| Let’s Make A Deal Authored by Holly Bromeland - July 12, 2006 - 8:33 pm
Wednesday June 28, 2006 will go down as one of the wildest nights in Blazers’ History. By the end of the night the Blazers acquired two lottery picks, a veteran big man, a couple of European projects, and three future second round picks. While loosing Sebastian Telfair the promising second year point guard, Viktor Khryapa the do anything forward, and the shot blocking specialist Theo Ratcliff. Were these trades worth it? Let’s examine:
Trade #1: Portland trades Sebastian Telfair and Theo Ratliff to acquire the 7th pick and Raef Lafrentz.
PROS: The Blazers now have the chance to gain two lottery picks from the draft. This trade alleviates the log jam at the point guard position. Portland also receives solid bench player that can play both the 4 and 5. Raef Lafrentz can also shoot the ball well for a big man with career field goal average of 46.8% and 37% from the three. This gives Zach Randolph another shooter to pass out of the double team to.
CONS: Portland had to make the choice about which young point guard would be there for the long run. Time will only tell who will be the better player. There is the chance that Sebastian could blossom and become a superstar. The Blazers also must take on Raef Lafrentz’s ugly contract (34.5 Million over the next 3 years, with the play option to opt out next year).
Trade #2 Portland trades the rights to the #4 pick Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khryapa to acquire the rights to the #2 pick LaMarcus Albridge from Chicago.
Pros: The Blazers do what it takes to get the player they want.
CONS: There is speculation that the Bulls would of picked Ty Thomas at the #2. So why did the Blazers give up a solid player like Viktor Khryapa when it is unnecessary? Viktor was arguably the most consistent player for the Blazers last season. Did they give up too much?
Trade #3: Blazers trade rights to the # 7 pick Randy Foye and cash considerations to Minnesota in exchange for the #6 pick Brandon Roy.
PROS: Again the Blazers do what it takes to get the rookie they want.
CONS: Blazers loose some cash when Foye was the one Minnesota wanted all along. Once again were they paying too much when it was not necessary?
Trade #4 Blazers send cash considerations for the rights to the #27th pick Sergio Rodriguez
PROS: The Blazers land a young point guard who has excellent passing ability and a lot of upside.
CONS: Sergio is known being turnover prone. He could very well be a project that never develops into his potential.
TRADE 4/5 Combined: Blazers acquire the rights to the #47 pick Alexander Johnson and two future second round picks in exchange for the rights to the #31 pick James White. Portland then trades Johnson to Memphis in exchange for a future second round pick.
PROS: Portland lands 3 future second round picks that can be used to sweeten the pot for trades this summer.
CONS: Portland is very weak at the 5 spot. Alexander Johnson could have been used next season.
Outlook:
It is easy to look at the deals on paper and think that the Blazers paid and gave away too much for Albridge and Roy. However, if Roy and Albridge develop into the players Kevin Pitchard and Steve Patterson project, nobody will think twice over loosing Khryapa Telfair, Ratliff, and some cash. Roy and Albridge could have easily gone 1 and 2 in this years draft depending on who was picking. How often does a team get the chance to land two promising young players without having to give up a franchise player? Brandon Roy is the most NBA ready player in the draft. LaMarcus Albridge is less NBA ready, but he will also be able to contribute in his first year. Both will be able to come out and play right away.
One thing to love about this trade is that it finally gives the Blazers some direction. By trading away Sebastian Telfair, the point guard reigns now are given to Jarret Jack. Sergio is a good safety net if either Jack or Blake are injured or Blake is lost in next year’s free agency. The Blazers also became a more McMillan like team. The team is very athletic and will be able to spread the floor. Roy and Albridge are also solid defenders too. Kevin Pitchard and Steve Patterson showed Blazers fans that they have a plan and are willing to take action to reach their goals. I think these moves will mark a positive change in the Blazer franchise. The future is looking brighter in rip city! |
