BLAZERS GET ANOTHER FIRST-ROUNDER
The Portland Trail Blazers acquired point guard Sergio Rodriguez (the 2006 draft's No.27 pick) from the Phoenix Suns for cash.
What does it give the Portland Trail Blazers
An exciting young point guard who may eventually be a star. Rodriguez may have more pure potential than any playmaker in the draft, and with Portland's earlier trade sending Sebastian Telfair to Boston, they needed one. Unlike Tefair, Rodriguez has great size for an NBA point guard and is a pass-first type with creativity and flair. He's not quite ready for prime time yet, but a few years from now may remind people a little of a combination of Jason Kidd and Jason Williams. He will likely apprentice under Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack, presuming those two are retained.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Some of the green stuff, which is an ongoing issue lately with them. Owner Robert Sarver is trying to rein in costs and avoid the NBA's dreaded luxury tax, so that mostly means no new contracts for rookies. It's a bit of a shame because Rodriguez might have been a fantastic protg for Steve Nash, whom the Spanish star idolizes. Phoenix did a similar rookie contract dump last year, and it seems be turning into a trend with them.
Fantasy impact
Player focus
Phoenix Suns
cash considerations
