barfo

I got a big truck, yo, I drive real far,
Peterbuilt, and I crush 50 Cent's car, yo

barfo

Backboard Cam

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Masbee

To me those trades boiled down to the #3 for the #6 and the #22, which netted us Webster and Jack at the cost of Chris Paul.

We end up with the 2006 Detroit pick, but we also gave up a high 2nd rounder (#35) in 2005.

Me, I value a high second rounder in a very deep draft more than a very late 1st rounder (and the guaranteed contract that goes with it) in what looks to be a shallow draft - and one year later. I know others would argue differently.

For the purposes of simplicity, I think of it as a wash.

Ed O

While I thought that Nash made good moves on draft day--understanding that he was locked in on Telfair as the future and Webster on draft day unless something crazy happened--if I had a choice, I'd undo that deal and have taken Paul (and, say, Mile Ilic or Chris Taft with #35) and be worried about moving Telfair later.

As many predicted, although I wasn't nearly as sure as some, Chris Paul is an absolute beast and a special player. Telfair MIGHT be that, and Webster MIGHT be that... but Paul's about as close to a sure thing and we missed him in spite of being handed a shot at him by a lucky lottery draw.

Ed O.

Diable

If Nash had taken Paul it would have required him to admit that he might have been wrong about Telfair.That in turn brings into question whether or not he himself was being a good GM when he took Telfair when there were a lot of questions about him.As I see it both he and Atlanta's GM were looking for an excuse not to take Paul and in fact Atlanta and Utah believed Williams was better.Portland has a viable excuse for not taking Paul,but Atlanta's GM should be horsewhipped for taking the only thing he did not need instead of the one thing he needed most desperately.

zagsfan20

Nope, no need for a fourth point guard and not a 5'10" one at that...

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"I condemn remarks that are, in any way, viewed as anti-anything".
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Rodney Stuckey is the future of the league.

barfo

Bigfoot? Or Jesus?

Welcome back, Ed, by the way. Hope you had a good vacation.

Re: thread title, I think Telfair is already a daddy, so he's not saving himself for Paul.

barfo

soonerterp

Look, there's my name which contains "terp" so I guess that makes me a cheerleader for Blake and Dixon but here's a thought so hear me out:

In OKC Friday, if Telfair is ready, why not go ahead and give him the start? If he doesn't perform to expectations (not that anyone is lately) or whatever, or re-re-injures his thumby thumb, then bring Blake or Jack off the bench. I am not sure why Blake is suddenly "off" after having sparkled for a lot of games (then again it isn't like too many teams are beating Dallas and San Antonio ... there are a lot of teams that get victimized by this particular Texas Two-Stomp).

I close with some advice because I live around the OKC area (thus the "sooner" in my name). Only thing I can tell the Blazers is don't forget the bug spray. Temporary home court maybe, but a lot of people are taking notice of the Hornets' "sixth man" at the Ford Center. I swear to God I don't mean that as smack talk ... youse guys have a fun group but like I said in my initial post a while back I don't contribute a whole lot.

barfo

And we shouldn't take it as such. The blazers haven't earned the right to overlook anyone (well, maybe Atlanta, but we don't play them again). We needed OT to beat the Hornets at the Rose Garden, no reason we should expect an easy game on the road.

barfo

RPCity

I've been one of the biggest proponents of Telfair regaining his starting spot.....but I dont think it should be his first game back.

Ease him back into the lineup....he's missed a lot of games, ease him back into "game shape" and make sure his thumb can handle it.

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zagsfan20

The Hornets actually have a pretty good team...They have beaten many good teams this year and are just 3 game under .500 at 14-17 after just beating the Heat tonight by a good margin....We shouldn't be taking them lightly...

__________________
"I condemn remarks that are, in any way, viewed as anti-anything".
- John McCain

Rodney Stuckey is the future of the league.

Masbee

Now that I reread this, I think it is possibly unclear what I meant. What is a wash to me was the effective swap of picks (05 #35 for 06 late 1st rounder).

It is too early to judge the entire draft, though, as you know, I was for drafting Chris Paul with our #3 all along. "Winning" the lottery was a golden opportunity to grab a blue chipper with a higher chance of becomming a star than any player now on the team or what we got (Webster/Jack) IMO. I was reluctant to pass on the "sure thing" that Paul represented with the Blazer's highest pick in forever.

I was pleased to net Webster and Jack out of the deal understanding the team situation and deferring to team scouts and their take on an unknown (Webster), and Telfair's likely development path. If in a year or two Webster turns into a Glen Rice caliber player, Telfair becomes a solid and capable (if not spectacular) point guard and Jack becomes the second coming of Greg Anthony, the moves will be proven to have been perfect choices.

I will wait before making a final judgement. But, it is not too early to note: Chris Paul has exceeded all expectations and is stomping the league. I watched him LEAD his team to a stunning defeat of the Spurs. He carried them on his back in the fourth quarter, embarrased Parker and frustrated Duncan. He is leading a team with a pathetic roster of cast-offs and youth to a .450 record so far. 36 year old PJ Brown is their second best player getting heavy minutes and David West!! is tied with Paul as their leading scorer. If he was playing for the Knicks/Lakers (or other team on National TV a lot), you would be sick of hearing his name and how great he is. I saw more hype on Nate Robinson than I have on Paul.

On the flip side, I have been a bit dissappointed in Telfair this season. I hoped to see more growth from last season. He should further improve - and it could be by a lot, but some young players never do. Some seem to forget that.

Jack has been solid, minus a decent jumper. He will be a marginal talent if and until he adds one. Remember the Greg Anthony of the Blazers years could not be left alone on the 3 point line.

Webster hasn't shown much yet. I am not worried. But I would feel a whole lot better about having passed on Paul if Webster had shown a little more by now. Webster does get a lot more leeway than Telfair (same age as Paul) due to being 1.5 years younger.

There is one silver lining about passing on a blue-chipper to take a flyer on Webster, we are very much on track for the Oden sweepstakes. Paul is so good we likely miss that opportunity.