Viewer - Talk new GM and Blazers offseason with Joe Freeman

Talk new GM and Blazers offseason with Joe Freeman

Wednesday June 6, 2012

12:01

The Oregonian:

Welcome, everyone. We have Joe Freeman with us today to take your Blazers questions.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:01 The Oregonian

12:01

Joe Freeman:

What's up everyone? I'm here to take your questions ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:01 Joe Freeman

12:02

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Hi Joe....Do you think at the end of the day Kaleb will be the head coach?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:02 Guest

12:03

Joe Freeman:

Guest ... Based on yesterday's press conference: Yes. Olshey didn't just call him the "in-house favorite" and heap loads of praise on Kaleb, he kept coming back and back to Kaleb every time the coaching subject came up. Either it was a big PR stunt, or Olshey genuinely loves Kaleb.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:03 Joe Freeman

12:03

[Comment From emygorfemygorf: ]

Joe, do you think that Olshey is given too much credit for the Clippers turnaround, given the fact that Chris Paul should really be playing for the LA Lakers?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:03 emygorf

12:03

Joe Freeman:

Also in Kaleb's favor is this: My understanding is owner Paul Allen loves him and his potential.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:03 Joe Freeman

12:05

Joe Freeman:

emygorf ... every successful GM is given too much credit. So, yes. Nobody really knows what went on behind the scenes with the Chris Paul fiasco. But we do know this: At the end of the day, Olshey put together the winning package to make the deal and convinced his owner it needed to be done. He made it happen and that says a lot.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:05 Joe Freeman

12:05

[Comment From davedave: ]

what's going on with the euros

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:05 dave

12:05

[Comment From guestguest: ]

how hard will blazers be pursuing claver and freeland this offseason?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:05 guest

12:06

Joe Freeman:

dave ... I wrote about this a couple weeks ago. The Blazers would like Victor Claver and Joel Freeland to come over and be a part of the team next season. Also, both player want to join the team. Assuming nothing has changed with Olshey's hiring, I expect both to be Blazers next season.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:06 Joe Freeman

12:07

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Related to the Kaleb question -- are any of the assistant coaches likely to be retained if Kaleb is, and how much latittude will he (Kaleb) have to form his own crew? Does Grgrich (sp?) return?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:07 Guest

12:08

Joe Freeman:

Guest ... good question. To be honest, I don't know the answer. If I had to guess, I'd say much of the staff would come back if Canales were the coach. And regarding Grgurich, that's someone to keep an eye on. Canales and Grgurich are tight.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:08 Joe Freeman

12:09

The Oregonian:

A bunch of draft questions are rolling in ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:09 The Oregonian

12:09

[Comment From loquendoloquendo: ]

Who do you like in the draft?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:09 loquendo

12:09

[Comment From loquendoloquendo: ]

Should the Blazers trade their picks to draft Beal?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:09 loquendo

12:09

[Comment From TravTrav: ]

Would you consider trading the #6 and 11 pick for the #1 to get Davis? Providing N.O. would trade the pick?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:09 Trav

12:09

[Comment From ryanryan: ]

what do you think of lillard at #6 and perry jones at #11

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:09 ryan

12:09

[Comment From TheJackTheJack: ]

Drummond and Lamb, please.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:09 TheJack

12:09

Joe Freeman:

Draft overload ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:09 Joe Freeman

12:10

Joe Freeman:

Unless the Blazers trade up to get Beal, he'll probably be off the board. But I do like his potential ... he's one of the best shooters in the draft. Could be a star.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:10 Joe Freeman

12:11

Joe Freeman:

As far as point guards go, this year's class is not outstanding, but ... I know the Blazers are very high on Damian Lillard from Weber State. They also rate Kendall Marshall and Marquis Teague highly.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:11 Joe Freeman

12:13

Joe Freeman:

Regarding the Perry Jones and Andre Drummond questions ... both of those players have high upside, but both also pose big "bust" alerts. Could go either way.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:13 Joe Freeman

12:13

[Comment From BatuuuumBatuuuum: ]

How much money will I sign for and how many years?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:13 Batuuuum

12:15

Joe Freeman:

Batuuuum ... I don't see you getting $11-12 million a year, but you'll wind up with a nice contract, that probably ends up paying you more than $10 million in the late years of the deal. And the Blazers will match it.
The previous management regime planned on matching pretty much anything and Olshey's comments yesterday — when he compared you and Aldridge to Blake Griffin and CP3 with the Clippers — only reinforce that thought.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:15 Joe Freeman

12:15

[Comment From Texas WillieTexas Willie: ]

How long is Olshey's contract?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:15 Texas Willie

12:16

Joe Freeman:

I've heard four years, including an option.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:16 Joe Freeman

12:16

[Comment From guestguest: ]

has there been any recent news on crawford and if he is leaning on staying or going?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:16 guest

12:16

[Comment From BradBrad: ]

do you expect jamal crawford to stay or opt out?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:16 Brad

12:17

Joe Freeman:

guess/Brad ... I reported on this a few weeks ago when you were probably wallowing in the sad state of the franchise. Crawford says he will opt out of the deal and become a free agent. He has until the 15th to officially make the decision.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:17 Joe Freeman

12:17

The Oregonian:

Point guard questions ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:17 The Oregonian

12:17

[Comment From LeroyLeroy: ]

What are the chances of deron Williams signing with the blazers this offseason?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:17 Leroy

12:18

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

I know Steve Nash has been mentioned as a free agent target, but Olshey focused on finding young talent that can grow together in his introduction. Any idea who the Blazers chase in free agency?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:18 Michael

12:18

[Comment From JoshJosh: ]

would eric bledsoe potentially be available for the #11 pick and maybe another asset like a future 1st rounder? pair him with a steve nash type guy and you've got the pg position locked up for a long time and the blazers still would have the 6 pick to get a drummond or barnes. is this scenario feasible in your opinion? which point guards are out there that you believe are attainable via the trade for the blazers?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:18 Josh

12:18

Joe Freeman:

Leroy ... I'd put the odds of Deron Williams signing with the Blazers a little above zero.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:18 Joe Freeman

12:18

[Comment From emygorfemygorf: ]

lol

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:18 emygorf

12:18

[Comment From bluetwinbillbluetwinbill: ]

How long is Olshey contract should be a question for Paul Allen. Over under 24 months?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:18 bluetwinbill

12:19

Joe Freeman:

Michael ... I think the Blazers go hard after Goran Dragic. He's a perfect match in terms of age, upward trajectory and ability. Plus he's a free agent.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:19 Joe Freeman

12:21

[Comment From bandwagon-fanbandwagon-fan: ]

what are the chances of landing roy hibbert and goran dragic?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:21 bandwagon-fan

12:21

Joe Freeman:

Josh ... Bledoe? Maybe. If the Clippers are willing to give him up. But if Dragic doesn't work out, I'd expect the Blazers to go after someone like Kyle Lowry with the Rockets (if they are going to make a trade). Especially in light of his recent comments.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:21 Joe Freeman

12:22

Joe Freeman:

bandwagon-fan ... Hibbert is restricted and the Pacers have a ton of cap space. So he's less likely than Dragic. As for Dragic, again, I expect the Blazers to pursue him hard.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:22 Joe Freeman

12:22

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Any word on injuries: E-Will. LaMarcus... When guys will be ready to go? At the beginning of the season... later?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:22 Guest

12:23

Joe Freeman:

One thing to keep in mind with Lowry ... when the Blazers signed Wesley Matthews they brought in another free agent to evaluate and consider: Lowry.
If they had not signed Matthews, Lowry would be a Blazer. So ... there's been mutual interest in the past.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:23 Joe Freeman

12:24

Joe Freeman:

Guest ... Williams and Aldridge are on the road to recovery, with Williams being closer to returning that Aldridge. Both should be healed and ready well before the start of training camp.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:24 Joe Freeman

12:24

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

What kind of offer do you think it will take to get Dragic. $8 mill/year?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:24 Michael

12:25

Joe Freeman:

MIchael ... I don't know. $8 million sounds about right.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:25 Joe Freeman

12:25

[Comment From JoshJosh: ]

would the blazers still be likely to pursue dragic if they got lillard in the draft seeing as they will need to make the decision on lillard before they can make the decision on dragic?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:25 Josh

12:25

Joe Freeman:

I do know this: Dragic's price certainly went up with his outstanding play when Lowry was hurt.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:25 Joe Freeman

12:27

[Comment From emygorfemygorf: ]

If the Blazers are planning to target Dragic as you get the feel, Joe, doesn't it make sense to pass on Lillard or Marshall in the draft at PG and go for something else?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:27 emygorf

12:27

Joe Freeman:

Josh ... Probably. As we've learned the last few seasons, you can never have too much depth. Also, Lilliard is a natural scorer, so he could probably play some off the ball. And let's not forget ... Lillard will be a rookie and it's unclear how early he'd be able to contribute, let alone start.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:27 Joe Freeman

12:27

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

how will the blazers address the C position this offseason? Draft? Free Agency? Trade?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:27 Guest

12:28

Joe Freeman:

Guest ... yes. yes. yes. They will try any and all ways to land a center ... and point guard ... and bench depth ... and ... ok, you get the point.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:28 Joe Freeman

12:29

[Comment From emygorfemygorf: ]

Joe, if you were to rebuild through the draft, which picks in this year's draft do you think are the best players for the Blazers to target?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:29 emygorf

12:29

Joe Freeman:

For what it's worth, I don't think the Blazers will end up using both of their lottery picks. They'll probably keep one and trade one ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:29 Joe Freeman

12:30

Joe Freeman:

emygorf ... tough call at this stage. If they have to use both picks and you make me say right now, I'd say move up and get Beal and select one of the bigs (ie Leonard/Zeller).

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:30 Joe Freeman

12:31

[Comment From dog man yo!dog man yo!: ]

do you think Pryz will return as a back up?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:31 dog man yo!

12:31

Joe Freeman:

dog man yo ... Wouldn't be surprised.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:31 Joe Freeman

12:32

The Oregonian:

Couple of D-League questions ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:32 The Oregonian

12:32

[Comment From Texas WillieTexas Willie: ]

Who might coach the Boise affiliate?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:32 Texas Willie

12:32

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Can the Blazers have any contractual "holds" on players in the D-league affiliate (e.g., can they pay an undrafted player to play in the D-league and not count against the roster limit of 15)?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:32 Guest

12:32

Joe Freeman:

Before the end of the season, Przybilla said he wanted to play another year. And he has the most comfort and familiarity in Portland. And the Blazers need center depth.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:32 Joe Freeman

12:32

[Comment From emygorfemygorf: ]

Wow. I like your aggressive take.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:32 emygorf

12:34

Joe Freeman:

No clue who might become Boise coach. And my understanding of the D-League rules are iffy. But I think the Blazers can sign anyone to play for the D-League affiliate, as long as they are signing them to play in Boise, and it will not count against the cap/15-man roster. Although the Blazers are orchestrating the moves, technically, it's Idaho making the signing.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:34 Joe Freeman

12:34

[Comment From emygorfemygorf: ]

Joe, whom do you like in the NBA Finals?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:34 emygorf

12:34

Joe Freeman:

emygorf ... OKC.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:34 Joe Freeman

12:34

The Oregonian:

Hickson ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:34 The Oregonian

12:35

[Comment From wizardwizard: ]

Mr. Freeman, have you heard any news on J.J. Hickson and the possibility of him returning to the Blazers? Thanks...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:35 wizard

12:35

[Comment From PstipPstip: ]

What's going to happen to Hickson? Will he still be in Portland?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:35 Pstip

12:36

Joe Freeman:

There is not news to relay regarding Hickson. I expect the Blazers to tender him a qualifying offer and make him a restricted free agent. As for his return next season ... the vibe I got in April was that the team most likely will not bring him back. His late-season play probably priced him out of their price range anyway ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:36 Joe Freeman

12:36

[Comment From bandwagon-fanbandwagon-fan: ]

rumors that brandon roy is coming back?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:36 bandwagon-fan

12:36

Joe Freeman:

yawn.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:36 Joe Freeman

12:37

[Comment From JesseJesse: ]

Joe which player do you think will be wearing a blazer uniform that has not been discussed. A sleeper or player out of nowhere, if you will...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:37 Jesse

12:37

[Comment From TheJackTheJack: ]

Dear Blazer fans, please get off of Brandon Roy...... Move on

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:37 TheJack

12:37

Joe Freeman:

Jesse ... good question. Don't have an answer off the top of my head.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:37 Joe Freeman

12:37

[Comment From DanDan: ]

Joe, I just can't see the Blazers prospering with LMA as their #1 guy. Do you think Olshey will try and grab a real "alpha" this off-season?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:37 Dan

12:39

Joe Freeman:

Olshey spoke very highly of LA during his new conference yesterday, so I'm thinking he disagrees with you. But there are so many holes to fill on this roster, the possibilities are endless ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:39 Joe Freeman

12:39

The Oregonian:

OK, time to wrap it up ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:39 The Oregonian

12:39

Joe Freeman:

That said, I agree with you in part. LA is a better No. 2 and the Blazers eventually will need to go find a true No. 1 to shuffle the deck.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:39 Joe Freeman

12:39

[Comment From Olsheys Hair GelOlsheys Hair Gel: ]

What's happened to Freebot? I miss the smoking little piece of tin.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:39 Olsheys Hair Gel

12:39

[Comment From ScappoozerScappoozer: ]

I think we need to replace Brandon Roy. We need a flat out scorer, someone who can light it up and will be an All-Star for the next 5 years, whether that's at SG or SF, that should be our top priority. Mathews is a great back-up but E. Williams hasn't shown he can stay on the court yet.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:39 Scappoozer

12:40

Joe Freeman:

Olsheys Hair Gel ... Ha! We need to get Freebot's batteries recharged and get that going. It was hard during the lockout because there were so many games ... but we'll dust him off and get the show going in the near future.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:40 Joe Freeman

12:40

[Comment From TheJackTheJack: ]

thats a lot to ask for

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:40 TheJack

12:41

Joe Freeman:

Scappoozer ... the Blazers agree with you. But it's easier said than done to go find a no-doubt All-Star who can carry a franchise for years.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:41 Joe Freeman

12:41

[Comment From JambalayaJambalaya: ]

If Canales isn't chosen, what are your thoughts on who the Blazers will pursue, and who they have a chance to get?

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:41 Jambalaya

12:42

Joe Freeman:

If they pass on Canales, they'll probably go for someone like Brian Shaw or Mike Malone, an up-and-comer who has proven himself as a high-level assistant for many years.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:42 Joe Freeman

12:43

The Oregonian:

Thanks, Joe. Thanks, everyone.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:43 The Oregonian

12:43

Joe Freeman:

Thanks y'all. We'll talk again next time. Should be a wild and entertaining offseason ...

Wednesday June 6, 2012 12:43 Joe Freeman

12:43