MAS RipCity

We all know James is in a horrendous shooting funk right now, but I think we all were under the impression that having him in the lineup has drastically increased our chances of winning games this year. To a certain extent, it was true in the first half of the season, but lately, not so much.

I mean, is this the James we are going to see regularly? The same James that everyone else thought would come back down to eatch and why Phoenix put up no fight in keeping him on their roster?

He is a great guy; I really like him as a player and seems chill. He has some of he best music in the league..."It's Mr. Jones...HAHAHA". He also is a crafty vet who grabs big rebounds and plays smart defense. But I am worried about his chronic knees and our logjam at the 3.

He is scheduled to receive 3.2 million if he doesn't opt out, which would be fine to have him for another year, but we are looking to consolidate and he could make KP's job much easier if he opted out. Travis is definitely a keeper. He is clutch and can pay either the 3 or 4. I was really debating on whether to use Martell as a trading chip (Eric Gordon is really slipping in mock drafts and either he or Westbrook could be obtained by moving up just a couple of spots without using Marty, imo) and keeping James, but Marty just has shown a lot of promise, more so than Trav did in his 3rd year. Marty can shoot just as good as James, actually can get his shot off quicker, is more athletic, much more younger, and can attack the rim better. It is just like last year when we had to choose between Ime and Travis.

This is not a bash James thread and it didn't come up just because he is in a slump. He is just making it easier for me to decide between he and Marty. Due to Travis being able to play the 4, we could still keep James, but we'd have to trade Channing. I do think that 3 of Channing, Sergio, James, Raef, and Jarrett (although I want to keep Jack) will be gone this offseason in order to make room for the 1st rounder and Rudy.

Bottom line is that James would be making 3.2 million next year, I wouldn't offer more than 3.5 for a bench specialist. I would love to see him back, but not at the expense of Martell.

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PDX Fan Since '90

BlazerCaravan

It's good to see the depths of poor shooting for Jones, so we can compare his contributions on bad shooting nights to Martell's contributions. Yeah, James is definitely helping Martell's case more than anyone else's right now. I wouldn't be surprised if we keep Martell if Jones opts out. And if he doesn't opt out, I wouldn't be surprised if he got moved anyway, to help us move up in the draft.

One of the two will not be here this fall.

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The kids are all right!

drexlersdad

if james opts out, oh well. martell is an equal talent at least, and alot younger and more athletic.
i see us trading jack and frye, and bringing in oden and rudy and our pick (westbrook?).

blake/westbrook/sergio
roy/rudy
martell/outlaw
lma/outlaw/mcbobert
oden/pryz/raef

im sorry, but that is just plain sick. our backups could win 40 games next year.

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Oldmangrouch

There was a reason the Suns wanted to be rid of the guy.

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We enter this life naked, wet, and hungry - and it only gets worse!

Schilly

Yep to avoid the Luxury tax.

Oldmangrouch

OK smartypants - there were also *rational* reasons!

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We enter this life naked, wet, and hungry - and it only gets worse!

alext42083

I love what Martell has been bringing lately. He's not only hitting his jumper but is driving to the hoop a lot more. Even if he's passing up good wide open shots at the 3, like he did yesterday in LA, it was a good sign.

With that said, I'd still like to keep James around but not for more than 3.5 mil. Even if he's not making his 3, he's still a threat and stretches the floor. Teams still have to respect him.

I wish we could keep both around, but if I had to choose between the two now, it'd be Martell. Earlier in the season, it looked liked James but Webster has really shown some development lately in his game that I like.

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STOMP

By Phoenix's moves over the last few seasons it's pretty much crystal clear that their ownership isn't willing to go over the line into the lux tax. Their rational for giving up on Jones is the same as why they deal their 1st round picks for cash (Rudy, Sergio)... the bottom line. Additional monetary reasons for them to give up on Jones is that they signed Grant Hill for 2M per season for 2 seasons (super cheap). They had few SF minutes available and some dollars to save.

ahhh... I now see Schilly has already expressed this.

STOMP

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaQprMCe20A&NR=1

Masbee

Suns didn't just trade away Kurt Thomas (who played well for them), they paid Seattle with a pick so they could dump his salary.

Suns dumped the Luol Deng pick to avoid the tax.

Suns traded Joe Johnson for inferior players that had more tax friendly contracts.

Suns have sold 1st round draft picks, and their guaranteed contracts.

You can't decipher the opinions of Suns management about their players based on their movement.

Kmurph

I think the Blazers let Jones walk if he opt out....

With Webster, Outlaw, Rudy & Roy all capable of playing SF...I see no need for Jones, I don't think he has been that significant of an addition to the team anyway...

Also, if POR does go for BPA at #13, and doesn't make a trade to pair down the roster..they could likely be looking at a SF like Budinger, BAtum, Randolph or Greene....

Where would Koponen or Freeland fit it? Either could potentially make the roster next year....I thought the Blazers could have used a banger type off the bench, and Freeland could potentially be that guy...Although I don't think Koponeen gets a shot until PG spot is pared down a little more..

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Quit the Webster hate

nikolokolus

Hmm ... I would hate to start judging Jones based on a single up and down year (between injuries and now a shooting slump). The guy is a perfect specialist shooter; his spacing is excellent, he's good at helping teach the younger guys and communicating on defense, he's limited in what he can do, but if he does opt out I wouldn't be averse the team signing him for around 4 million -- he worth that at least.

Long term, he probably won't finish his career in Portland -- especially if Martell and/or Travis show a continued level of improvement (Martell just getting more consistent with his shot and Travis demonstrating an ability to play the 3 vs. his backup PF role).

I guess it all depends on how much money he commands on the open market and whether or not he even chooses to walk; I certainly don't want to see the team overpay.

Iwatas

I would be very happy if I could believe this -- does anyone have the stats to show that Martell's shooting has become less streaky?

iWatas

It's_GO_Time

Wow . . . Jones went from the one responsible for the Blazers 13 game winning streak to not really caring if he opts out or not.

Jones is a smart player with a good attitude and I think would serve as a good role model next year . . . but given the crowded roster issue I'm hoping he opts out or can be packaged as an expiring contract.

MrJayremmie