Bleacher Report - Articles by Chris Charbonnier

Cheap Seats * * * Quality Over Quantity: Portland TrailBlazers Trade...

Chris Charbonnier — Sat, 31 May 2008 09:57:10 -0400

I can’t say it loud enough, the NBA is all about quality, not quantity.

Take a look at the four conference finals teams this year:

Boston: Garnett/Allen/Pierce

Detroit: Wallace/Billups/Hamilton/Prince

Los Angeles: Bryant/Gasol/Odom

San Antonio: Duncan/Ginobili/Parker

The line-ups you see here all have three legitimate stars, unlike any other team in the NBA. Three seems to be the magic number, although the more the better, right? The point I’m making is that stars run this league, and to have a real shot, you need at least three on a team.

Teams that have the best benches don’t make the finals. Teams with the best starting line-ups do. The only exception is when the two are one in the same, and usually, having the best bench is a result of the stars who start.

Now, don’t get me wrong, role players are undoubtedly important. However, once you look past the all-stars, the association plateaus. All players in the league are athletic and have potential, but good role players are a result of the stars around them.

Turning the focus to Portland, it is easy to see that the big three are set. Oden/Aldridge/Roy. Before long, all three will be All-Stars. Mark it down.

While the big three is set in stone, everything else is up in the air. With so many trade assets, Kevin Pritchard is sure to try and make some moves. I say this is done through the draft, since it is the best opportunity to land a future star, who will be young and cheap—and there is nothing NBA GM’s love more than young, cheap stars.

Now, when KP looks at the draft, my guess is he will probably see two guys he really covets (outside of Beasley and Rose). There is little doubt in my mind that if he believes these kids can come into the league and be stars, he will go get them, because he has the assets to do so.

So, let’s assume KP decides he really likes OJ Mayo. The Blazers need a PG, and with Mayo and Roy in the backcourt, they could split duties and voila, problem solved. For the simplicity of this argument, let’s say Pritchard doesn’t like anyone else in the draft and must have Mayo.

To be sure of landing OJ, the Blazers would need the No. 3 pick, which is currently held by Minnesota. So what is worth giving up for this guy (who KP has determined is THE guy)?

Well, as far as I’m concerned, I’d give up anything besides what I think of as our “Core 5”. This includes Roy/Aldridge/Oden/Fernandez/Webster.

For those asking “who is Fernandez,” his name is Rudy and he is the best player in the world outside the U.S. Just to give you an idea of his value, many think he’d be a top 5 pick this year.

I threw Webster into the mix because he is only 21, athletic as they come, and at times, can shoot the lights out. As he develops, he will be a great SF.

That leaves a lot of players that we could trade to Minnesota to get that pick. However, just like we have a “Core 5” we also have a “Value 5” which are the five best trade assets not included in the core group. These five consist of Travis Outlaw, Jarrett Jack, Channing Frye, Raef LaFrentz (because of his monstrosity of an expiring contract) and Joel Pryzbilla.

To all you Blazer fans out there in an uproar over suggesting we trade the likes of Outlaw or Pryzbilla, remember the point of this article. Quality not quantity. While these two guys are great role players, they are just that, role players. If KP can find a way (which he can) to morph any combination of the “Value 5” into a star, then he has to do it.

Now let me throw out a trade idea. The Blazers give up Outlaw/Pryzbilla/13 to the Timberwolves for Madsen/Jaric/3. This trade works under the CBA, and it also works for both teams. Minnesota drops two bench players and picks up the center they so badly need plus a young super-freak athlete who can contribute right away but also has a ton of potential. Plus they get the 13^th pick.

Portland gets the No. 3 pick, which it uses on Mayo. The Blazers also take on the useless contracts of Madsen/Jaric, whom they could end up waiving depending on the number of roster spots they need in 08/09.

Yes, for the Blazers, this is a steep price to pay. But for a PG that could turn into a superstar, this is really a no-brainer. Outlaw does have a ton of potential, but it would just be wasted in Portland anyway with all of the young talent. In Minnesota, he could flourish and really become a good player.

Minnesota: Foye/McCants/Outlaw/Jefferson/Pryzbilla

Portland: Mayo/Roy/Webster/Aldridge/Oden

This trade undeniably works in both teams’ favor.

Feel free to comment on any trade ideas you may have, all while keeping the CBA in mind.

Here comes the dynasty.

Cheap Seats * * * Portland Trailblazers: Offseason Trade Rumors

Chris Charbonnier — Sun, 04 May 2008 09:33:32 -0400

The 2008 offseason is a big time for Portland’s favorite pro team. With a lottery pick, three early second rounders, and some on-the-block youngn’s, look for GM Kevin Pritchard to make some power moves.

While in an earlier article, I looked at the possibilities for the Blazers in the draft, I want to take this opportunity to look into some trade possibilities. There are some hot rumors circulating around the Blazers and many of their players. Below is a synopsis of those rumors and the other teams involved.

(*please note that the trade rumors below consist of only the major pieces. In order for them to work under the CBA, additional players would have to be swapped so the contracts would all match)

Memphis Grizzlies

The Players Sparking Interest: Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry, Mike Miller

The Trade Bait: Travis Outlaw, Jarrett Jack, Channing Frye, #13 Pick

Trade Rumor: Conley/Miller for Outlaw/Jack/#13/2nd round pick

Why it works for the Blazers: It gives them the PG they want to run their dynasty and the veteran SF they so desperately need.

Why it works for the Grizzlies: They have a load of young PG’s already, and if they get Rose in the draft that number would increase. Outlaw gives them a nice complement to Gay and the #13 pick could be used on one of the last pieces the Grizzlies need to set up a great young team of their own. Jack and the 2nd rounder are just extra incentives in a trade that the Blazers probably want more. If you ask me though, Rose/Navarro/Gay/Outlaw is a devastating line-up that would be around for years to come.

Conclusion: I think this would be great for both teams. The Blazers want this more though, so the Grizzlies might ask for too much making this trade just a fantasy. Also look for the Blazers to go after only one of the players listed above.

Toronto Raptors

The Players Sparking Interest: Jose Calderon, TJ Ford

The Trade Bait: Travis Outlaw, Jarrett Jack, #13 Pick, Steve Blake

Trade Rumors: Calderon for Outlaw/Blake or Calderon for #13/Blake

Ford for Outlaw/Blake or Ford for #13/Blake

Why it works for the Blazers: This would give them a young PG they feel can lead their franchise for years to come.

Why it works for the Raptors: They have two superb PG’s, so getting rid of one to get a player like Outlaw or someone they want in the draft isn’t a huge deal. Plus they get a solid, veteran backup in Steve Blake.

Conclusion: This really works for both teams, and I could really see something happening. Toronto may want something else though, since they value both of these PG’s very highly.

New Jersey Nets

The Players Sparking Interest: Richard Jefferson

The Trade Bait: Travis Outlaw, Raef LaFrentz, #13 Pick

Trade Rumor: Jefferson for Outlaw/LaFrentz/#13

Why it works for the Blazers: It gives them a great SF and makes them immediately viable in the west.

Why it works for the Nets: They get a young forward with a ton of upside, another lottery pick to start re-building and an expiring contract that ends next year, giving them their chance to make a run at LeBron.

Conclusion: While I think the Nets would love this deal, I’m not so sure the Blazers would be willing to give up their two biggest trade assets for 1 aging player.

Orlando Magic

The Players Sparking Interest: Keyon Dooling

The Trade Bait: Jarrett Jack, Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw, 2nd round picks

Trade Rumor: Jack/2nd Rounder for Dooling or Outlaw for Dooling

Why it works for the Blazers: It gives them a nice, defensive-minded PG who doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.

Why it works for the Magic: They get a young, solid SG and an early 2nd rounder they can splurge with. Or they get Travis Outlaw, enough said.

Conclusion: If the Blazers trade Outlaw for Dooling I will hang myself in my front lawn. There is no way this will happen. They may however try to get Dooling with Jack and a draft pick, but I’m not sure this makes enough sense for the Magic.

Chicago Bulls

The Players Sparking Interest: Kirk Hinrich

The Trade Bait: Travis Outlaw, #13 pick

Trade Rumor: Outlaw/Hinrich or #13/Hinrich

Why it works for the Blazers: They get a solid PG who can contribute immediately.

Why it works for the Bulls: They get rid of an overpaid PG who they don’t want and get a young player with a ton of upside in return (via Outlaw or the draft)

Conclusion: This could very well happen. The only problem I have with this is the fact that Hinrich is not that much better than Steve Blake, a player the Blazers already have. However, if the Blazers offer this and the Bulls don’t accept, someone in Chicago needs to be fired.

In case you can’t see the trend, the Blazers are after two things: a PG and a SF. They can go about this via the draft, a trade, or a combination of the two. The biggest thing I want to see happen is the acquisition of BOTH of these needs.

In reality, the Blazers have two trade assets: Outlaw and #13. I don’t think they should use both of these pieces for a PG or a SF. They need both. If they use these assets and some of their complementary pieces wisely, they should be able to add what they need to be a playoff team next year.

All I know is that Kevin Pritchard is a man with a plan and anything he does will have a purpose. I trust him. I think. But, my time here is done. It’s time to meditate under my Greg Oden poster. Until next time.

Cheap Seats * * * Portland TrailBlaze's Offseason: Draft Questions

Chris Charbonnier — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:48:42 -0400

The 2008 NBA Draft will go down in history as one of the best. Beasley, Rose, Bayless, Augustine, Mayo, Lopez and Gordon. I stopped the list short, but it could go on for awhile. In some mock drafts, players like Kevin Love, Hasheem Thabeet, Roy Hibbert and even Augustine are falling outside of the top 20...consistently. So what does this mean for the association? It means that good teams in the middle of the first round will be picking up good players. In case you were wondering, the Blazers fit the bill.

The 2008 Draft is decision time for Portland. Who do we cut? Who should we evaluate further? How are we going to set up the core of our team? The list of questions is long. Luckily, the Blazers have the pieces in place to have a big draft and an even bigger future. Kevin Pritchard has shown in the past that he is a draft genius, and if he can work his magic this time around, a dynasty will be in place.

Before discussing what the Blazers should do in the draft, certain questions must be presented and answered:

- Travis Outlaw or Martell Webster? Having two young SF’s on this team is inefficient. Both are potential stars and neither can realistically change positions on this team. So, the obvious answer is to trade one of them to fill other needs (i.e. PG, SF...trust me). The Blazers need to decide which of these players fits into the model dynasty they are building. You can get my opinion in a separate article. The point is, one of these guys has to go, and you might as well trade him in a year with a deep draft. Management has had long enough to evaluate these players and must decide which is the best fit.

- What is James Jones' place on this team? A veteran SF is needed on this team, which is odd considering we have one. I've always loved James Jones and could never figure out why Phoenix didn't use him more effectively. Now, I am starting to see why. This year like others in his career, Jones missed a substantial amount of time due to injury. This really hurt his ability to perform later on which allowed me to ask the question above. The biggest concern for the blazers is Mr. Jones' contract. He can opt out this summer, which many expect him to do. He can get more money and playing time outside of Portland. For that reason alone, the blazers should plan like he has no place on this team and act accordingly.

- Can Steve Blake, Jarrett Jack or Sergio Rodriguez be the PG of the future? No.

Now to the actual draft. As far as I can tell, there are only four things the Blazers can do in this year’s draft:

1. Stay where you are in the first round, draft the best available PG and then use your three early 2nd rounders on potential

2. Package your first rounder with a future pick, some of your second rounders, current players, or a combination of the three in order to move up and get the PG you feel can lead a dynasty.

3. Stay where you are in the first round and draft the best available SF. Then package some combination of future picks, current players and 2nd rounders to get another lottery pick. Use that pick to draft your wanted PG.

4. Trade away your 1st rounder for players to a team that is re-building.

Of these options the obvious cons are as follows:

1. It’s fine if the blazers wait for a PG since this draft is PG heavy and would be sure to land a player with some potential. The problem with not doing anything is that you keep Webster, Outlaw, and your army of complementary players. Eventually, some combination of these guys is going to get traded or god-forbid be let go into free agency. Why not do that now, in a year with a loaded draft? It makes sense to set-in-stone the majority of your dynasty as early as possible.

2. The team would get the PG it wants to lead the dynasty, but would lose picks and players that it could use on another 1st rounder.

3. A young team gets younger. While this option may hurt you during the next couple years, it could be the decision that creates an actual dynasty in the long run.

4. This is an interesting option with a ton of possibilites. The biggest con I see here is missing out on the players you could get with option #3 who have enormous upside.

Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s do some day-dreaming. Let’s say the Blazers choose option three. The ping-pong balls go as planned and we end up with the 13th pick. Nicolas Batum falls to us and we pick him. Don’t think this is possible? NBAdraft.net has him going at 17! So, then we decide that Webster is the SF we want to keep. Let’s package Outlaw, Jack, LaFrentz and a 2nd round pick for something around 10. You’re saying this isn’t possible? While I’m not an expert on trade values regarding draft picks, I do know that this trade would make sense for a lot of teams. Look at Charlotte, Chicago, New Jersey, Indiana, and Sacramento, the teams with picks 8-12. Travis Outlaw is basically like a guy coming out of college as a senior, a lot like Brandon Roy did. He’s 23, is long, athletic and coachable. The amount he has improved even in the last year is amazing. He is the type of guy who could push a team like Orlando over the top since he could come in right away and contribute. My point is, teams would be willing to move down in the draft by 20 picks (remember we have two high 2nd rounders) if they could get Outlaw. Then, with the pick, take Westbrook, who I absolutely love. Just like that, our roster is starting to look gorgeous. Take a look:

PG: Russell Westbrook (Pick #1), Blake, Rodriguez

SG: Roy, Fernandez, Pick #3

SF: Webster, Nicolas Batum (#2)

PF: Aldridge, Frye, Pick #4, McRoberts

C: Oden, Pryzbilla

Of course, this might not be the option the Blazers management chooses. Alot is to be determined. What I feel will happen for sure is the trade of Outlaw for a lottery pick or veteran player(s). And, since James Jones will be leaving most likely, this creates a need at SF. Whether this is done through the draft or free agency is anyone's guess. One way or another, the Blazers will go into next season with a franchise PG and a new SF who the team feels can really contribute. This will be done via draft, trade, or some combination of the two. The options are limitless.

The draft holds so many possibilities that if you think about it for too long, you’ll probably feel like you did after eating paint chips. Hopefully, KP and the Blazer staff will make the necessary decisions to build a dynasty-type roster. The team has too much potential to settle for being very good. If things go the right way, this team could be the BEST for a very long time.

Cheap Seats * * * Portland Trailblazers: The Next NBA Dynasty

Chris Charbonnier — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:09:53 -0400

If you are a Blazer fan, then you’re probably nuts. You play GM in your mind thousands of times a day. You’ve somehow figured out a way for Portland to get Michael Beasley AND Derrick Rose in the draft. You’ve admitted that you’d be disappointed if the team only wins three championships in the next ten years. If you really are a Blazer fan, you’re more than likely blinded by potential. But hell, that’s only because the future is blinding.

People who don’t follow the Blazers just don’t understand. We all know these people. Like your buddy Ralph who concludes that in a few years, the top team in the west will be the Golden State Warriors. You ask him how that’s possible, and he replies that the Warriors have loads of young talent. Befuddled as you may be, you gather your thoughts and ask him how he expects his team to compete with Portland. “Who’s going to guard Oden” you ask? “Andris Biedrins!” Ralph exclaims. “He’s young, athletic and has spikey hair. I’m telling you, he could shut Oden down.” You laugh for a minute, only to find out that Ralph was completely serious. He looks at the utter shock on your face and says, “man, no one knows about the Warriors. Look at their team bro! Baron Davis! Stephen Jackson! Biedrins! And Monta Ellis! You guys will be good, but having Monta Ellis alone will be enough to win the west.” You know this is a battle you can’t win. It’s impossible to argue with someone who is retarded. It would be like trying to convince Larry the Cable Guy to watch the Martha Stewart Show. Since you see no point in arguing with Ralph over whether the Blazers have more potential than the Warriors, you instead plot to suffocate him in his sleep. You get into bed at night and ponder how it’s actually possible that there are humans who believe Golden State will be better than the Blazers come 2009. You chuckle, shake your head, and proceed to cry until you drift off into visions of Oden with rings on his toes.

To put it simply, the Blazers have more potential than any professional basketball team has ever had. Ever. Don’t let Ralph tell you differently. Who cares if no one on ESPN is talking about it. We’ll probably get some coverage when we start shoveling in trophies. Just in case there is anybody reading this who doesn’t agree with me, I’m going to try and explain everything to you, unless you are Ralph, in which case you should probably do what’s best and jump off the Burnside Bridge. For the rest of you, here is this year’s roster:

PG: Steve Blake, Jarrett Jack, Sergio Rodriguez
SG: Brandon Roy, Von Wafer,
SF: James Jones, Martell Webster, Travis Outlaw, Darius Miles
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge, Channing Frye, Raef LaFrentz, Josh McRoberts
C: Greg Oden, Joel Pryzbilla.

Now, add to that the three players we have rights to overseas and our four draft picks. That makes 22 players and since a roster can only have fifteen, seven have to go. Miles, the last link to the "jailblazers," is thankfully gone, and LaFrentz might as well start selling his West Hills house today. That makes the roster size 20. Let’s assume that Rudy is the only one who comes over and we leave Freeland and Koponen in Europe. 18. Cut McBob and Von Wafer so we get down to 16. Trade one of our 2nd Rounders away and now we have a roster of 15. So, here’s a look at next years potential roster, which doesn't take into account any trades or moves in the drafts besides getting rid of our #4:

PG: Steve Blake, Sergio Rodriguez, Draft Pick #1
SG: Brandon Roy, Rudy Fernandez, Jarrett Jack
SF: James Jones, Martell Webster, Travis Outlaw
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge, Channing Frye, Draft Pick #2
C: Greg Oden, Joel Pryzbilla, Draft Pick #3

That is potential. We would only have three guys on a 15-man roster over the age of 25! And all of them would be under 30! That is ridiculous. Take a look at the potential all-stars on that squad. Our #1 Pick (a lottery pick), Rudy Fernandez, Martell Webster, Travis Outlaw, and LaMarcus Aldridge. Oh, forgot to include perennial all-stars Brandon Roy and Greg Oden. 7 potential All-Stars all under the the age of 24 on one team. See the light.

Now, don’t go off and show these rosters to people like Ralph. There little heads would explode. You wouldn’t want any sharp pieces shooting off and hitting an innocent bystander. Keep this information to yourself. Besides, if no one in the league realizes the magnitude of possibilities coming from Portland, then Kevin Pritchard will be free to rob them. And understand, the roster you see above should change this off-season. With so much young talent, trades and roster moves are inevitable. Hopefully, KP continues his run at "NBA's #1 GM" and keeps stockpiling talent. Regardless, the Blazers are in line to build a dynasty the likes of which have never been seen in this modern day NBA. Most outside of Portland do not realize this, but it’s ok, do not try and explain it to them. Let them figure it out for themselves so that you may bathe in their ignorance when we win a championship. Unless of course, their name is Ralph, in which case you should just toss ‘em in the Willamette.

Cheap Seats * * * Rudy Fernandez: Future NBA Star

Chris Charbonnier — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:02:15 -0400

If the Portland Trailblazers ever live up to their potential and win an NBA title, they might just owe it to the Balearic Islands of Spain. These are the islands that produced and nurtured Rudy Fernandez into a basketball juggernaut. Both his parents were professional ball players in Spain. As soon as Rudy was born, he was on the radar of every pro basketball team in the country. By the time he was 16, Rudy had a contract with Joventut Badalona and a roster spot on the Spanish national team. It was only a matter of time before NBA scouts joined the party. Fortunately for the Blazers, not very many did.

Come the 2007 NBA draft, Rudy was a hot topic. Every player ranking system you could find was touting his offensive abilities. There’s no discrepancy as to why. He’s a great one on one guy, gets to the rim with ease, is fluid, smooth, has amazing court awareness and is a great shooter from deep. He can play anywhere from the PG to the SF in the league. He is a leaper with above average athleticism and a quick first step second to none. So, when he dropped to the 24th pick in the draft, some eyebrows raised. Upon further inspection, it was decided that he wasn’t strong enough to guard some NBA guards. It was also well-noted that in 2006, he signed a long-term contract with Joventut Badalona. The buyout in the contract was so large, he wouldn’t be able to play in the NBA until the ’08-’09 season. Basically, his physical strength and professional status in Spain caused him to free fall.

With the 24th pick in the 2007 draft, the Phoenix Suns took Rudy Fernandez. I wasn’t the only one who saw this pick and thought it was a perfect fit. Ric Bucher of ESPN predicted that Rudy would be a perfect complement to the Suns’ style of play. He thought Rudy would thrive in the league and turn out to be the “steal of the draft.” Then, inexplicably, Phoenix traded Rudy along with James Jones to the Portland Trailblazers for Cash. That’s right, cash. I hope that cash is enough to pay for all the therapy Suns executives are going to need when they see this guy play next year.

When Portland got Rudy for cash, they had to think, “God is a Blazer fan.” Just two months after winning Oden in the lottery, they find a duffel bag full of gold bars on their front lawn. If you don’t think Rudy is worth his weight in gold, go search “Rudy Fernandez” on YouTube. You’ll find countless highlights, which include high-flying dunks, dribbling trickery, and unbelievable shots. What’s more impressive is his game film. I’ve watched 5 games in their entirety and couldn’t believe what I saw. The evidence is this article, which I was compelled to write based on my conclusions. Fernandez is the best player (MVP last year) in the 2nd best league in the world. He is a star in Spain and it is only a matter of time before he’s a star in the NBA.

This year, in the Spanish league, Rudy is averaging 22 ppg in 28 minutes. He is also adding 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and a block every game. He shoots 93% from the foul line and 41% from downtown. Keep in mind that this is the best player in the league, meaning teams hone in on him and he is consistently double-teamed. Over the last five years, his stats have gotten better in EVERY category listed above. In 2006-2007, he was the ACB league’s MVP. He was also the 2007 FIBA European player of the year, which is given to the best European player outside the U.S. He won this award at the age of 22.

The only player I can compare Fernandez to is Gilbert Arenas. Seriously. He gets to the rim at will and has a great shooting touch. When he catches fire, which he often does, he makes absolutely everything. The only knock on him is his strength, even though he’s gained 10 pounds in the last year. He is 6’6 and weighs 185 pounds. With an NBA workout regimen, he’ll add another 10-15 pounds and be just fine. Defensively, he could also be special. As mentioned, he’s 6’6 yet can guard the PG position. He has very quick feet, quick hands and deceptively long arms. The only thing that could keep him from being a great defender is his will. If he decides he wants to defend, he’ll do it with the best of them. Physically speaking, this guy is perfect for the NBA. With these physical gifts and a jaw-dropping array of offensive skills, this guy will be an all-star. You can quote me on that. I can only hope that happens while he’s in Portland.