I predicted 47 wins, and although the Blazers are only a few games better, I think their talent level has continued to grow throughout this year, and if they were the same team at the beginning of the season that they are now, we would be talking about a 60 win team. I am starting to believe the Blazers have a serious shot at making a real deep run in the playoffs (re 3 rounds) and have an outside shot at the big time.
I'd be happy with a first round win. That would put the team way ahead of where they should be developmentally. I think that Nate and his coaching crew have to take a big part of the credit for that. When Martell comes back next year... wow. Look out.
I think it's just great to get there and get some experience. The Hawks and Hornets got there last year. Now it's our time.
I'm in the middle. I am very happy they are getting the experience, and will not be heartbroken if they lose in the first round, but I also believe that they blazers have a real shot at making the Western Conference finals.
I had 52 wins as my prediction. Currently they look like they'll have 53-54 wins. I'm happy. I think they'll win their first round series. Second round will be hard, but hey, ya never know. But a first round series win would be plenty enough for me this season.
Before the last road trip, I said I'd start believing they are contenders for this year if they went 3-1 for the trip. I believe. We just saw them play three playoff intensity games. Games that mattered to the other teams. Didn't look like they wilted, to me. Didn't look like they need more experience to me. Looks to me like they're ready to look the teams that were bullying them in the early season in the eye and say, "I don't THINK so!" They're getting better every game, especially defensively. With the Blazers' talent, Nate has the flexibility to make all kinds of adjustments when they play the same team in a series games with time between them. They made the playoffs, and that was my expectation for this year. The rest is gravy. GO BLAZERS!
and look where they are now. a team fighting to not fall to the 8th seed in the west and a team largely thought to be irrelevant in the eastern conference playoffs who the majority of people will likely pick to lose in the first round even though they have homecourt. experience (and specifically playoff experience) is very overrated.
I would've never believed we'd be in this position, and I think expectations should be raised right now. We could do some serious damage in the playoffs. Rip City Uprise baby!
