NBA Season 2022-23

[JSD]

Just saw somebody's Top 10 players in 5 years times

1. Luka Doncic
2. Victor Wembanyama
3. Jayson Tatum
4. Zion Williamson
5. Giannis
6. Nikola Jokic

Doncic being #1 is a stretch, plays no defense whatsoever. Wembanyama who hasn't sniffed a single second in the NBA is already above Tatum, wow. Zion is above Giannis and Jokic? I think that guy's list is a joke lol.

Jokic and Giannis at least belongs in the Top 3 with Tatum. Then we can debate who should be number 1.

I always find these kinds of lists a bit silly. Did many think Jokic would be the best player in the world in 2018? Or Tatum as a top 5 level guy?

I thought Tatum had the top 5 potential after his rookie season, I think that was a majority position at the time, especially around here.

I remember most people disagreeing with me saying he had Durant-ish potential. Thought the consensus was somewhere between Melo and PG13

You could be correct, and I'm too lazy to revisit discussions from 2018 to examine the matter.

Completely unrelated, but isn't it fascinating that I can actually do that—travel back in time? This forum serves as a journal for us, preserving our experiences and emotions related to various subjects throughout our lives. It's pretty amazing that we've been documenting our thoughts for years.

I do it often, and I sometimes wonder if others do?

[Moranis]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

The reporting I've read is they won't include Sharpe in a trade that also includes 3, not that they wouldn't trade Sharpe.  They just don't want to lose both in the same deal.  So basically, they want to keep 1 of their 2 prime assets, but are seemingly willing to trade 1 of them (and presumably Simons).

This is what I saw today. Don’t know if it is accurate obviously https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/271828/Blazers-Making-Shaedon-Sharpe-Untouchable-In-Trade-Talks

that is a misquote of the Jake Fischer article which pretty clearly says he is unavailable in discussions involving the 3rd pick. As an aside that is why I always go to the source material, websites do that all of the time.

[cman88]

I still really like the 3 team trade I've proposed a few times over the last few weeks.

Boston - Lillard, Nurkic, Griffin
Atlanta - Brown, Smart, Sharpe
Portland - Young, Collins, Bey/Okongwu

or a slightly different variation

Boston - Lillard, Collins, Little
Atlanta - Smart, Brown, Kornet
Portland - Young, Gallinari, Pritchard

You’d be comfortable with a 2 year window?

Is Tatum leaving in 2 years?

Tatum and an over the hill Lillard isn’t going to get it done. Again, you comfortable with a 2 year window? That’s what they’d likely have.

Yeah this idea is just dumb. Plus Tatum really likes Brown/Smart. so you are also possibly p---ing off your star Tatum owhere if it doesn't work in 2 years he requests a trade our of Boston.

I always think back to how OKC basically threw away a potential dynasty by trading Harden too early. Or how Golden State was discussing Steph Curry deals back when he had his ankle injuries. In the first case, OKC became a team of "what could've been" and in Golden States case if they traded away Curry early they never would've had their dynasty. Or you could look at Philly(and the bulls) deciding to let Jimmy Butler go. All those today are looked at as mistakes that those franchises never recovered from (or in golden states case reaped the benefits of staying put)

Sometimes sticking with what you have is better than blowing it up....just for blowing it up sake. Luckily Brad has already made his intentions known.

Half this board would EVISCERATE management if Brown was traded away and then jumped another level in his game while we were stuck with an over the hill Lillard. and ignore they called for him to be traded based on emotion...

[RodyTur10]

I still really like the 3 team trade I've proposed a few times over the last few weeks.

Boston - Lillard, Nurkic, Griffin
Atlanta - Brown, Smart, Sharpe
Portland - Young, Collins, Bey/Okongwu

or a slightly different variation

Boston - Lillard, Collins, Little
Atlanta - Smart, Brown, Kornet
Portland - Young, Gallinari, Pritchard

You’d be comfortable with a 2 year window?

Is Tatum leaving in 2 years?

Tatum and an over the hill Lillard isn’t going to get it done. Again, you comfortable with a 2 year window? That’s what they’d likely have.

Yeah this idea is just dumb. Plus Tatum really likes Brown/Smart. so you are also possibly p---ing off your star Tatum owhere if it doesn't work in 2 years he requests a trade our of Boston.

I always think back to how OKC basically threw away a potential dynasty by trading Harden too early. Or how Golden State was discussing Steph Curry deals back when he had his ankle injuries. In the first case, OKC became a team of "what could've been" and in Golden States case if they traded away Curry early they never would've had their dynasty. Or you could look at Philly(and the bulls) deciding to let Jimmy Butler go. All those today are looked at as mistakes that those franchises never recovered from (or in golden states case reaped the benefits of staying put)

Sometimes sticking with what you have is better than blowing it up....just for blowing it up sake. Luckily Brad has already made his intentions known.

Half this board would EVISCERATE management if Brown was traded away and then jumped another level in his game while we were stuck with an over the hill Lillard. and ignore they called for him to be traded based on emotion...

The difference is that Harden was 23 when he got traded and Curry was 24 when the Warriors extended him. Brown is not near that level and is 27 at the start of the season with 7 seasons under his belt. He's not a young prospect anymore. Brown is what he is. You can't compare him to MVP's like Curry, Westbrook, Harden or Durant. Even Butler is way out of his league.

I don't know about Tatum, but winning fixes a lot of things. I'm sure he'll get over losing Smart and Brown if he can play with a superstar like Lillard who's still in his prime. Lillard this season was averaging 32/7 on 64 TS%. Lillard 7.1 EPM vs Brown 2.6. Lillard 7.8 RAPTOR vs Brown 0.2. Lillard 7.1 BPM vs Brown 1.3.

And look at a succesfull example. What if the Raptors didn't break up Lowry and DeRozan? Without Leonard they never would have won a championship.


 

[Moranis]

I still really like the 3 team trade I've proposed a few times over the last few weeks.

Boston - Lillard, Nurkic, Griffin
Atlanta - Brown, Smart, Sharpe
Portland - Young, Collins, Bey/Okongwu

or a slightly different variation

Boston - Lillard, Collins, Little
Atlanta - Smart, Brown, Kornet
Portland - Young, Gallinari, Pritchard

You’d be comfortable with a 2 year window?

Is Tatum leaving in 2 years?

Tatum and an over the hill Lillard isn’t going to get it done. Again, you comfortable with a 2 year window? That’s what they’d likely have.

That may or may not be what Lillard had, but certainly is not what Tatum has.  As long as Tatum is here, Boston has a chance.  A chance that is SIGNIFICANTLY improved with Lillard.  Brown is not a winning player in Boston.  The numbers bear this out.  His skill set is just not a good fit for this roster. If Boston had Lillard instead of Brown, Boston would be the defending champion and winning the Finals 2-0.  Not a doubt in my mind on that.  Lillard is just a different class of player than Brown and it isn't close. 

[gouki88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

[Goldstar88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

[gouki88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

That was literally just from the top of my head. I think old assumptions of how players age are quickly becoming misconceptions. Lillard missing many games in seasons where Portland is trying to lose doesn’t bother me at all.

[Moranis]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

Sure his games need to be managed, but he just had the highest TS% of his career at 64.5% while taking BY FAR the most 3 pointers AND FT's in his career.  He also blew past his career high in ppg while still being above his career averages for rpg and apg.  In other words, he just had the best season of his career.  Yeah, he might miss a few more games than Brown, but Brown hasn't exactly been a picture of health either (in 19 and 20 Lillard played more games than Brown in each season and Brown only had 9 more games than Lillard did this year).  Of course the difference is, Lillard impacts his team on the scoreboard far more than Brown does (this year Lillard's on/off differential per 100 possessions was +12.8, while Brown was -3.8 ).  Lillard has in fact never had a negative differential in the regular season, while Brown has been negative 4 of his 7 seasons.

So in sum, Lillard is significantly better and more impactful than Brown and for a team that is close to the title (i.e. Finals last year, Conf. Finals this year), even a slight improvement could be the difference between winning and losing a title.  And I contend Lillard is a lot more than just a slight improvement. 

[Goldstar88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

Sure his games need to be managed, but he just had the highest TS% of his career at 64.5% while taking BY FAR the most 3 pointers AND FT's in his career.  He also blew past his career high in ppg while still being above his career averages for rpg and apg.  In other words, he just had the best season of his career.  Yeah, he might miss a few more games than Brown, but Brown hasn't exactly been a picture of health either (in 19 and 20 Lillard played more games than Brown in each season and Brown only had 9 more games than Lillard did this year).  Of course the difference is, Lillard impacts his team on the scoreboard far more than Brown does (this year Lillard's on/off differential per 100 possessions was +12.8, while Brown was -3.8 ).  Lillard has in fact never had a negative differential in the regular season, while Brown has been negative 4 of his 7 seasons.

So in sum, Lillard is significantly better and more impactful than Brown and for a team that is close to the title (i.e. Finals last year, Conf. Finals this year), even a slight improvement could be the difference between winning and losing a title.  And I contend Lillard is a lot more than just a slight improvement.

I don’t think anyone is arguing that Damian Lillard (when able to play) is currently a better talent than Jaylen Brown. Again, My concern is his age, durability and having a very limited window to contend with him on the team. Dame is also going to be making on average $60M/year while in his mid to late 30’s, so if the wheels do fall off when he’s say 34/35, the C’s will be completely handcuffed. I’m not opposed to moving Brown, but I’d rather bring in Beal who is 29(soon to to be 30) or KAT who is 27 (will be turning 28 later this year).

[gouki88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

Sure his games need to be managed, but he just had the highest TS% of his career at 64.5% while taking BY FAR the most 3 pointers AND FT's in his career.  He also blew past his career high in ppg while still being above his career averages for rpg and apg.  In other words, he just had the best season of his career.  Yeah, he might miss a few more games than Brown, but Brown hasn't exactly been a picture of health either (in 19 and 20 Lillard played more games than Brown in each season and Brown only had 9 more games than Lillard did this year).  Of course the difference is, Lillard impacts his team on the scoreboard far more than Brown does (this year Lillard's on/off differential per 100 possessions was +12.8, while Brown was -3.8 ).  Lillard has in fact never had a negative differential in the regular season, while Brown has been negative 4 of his 7 seasons.

So in sum, Lillard is significantly better and more impactful than Brown and for a team that is close to the title (i.e. Finals last year, Conf. Finals this year), even a slight improvement could be the difference between winning and losing a title.  And I contend Lillard is a lot more than just a slight improvement.

I don’t think anyone is arguing that Damian Lillard (when able to play) is currently a better talent than Jaylen Brown. Again, My concern is his age, durability and having a very limited window to contend with him on the team. Dame is also going to be making on average $60M/year while in his mid to late 30’s, so if the wheels do fall off when he’s say 34/35, the C’s will be completely handcuffed. I’m not opposed to moving Brown, but I’d rather bring in Beal who is 29(soon to to be 30) or KAT who is 27 (will be turning 28 later this year).

No concern with Brown’s durability nor impending $60m salary?

[Goldstar88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

Sure his games need to be managed, but he just had the highest TS% of his career at 64.5% while taking BY FAR the most 3 pointers AND FT's in his career.  He also blew past his career high in ppg while still being above his career averages for rpg and apg.  In other words, he just had the best season of his career.  Yeah, he might miss a few more games than Brown, but Brown hasn't exactly been a picture of health either (in 19 and 20 Lillard played more games than Brown in each season and Brown only had 9 more games than Lillard did this year).  Of course the difference is, Lillard impacts his team on the scoreboard far more than Brown does (this year Lillard's on/off differential per 100 possessions was +12.8, while Brown was -3.8 ).  Lillard has in fact never had a negative differential in the regular season, while Brown has been negative 4 of his 7 seasons.

So in sum, Lillard is significantly better and more impactful than Brown and for a team that is close to the title (i.e. Finals last year, Conf. Finals this year), even a slight improvement could be the difference between winning and losing a title.  And I contend Lillard is a lot more than just a slight improvement.

I don’t think anyone is arguing that Damian Lillard (when able to play) is currently a better talent than Jaylen Brown. Again, My concern is his age, durability and having a very limited window to contend with him on the team. Dame is also going to be making on average $60M/year while in his mid to late 30’s, so if the wheels do fall off when he’s say 34/35, the C’s will be completely handcuffed. I’m not opposed to moving Brown, but I’d rather bring in Beal who is 29(soon to to be 30) or KAT who is 27 (will be turning 28 later this year).

No concern with Brown’s durability nor impending $60m salary?

Brown will be 26 when next season starts. Dame will be 33.

[gouki88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

Sure his games need to be managed, but he just had the highest TS% of his career at 64.5% while taking BY FAR the most 3 pointers AND FT's in his career.  He also blew past his career high in ppg while still being above his career averages for rpg and apg.  In other words, he just had the best season of his career.  Yeah, he might miss a few more games than Brown, but Brown hasn't exactly been a picture of health either (in 19 and 20 Lillard played more games than Brown in each season and Brown only had 9 more games than Lillard did this year).  Of course the difference is, Lillard impacts his team on the scoreboard far more than Brown does (this year Lillard's on/off differential per 100 possessions was +12.8, while Brown was -3.8 ).  Lillard has in fact never had a negative differential in the regular season, while Brown has been negative 4 of his 7 seasons.

So in sum, Lillard is significantly better and more impactful than Brown and for a team that is close to the title (i.e. Finals last year, Conf. Finals this year), even a slight improvement could be the difference between winning and losing a title.  And I contend Lillard is a lot more than just a slight improvement.

I don’t think anyone is arguing that Damian Lillard (when able to play) is currently a better talent than Jaylen Brown. Again, My concern is his age, durability and having a very limited window to contend with him on the team. Dame is also going to be making on average $60M/year while in his mid to late 30’s, so if the wheels do fall off when he’s say 34/35, the C’s will be completely handcuffed. I’m not opposed to moving Brown, but I’d rather bring in Beal who is 29(soon to to be 30) or KAT who is 27 (will be turning 28 later this year).

No concern with Brown’s durability nor impending $60m salary?

Brown will be 26 when next season starts. Dame will be 33.

Doesn’t really address my question. Brown is significantly worse and has durability concerns too.

[Goldstar88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

Sure his games need to be managed, but he just had the highest TS% of his career at 64.5% while taking BY FAR the most 3 pointers AND FT's in his career.  He also blew past his career high in ppg while still being above his career averages for rpg and apg.  In other words, he just had the best season of his career.  Yeah, he might miss a few more games than Brown, but Brown hasn't exactly been a picture of health either (in 19 and 20 Lillard played more games than Brown in each season and Brown only had 9 more games than Lillard did this year).  Of course the difference is, Lillard impacts his team on the scoreboard far more than Brown does (this year Lillard's on/off differential per 100 possessions was +12.8, while Brown was -3.8 ).  Lillard has in fact never had a negative differential in the regular season, while Brown has been negative 4 of his 7 seasons.

So in sum, Lillard is significantly better and more impactful than Brown and for a team that is close to the title (i.e. Finals last year, Conf. Finals this year), even a slight improvement could be the difference between winning and losing a title.  And I contend Lillard is a lot more than just a slight improvement.

I don’t think anyone is arguing that Damian Lillard (when able to play) is currently a better talent than Jaylen Brown. Again, My concern is his age, durability and having a very limited window to contend with him on the team. Dame is also going to be making on average $60M/year while in his mid to late 30’s, so if the wheels do fall off when he’s say 34/35, the C’s will be completely handcuffed. I’m not opposed to moving Brown, but I’d rather bring in Beal who is 29(soon to to be 30) or KAT who is 27 (will be turning 28 later this year).

No concern with Brown’s durability nor impending $60m salary?

Brown will be 26 when next season starts. Dame will be 33.

Doesn’t really address my question. Brown is significantly worse and has durability concerns too.

I would be more confident in a 26 year olds body holding up vs a 33 year old.

[gouki88]

Damian Lillard on future in Portland: If we don't use our assets to build a competitive team, a separate conversation will need to be had

Clutch Points: “I want to have an opportunity to win in Portland… We got an opportunity, asset-wise, to build a team that can compete. If we can’t do that… then it’s a separate conversation we would have to have” Damian Lillard on the Blazers’ future (via @SHOsports)

Report also came out recently that they consider sharpe untouchable. Lilliard trade actually seems possible now

I’d give him a 2 year window before his game starts dropping off. Small guards don’t age well and he’s going to be 33 next month. Portland would be wise to move on at this point.

Like how Curry has dropped off? Chris Paul at 35 still had two All-Star seasons left. Nash had 3 good years post-35.

Not a very long list. I’d say this doesn’t bode well..

Damian Lillard games played over the last 4 seasons:

2019 season: 66 games

2020 season: 67 games

2021 season: 29 games

2022 season: 58 games

Seems like the wheels are already starting to fall off. If he was 30 instead of turning 33 next month, I’d consider it. Pass for me.

Sure his games need to be managed, but he just had the highest TS% of his career at 64.5% while taking BY FAR the most 3 pointers AND FT's in his career.  He also blew past his career high in ppg while still being above his career averages for rpg and apg.  In other words, he just had the best season of his career.  Yeah, he might miss a few more games than Brown, but Brown hasn't exactly been a picture of health either (in 19 and 20 Lillard played more games than Brown in each season and Brown only had 9 more games than Lillard did this year).  Of course the difference is, Lillard impacts his team on the scoreboard far more than Brown does (this year Lillard's on/off differential per 100 possessions was +12.8, while Brown was -3.8 ).  Lillard has in fact never had a negative differential in the regular season, while Brown has been negative 4 of his 7 seasons.

So in sum, Lillard is significantly better and more impactful than Brown and for a team that is close to the title (i.e. Finals last year, Conf. Finals this year), even a slight improvement could be the difference between winning and losing a title.  And I contend Lillard is a lot more than just a slight improvement.

I don’t think anyone is arguing that Damian Lillard (when able to play) is currently a better talent than Jaylen Brown. Again, My concern is his age, durability and having a very limited window to contend with him on the team. Dame is also going to be making on average $60M/year while in his mid to late 30’s, so if the wheels do fall off when he’s say 34/35, the C’s will be completely handcuffed. I’m not opposed to moving Brown, but I’d rather bring in Beal who is 29(soon to to be 30) or KAT who is 27 (will be turning 28 later this year).

No concern with Brown’s durability nor impending $60m salary?

Brown will be 26 when next season starts. Dame will be 33.

Doesn’t really address my question. Brown is significantly worse and has durability concerns too.

I would be more confident in a 26 year olds body holding up vs a 33 year old.

Okay. So you’d be comfortable with the talent disparity at the same wage?