Hedo’s in town. But is anyone else coming?

Like many media members in Portland, I detailed Turkogul’s itinerary with a return trip to Orlando on hold.

Even though Portland is basically bidding against themselves at this point, it appears this thing is already a done deal. Just need to extend an offer, agree on an amount and draw up the contracts (well, and wait until July 8 to make if official). Everything else is for the camera.

Once Hedo is locked-up though, where then do the Blazers turn their attention?

Do they get to the point, or fast forward? Let’s put the point guard talk on hold for a few minutes. Because we all have our theories and here is mine in case you missed Thursday’s post (shame on you).

Moving right along. There’s an interesting blend of bigs at power forward still to consider in pondering an actually need Portland has to address. Check Brandon Bass and David Lee off the list, both want to start and are looking for significant free-agent deals.

Portland’s options come down to two guys in my opinion: Leon Powe and Antonio McDyess.

All along I’ve felt McDyess, 34, would be an ideal fit backing up LaMarcus Aldridge and add a much needed veteran presence to boot, even for a short period. But now that the Celtics decided not to re-sign Powe, I’m starting to re-think my theory – that is, if his torn knee ligament has healed. McDyess (who made roughly $900,000 last season with Detroit) has the veteran, banger type trait happening, whereas Powe is really a starter in this league but makes a fantastic second option for any coach.

San Antonio, Charlotte, Cleveland and Boston are all said to be interested in McDyess, with a price tag ranging between $3 - $5 million.

The Celtics – who declined Leon’s option - have not completely ruled out having Powe (who turned 25 in January) return to the Celtics, but as of now he on the open market.

So what’s the next move? Who do you like the Blazers to chase and where should they inquire? A point guard or power forward....or maybe another small foward. Maybe.

Where should Kevin Pritchard and his posse turn their attention after Hedo is hoisted upon their shoulders?

Your turn.

pic via: assets

Comments (4)

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written by Doug, July 03, 2009

depends. if martell looks to be ready by season's start, then you look to move outlaw, blake/bayless, and possibly Rudy for a serious upgrade at the PG positioin - assuming one could be had. If we are talking Hinrich, then I don't put Bayless or Rudy on the table, but if we are talking Devin Harris (pipedream), then I put both on the table, along with picks, etc.

I like the Power option - and I suggested it a few days ago. Assuming Hedo signs and Outlaw is gone, even with martell out you have a 9-man rotation with Hedo absorbing all the backup 4 minutes. Give Powe a minimum salary offer, with team option for year 2. if he heals up, then you got yourself a steal. if not, it only cost you a roster spot, which you have plenty of at the moment.

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written by wmaxey, July 03, 2009

good stuff doug....

hinrich would be an upgrade defensively and i hear you on harris. spoke with one league source recently who said "that's not going to happen" when i asked if new jersey would move harris at all.

powe is interesting, but again he doesn't fit one aspect the blazers need to acquire: a veteran. but other then that, I like the kid and from what i understand he is a head of schedule on his rehab.

portland may see that as a gamble though. the words "rehab" and free agent signing don't go together.

but that's one vote for chasing hinrich/harris and inking powe.

anyone else?

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written by Doug, July 03, 2009

yeah, well I'm assuming Hedo fits the veteran signing criteria. I wouldn't mind adding another veteran or two to fill out the roster (3rd PG, and a 4/5 type), both would be minimum contracts and shouldn't look to play too much obviously, but are nice insurance/injury filler.

I think the logical followup to Hedo is still a consolidation trade for a better PG, but if that doesn't happen, we can roll with Blake - with Hedo's playmaking on top of Roy's if Blake can hit 40% of 3s again, that's fine.

If we don't do that kind of trade, then I'm assuming we just dump Outlaw for a future pick or the aforementioned 3rd PG or veteran 4/5. What kind of value would he have just by himself?

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written by Jason Fleming, July 05, 2009

Just a reminder, but Powe had microfracture surgery my man.

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