Lamrock's Blazers - Retired

[Martti.]

1. Orlando - Nerlens Noel
2. Charlotte - Ben McLemore
3. Washington - Marcus Smart
4. Phoenix - Martti Must
5. Detroit - Glenn Robinson
6. Sacramento - Mason Plumlee
7. New Orleans - Cody Zeller
8. Philadelphia - Shabazz Muhammed
9. Cleveland - Trey Burke
10. Oklahoma City - Victor Oladipo
11. Minnesota - Julian Martin
12. Portland - Otto Porter
13. Utah - Alex Poythress
14. Houston - CJ McCollum

[dare]

1. Orlando - Smart
2. Charlotte - McLemore
3. Washington - Must
4. Phoenix - Noel
5. Detroit - Oladipo
6. Sacramento - Burke
7. New Orleans - Zeller
8. Philadelphia - Martin
9. Cleveland - Muhammed
10. Oklahoma City - McCallum
11. Minnesota - Porter
12. Portland - Plumlee
13. Utah - Fresh Smith
14. Houston - Bennett

[Axel The Great]

I don't have too much knowledge on this upcoming draft class, so these are just educated guesses based on prospect order and team needs.

1. Orlando - Marcus Smart
2. Charlotte - Ben McLemore
3. Washington - Nerlens Noel
4. Phoenix - Martti Must
5. Detroit - Glenn Robinson
6. Sacramento - Victor Oladipo
7. New Orleans - Mason Plumlee
8. Philadelphia - Julian Martin
9. Cleveland - Cody Zeller
10. Oklahoma City - Shabazz Muhammed
11. Minnesota - Fresh Smith
12. Portland - Otto Porter
13. Utah - Leo Lai
14. Houston - Anthony Bennett

[Mark.]

1. Orlando - Ben McLemore
2. Charlotte - Nerlens Noel
3. Washington - Marti Must
4. Phoenix - Marcus Smart
5. Detroit - Shabazz Muhammed
6. Sacramento - Otto Porter
7. New Orleans - Mason Plumlee
8. Philadelphia - Glen Robinson
9. Cleveland - Julian Martin
10. Oklahoma City - Trey Burke
11. Minnesota - Victor Oladipo
12. Portland - CJ McCollum
13. Utah - Fresh Smith
14. Houston - Cody Zeller

Tried to mix this up at bit, also focusing on a little bit of need and personal preference.

[Durant35]

1. Orlando - Ben McLemore
2. Charlotte - Marcus Smart
3. Washington - Nerlens Noel
4. Phoenix - Shabazz Muhammed
5. Detroit - Marti Must
6. Sacramento - Glen Robinson
7. New Orleans - Cody Zeller
8. Philadelphia - Trey Burke
9. Cleveland - Otto Porter
10. Oklahoma City - Mason Plumlee
11. Minnesota - Anthony Bennett
12. Portland - Leo Lai
13. Utah - Julian Martin
14. Houston - CJ McCollum

[Woogie98]

Jrue is too True No worries about the playoffs. good draft class....soo im expecting a breakthrough next season

[Lamrock]

1. Orlando - SF Martti Must (Duke)
Orlando shocks the crowd by selecting Duke's Martti Must. Must is considered to have a lot of potential, but is very raw and will figure to be a bit player at first.
2. Charlotte - PG Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State)
Though Kemba Walker improved considerably last season, the Bobcats saw combo guard Marcus Smart as the best player available.
3. Washington - SG Ben McLemore (Kansas)
It's surprising to see the Wizards pass on Noel for a shooting guard when they have Bradley Beal but perhaps McLemore fits more into the team's plans as a 5.
4. Phoenix - SG Shabazz Muhammad (UCLA)
Muhammad should be a huge upgrade over Shannon Brown and hopefully become the team's new star.
5. Detroit - PG Trey Burke (Michigan)
No surprise here as the Pistons take Michigan point guard Trey Burke. This puts pressure on the underwhelming Brandon Knight to improve or shift to the 2.
6. Sacramento - SF Glenn Robinson III (Michigan)
Apparently still high on Cousins, the Kings pass on Noel for an intriguing small forward prospect.
7. New Orleans - C Nerlens Noel (Kentucky)
Nerlens Noel is finally taken as the Hornets take the best available talent, but wait we have a trade!

----------BREAKING NEWS----------

Batum to Hornets, Noel to Bobcats in Three-Team Blockbuster

Blazers send SF Nicolas Batum, SG Will Barton to Hornets; Jared Jeffries to Bobcats
Hornets send C Jason Smith to Blazers; rights to Nerlens Noel to Bobcats
Bobcats send PG Ramon Sessions, Blazers' 2014 first rounder, pick #32 to Blazers; Jeff Taylor to Hornets

Portland deals their fan-favorite small forward as well as a pair of bench warmers for expiring role players Ramon Sessions and Jason Smith, their 2014 draft pick back, and the 32nd pick in this draft. The Hornets had initially inquired about Batum, but the Blazers had fleeting interest in acquiring another injury-prone center prospect, and decided to go in another direction by getting the Bobcats involved. This move unburdens the team from Batum's big contract, significantly bolstering their bench with guys on expiring deals and scores them a pair of draft picks. While risky, the move gives Portland more flexibility.

Grade: B-

With Anthony Davis in tow, the Hornets would have had trouble incorporating Noel, so they sold high on him, acquiring one of the better small forwards in the league, as well as Will Barton and Jeff Taylor. New Orleans also received throwaway players Will Barton and Jeff Taylor. The move could vault this team into playoff contention.

Grade: B

Charlotte sends journeyman combo guard Ramon Sessions, Portland's 2014 pick and the 32nd selection in this draft to Portland, and Jeff Taylor to the Hornets. In return, they get a potential franchise center in Nerlens Noel. Despite questions about his health and offensive ability, this was a great trade.

Grade: A

8. Philadelphia - PG CJ McCollum (LeHigh)
McCollum should give the Sixers a big boost off the bench, perhaps replacing Louis Williams and giving them a good backup for Holiday.

----------BREAKING NEWS----------

Cavaliers trade #9 pick, Tyler Zeller to Wolves for JJ Barea, Brandon Roy

In what is a head-scratching trade for the Cavaliers, they trade promising young center Tyler Zeller and the ninth pick in this draft to Minnesota for combo guard JJ Barea and the corpse of Brandon Roy. While the Cavs improve their backcourt depth, they give up far more valuable assets to do so.

Cavaliers' Grade: D-
Timberwolves' Grade: A+

9. Minnesota - C Cody Zeller (Indiana)
Minnesota pairs the Zeller brothers together, making it likely they will let Nikola Vucevic walk in free agency.
10. Oklahoma City - SG Victor Oladipo (Indiana)
At worst, Oladipo figures to be a better version of Thabo Sefolosha, and should be a key player in the Thunder's rotation.
11. Minnesota - SF Otto Porter (Georgetown)
Porter is the best small forward on the board, and has the potential to be this draft's best - including #1 pick Martti Must.
12. Portland - SF Alex Poythress (Kentucky)
Portland was reportedly high on Poythress prior to the draft, so it's little surprise that they select him after trading starting 3 Nicolas Batum away. Poythress has potential to be a great scorer, but will be a significant defensive downgrade from Batum.
13. Utah - PG Michael Carter-Williams (Syracuse)
With Mo Williams just not cutting is, Utah hopes to have their point guard of the future in Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams
14. Houston - C Isaiah Austin (Syracuse)
Austin joins Omer Asik and Greg Smith in the Rockets' stable of promising Centers.
15. Milwaukee - SG Leo Lai (New Zealand)
While J.J. Redick will likely start next season, Lai should provide energy and excitement for the perennially mediocre Bucks.
16. Houston - SF Ryan Alexander (Syracuse)
Alexander is a bit of a poor-man's Chandler Parsons at this point but has the skills to get minutes nonetheless.
17. Phoenix - C Alex Len (Maryland)
18. Brooklyn - SG X Watson (Portland State)
Brooklyn gets a guy who can make an impact off the bench right away.
19. Utah - PF Anthony Bennett (UNLV)
20. Atlanta - SF JR Young (Duke)
The selection of J.R. Young likely means Kyle Korver will not return to the Hawks. While Young doesn't play defense, he should bolster the Hawk's rotation.
21. Chicago - SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Georgia)
22. Boston - PF Julian Martin (UCLA)
UCLA's Julian Martin falls to #22, where he is picked up by the veteran Celtics. While Boston is no longer a contender, playing with three future hall-of-famers probably couldn't hurt his development.
23. Indiana - PF Mason Plumlee (Duke)
24. Minnesota - SG Fresh Smith (North Carolina)
Fresh Smith was visibly disappointed, not only falling to #24 but to Minnesota. Nonetheless, unlike his idol, he didn't demand a trade on draft night and will hope to form a formidable backcourt with Ricky Rubio.

----------BREAKING NEWS----------

Knicks trade SF Steve Novak, pick #25 to Bucks for PF Gustavo Ayon, Bucks' 2014 second rounder

New York improves their depth up front with Ayon, giving up the 25th pick and former Marquette player Steve Novak to Milwaukee. They also acquire a 2nd rounder. Milwaukee will have the opportunity to draft a solid player in this deep draft.

Knicks' Grade: B
Bucks' Grade: B+

25. New York - SG Archie Goodwin (Kentucky)
26. Denver - PG Axel Gomez (Houston)
Gomez is taken 26th by Denver, where he will be the third-string point guard behind Ty Lawson and Andre Miller.
27. Los Angeles Clippers - SG Chris Hova (Germany)
German swingman Chris Hova goes to the Clippers, where he could make a big difference as a defensive specialist.
28. Oklahoma City - SG Jamaal Franklin (San Diego State)
29. San Antonio - PF Rudy Gobert (France)
30. Cleveland - PF James McAdoo (North Carolina)

SECOND ROUND

31. Orlando - PG Da'Vonte Hughes (Georgia)
While Hughes is more of a scoring point and is perceived to have an attitude problem, he's got serious talent and could be a steal for the Magic.
32. Portland - C Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga)
Olynyk put on a clinic in Portland's workouts, and the Blazers' front office was absolutely thrilled to see Olynyk slip to the second round.

----------BREAKING NEWS----------

Wizards trade pick #33 to Pistons for G Kim English

33. Detroit - PG Brandon Young (Arkansas)
34. Phoenix - C Jeff Withey (Kansas)
35. Detroit - SF Kyle Anderson (UCLA)
36. New Orleans - PG Myck Kabongo (Texas)

----------BREAKING NEWS----------

Raptors trade SF Linas Kleiza to Kings for pick #37, 2014 second rounder

37. Toronto - CJ Leslie (North Carolina State)
38. Philadelphia - SG Brandon Paul (Illinois)
39. Cleveland - SF Doug McDermott (Creighton)
40. Minnesota - SF Deshaun Thomas (Ohio State)
41. Toronto - PF Elias Harris (Gonzaga)
42. Milwaukee - PG Michael Dixon (Missouri)
43. Denver - PG Lorenzo Brown (North Carolina State)
44. Utah - PG Isaiah Canaan (Murray State)
45. Houston - PG Ryan Harrow (Kentucky)
46. Dallas - C Steven Adams (Pittsburgh)
47. Los Angeles Lakers - PG Pierre Jackson (Baylor)
48. Brooklyn - SF Gorgui Dieng (Louisville)
49. Portland - PF Kenny Kadji (Miami)
Portland selects Miami star Kenny Kadji, despite people doubting his viability as an NBA player.
50. Chicago - SG Michael Snaer (Florida State)
51. Atlanta - SF Christian Watford (Indiana)
52. Golden State - SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (Michigan)
53. Indiana - PF Patric Young (Florida)
54. Memphis - SG Dexter Strickland (North Carolina)
55. Portland - SG Allen Crabbe (California)
Despite a poor workout, Portland takes the best player available in Allen Crabbe.
56. Denver - PG Erick Green (Virginia Tech)
57. Los Angeles Clippers - Reggie Bullock (North Carolina)
58. Oklahoma City - SG Durand Scott (MIami)
59. Miami - PF Trevor Mbakwe (Minnesota)
60. San Antonio - PF Mike Moser (UNLV)

Depth Chart:
Damian Lillard / Ramon Sessions / (Eric Maynor)
Wesley Matthews / Allen Crabbe
Victor Claver / Alex Poythress / Luke Babbitt
LaMarcus Aldridge / Kelly Olynyk / Joel Freeland / Kenny Kadji
(J.J. Hickson) / Jason Smith / Meyers Leonard

Players: 13/12 - Cap Room: $17.17M

[Mark.]

Wow a huge trade! I like your vision with this, serious flexibility now. Interesting to see what you do with it though, not really that much on offer in this years FA (especially with Iggy picking up his option)

I could see this as a opportunity to try snap up The Polish Hammer though, would fit nicely beside LMA. Perhaps also saving some room for the 2014 crop which should be loaded with talent, both FA and Draft.

Exciting stuff, looking forward to seeing what happens in FA!

[Durant35]

Nice, nice deal you got there! Excellent outlook for the future!

[Solaris Phase Two]

Move out of my way Jameer Nelson!

[Martti.]

Not a fan of the deal, though I guess you gonna tank this year and go for Wiggins or Parker to replace Batum.

Also, holy crap, #1 pick? Didn't see that coming, but it's awesome and I'm looking forward to joining the Magic.

[mp3]

I like the trade personally and id even take that Novak deal too lol well maybe..

[Lamrock]

2013 Off-Season Part 3: Free Agency



To clear space on the roster, Kenny Kadji was cut from the team. Allen Crabbe, despite being taken later did make the cut. Eric Maynor and Luke Babbitt accepted their qualifying offers, filling out the bench for next season. The final piece of the puzzle was re-signing J.J. Hickson. Portland had waived Kenny Kadji in case a team signed an offer sheet too unreasonable, sending offers to Gortat and Dalembert.

Kenny Kadji waived
Reportedly drawing interest from European teams
J.J. Hickson signed to 4 yr, $38M extension
$10.5M player option for fourth season
Eric Maynor accepts qualifying offer
Likely means Sessions will play most of his minutes at the 2
Luke Babbitt accepts qualifying offer
Content with Bench Warmer role


Depth Chart

Lillard / Maynor
Matthews / Sessions / Crabbe
Claver / Poythress / Babbitt
Aldridge / Olynyk / Freeland
Hickson / Smith / Leonard

Dwight Returns To Orlando!



In a free agency shocker, Dwight Howard has returned to his former team of eight seasons, the Orlando Magic. After the highly publicized "Dwightmare", Howard was traded to the Lakers, who barely made the playoffs. Howard returns to a team that now includes promising big man Nicola Vucevic, #1 overall pick Martti Must and Aaron Afflalo. Howard apologized to the Magic fanbase for the drama, but cites the talent acquired in last year's trade as a major factor in signing with the team.

Rockets Bolster Frontcourt With Paul Millsap
Houston signs veteran big man Paul Millsap to a contract worth 4 years and $38 million. He'll team up with James Harden and friends to try and make a playoff run.

Hickson Returns to Blazers
After a career season, big man J.J. Hickson returns to Portland for $38 million over 4 years.

Bucks Extend Brandon Jennings
After months of tireless negotiation and years of mediocrity, Jennings gets a 4 year deal worth roughly $48 million.

Mavericks To Keep Mayo
A career season on a mediocre Mavs teams earns Mayo a 4 year deal worth upwards of $10M a year.

Bobcats Sign Gortat
Offering Gortat a 4 year deal, they were able to sign the big man, who will share minutes with Nerlens Noel

Pekovic Leaves Wolves For Jazz
After losing Millsap to the Rockets, the Jazz reload with Nikola Pekovic.

2013 Free Agency:

G Nick Young to 76ers (3 yrs, $9M)
F Dorell Wright to 76ers (4 years, $14.8M)

C Marcin Gortat to Bobcats (4 yr, $17.4M)
G Ronnie Brewer to Bobcats (1 yr, $2M)
F Josh McRoberts to Bobcats (2 yrs, $2.5M)

G Brandon Jennings to Bucks (4 yr, $47.25M)

G Richard Hamilton to Bulls (1 yr, min.)
G Marco Belinelli to Bulls (4 yrs, 7.5M)
G Daequan Cook to Bulls (2 yr, $3M)

F David West to Cavaliers (1 yr, $6.6M)

F/C Brandan Wright to Celtics (3 yr, $20M)

F Matt Barnes to Clippers (1 yr, $1.6M)
F Ronnie Turiaf to Clippers (2 yrs, $2.6M)
F James Johnson to Clippers (2 yr, $5M)

G/F Tony Allen to Grizzlies (3 yrs, $9M)
F Austin Daye to Grizzlies (3 yrs, $7M)
G Chauncey Billups to Grizzlies (1 yr, $2M)

G Jeff Teague to Hawks (4 yrs, $33M)
G Nate Robinson to Hawks (3 yr, $24.4M)
C ZaZa Pachulia to Hawks (4 yr, $6M)

G J.R. Smith to Heat (3 yr, $18.4M)
G Mario Chalmers to Heat (4 yr, $7M)

F Al-Farouq Aminu to Hornets (1 yr, $4M)

C Nikola Pekovic to Jazz (3 yr, $22M)
G Randy Foye to Jazz (2 yr, $5M)
G Reggie Williams to Jazz (1 yr, $3M)

C Cole Aldrich to Kings (1 yr, $3.4M)

C Chris Kaman to Knicks (2 yr, $6M)
F Elton Brand to Knicks (2 yr, $5M)
G Delonte West to Knicks (4 yrs, $11M)

F Earl Clark to Lakers (4 yr, $9M)
C Jermaine O'Neal to Lakers (2 yr, $5M)
F Corey Maggette to Lakers (1 yr, minimum)

C Dwight Howard to Magic (4 yr, $81M)

G O.J. Mayo to Mavericks (4 yr, $42.5M)
C Samuel Dalembert to Mavericks (3 yr, $7.3M)

C/F Daniel Orton to Nets (1 yr, $3M)

G DJ Augustin to Pacers (3 yr, $12.5M)

C Andray Blatche to Pistons (3 yr, $22M)

F Paul Millsap to Rockets (4 yr, $38M)
G J.J. Redick to Rockets (1 yr, $4M)

C Tiago Splitter to Spurs (4 yr, $23.3M)

C J.J. Hickson to Trail Blazers (4 yr, $38M)

F Carl Landry to Warriors (5 yr, $30M)

F Martell Webster to Wizards (5 yr, $13M)

Magic Waive Turkoglu
Pacers Waive Miles Plumlee
Bobcats Waive Brendan Haywood

[Mark.]

Man! I have been thinking for awhile how hilarious it would be for Dwight to return to Orlando and what a stroke of genius it would be from Henny (to be fair I think the Magic will be involved in cap space generation with whatever team trys to sign him by use of the TPE they got in the Lakers trade)

Have actually considered trying to do that in my association (one I get the save file updated properly) but quite enjoying my rebuild.
That is certainly a strong team now though!

I like bringing Hickson back, but wonder how you are going to cover your interior defense weaknesses. While trading Batum can be looked to be a bit of a downgrade, I really dig your SF rotation, especially with Poythress in there developing.

Are you thinking of making any trades?

[mp3]

Superman Returns LOL

[Martti.]

Start Poythress.

[The X]

Damn, your team is still not very good. Just very average IMHO.

Nice draft coverage as always. Good to see X Watson rise up charts. Hope I can help my Russian Tsar win a title in next 2 or 3 years before he gets annoyed & sells franchise off.

[Lamrock]

2013 Off-Season Part 4: Training Camp



Despite middling expectations for the team from the media, and even NBA rookies, the Trail Blazers coaching staff was very optimistic after training camp. Damian Lillard looks primed to have an all-star season as a premier young combo guard. Meyers Leonard will hope to receive more minutes next season despite a stacked big man rotation by working on his offensive fundamentals. Alex Poythress showed major strides in his perimeter shooting as he looks to develop a three point shot. In response to doubts about his potential and being labeled as "soft", Kelly Olynyk put work into increasing his vertical and overall athleticism.

The biggest question going into training camp is who would start at the 3 spot. Starting Sessions at the 2 and putting Matthews at the three was considered but Sessions's lack of defense and three point shooting makes him a better fit off the bench. Ultimately, Alex Poythress was named the starter over Victor Claver, who he defeated in a pre-draft workout, and as Terry Stotts let slip "just isn't very good".

The Blazers' opening night roster is as follows:

2013-14 Opening Night Roster

PG | Damian Lillard (Weber State | Star)
SG | Wesley Matthews (Marquette | Starter)
SF | Alex Poythress (Kentucky | Starter)
PF | LaMarcus Aldridge (Texas | Starter)
C | J.J. Hickson (NC State | Starter)
----------
G | Ramon Sessions (Nevada | Sixth Man)
C/F | Jason Smith (Colorado State | Role Player)
G | Eric Maynor (VCU | Role Player)
C | Meyers Leonard (Illinois | Prospect)
C/F | Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga | Prospect)
F | Victor Claver (Spain | Bench Warmer)
G | Allen Crabbe (California | Bench Warmer)
----------
F | Luke Babbitt (Nevada | Bench Warmer)
F/C | Joel Freeland (England | Bench Warmer)

[hova-]

You havent really improved during offseason if you ask me. Olynyk will be interesting especially with Hickson not being a real center. Actually, your roster looks like a 35 win roster to me.

[Mark.]

Yeah will be interesting to see how you go. I suspect you might get frustrated with a few players and make a move, or are you looking to pick high in the next draft?

[Valor]

Damn I got a lot to catch up on don't I...super rapid updates here Lamrock

Don't like Milwaukee (who does?) but its alright I guess...Can't believe you traded away Batum! and Dwight back to Orlando teaming up with Martti

[Fresh8]

Fresh Smith will haunt you (as well as all the other teams) for not selecting him.

[Woogie98]

-______- In my opinion you did not really improve......I agree with hova 35 win team here....I was not a huge fan of the Batum trade either.........I am gunna laugh so hard if Dwight goes back to Orlando irl

[Durant35]

I personally think Damian and LMA will carry this team. Oh well, maybe Lamrock's got something up his sleeve.

[Lamrock]

I made a lot of tough decisions in the off-season, including the Batum trade that I knew most people wouldn't like. The small forward position might be an issue this season, but going from arguably the worst bench in the NBA to an at least average one should more than make up for it. The point of trading him was so I could keep Hickson while maintaining cap flexibility. He isn't exactly what I'm looking for in a starting Center but this team would be terrible without him.

It'll be health and the development of young players - especially Damian LIllard, that'll decide if this is a playoff team or not.