Blazers trying to trade up and draft Rubio

[Rondo2287]

Chad Ford is reporting that the Blazers are trying to trade up to the 5th spot and take Rubio. 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/insider/news/story?page=09DraftBuzz2&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fdraft2009%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fpage%3d09DraftBuzz2

First of all I didnt think he would drop to number 5.  Second of all do you think that Portland has an advantage since they already have some young European players?

[PosImpos]

I think Portland really ought to try to just trade their picks for more experienced guys and then attempt to pick up a guy like Andre Miller in free agency. Or maybe Turkoglu (though I think he's staying in Orlando).  The last thing the Blazers need is to get younger.

Rubio's not going to be around at 5.  OKC or Sacramento will definitely take him.

[Cman]

I think Portland really ought to try to just trade their picks for more experienced guys and then attempt to pick up a guy like Andre Miller in free agency. Or maybe Turkoglu (though I think he's staying in Orlando).  The last thing the Blazers need is to get younger.

Rubio's not going to be around at 5.  OKC or Sacramento will definitely take him.

I bet OKC would take Harden if he's available over Rubio.  But I find it hard to believe Rubio will slip past Sacramento.

[Fafnir]

I think Portland really ought to try to just trade their picks for more experienced guys and then attempt to pick up a guy like Andre Miller in free agency. Or maybe Turkoglu (though I think he's staying in Orlando).  The last thing the Blazers need is to get younger.

Rubio's not going to be around at 5.  OKC or Sacramento will definitely take him.

I bet OKC would take Harden if he's available over Rubio.  But I find it hard to believe Rubio will slip past Sacramento.

I don't think Rubio drops that far either. But who knows, his agent could be pushing that. Are the Blazer's under the salary cap? If so would that allow them to contribute to his buyout?

[Lucky17]

Blazers could offer Washington a non-guaranteed contract and some lower draft picks (a late 1st and/or any of their many 2nd rounders) for a contract and the #5.

Steve Blake and pick(s) for Darius Songaila and the #5, for instance.

[Fafnir]

Blazers could offer Washington a non-guaranteed contract and some lower draft picks (a late 1st and/or any of their many 2nd rounders) for a contract and the #5.

Steve Blake and pick(s) for Darius Songaila and the #5, for instance.

I don't see that as being a good enough offer for the 5th pick. If Washington is committed to trying to win now they need to get better player for that high of a pick. We got Ray Allen after all for our 5th pick!

[Lucky17]

Blazers could offer Washington a non-guaranteed contract and some lower draft picks (a late 1st and/or any of their many 2nd rounders) for a contract and the #5.

Steve Blake and pick(s) for Darius Songaila and the #5, for instance.

I don't see that as being a good enough offer for the 5th pick. If Washington is committed to trying to win now they need to get better player for that high of a pick. We got Ray Allen after all for our 5th pick!

Yeah, Portland would have to sweeten a little. Future picks, rights to players (Koponen, Freeland), something like that.

[RAcker]

I have a feeling that when draft night is over and done we'll be scratching our heads wondering what just happened.  Besides #1, this thing could be all over the place.