The Layup Line
A Series of Short Shots
Kevin Pritchard, Fantasy GM
Some of my readers are probably suspicious that I’m a Blazers fan. Not so, I promise. But I really like Kevin Pritchard. He’s sharp and ballsy, which can be a great combination. I wish the league had more like him.
Chad Ford is reporting that the Hornets have sold pick 27 to the Blazers. From the Hornets perspective, this move is consistent with what Hornets 24/7 reported earlier in the week. Kudos to them. But what does it mean for the Blazers?
On the surface, the move is inexplicable. The Blazers are in need of roster spots and are already plenty young. But the move makes a lot of sense if the Blazers want to move up in the draft. My guess is that Pritchard has a second deal in place, trading 13 and 27 for something between 5 and 10.
Joe Alexander, anyone?
If not, he must like an international at the end of the first. Batum? Tomic? Ibaka? Something like that.
In the unexpected event that Pritchard keeps 27 and drafts a domestic player, there is something much more significant going on. That will almost certainly indicate and 3 for 1 trade is in the works. That is, Webster, Jack and a third contract for someone worthwhile.
My prediction is this: one of the conversations that comes out of the draft is that the Blazers are thinking championship now, not in a few years.
