Yes, I’m optimistic! There are too many reasons not to be. The numbers say the Portland Trail Blazers are hot on the trail of a NBA championship.
It’s that time of year again which, for me, means pondering Portland’s fortunes in the upcoming NBA season.
Right up front, let me say that my magic number is 56 wins, +/- three. That call assumes no major injuries or events that distract from the name of the game–playing ball.
If I had a flux capacitator or a 100 buzz-iga-watt thermodynamic computer (and a lot of time to waste), I could probably provide a close probability of what’s in store for all expected playoff teams. However, I have neither. So I’m going to rely on old faithful, ‘the numbers,’ and focus on the Blazers only.
If Gasol stays healthy, I believe he will provide far more punch than NBA pundits have announced. He’ll also dispense wisdom to younger Blazers, which is really important. I also think Hassan will pour in points and prevent others from doing so. Anfernee will come of age in the NBA and, with that, I expect him to be a significant contributor by season’s end.
NBCSports
The Blazers’ giants will be improved and contribute, although differently. Rodney will stay in form from the playoffs, but Trent will be more inconsistent than he is ready for the ‘big time.’ Nassir needs more time to flourish. Bazemore fits well and will add to the Blazers’ fight.
Zach is back and improved, but not yet a star. Hezonja is a pleasant surprise–a dark horse, I think, for Sleeper of the Year award. Tolliver produces well for his pay. Skal will get additional minutes and, with that, should provide exciting moments.
Hoard is both x-factor and question mark, but (on average) he’s more likely to surprise than disappoint. Nurk will take his time coming back, but he’ll flourish by the end.
Imagine these players as your starters: ‘Dame, Baze, Hood, Zach, and Hassan. They can pop the three and play hard defense in the frontcourt. What happens to CJ, you ask? Try this for a second-team: Ant, CJ, Mario, Tolliver, and Gasol! Those five can hit the trey all over the floor! True, the defense would be a little porous, but most second NBA units suffer a bit when it comes to that. Still, though, I can’t imagine any other NBA team with as much firepower in the second unit.
Gary Trent Jr. (photo, NBCSports)
It takes the pressure off Anfernee and lets his natural abilities prosper and take over. Would TS have the imagination to go so far out? You still have a lot of potential talent left with Trent, Hoard, Nassir, and Skal. Any one of them could be fit into the rotation as they blossom and produce.
Indeed, credit for all of this goes to GM Neil Olshey. It’s probably Olshey’s finest year at the helm, considering limitations he had in cash reserves and in the team’s draft position. Now it’s up to Terry Stotts to demonstrate that he can meld a team that is loaded. More about Stotts later….
First, there is one topic that nobody wants to tackle. It’s a little issue called ‘their job’ and it’s connected to ‘the Paul Allen factor.’ Allen was really attached to this team–supportive in their progress and enthusiastic about seeing the team succeed. My numbers indicate that Allen was more involved in the process than is spoken about publicly. He had player favorites and also put his stamp on selections and decisions.
Yes, Allen could micromanage at times, but he let his strong will be known, either by exerting subtle means or by offering ‘parental’ advice.
I believe that life goes on in various forms and that Allen’s soul progression will soon lead to a level of success that he always wished for.
Paul Allen (photo, Blazer’s Edge),
With Allen’s passing, Olshey has more freedom to make basketball decisions. Stotts will be able to coach more comfortably in his zone. That said, it would be great to see Stotts loosen up in his public communication and let go of that deadpan stoic persona. Stotts has both humor and personal presence, but those traits rarely shine through.
‘Dame’s destiny is to stay and make the Blazers an NBA champion, and I think the team management and coaching staffs are poised to make that happen.
So, with the power vested in me, I declare that the Portland Trail Blazers are going to reach that goal within the next two-three seasons! Heck, I’m ‘old man numbers,’ and that’s the way I see it!
Subject to change upon illumination, of course! 🙂
