Posted 07/15/2010 6:36 PM

Exactly! it is annoying seeing other playoff teams making big changes to get better when it seems like we are just making things harder for ourselves, who is gonna play what and for how long??????????? Do you see any other "elite"or at least "playoff" teams asking those questions? The sunshine is here so unless we are stock piling certain positions for trade reasons you can stop blowing it where we don't need it!

Posted 07/15/2010 9:02 PM

matthews can play the 2 and the 3... which is 1 of the reasons we picked him up... and we also just drafted babbit who is a sf/pf hybrid if developed the right way he will be a force to reckon with, i do see a trade happening though but its most likely not gonna be a huge deal. i really like this team as it is... we have tons of young talent that have not even come close to hitting their ceilings we just have to have some patience.

Posted 07/16/2010 9:59 AM

PART 1:

1. Dre, JB, Mills/johnson
2. Roy, Matthews, JB, Williams
3. Batum, Matthews, Babbitt, (Rudy)
4. Aldridge, Camby, Dante, Jeff
5. Oden, Camby, Pryz, Jeff

This is the depth chart i have in my head (correct me if i'm wrong somewhere). I think Rudy is gone at some point this year, hopefully soon. And my gut is telling me Mills is gone.

I must agree with Blazers4Life247, in that i "like this team as it is." I actually hope we don't make any more major moves other than getting rid of RUDY. I think we are a better team than last year, (especially if healthy) and we still won 50 games. If i have any complaints about the team here they are:

DEFICIENCIES:
1. Dre can't shoot 3s well. Also isn't the BEST defender in the world. JB isn't a PURE point guard. He lacks the instincts to make PG-like plays. He's a fire-y guy though and made big strides last year.
2. Batum has the potential to be a GREAT SF in this league. I think of Tayshaun Prince. But I feel like a lot of the success of this season is going to depend on Batum. I don't question his defense at all. But does he step up into his role this year? Will this be a breakout year for him? or does he just have another mediocre "growing/learning" year. I also am concerned with Babbitt. I feel he needs polish and lacks confidence. I have not been impressed by his summer league play. I'm sure he's loaded with potential but he's got to win me over.
3. Aldridge just needs to add some leadership to his game, and needs to show a little more intensity and confidence on both ends of the floor. Some SWAGGER if you will. Dante and Jeff need to be able to come in and play like big baby davis. (i know that sounds funny) But Big Baby comes in, he rebounds and makes garbage-type buckets, and most of all he provides energy off the bench with his hustle plays.
4. I believe in Oden. He is an X-factor that most teams don't have on their roster. But obviously, he just needs to STAY HEALTHY! Overall, our bigs kinda lack offensive prowess, so i'll say that THAT can be considered an area to improve on. I hope Przybilla is still with us and i hope he comes back soon! We have a nice big man committee!

PART 2:

Here's a way to gauge our Blazers: (you all will judge me on this)

POR vs. BOS
Dre<Rondo
BRoy=Pierce
Batum<Allen
Aldridge>Garnett
Oden>Perkins
[JB, Camby, Matthews vs. Davis, Robinson, O'neal, 'Sheed]

POR vs. LAL
Dre=Fisher
BRoy<Kobe
Batum=Artest
Aldridge<Gasol
Oden>Bynum
[JB, Matthews, Camby vs. Odom, Blake, Brown]

If i could summarize what i just did here, i'd say we have a team that's ready to compete with the best in the league. Regardless of what i think of the individual match ups, the actual TEAM match up is probably what is more important. DUH. I think we match up well against the Lakers. I like our chances against them. The addition of Blake makes them better this year though. I think the match up against the Celtics is very intriguing. From a talent stand-point the match ups (in weird ways) are almost EVEN. But what makes the Celtics so good is their experience, their coaching, ability to adapt, and their mental toughness.

To sum this all up, our team is GREAT. Leave it the way it is and let's see what happens. We're going to make a deep run in the playoffs. But if we lose to anyone, it's going to be because of one, two, or all of the following: 1. Health 2. Lack of experience and/or mental toughness 3. Any or All of the deficiencies in part 1 of this post. I find it funny that the analysts are sleeping on portland this year. They'll jump on the bandwagon after the first month of the season is over and they see how good the blazers are this year. Of course, i'm biased, but i can't help but have faith in this team!

Elliot Williams is someone i haven't mentioned. We all have yet to see what he can do but he could be a nice surprise. Here's hoping!

If there's anything that i'm way off on in this post, i apologize in advance. I live in SD where i don't have as many resources to follow the Blazers as well as say, people who live in Portland. Here's to a good year!

60-12 this year

Posted 07/16/2010 10:05 AM

60-22 is what i meant to type

Posted 07/16/2010 11:03 AM

I agree with the last two post. I dont know why our fans are worrying so much. If we need to improve in an area its closing out teams when we have a lead and if we have been getting leads like we have been. Whats missing? Stop listening to the bulk of espn who doesnt see more than highlights. We still have the deepest team in the league. I dont think it would be a surprise to anyone when we make it to the finals. After that its anyones game and as mentioned in other posts comes down to coaching!! This team is good and we dont need an ego screwing it all up and pouting which turns into no defense from a spot. Just my thoughts...

Go BLAZERS!! Cant wait to here the sound of this city after we when the rings!!! 

Posted 07/16/2010 11:25 AM

Wow I suck at typing hahaha (when) win maybe!!!