Yup, the young guys are improving and we've done it without Oden for most of the season. We're on our way to 50 wins now.
It seems so long ago......but at the beginning of the season a co-worker (Jazz fan) asked me what I would consider a successful season by the Blazers. He thought that if we did not make the playoffs it would be a unsuccessful season. I said it was hard to say, because you have a ot of good teams in the west. We could actually be better this year and only be around 500. You never know what teams will be hit by injuries, but there looked to be at least 9 really good teams. ( With the Clippers and GS being additional wildcards) I figured 47-48 wins were about as well as we could do. But the bottom line is I just wanted them to gain more experience and grow as a team. And now with only 15 games left, and even though i think they will only play 500 ball the rest of the way. There is no doubt i am satified with this season.
And Webster. Seriously, people shouldn't overlook how important Martell is to this team. It's an amazing accomplishment.
It's sure made me appreciate more that long playoff streak we had, and how easy we made it seem to make the playoffs. Those 20-win seasons were just brutal in hindsight to think about.
What's really surprising about this season is that there haven't been any massive win streaks to propel us to this record. We've had a few dips and a few high points, but otherwise have been remarkably consistent in our winning this year.
^ I credit the coaches with a lot of it. They have done a really good job of keeping these young guys focused.
True, but Batum may have never got an opportunity. We may have taken a hit for the season (in terms of scoring punch) but as far as developing the team for the long run, it was truly a blessing in disguise.
I wonder if Webster will ever play significant minutes for us again... outside of his shooting stroke, is there anything he does as well or better than Batum or even Trout? iWatas
Isn't that enough? I know there were times when he was criticized for just standing in the corner and doing nothing else. But even the threat of that is a plus. Of course he is he is better than just that (And obviusly needs to be ), but seriously you never know when a guy like that will go off and take over a game. Does the Utah game happen very often. Hell no, but having a Horry, or a Posey sitting out there can't hurt. All long range shooters are streaky and I am sure Martel will be inconsistent, but the dude can stroke it.
Webster gives us a completely different player at SF than either Nic or Travis. He is absolutely stacked, athletic, more of a 3 point threat than the other two (though travis has made strides in his outside shot this year)and was going to have a break out year in my opinion. I really think with probably leaving this summer, a majority of Travis's minutes will come at the 4 with a little bit at the three (if he is still around).
Outlaw shoots at a higher career percentage than Webster and can get off a shot (for good or bad) at any time, and Batum is only 2% behind Webster as a rookie and already plays better defense. Wester seems to be the odd man out at this point.
Maybe. But as long as we can rebound......I would love the option of having three shooters coming off the bench next year with Joel. (Travis at PF, Webster at SF and Rudy at SG) That is a scenario that even Sergio would thrive in. (or Blake or Bayless) That would leave Batum to start. That is a kick ass 2nd team. Now I can just hear it....."yeah but will they be happy coming off the bench?" Fuck that! They will if they care about CHAMPIONSHIPS! If not then you trade them.
