Game 13: Portland vs OKC 6:00pm Root, Root+

[DeBlazerRiddem]

It’s crazy we traded Dame and didn’t get a young future all star like OKC did with PG and SGA. We’re not gonna count Ayton…

It's almost like PG was traded when he was 29 compared to 33, George quietly made his request rather than a contentious public one, and the Clippers being able to sign Kawhi was contingent on them being able to trade for George so they were willing to give up everything.

Situations aren't comparable at all.

And SGA was far from a sure thing at the time. But I do understand the frustration when the two main players we got back in the Dame trade are both older and currently injured. The Blazers might have made the best of a bad situation but it was still a poor trade, compounded by this idea we would be able to raise their value during the season, which totally backfired.

[Norm2953]

Let's hope the 2024 GSW FRP turns into a decent pick in the mid teens

[Brandon-Clyde]

Let's hope the 2024 GSW FRP turns into a decent pick in the mid teens

Right now it would be the 10th pick. And if anything happens to Curry for any length of time it could rise further. It is top 4 protected so we don't want it to ride too high( or if it does we want someone to leap over them and drop them to 5).

[Dame Lizard]

It’s crazy we traded Dame and didn’t get a young future all star like OKC did with PG and SGA. We’re not gonna count Ayton…

It's almost like PG was traded when he was 29 compared to 33, George quietly made his request rather than a contentious public one, and the Clippers being able to sign Kawhi was contingent on them being able to trade for George so they were willing to give up everything.

Situations aren't comparable at all.

And SGA was far from a sure thing at the time. But I do understand the frustration when the two main players we got back in the Dame trade are both older and currently injured. The Blazers might have made the best of a bad situation but it was still a poor trade, compounded by this idea we would be able to raise their value during the season, which totally backfired.

The main value we got back are Milwaukee's draft picks (incl. swaps). It's frustrating that they're 4+ years away, but it wasn't exactly a seller's market for Dame due to his age, supermax extension, and Dame's agent's horrible faith operational style.

[BlazersBroncos]

SGA wasnt SGA when he was traded. He looked really nice as a rookie - but more of a elite glue guy and + defender. Few saw this developmental curve.

OKC is a hell of a team. They are my #2 and watching them is like a chaser after the straight shot of cheap vodka that is watching Portland this year.

I still want us to offer a SRP and TPE for Poku and take a swing. He isnt getting any minutes in OKC.

[zzaj]

Yeah, judging the Lillard trade in this decade makes no sense. The true payoff will be in the 2030s. It'll live or die then. If everything goes correctly, and the needle gets threaded the Blazers could be a powerhouse team in the 2030s. If everything goes incorrectly, the Blazers will have traded away arguably the best Blazer to suit up who asked to leave, for less value...which was almost always going to happen anyway.

Honestly, I kinda see it as no lose situation.

[zzaj]

If Camara was a decent shooter I would say we have our starter at SF. He reminds me of Jerome Kersey in a lot of ways.

Blazers have their starter at SF. His name is Jerami Grant. What they need is an actual PF.

That presumes Portland doesn't trade Grant at some point

I don't see how the Blazers are going to trade him with his current production on that contract...

I feel like the best scenario is for Chauncey to wake the hell up and put him at SF where he can space the floor and take advantage of some SFs and use his length to his advantage on the other end.

I honestly might consider starting Jabari at PF.

Scoot
Sharpe
Grant
Jabari
Ayton

Scoot needs more spacing to operate. Stash Jabari in the corner for his corner 3 and play 3 out with Ayton being the screener.

[Brandon-Clyde]

Blazers have their starter at SF. His name is Jerami Grant. What they need is an actual PF.

That presumes Portland doesn't trade Grant at some point

I don't see how the Blazers are going to trade him with his current production on that contract...

I feel like the best scenario is for Chauncey to wake the hell up and put him at SF where he can space the floor and take advantage of some SFs and use his length to his advantage on the other end.

I honestly might consider starting Jabari at PF.

Scoot
Sharpe
Grant
Jabari
Ayton

Scoot needs more spacing to operate. Stash Jabari in the corner for his corner 3 and play 3 out with Ayton being the screener.

I wouldn't expect a great return but I believe he could bring a mid to late first ( 18 or later) and a useless expiring. In the meantime I wouldn't mind your idea of Walker and Grant starting. I think Camara has a good future if he can learn to shoot but right now his shooting is hurting the team( though his defense does help).

[Norm2953]

Yeah, judging the Lillard trade in this decade makes no sense. The true payoff will be in the 2030s. It'll live or die then. If everything goes correctly, and the needle gets threaded the Blazers could be a powerhouse team in the 2030s. If everything goes incorrectly, the Blazers will have traded away arguably the best Blazer to suit up who asked to leave, for less value...which was almost always going to happen anyway.

Honestly, I kinda see it as no lose situation.

Trade will be fine, especially if the GSW's pick is a decent pick. Not having to pay Dame his
supermax at ages 35,36 helps

For the Bucks/Celtics, its all about winning a championship this season. If those teams fail,
its going to be loss for neither Dame/Jrue are getting any younger

[DaVoiceMaster]

If Camara was a decent shooter I would say we have our starter at SF. He reminds me of Jerome Kersey in a lot of ways.

Kersey was not a good shooter when he came into the league. Perhaps there is still hope.

[BlazersBroncos]

Thing that worries me re Camara building a shot is his age. Might be a rookie but dude is 23.

His FT% in college bounced between a low of 59% and a high of 67%. He is at 68% right now. A FT% that consistently low for what amounts to about half a decade of play is a big indication that a guy is unlikely to develop a consistent shot, 3PT or otherwise.

[mighty_duck]

Thing that worries me re Camara building a shot is his age. Might be a rookie but dude is 23.

His FT% in college bounced between a low of 59% and a high of 67%. He is at 68% right now. A FT% that consistently low for what amounts to about half a decade of play is a big indication that a guy is unlikely to develop a consistent shot, 3PT or otherwise.

You're generally right. FT% is a really good predictor of future shooting.

But if we're going with the Kersey narrative - he came into the league at 22, and shot 64% from the line his rookie season (and 69% for his career). Can Camara shoot well enough not to be a liability, while doing all the grunt work on defense and the glass to make himself a plus player? I can see that happening.

[zzaj]

Camara is a role player when he gets to his prime in a couple of years--which is fine. IMO, anybody asking for more than that is looking with Blazer colored glasses.

I like Camara, and he will get a bit better with experience.