tlongII
06-25-2009, 03:14 PM
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13055
Portland At It Again
Once again the Portland Trail Blazers have thrown a monkey wrench into everyone's mock drafts, though this time it came one the evening before the big event instead of in the middle of the whole thing.
In case you missed it, the Blazers traded picks with the Dallas Mavericks, moving up to 22 while sending 24 and 56 to Dallas. HOOPSWORLD has learned that Portland is targeting Omri Casspi, the 6'8" small forward who wants to be the first Israeli to play in the NBA, and that they had to jump above Sacramento, who was likely taking him at 23.
If you're taking stock, as we are, you'll notice that the Blazers seem to be stockpiling small forwards. They already have Nicolas Batum, Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster on their roster . . .meaning Casspi would be number four. There's been a lot of talk about the team possibly trading Outlaw, and while they've denied that, it's clear something's got to give at the three. The Blazers also have Magic free agent Hedo Turkoglu and Lakers free agent Trevor Ariza at three and four on their free agent board.
It's not a stretch to say the Blazers trade at least one of their small forwards in an effort to land one of the point guards they covet. Philadelphia free agent Andre Miller is at the top of their wish list, and we've heard rumblings that they may be close to a deal with Chicago for Kirk Hinrich, as well.
Other teams that have discussed drafting Casspi are the San Antonio Spurs, New Jersey Nets and Sacramento Kings, so the Blazers could be planning on dangling him to one of those teams as a potential trade piece. One thing's for sure - the Blazers aren't finished dealing. Not by a long shot.
Portland At It Again
Once again the Portland Trail Blazers have thrown a monkey wrench into everyone's mock drafts, though this time it came one the evening before the big event instead of in the middle of the whole thing.
In case you missed it, the Blazers traded picks with the Dallas Mavericks, moving up to 22 while sending 24 and 56 to Dallas. HOOPSWORLD has learned that Portland is targeting Omri Casspi, the 6'8" small forward who wants to be the first Israeli to play in the NBA, and that they had to jump above Sacramento, who was likely taking him at 23.
If you're taking stock, as we are, you'll notice that the Blazers seem to be stockpiling small forwards. They already have Nicolas Batum, Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster on their roster . . .meaning Casspi would be number four. There's been a lot of talk about the team possibly trading Outlaw, and while they've denied that, it's clear something's got to give at the three. The Blazers also have Magic free agent Hedo Turkoglu and Lakers free agent Trevor Ariza at three and four on their free agent board.
It's not a stretch to say the Blazers trade at least one of their small forwards in an effort to land one of the point guards they covet. Philadelphia free agent Andre Miller is at the top of their wish list, and we've heard rumblings that they may be close to a deal with Chicago for Kirk Hinrich, as well.
Other teams that have discussed drafting Casspi are the San Antonio Spurs, New Jersey Nets and Sacramento Kings, so the Blazers could be planning on dangling him to one of those teams as a potential trade piece. One thing's for sure - the Blazers aren't finished dealing. Not by a long shot.