NBA Rumors: Portland Trail Blazers Targeting Mo Williams?
Yahoo Sports recently reported that the Portland Trail Blazers are interested in trading for Mo Williams and have inquired about a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This rumor might have some substance in it because the Blazers have said that they are looking for more shooters on the roster to compliment Roy and LaMarcus.
Who might be sent to Cleveland?
In return for Mo Williams, Cleveland will want some young players with talent in case LeBron decides to leave.
Considering that, this trade would almost certainly have to involve Rudy Fernandez or Martell Webster.
Besides that, Cleveland is also trying to get a pick in the draft and will want the Blazers 22nd pick in the draft.
Will this help the Portland Trail Blazers improve in the playoffs?
Since the next step for the Blazers is to advance in the playoffs, they should look and see if Mo Williams can help them do that.
Mo Williams is a veteran in the playoffs after advancing the last couple of seasons with the Cavaliers. His experience and veteran leadership will help the Blazers in some situations,but they have already got Andre Miller and Marcus Camby for that.
His regular season shooting is very good from the perimeter (42 percent in 09-10),but that number dropped to a pathetic 32 percent in the playoffs last year. He was a vital offensive contributor on the Cavaliers, so that really affected their performance in the playoffs.
He might not perform that badly on the Blazers in the playoffs because he won't be asked to do too much behind Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and possibly Greg Oden. He can just find a spot on the perimeter and spot up for a shot.
On the Cavaliers, he might have been asked too much for his abilities. He was the second offensive option behind LeBron on a team trying to win a championship. I do not think he is capable of being the No. 2 guy on a championship team.He is more suited to be a role player.
Should the Blazers trade for him?
I don't think they should.
Players earn their paychecks in the playoffs and are expected to perform at a high level, but that is exactly the time when Mo Williams underperforms.
The Blazers should look elsewhere to find a consistent shooter and role player to help them advance in the playoffs.
