Alright so since there was a migration to S2 I want to bring this thread here so I can show you what a visionary I am.... Link to old thread So here is my FINAL prediction...nay guarantee!!.... to how the season will end in the west...barring any major injury during training camp or pre-season. This is how its going down... 1. Lakers- Way too many offensive options and will be in the top 10 in defense with the return of Bynum. 2. Jazz- Methodical as hell. They will address their woes of playing on the road and play very business like. Boring yet very good. 3. Hornets- Will have a hangover from last season. Peja will not play a full season. Eveything went way too perfect for them last year, but they are still a great team. Was 4 in my last prediction. 4. Spurs- Losing Ginobili hurts but I think they will do decent but not great without him. Spurs are still a top team in the NBA when it comes to the playoffs, but they are injured and dont place a huge emphasis on the regular season. Was 5 in my last prediction. 5. Rockets- Injuries, injuries, injuries...I know it sounds like an easy way out to discount them but its gonna be true. Tmac already said he needs surgery on his shoulder plus he has some other nagging injury (i forgot what). Yao is great, but he is a 7 footer with foot problems...no good. Artest could be feast or famine. If they can be lucky enough to get it together health wise for the playoffs then watch out. Was 3 in my last prediction. 6. Mavericks- On their way down regardless of a coaching change. Kidd is too old...just a dysfunctional team with talent. Wont go far. 7. Blazers- For sure coming up in the world but patience in necessary. Quality core of players that need time to play with each other. Oden and Fernandez while great prospects need at least a year to make a serious impact in the NBA. 8. Clippers- With all the craziness that surrounded the Clips this offseason they came out pretty good. Baron at the point, Camby at PF, Kamen at C, and Al Thorton with a year under his belt will be enough to slide them into the 8th spot.
Knowing how he fits in with his team and the NBA as a whole. Obviously he knows the roles of a C but this is a brand new team to him and in some cases others also (Bayless, Rudy).Sure he was able to watch how his new team plays and maybe even do some non contract drills while injured to see where he should be within the offense but nothing can compare to an actual NBA season. He has never really played with any of these guys minus a few games in last years preseason which is BS IMO. He is also gonna have to learn how to endure an 82 game season. His conditioning will be interesting to follow IMO. Even the easily corrected things can hinder you in your rookie year. Wait after reading your question again I might have answed it wrong...oops. IF Oden is gonna be all that you guys say he will it will take at least one full year before he starts putting up stats that would be the building blocks of a HOF career
A slowly moving chair... Bynum is gonna be the big time anchor. Never mind the blocks, he alters soooo many shots and enables everyone else to be more aggressive knowing that he is back there to correct their gambles edit- Gasol will also SEEM better on D because he will be able to finish off a defensive play when others (Bynum, Kobe, Ariza) have already screwed up the offensive players plans
I didn't ask about his potential for having a HOF career, I asked what your definition of "serious impact" meant, and I think you answered it in your original paragraph. All I have to say is this - the season is still one month away. I wouldn't sell short Greg's ability to learn and adapt before the season starts. He did have a season to observe, which I will admit can only go so far, but he's a dominating presence - I think that's safe to say. If he can APPLY his natural given gifts, I see no reason why he couldn't make an IMMEDIATE impact this season. You seem to forget he's an all-time prospect. I highly doubt you held this opinion last season before Oden has his surgery, so with that in mind, if Oden is not hindered by his surgery (minus the obvious lack of basketball conditioning), how "impactful" do you think he'd be? Side bar: is there a more anticipated opening game this season than Blazers vs Lakers? Man......I haven't been this jacked about a season opener in......forever?
I think that is right on for us. Our guys are going to take a while to gel. And our rookies (no matter how good they WILL be) are going to need time to adjust their games.
When Oden first came out I honestly thought he was overrated. Bear with me. Not in the sense that he was gonna suck or anything just that he wasnt worthy of the "Once every 20 years" tag. Good for sure, just not worthy of that tag. So do you disagree on me placing the Blazers at the 7 seed and think Oden (and others) will push them higher than that or just wanted my thoughts on Oden?
Slowly moving and flimsy, like one of those old metal folding chairs that we keep in the closet for a decade. But any chair with wheels would make for an interesting match-up. Unfortunately I agree. Bynum is going to be a big force. I thought he was looking very good before the injury. Both Aldridge & Gasol will benefit a lot from Bynum/Oden returning. I see the Blazers in eight/seventh and the Lakers right there on top at #1. Hopefully we'll get to play each other in the 1st round. Knocking the Lakers off would then propel us all the way to a title.
No, I think #7 or #8 is what it's going to be. Either that, or in the top 3. I wouldn't be completely surprised if the Blazers won their division, so.......... If I had to bet cash on it, I'd go #7 or #8, but I'd kick myself if we won our division, because I think it's within the realm of possibility.
I just think the daily grind of playing against "quality" comp night in and night out would take a toll.
Yeah, they're kind of old as a team. (average age for example) I think they'll be between 52 and 58 wins this time around. Anything more of course is better, but they'll reserve the power for the postseason IMO, now that they've learned the lesson in round 1 and 2.
