No Way Jose: Portland Trail Blazers Strike Out On Calderon, Examining Their PG Options

My AM Take: In one short season, the Portland Trail Blazers have jumped out of the cellar and are competing for a playoff spot. But for Rip City to take the next step, young superstar Brandon Roy must shift back to the wing and the club must acquire a point guard to lead their emerging nucleus.

Reports indicate Portland GM Kevin Pritchard went after Toronto’s Jose Calderon around the trade deadline:

The Blazers, who have been hurt this season by inconsistent play at the position, did more than window shop for a point guard at the Feb. 21 trading deadline. A Western Conference source said the Blazers heavily pursued Toronto point guard Jose Calderon, only to have their offers rebuffed by the Raptors. (Oregonian as shown on HoopsHype’s rumors section this morning)

Of course, the Raptors kept Calderon. And the Spaniard won’t leave the T-Dot this summer when he becomes a restricted free agent. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, a wealthy company that owns the Raptors and the city’s NHL franchise, will match any offer he receives.

So what are Portland’s options at the one-spot? 

• They can take another look at Steve Blake, Jarrett Jack, and Sergio Rodriguez. Each has a specific skill and could grow into a full-time, dependable starter. And it is always easier to look in-house, rather than facilitate an outside trade.
  

• Sign a reliable stop-gap veteran. Think Avery Johnson with San Antonio or Kenny Smith with Houston. Sam Cassell will be an unrestricted free agent come July. And hometown boy Damon Stoudamire, who has matured since his Jail Blazer days, is also a possibility.
  

• Get Paul Allen to back-up the Microsoft brinks truck(s) for Deron Williams or Chris Paul. The article in the Oregonian mentioned that Williams and Paul become free agents following next season and the Blazers only have 20 million dollars on the books for 2009-2010.
  

• Right now, I’m watching the Bull-Cavs on ABC and Kirk Hinrich has fallen out of favor in The Windy City. Chicago will continue their makeover this summer; everyone is available. Would Nate McMillan, Pritchard, and the Blazers consider Hinrich?
  

What is Portland’s best option for a point guard? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. The AM Take is Oly’s morning thoughts on the NBA appearing Sunday through Friday on HoopsVibe.com. Errors can be attributed to the time and his need for another coffee.