What's new
By:

Damian Lillard?

Imo, people are over-thinking this. Yes, Lillard is limited defensively, but he is also 24 years old, under contract long-term, & a prolific scorer. Yes, Exum has the potential to become a great two-way player, but he is also far from a guarantee to reach that potential, as well as far away from reaching his potential, if he in fact does so. As much as I believe in Exum, he is highly unlikely to ever develop into the caliber of offensive player that Lillard currently is. When evaluating our roster & taking team needs into consideration, a primary scoring option has to be near the top of the list.

One of the benefits to having an elite defensive frontcourt is that you have the luxury of hiding a defensive liability, & considering the offensive skill-set that Lillard would bring, I believe that his impact on offense would outweigh any defensive deficiencies that would come along with him. While I agree that Hayward is currently the better player between the two (because of his two-way ability), I would make that trade due to Hayward's contract situation as well as the presence of Hood. I'm not sure it would make much sense for POR, but trading Hayward for Lillard could bring the offensive/defensive balance necessary to transform this team into a legitimate championship contender. Exum + Hayward is way too much, but Hayward + another minor asset or 2 would be a great trade for us, imo.

Maybe something along the lines of:
Trd: Hayward/Burke/OKC 1st/Booker (if necessary for salary cap purposes)
Rec: Lillard

PG: Lillard/Neto/Cotton
SG: Exum/Burks/Millsap
SF: Hood/Ingles
PF: Favors/Booker/Lyles
C: Gobert/Pleiss

I know this is likely irrelevant as I'm sure POR will instead attempt to build around Lillard &, if for whatever reason they decide not to, are unlikely to trade within the division, I could see that team being top 5-10 offensively & top 5 (if not better) defensively. I love Hayward, but his opt-out clause is something that can't be ignored, & pairing Lillard with Gobert would give us a young superstar on both sides of the ball. The trade may delay our ascent to contention for another year, but it could ultimately set us up for long-term success & an opportunity to win multiple championships.
 
I don't think Lillard would be loved here. We are too damned whiney.

Think about it. Wes, LA, Lopez all left. Batum was traded, but he made it clear he wasn't staying. He threatened to go back to Europe.

Rumors are, they all left because Lilliard would rather put out rap albums than play ball.

Lillard has never played a lick of defense in his life.

I'm not sure he would fit in. That being said, maybe he is perfect here in Utah. Maybe a scorer who doesn't play D is exactly what we need in the fourth quarter to win games.
 
green said:
I don't think Lillard would be loved here. We are too damned whiney.

Think about it. Wes, LA, Lopez all left. Batum was traded, but he made it clear he wasn't staying. He threatened to go back to Europe.

Rumors are, they all left because Lilliard would rather put out rap albums than play ball.

Lillard has never played a lick of defense in his life.

I'm not sure he would fit in. That being said, maybe he is perfect here in Utah. Maybe a scorer who doesn't play D is exactly what we need in the fourth quarter to win games.
Click to expand...

Hahaha.. where are you getting all these rumours bro???? Are you a brotha and just happen to hear about these things????
 
green said:
I don't think Lillard would be loved here. We are too damned whiney.

Think about it. Wes, LA, Lopez all left. Batum was traded, but he made it clear he wasn't staying. He threatened to go back to Europe.

Rumors are, they all left because Lilliard would rather put out rap albums than play ball.

Lillard has never played a lick of defense in his life.

I'm not sure he would fit in. That being said, maybe he is perfect here in Utah. Maybe a scorer who doesn't play D is exactly what we need in the fourth quarter to win games.
Click to expand...

1) It's definitely what we need. We need offense and particularly from our pg.

2) With this team a pg doesn't have to be Gary Payton. Close to average and we could contend with a guy like Lillard.

3) D is contagious. I think as long as a player has the physical tools, you put that player on the floor with the stifle tower and they are going to improve. Multiple Jazz players have stated how fun it is to play D with Rudy. They can't really completely **** up when he has their back. They can be recklessly aggressive.

4) It's not gunna happen but I would be stoked if it did.
 
If you can get Lillard for a reasonable price you take it. Period.
 
Unless we're willing to trade one of Hayward, Favors or Gobert, plus 1st round draft picks there is absolutely zero chance we're getting Lillard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page
Back
Top