For those who missed yesterday’s post, let me pick up where I left off with today being draft day and all.

More working the phones and latptop.

Let me reiterate the disclaimer just for the record: after almost six years in this business, you are bound to hear it all. This player going here; that player going there; especially during this time of the year. It’s as common as turnovers and traveling. Again, I can only tell you what I’m hearing from some across the league – with my own two cents sprinkled in.

So here goes….again:

Took some heat Wednesday for my description of why the Blazers appear torn over acquiring Kirk Hinrich. As I mentioned, there are some apparent “character” issues that caused concerned and raised a red flag with some in the organization. But even for a trusted source to say that, I found that hard to believe. Still do. It’s a fine line of reporting what you’ve been privy to hearing, or not. The description wasn’t conjured up by me and has nothing at all to do with him being the perfect team player or helping mentor Derrick Rose. It’s in regards to a matter off the court. I don’t plan on getting into this further here so I won’t. And apparently it has not deterred Portland from perusing Hinrich in the least. That rumor is still hot and heavy both in Chicago, Portland and nationally.  

But the part about Tyrus Thomas being the second player involved from Chicago…..that’s a reach. If Thomas is in the mix, don’t look for him to be in the fold long. Portland would likely turn around and package him in a deal of some sort. Sure, the guy can back-up LaMarcus Aldridge but adding a veteran in that role is still the objective here folks.

Someone asked me who Portland would be willing to give up in this alleged trade: Travis Outlaw quickly comes to mind, knowing he'd fit that system. Perhaps a few picks. Other than that, I'm really at a loss. Even if you include Sergio Rodriguez, Portland would still be over the cap.

If you have the chance to go get someone like Antonio McDyess or even Kurt Thomas (now that he’s been moved to Milwaukee) would you prefer that type of veteran over Tyrus Thomas? I would.

Called a couple shots right by Portland moving up in the draft on Wednesday (from 24 to 22) with Dallas. While I didn’t think they’d move up, I figured Kevin Pritchard would use any combination of his four second round picks to barter with. One down (56), three to go.  Also, Portland making a move before the draft even gets under way was a no-brainer. It’s the old Jake LaMotta mindset: hit ‘em hard, hit ‘em fast.  And no way is Pritchard done hitting.

Portland is chasing Tyler Hansbrough….or that is one train of thought with moving up to 22. He’s being pegged to be selected anywhere from 13-22 in the first round, and if he’s available then he’ll be Rip City bound. And if his stock continues to rise in these final hours before the draft, don’t be surprised to see Portland make a move to ensure they’ll get Hansbrough.

And judging from the comment section from Wednesday, fans would dig picking-up Tyler in Portland. Not every die hard is sold on him though. Sounds like the verdict is still out on his scoring abilities and if he’ll manage to get the calls he received from NCAA officials. There will be an adjustment period there regardless, and I don’t feel that will deter a team from selecting him.

Let’s add one more name to the point guard shuffle while we’re at it.

Is anyone shocked that New Jersey is still taking offers for Devin Harris? Word is the Nets would listen to teams willing to part with expiring contracts and draft picks. Portland has a couple of both. Actually, as much as a Jason Kidd and Brandon Roy backcourt sounds appealing, Harris running the point alongside Roy is also sick. One source said New Jersey is simply trying to raise interest in Harris in hopes of selling off Vince Carter as well. Not sure about that one – but pretty sure Harris can be had if the pot was sweet enough.

By the way.....if you are looking for more draft coverage, talk on the Blazers offseason, and how I wound up with Kevin Pritchard's phone, check out the goods in an interview with Ezra Caraeff over at the Portland Mercury on Thursday.

pic via: washington post

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