Quote:
Originally Posted by GMScud
I'm not well versed in NBA front offices, but isn't Pritchard the same guy who passed on Durant for Oden? Granted, Lamarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy have worked out well, but I don't see how he's a major upgrade over Ernie. Again, I don't know much about NBA front offices at all. Why do you like him?
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He knows how to wheel and deal without giving up value picks. Jarryd Bayless, Martell Webster, Nicholas Batum (who's the reason they shopped Webster during the draft for Babbitt), Rudy Fernandez (who they're also probably shopping), Sergio Rodriguez (traded for first pick in the second this year) were all taken at really good spots in the draft. Plus, he sprinkles in veteran pickups that make sense- Miller and Camby both filled holes last year and performed well (Miller had a tough start, but turned it up later... I still say Nate McMillan should have won CoY with the injury situation in Portland). Most importantly, Portland turned Tyrus Thomas and Randy Foye into Roy and Aldridge on draft day. And remember, Pritchard had to clean up a real bad culture in Portland- finally shipping the last remnants with Zach Randolph packing his bags.
Compare that with Ernie moves: Nick Young and J-Mac were first rounders that are still unknown quantities at this point. Pecherov was an absolute bust in the first. Before this season, I'd say his only gem was Blatche in the second. Although I liked the Foye/Miller move at the time, we see how his draft last season ended up... both are probably gone from the roster this year and we end up with nothing to show for last season's number 5. But the upside is that we may not have had the record needed to get Wall this season if we don't make that trade with Minny. To EG's credit, he did get Washington back to the playoffs with the Jamison trade for Devin Harris. But that's negated with the Gilbert contract extension after two or three surgeries (but maybe Abe made him). Kwame for Caron was a win, however. But Haywood and Caron for cap space+Howard+Ross+Singleton (and no Beaubois) was pretty terrible. Then again, AJ for a Z buyout and Al Thornton wasn't bad. He's like the Rod Gardner of NBA GMs... 50-50.
*edit- just saw your post SS... same brainwave on this one!