If Portland doesn’t reach high stature within two years, then expect GM Olshey to be looking for a job. Worse yet, the Blazers will enter yet another rebuilding campaign.
Since 2014 I’ve been numerically intrigued with the Portland Trail Blazers. I’ve authored a series of blogs and articles that were uncannily accurate, outperforming the pros.
Portland’s Neil Olshey (photo, OregonLive.com)
I’ve slowed down my writing (due to diminished interest for reasons described previously at The Sports Column). But once in a while the prognosticative juices flow and I know it’s time to take a shot at predicting the future.
Now seems to be one of those moments. So here’s my take.
After watching Game 1 of the 2017 NBA finals, I think the Western Conference all-stars will most likely take care of the three above-average guys from Cleveland.
But whatever happens, let’s get on with taking a look–ala numerology–at the Blazers’ future.
First of all, the numbers suggest that Neil Olshey’s reputation as the GM will be defined.
Courtesy: deseretnews.com
It’s also assumed that since Dame has taken on the role of team leader, that he’ll carry the load and determine the fate of the team.
As important as he is–even considering his excellent leadership–I think it looks like the greater role of the success will fall upon how CJ matures and performs.
His contribution, and the productivity of two yet unpicked and undetermined player, will eventually stand out as the main reasons why the Blazers will excel.
How do I come to that conclusion?
How was I the only sports prognosticator to publically predict 44 wins two seasons past? Remember, too, that two years ago I picked CJ as a “star of the future.”
The numbers tell me this: With timely draft choices and trades the Blazers can reach the highest level of performance since the 1977 championship. The 2017-18 season will define it and the 2018-19 will reveal it–for better or worse.
The numbers say Olshey’s moment of truth has come.
Will they be able to do all of this in one year? The “assets” that Olshey has been acquiring, along with wise draft picks and trades, could get it done.
The 2017-18 season will be the most important year of Olshey’s tenure. But if Portland doesn’t reach that stature within two years, then expect Olshey to be looking for a job elsewhere.
Worse yet, the Blazers will enter yet another rebuilding campaign.
