NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
Bryant Knox grades the job that Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey did during the 2012-13 season. The good is highlighted by Damian Lillard, JJ Hickson, Eric Maynor and even Roy Hibbert. The bad is reserved for the depth, or lack thereof, that the team was depth. The Nicolas Batum contract and the drafting of Meyers Leonard look good, but are still up for debate.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Bryant Knox weighs in with his predictions for the 2012 PDX Blazers. Without sounding too cliché, the most realistic prediction has to come somewhere in-between the best and worst-case scenarios. He says Meyers Leonard and Nicolas Batum could also be pleasant surprises in Rip City next season.
NWSB Writer Jonathan Irwin gives you his take on who can fill the role at center for the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s been a whirlwind week for the Portland Trail Blazers. Desperately trying to fill the void at center, it was announced Monday the team’s offer to RFA Roy Hibbert is going to be matched by Indiana. Then comes Wednesday, when it was announced that Euro league big man Joel Freeland will officially be making his way to Portland on a three-year deal.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Byrant Knox gives us his 2012 projections and predictions for the Blazers starting lineup in the fall. Unless the Blazers pick up a big man in free agency, expect the youngsters to make starting debuts. The stating center spot in Portland goes to Meyers Leonard, Wesley Matthews at SG, LaMarcus Aldridge at PF, Rookie Damian Lillard at PG, and Nicolas Batum at SF.
NWSB Writer Jonathan Irwin debates whether or not Nicholas Batum is the solution to all of Portland’s woes or if they should think about trading him. Nicolas Batum—the current incumbent—is sitting on a four year, $45-$50 million, offer from Minnesota. Portland seems fully prepared to match. However, Minnesota is determined, reportedly exploring multiple sign-and-trade opportunities.
NWSB Writer Blair Thomas talks about the latest news of northwest grown and former Portland Trail Blazer Brandon Roy. Due to Portland’s decision to waive Roy under the league’s amnesty clause, the guard cannot play for the Blazers until the 2014-15 season. Though many would like to see the Roy back on the team, we hear the Indiana Pacers have shown quite the interest. Also Portland is chasing Indiana center Roy Hibbert.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trailblazers blogger Bryant Knox gives us the inside scoop on the maximum contract offer by the Blazers to Roy Hibbert. The team has a chance to be very good, very quickly, and if a max contract is what it takes to make that happen, than the answer is yes, Hibbert is worth the money. Meyers Leonard is ready to step into the paint in Portland, but is he ready to carry a team as the starting center?
NWSB insider Steve Lee brings us an NBA draft preview piece today. Where will the University of Washington’s Tony Wroten land in this year’s 2012 NBA Draft? Steve lists 5 possible destinations. Many envision Wroten to fall into the role of a player similar to that of Larry Hughes, Gilbert Arenas or Seattle grown Michael Dickerson when he hits the bigtime. Could it be for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2012?
NWSB Insider Rick Stella brings a story out of Portland surrounding the Blazers and their 2012 GM search. A bevy of names have surfaced in Rip City. From Steve Kerr, to Mitch Kupchak, as well as Chris Mullin, and Bucks executive John Hammond, the Blazer’s effort is there, it’s just a matter of finding the right fit. Both Jeff Bower and David Morway have been tied to the position. Who will Paul Allen choose?
