Sporting News: Blazers extensions unlikely
Tuesday, October 7 | 10:16 a.m.
BRIAN HENDRICKSON
The Sporting News has an extensive piece out that explores the potential of players from the 2005 draft class getting extensions.
It's conclusion: While three members of that class — Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut, New Orleans' Chris Paul and Utah's Deron Williams — have already received extensions, it's unlikely that many other members of that class will be signed to long-term deals before the season starts. And that includes the Blazers' trio of expiring rookie contracts: Martell Webster, Channing Frye and Ike Diogu.
From their report:
Portland's trio of Martell Webster, Channing Frye and Ike Diogu is still too untested to warrant any long-term commitment, though there is an outside shot something could get done with Webster.
This assessment agrees with what I have been hearing. Certainly Frye and Diogu have some proving to do not just to determine whether they fit with the long-term vision of this team, but also to determine their value for the next few years. I think the Blazers will take the season to feel that out, knowing that they can fall back on both players' restricted free agent status next summer.
But Webster may be a different situation, and I think if any player would be considered for an extension this fall, it would be him. Portland could be assuming some risk if they wait until next summer, because it appears that as much as the Blazers value Webster, his value on the general NBA market is much greater.
Teams have long liked his combination of size, athleticism, potential to become a good defender, and of course his shooting ability. So if he gets out onto the free-agent market next summer, it's very possible that a team could throw out a higher bid than the Blazers expect, and certainly higher than Portland would have to pay this fall when they have no competition. My gut feeling: If Webster plays well in this week's preseason games and keeps himself in a position to be a starter once again, don't be surprised if discussions about wrapping him up long term begin.
