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Jun 27

Amick: Trail Blazers Trying To Move Up, Rivers An Option At No. 6

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By caseyholdahl Posted in: 2012draft, draft2012

Some good tidbits from SI.com's Sam Amick in his latest mock draft. Some of these rumors are starting to take on a similar theme.

First up, Amick writes the Trail Blazers are one of a plethora of teams trying to move up to the No. 2 spot, presumably to draft Kansas big man Thomas Robinson:

The Bobcats continue to talk with Cleveland about swapping No. 4 for No. 2, with Charlotte surely pushing for as many assets as possible to go with it (the Cavs have the 24th, 33rd and 34th picks). Houston (Nos. 14, 16 and 18) and Portland (Nos. 6 and 11) are trying to land the No. 2 pick as well, according to sources.

The No. 6 and No. 11 picks for No. 2 seem like the best of those offers, though Cleveland's offer probably gets you the best player.

As for the No. 6 pick, Amick has the Trail Blazers selecting Damian Lillard, though he notes there are varying opinions regarding Portland's thinking.

Lillard would address a big need at point guard, where Raymond Felton had a disappointing year and is now a free agent. But several teams I spoke with are starting to believe that Duke's Austin Rivers could be the guy here. His ability to play both guard positions is seen as a major plus.

That would also support Tim Kawakami's claim that a source says the Trail Blazers are considering Rivers at No. 6. Of course, this could all be a huge smokescreen, but if it is, it seems to be working.

Previous Story: Kawakami: Trail Blazers Could Take Austin Rivers At No. 6

Next Story: Berger: Rockets Trying To Trick Trail Blazers?

8 Comments

Casey: you have class and I know you wouldn't sling mud at any draft picks, but do you think Rivers would fit in with the Blazer team after Jamal just destroyed us with his volume shooting.

I feel of all the prospect that I have read up on, Rivers is the only one that makes me quiver, not in delight either. But I have trust in the Blazers FO and will go with whomever they choose.

by Hg on 6/27/2012 9:27 AM
Well, I think any rookie that comes into the NBA and tries to "volume shoot" on a team with any kind of veteran presence is going to get checked.

But to be honest, I think this team needs a bit of the kind of attitude Rivers brings. I think it'll get toned down pretty quick, but you almost have to have over the top confidence to make it in the NBA, unless you're supremely talented.

by caseyholdahl on 6/27/2012 9:40 AM
YES! YES! PLEASE let it b true that we're doin' what it takes to get T-Rob! :)

@Hg: we feel the same way ;) IF Rivers is picked @ #6 (I'm thinkin' smokescreen), he's REALLY gonna have to show me a lot to prove he was the right choice; if he turns out to b a so-so player (best-case scenario IMO), then he was a COMPLETE waste of the pick :(

IF we can get T-Rob & then somehow keep #6/get any # after #6 to get lillard (@ THIS pt. I'm ok w/ gambling on him & if he doesn't pan out I won't b sad ;)... I WILL consider this draft to b an ABSOLUTE success! :)

by Simpson on 6/27/2012 9:48 AM
It's still a total crapshoot, and we won't know until tomorrow.

by newellbrian on 6/27/2012 10:01 AM
Casey Lillard is over the top with confidence and can be coached. I am not sure you can coach Rivers. He is not a team player but a stat builder like Jamal.

Waiters has more clout then Rivers and more talent.
I am still sticking with Drummand, Barnes, or Lillard at 6 and BPA at 11 which includes Marshall.

All in all I could live with Rivers as I did Jamal, but I just don't think he is a good option even coming off the bench.

by Hg on 6/27/2012 10:04 AM
@ casey: Those "cojones" that u know who said Rivers has, r gonna need some trimmin' IF he becomes a Blazer & that's gonna make him less effective (he won't b playing his game/personality & it doesn't look like he's got the ability to play as hard/good w/o his cockiness & quantity shooting; in a few YEARS he MAY figure it out but I wouldn't count on it). I agree w/ u however that a real player in this league needs that "...over the top confidence..." BUT that player NEEDS skills and the knowledge & feel for the game/opponents to go along w/ it & I STRONGLY feel in yr. 1 & 2 Rivers doesn't/won't have that. Like Hg just said, kid's not coachable (@ least right now).

by Simpson on 6/27/2012 10:22 AM
I have to say with our history, I don't care who the Blazers pick, its going to be a crap shoot. How many years have we had a GREAT draft on draft day and then come a couple of seasons later we learn how big we F'd up. Yeah....Im a Blazer fan but Im also realistic based on our history.

by rbuurman on 6/27/2012 4:43 PM
nice attitude rbuurman. I see how you might feel that way but shoot, have a little faith in Olshey. He obviously knows what he's doing. Wait and watch, he's gonna throw down GM moves tomorrow we didn't even know were possible.

by Thansen36 on 6/27/2012 7:01 PM