(I swear, you take one afternoon off from the internet and this is what happens. I’m sorry, internet. It will never happen again.)
Well, here’s one thing we now know about the Portland Trail Blazers new GM Rich Cho: dude is not afraid to make some moves. After signing beef jerky heir (not true) Fabricio Oberto, Cho then turned around and immediately cleared some roster space by cutting loose the lovable Jeff Pendergraph and then trading Jerryd Bayless to the New Orleans Hornets for a (protected) first round pick.
J-Bay has been a lightning rod of controversy around Blazers camp ever since he arrived in 2008 as the 11th pick in the draft—a selection the team acquired from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for their 13th pick (Brandon Rush), Jarrett Jack, and Josh McRoberts. Bayless’ kamikaze drives through the lane were something to behold, as was his beady eyed intensity, but he never adapted into his role as a backup point guard. That fact, coupled with the great preseason start by recent draft pick Armon Johnson, were the writing on the wall for Bayless. He’ll actually fit in well in the Big Easy, playing under the game’s best point guard in Chris Paul, and reuniting with former Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams. But considering Bayless’ habit for recklessly crashing through barriers, keep that man away from the levees.
In addition to the pick and empty locker space, the Blazers also got some luxury tax relief. The team is over the cap so they’ll benefit from Bayless’ salary being off the books. As for the draft pick Portland received, it’s top-seven protected for next year, and top-eight protected from 2012-2014. The Hornets are not a terrible squad, but nor are they the postseason-bound team they were a few years back, meaning the pick will likely be the 8th-13th selection of the draft.
Was Pendergraph cut for the sake of performance or just his salary and/or injury? He had good moments last year. I don’t understand much of this. Sometimes they keep guys and their salaries around for years who suck, don’t play or are injured (LaFraentz), basically duds with a fraction of Pendergraph’s potential. What gives?
I think he was cut mainly because of the injury and the need to free up roster space for a big man. But trading Bayless– I didn’t see that coming.
I’d like to be proven wrong, but I don’t think much good will come of trading Bayless.
@TSW
Pendergraph was cut to make room on the roster. They can always bring him back to camp next season, that is, if no one signs him between now and then. But he’s out for a good year (if not more), so the timing is right. Odds, are Patty Mills will get that last roster spot, but it’s not official. The team might just let him go as well, keep 14 players, and not have the burden of another contract.
I’m sad about Pendy. I do hope we get him back, he was my favorite surprise from last season. Who will do the pre-game pump up rap dance now?? As for Bayless – he let his emotions dictate his game for better or worse and ended up being too erratic. I know he worked hard and all, but just seemed a little too teacher’s pet/crybaby for my liking. Pendy get well soon and come back. We need an enforcer/snake/whatever you are…