2023 Offseason Thread

[ojandpizza]

Quote: Originally Posted by ProfessaPackMan

What really has changed between the last time they won it and now as far as the game?

Today's better defensive schemes are largely based on schemes Pop was the first to use, so I'd say they are fine in that sense. Threes have boomed even more so than when they were competing that last year with Kawhi, but it's not THAT much different.

[ProfessaPackMan]

In case folks are thirsty for some offseason news, Chris Haynes dropped some info:

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...y-lue-and-more

[ojandpizza]

Quote: Originally Posted by ProfessaPackMan

In case folks are thirsty for some offseason news, Chris Haynes dropped some info: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...y-lue-and-more

I know Dame prefers to stay and try to get a winner around him, but from the Portland side of things I have no idea why they won't move him and just start over. What are you getting back for that pick that takes you from 27 wins, 33 wins to contender.

That doesn't even factor in the money situation. Grant's contract is up and I don't think they have free money to replace him. So they are also banking on him choosing to stay on his own, after he's openly said in the past he doesn't like the idea of wanting to be some 4th option guy and he would have to have faith that they will improve dramatically as well.

And as much as I like Dame, they've never been able to field a good defensive team with him there, and it's not like they've won or came close to winning to give them the idea that winning it all with him is even realistic to begin with.

[illwill10]

Quote: Originally Posted by ProfessaPackMan

In case folks are thirsty for some offseason news, Chris Haynes dropped some info: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...y-lue-and-more

I do not want to see them commit long tern to Harden. I rather see them let him walk than commit 4 years to him.

[Majingir]

Blazers likely shopping the 3rd pick.

If they want to go all in, could we see a blockbuster?

OG and Siakam for Simons, #3, 23rd pick, and future 1sts?

Lillard, OG, Siakam, Nurkic in your lineup sounds nice.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Lol that lineup ain’t going nowhere Maj, turn down the homerism just a tad.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Quote: Originally Posted by ojandpizza

I know Dame prefers to stay and try to get a winner around him, but from the Portland side of things I have no idea why they won't move him and just start over. What are you getting back for that pick that takes you from 27 wins, 33 wins to contender. That doesn't even factor in the money situation. Grant's contract is up and I don't think they have free money to replace him. So they are also banking on him choosing to stay on his own, after he's openly said in the past he doesn't like the idea of wanting to be some 4th option guy and he would have to have faith that they will improve dramatically as well. And as much as I like Dame, they've never been able to field a good defensive team with him there, and it's not like they've won or came close to winning to give them the idea that winning it all with him is even realistic to begin with.

I think in terms of team-building, trading Dame is objectively the correct move. But he is larger than life there and seemingly wants to stay and try to win there. Some players are valuable enough to the franchise that it kinda gets in the way of building the team the right way and Dame is probably that level of player for Portland (not to be confused with Washington for example who should have moved off of Beal regardless of his feelings IMO).

[Majingir]

I'm not saying they're winning a title with that lineup, but a 33 win team where Lillard didn't play for 25 games (they were about .500 when he did play), adding Siakam and OG along with a healthy Lillard would definitely make them a team who could win 50 games.