That would really depend on which player fit which improvement. If Oden is the one with the big leap, then Portland becomes a contender right away. If instead that player is Batum with Oden being stagnant, then they don't. Frankly, it all hinges on Oden. Even if all of the other players make a big leap, without a healthy improved Oden I don't think they would be a contender.
In reviewing his last season, I see he missed 4 games... weren't all of those games due to a strained hammy? Dude did average over 37 MPG so... Hoops is a rough game and injuries happen to every player, but thankfully I don't share your concern about the state of Brandon's health. STOMP
I think they were close to being contenders this past season. What really sank them against Houston was a lack of experience...they seemed unready for the intensity in the playoffs. I don't think they were suffering a lack of talent. If, for example, Batum and Bayless made big strides and added one or two more significant weapons to the offense, I think Portland would be a dark horse contender even if Oden remained the same (productive but limited minutes). Of course, I do expect major improvement from Oden. But I'm not convinced that it has to happen for Portland to be at least a borderline title contender.
That's an interesting point. Big improvement (and more minutes) for Bayless and Batum means less of Blake's passivity and Outlaw's inconsistency. On paper, we would be even less experienced - but I am not sure it would matter. Outlaw doesn't play like a vet, and Blake is too soft (and too limited) to impose his will on the game. As to which players actually will make big strides...we will just have to agree to disagree. I am still most optimistic about Batum.
The foot problems he had his rookie season were never really addressed. They just kind of went away. So, they could just as easily resurface. Roy had to rest his knees at the end of the season and they were bothering him for much of the second half of the year. It's not that he missed time so much as for a guy as young as he is, his knees are bothering him quite a bit. Further, the way he plays puts a huge amount of wear and tear on his body. I think Portland was very lucky he only missed 4 games last season.
Again, injuries are a part of this rough sport and dude is managing just fine. Every player who logs significant minutes suffers wear and tear on their body. Avoiding significant injury to joints is a gauntlet that does take luck... hopefully Brandon's (& every Blazer's) holds. btw... dude didn't have to rest his knees at the end of the season, he was able to because of the club's record. Thats normal MO for playoff bound teams. STOMP
