kidd. Sorry. On the other hand, Nash can't play defense. Hinrich plays good D, but would be a lateral move from Blake, and not really as good as Blake, and Hinrich is way over paid for his talent level.
Most likely this draft has been a set up by KP to make a "big" move in the free agent market. I for one hope it is a worthwhile move. There just aren't any guys I think are a very good fit that have been talked about. Turkoglu and Wallace are about the best I've heard, but don't seem likely. Odum hasn't been mentioned, so he may be the most likely. The rest sound like bone head moves, and the talk of this guard or that guard equaling a championship is ridiculous. Only a serious POWER upgrade could do that, meaning we add Boozer to a cast that already includes Oden, Pryz, and LMA. That's how you blow through the playoffs. Shaq brought that POWER every where he went until he got to the Suns, where he didn't fit the system. We'll see how he does with the Cavs. If you figure that even an old Shaq playing with Labron will most likely be in the finals next year, you see who you need to beat. We need to overpower them. Oden is big, but does not equal Shaq, just like he didn't equal Yao. We need additional post power until Oden matures. The Cavs didn't go out and acquire Jason Kidd, Andre Miller, or Steve Nash, they went for Shaq, because they know they need to beat Howard and Garnett to get to the finals. We may not have to worry about Yao next year, but all the big guys on the Lakers, and Nene will be in the way. We have a bunch of great guards on the team, but we didn't have enough hard nosed big players to open it up for those guards to beat the Rockets. Additional POWER wins championships, when your team as in our case already has guys like Roy, Rudy, Blake, Webster, and maybe Bayless. Give Bayless a couple years, and he may be a better shooting version of Andre Miller.
In the end, I think the guys we have can improve and fix the weaknesses of the team, that's why if we are going to make a big move, I hope it's for POWER (which could equal a guy like Scola, or Milsap), not an overpaid PG near the end of his career.
HG: I agree with your last comment 100%. Hold these expert armchair warriors honest. I got your back.
hg,
I am the biggest Blazers fan in the world. My original thought was that we should keep our team but get rid of Sergio and Channing and we'd be set. I love everyone else on the team and want to keep all of them forever. But that's not possible. And if we happened to trade Outlaw and somebody else for Nash, and we won 1 championship and then Nash blew out his back or something, that would still be worth it in everyone's minds, guaranteed.
And if we do decide not to do anything and keep the team we have, I would be just as happy. I think we can win it this coming year with the team we have. And all this stuff about our team needed to grow and mature in the next couple years is dumb in my mind. There's no reason why they couldn't be competing for a Championship NOW. Roy and Aldridge are veteran enough to lead a team like ours and I guarantee you they think the same thing and have full belief that they can win it this year.
And Sign Miller,
YOU are an idiot. How much competitive basketball experience do you have. This is a blog where anyone can state their opinions about the Blazers. And if you wanna start talkin about basketball resumes, let's talk. I got you beat, I promise. Don't come in here and start talkin all this smack for no reason.
RipCityKillas:
I hope you are right in all accounts. They should have been competing for the Championship last year. You always shoot for the top. Just don't plan the outcome.
I am sure we can win with this team, I just think we need another year to play better team defense. But, what the heck I am with you.
If we have to give up Blake, Outlaw, Bayless, If Nash can't cut it there would be no one left to fill the slot. I am just saying he would win us more games and I would enjoy the hell out of watching him play. Just IMO, he won't take us to the promise land.
Look at the bright side. I am usually wrong.
Thanks for standing up to sign Miller. I am not a BB player I am just a Blazer fan from the beginning, Well since 76, I didn’t jump on the bandwagon until the championship year since I was not a BB fan.
I don’t think you necessarily need to play BB to learn it. I could never be a computer programmer but I studied it and learned it. Same thing. I have a lot of ignorance of some plays as stints, but that doesn’t make me an idiot.
Thanks for your reply.
hg
Stephen: good to read your blog again. I wrote a blog on Oregon-live saying I though we should get McDyess until Pendergraph gets launched. Not because he is great, but because he would be a great back-up without complaining and he is a competitor and a force inside. He would probably be affordable. He is old, but being a backup PF he may last long enough to let Pendergraph gel. Than I think he wouldn't mind dropping to third stringer.
He wasn't on the Piston's championship team; I think he knows we are an upcoming team and would give us his A game to get one more chance for a ring.
Anyway, I would like your input on this if possible. I am sure I am just spinning my wheels because sooner or later we will have to depart from some of our players. With Martell not a guaranteed and having new players already, I think it would be better to wait until next year when we know more about what we have.
My two cents
hg
D
Now it appears Yao Ming may be finished, the Rockets may decide to clear cap space and try for a huge free agent acquisition next year. If that happens, Luis Scola could become available. KP could do a lot worse than pick up Scola as our backup PF as well as great protection against LaMarcus having another injury. He'd be easily worth next year's first draft pick + Travis and the Rockets might just go for that deal if they decide to rebuild.
I can also support going after Miller, if for nothing else than we don't have to face him anymore! He's always run right through us and maybe he can teach our other guys how to do that.
Hg: I like McDyess too. He's an all around good player. I think he's had some injury issues in the past, but if he's healthy now, he could help the Blazers for a couple years. He is at the point where he would fit a back up role on a strong team well, and yet I can't imagine he would command too much money, like some other aging guys people are talking about. Turkoglu is the bigger better move in my opinion, but if we are looking to get two players, McDyess and someone else might be more in our price range. My biggest issue, is that I don't see anyone that I think is the perfect fit for this team. David Lee, Scola, or Lamar Odum would be nearly perfect for our needs, but it seems unlikely. Boozer is staying in Utah apparently, and I don't think we had enough money anyway.
SIGN ROY AND ALDRIDGE NOW, IF YOU BLOW THIS I'M BECOMING A LAKERS FAN!!!! (portland natives can only take sooooo much from an organization before they just give up forever)
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