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Jun 14

Hollinger: 'I Don't Think It's A Rebuild' And Other Portland Thoughts

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By caseyholdahl Posted in: 2012draft, draft2012

Today's chat on ESPN.com with John Hollinger is full of interesting Trail Blazers bits, which is to be expected when you begin the chat with a mention of Portland's coffee shops. Please to enjoy Hollinger's thoughts on Portland's draft and free agent strategies and coaching options.

Away we go ...

Greg (Switzerland)
You are the Portland's GM. What is your plan for this offseason (Trade, Draft, Free Agency)?

John Hollinger
I don't think it's a rebuild, but I do think they'll go younger -- use the draft picks, bring in Claver and Freeland from Europe to shore up the bench and go after a young free-agent point guard. Dragic is obviously a key name, but they also could try to trade for Kyle Lowry if Houston keeps Dragic. I'd expect Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton are long gone, I think they'll keep Batum, I think they'll explore Wes Matthews' trade value but not necessarily do anything. Most interesting variable is the coach.

All of that looks about right. I'd be surprised if both Victor Claver and Joel Freeland make it over next season.

Joe (FL)
Re: Portland's point guard search. Is Lillard a possibility at 6? Cheaper than Lowry or Dragic...

John Hollinger
A lot of Lillard talk for Portland at both 6 and 11. Personally I'm pretty lukewarm on the guy, and historically rookie point guards take a beating.

This is the kind of stuff you only see during the draft. Lowry, and to a lesser extent, Dragic are both NBA-tested veteran point guards. Lillard is a junior combo guard from Weber State, who, let's be honest, most people have never seen play. Draw your own conclusions.

Paul (Portland, OR)
John, you say Portland's most interesting variable is the coach. Who would YOU want to see as Portland's coach?

John Hollinger
Stan Van Gundy, but unfortunately his irreverence will not sit well with the Vulcans. They prefer a guy who won't make waves in the Nate McMillan mold.

I'm not touching that one.

Matt (Portland)
Portland has cap space and needs a PG. Would Deron come here?

John Hollinger
No. Move along, nothing to see here.

Mr. Hollinger is right. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Deron Williams didn't force his way out of Utah to play in Portland. His loss.

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7 Comments

We missed our chance at Deron when we dealt down to draft the enigma known as Martell Webster.

by cmeese47 on 6/14/2012 9:56 AM
Hey Casey same old story, all speculation and nothing new. Nevertheless, I love it.

by Hg on 6/14/2012 10:01 AM
Way to rain on our parade, John.

by ClydeFrog on 6/14/2012 5:52 PM
At least he is honest

by cmeese47 on 6/14/2012 6:30 PM
idk i still consider this situation to be a rebuild, maybe a lesser one since you're trying to figure out what you want to keep. it's mostly just adding pieces to see what you can do. i would've been more interested to see a more positive take on what the team can do to improve. i want to see the team make waves not ripples.

by The Unholy on 6/17/2012 2:59 PM
With our cap space and especially if Batum allows us to have his Bird rights, we could outright sign two very good veteran, young point guards...I'd like to see Patty Mills be one of them as he's opted out of his Spurs contract. Dragic would be my other choice...Dragic, Mills and Smith would work..I'm really excited about our cap room and draft picks...I'd prefer to draft 2 bigs and bring in Freeland and Claver, resign Hickson and Batum and keep Wesley. With the right coach and point guards, Crawford could be a great 6 man again...last season he was out of position and as Crash said, confused with the identity of the team. I'm not a Stan Van Gundy fan at all for Portland, rather see Sloan to mentor Canales. Sloan would shape the defense and perfect the guard-power forward pick and roll. He'd make sure you made your layups or you'd sit on the bench..he also makes defenses work and can coach big games like a master.

by riverman on 6/18/2012 3:52 PM
@riverman; Jamal only agreed to opt in with the agreement of the Blazers trading him. whoever they trade him to gets his bird rights and Portland can trade him on draft night to move up or for another player or what ever; OR-Live called a win-win situation
On who to keep, I definitely want to keep EWill He could take Jamal's place at 6 man.

by Hg on 6/18/2012 4:23 PM