Are you kidding me? 52 wins and counting? Big victories over San Antonio and the Lakers? A string of 4 wins by 20 or more points? Victories on the road against elite teams? Comebacks on successive nights from deficits of 15 or more points??? Right before our eyes, the Blazers have moved into the upper echelon of NBA teams. We're right there with the Lakers and the Spurs and the rest of them. I'd say Boston still has the edge on us, but we're closing the gap quickly. This is fast becoming an elite team. They expect to win every game now. I predicted a 50-win season before this year ever started, but the growth and development of this team surprises even me. Especially since we're doing it with Oden playing only a small role. If Oden keeps slowly coming along, and turns into a decent NBA center who can stay out of foul trouble, we will win an NBA championship in the next three years. You can take it to the bank. This team is loaded with talent. We've got all of the necessary parts to win an NBA title. I can't wait to see it all unfold!
I voted for 50 wins as well. I've already said that everything from here on out is icing. 54 would be just outlandish. I mean, where do you raise the bar after that? You'd have to hope for 60. Not saying that I'd be seriously disappointed if they won 57 games next year. I think the more important goal has to be figured in rounds of the playoffs. But we'll have to wait and see how far we go this year first before making those kinds of expectations.
The sky's the limit. With Roy, Aldridge, Oden and their supporting cast, this team can do anything. We've got to start setting our sights higher. It's a whole different ballgame now.
We are a great team, but not elite. I don't think we can get there until our defense becomes much more solid. We still give up a lot of easy buckets.
I've seen a real improvement in our defense over the last 10 games. I think it's a big reason why we are winning.
Absolutely! This team seems to have finally gotten their heads around whatever concepts Nate has been preaching at them for 3 or 4 years; there's still room for improvement (especially in FG% allowed), but this is an encouraging sign for the future.
Out defensive improvement over the last month or so has pushed us up to 14th in the league in defensive efficiency... though I don't know where we were in mid-March. My addled brain tells me 17th, but I'm not sure. Regardless, we're an "average" defensive team now.
Especially since they've got a bunch of rookies in the rotation (or might be before long) who aren't even close to their potential. Even Rudy should get better.
I think Rudy is going to get a lot better. One thing that Rudy really lacks is physical strength. A full offseason with the Blazers strength and conditioning coaches should do him some good. I'd like to see Rudy round his game out a bit more. More mid-range stuff, and a little less from three.
My wish for Rudy this off season is to better develop his drive to the basket and utilize his passing ability in that regard, and to develop his ability to keep his feet in front of his man a little bit better.
I really think the reason why he doesn't drive very often is because of how small he is. The guy would be beaten to a pulp. Lobs are one thing, but actually taking it to the rim is another. He isn't physically built like a Brandon Roy. He can't sustain the constant damage. He needs to pack on some muscle.
ding, ding, ding........I have been thinking about that today. We are still not a full strength and we're playing for home court in the West. Portland is going to be scary next season, but I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the playoffs this season.
We are finally developing a swagger. That's huge. We feel that we can beat any team even when the other team brings their "A" game. I think once the defense on the perimeter tightens up and we're not leaning so much on Joel and Greg, we'll take it to the next level.
So true. Confidence is one of the most important, but underrated, aspects of achieving success in sports. When you really believe you can do something, you're that much closer to doing it.
I don't think Rudy needs to bulk up like Brandon. Rudy could use a little bit of upper body strength, but you don't need to be strong to be an effective slasher in the league. Getting in Manu type shape would be perfect for Rudy.
I predicted 52, but I think even I underestimated! If they continue to improve through the playoffs there's no telling how far we can go! Go Blazers!!
