George O'Brien
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One of the aspects to the trade of SAR and Ratliff to the Blazers is that Portland has added back $25.5 million that was scheduled to come of their payroll this coming summer. So rather than starting at $32.7 million, they will start at $58.3 million.
The addition of two big men for one big man means the Blazers are unlikely to re-sign Dale Davis.
At 35 years old, Davis is well past his prime when he was once an all star. However, he could be a useful player to replace White if the Suns send Jahidi to the Bobcats.
At 6'11", 252 he is not huge but has always been a strong defender and rebounder. What is equally important, he has played in 78 or more games (except for the strike year) since 95-96. He is still averaging 27.5 minutes a game this season.
5.7 ppg on 48.4% shooting, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 assists per game,
Until the latest trade, I had been assuming the Blazers would focus on getting Davis back on a short term contract. Now I think they will not try so hard. There is always a market for a good backup center, but the Suns could give him a good pitch. Overall, Divac would be a better addition, but Davis could be a useful alternative if that does not work out.
I would rather have a younger and more dynamic center, but perhaps that guy will have be grown from within. Davis might help while we are waiting and would not be as expensive as some of the other alternatives --- and a lot better defender than White.
The addition of two big men for one big man means the Blazers are unlikely to re-sign Dale Davis.
At 35 years old, Davis is well past his prime when he was once an all star. However, he could be a useful player to replace White if the Suns send Jahidi to the Bobcats.
At 6'11", 252 he is not huge but has always been a strong defender and rebounder. What is equally important, he has played in 78 or more games (except for the strike year) since 95-96. He is still averaging 27.5 minutes a game this season.
5.7 ppg on 48.4% shooting, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 assists per game,
Until the latest trade, I had been assuming the Blazers would focus on getting Davis back on a short term contract. Now I think they will not try so hard. There is always a market for a good backup center, but the Suns could give him a good pitch. Overall, Divac would be a better addition, but Davis could be a useful alternative if that does not work out.
I would rather have a younger and more dynamic center, but perhaps that guy will have be grown from within. Davis might help while we are waiting and would not be as expensive as some of the other alternatives --- and a lot better defender than White.
