[JoeWolf1]

I just read that the Blazers signed Jeff Pendergraph just before his hip surgery. I was surprised that they have signed him and Victor Claver and Dante Cunningham still remain unsigned. I think Cunningham would benefit from playing in the D-League a year, but from his summer league performance, I would think he would be a player the Blazers would want to sign before the season. Claver is another player with international experience, a pretty good skill set and some upside I would think they would want to sign before Pendergraph. I know Pendergraph was more highly touted out of college because he is the prototypical size of a NBA power forward, but his injury kind of draws a red flag. Maybe the Blazers plan on signing Cunningham, and Claver, but couldn’t reach an agreement before Pendergraph, but there are only a limited amount of roster spots and I think Cunningham and Claver have more upside.

[McWinningParticipant]

they signed Pendergraph because of toughness, Cunningham, and Claver are tweeners at power forward and they have been searching for a tough power forward like Pendergraph who can give them tough minutes off the bench.

[JoeWolf1]

Yeah, but I think Cunningham can make a successful move to small forward with some work in the D-League. You are right Pendergraph is a big body who could give you 5 and 5 immediately. Its not that I’m down on Pendergraph, its just that I think the other two, especially Cunningham could help them more in the long run as bench players.

[McWinningParticipant]

yeah but their thinking about now and they need Pendergraph to fill backup power forward. also they as muchmoney as they can get for Re-Signing Aldridge.

[aspence4Participant]

According to NBA.com Cunningham signed a multi-year contract with Portland on August 21

http://www.nba.com/news/transactions/2009_10/

[JNixonParticipant]

I think Cunningham is better because he isnt as mechanical in the post. I watched the Blazers alot in the SL and Pendergraph is a robot in the post, but he does defend OK and rebound decently. But Cunningham can operate from the high post and low post and he’s alot stronger than I thought he was and he’s a great defender. I wouldve just kept Cunningham and let Pendergraph go, they play the exact same style

[llperez]

I watched Pendergraoph a lot in college and he has good size and plays with immense passion. He is a very intesnse guy on the court. He wont create his own offense, but he shot a very high percentage and finishes very well around the basket when he gets the ball down low.

I know Cunnigham impressed during summer league, but I just don’t see him making an impact due to his size. He is a tweener who likes to face guys up and go by them, but he doesn’t really have the perimter skills of a sf.

[JoeWolf1]

Thanks aspence, For some reason NBA.com still has him listed as an unsigned draft pick.

[McWinningParticipant]

the problem is right now i dont think Cunningham is better than their three small fowards and i dont think hes a true power forward.

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