As a Blazer fan, I've been taking much enjoyment in Orlando's dismantling of Cleveland thus far in the ECF. And part of that is because I see a bunch of similarities between them and us. Dominant inside player (this is assuming Oden gets his footwork back) surrounded by great shooters A couple mediocre point guards who don't dominate the ball handling but are able to perform their roles excellently A wing player who is their primary ballhandler/playmaker in crunch time Thin at their PF spot, so they have to go with unconvential, smaller lineups at times Playing in a "small market" that gets very little media attention They are kind of an Eastern Conference version of us. Not to mention they have had to go through the World Champions and now the odds-on favorites, dispelling any rumors that the bigger-market teams receive deferential treatment in the playoffs (something I think we as Blazer fans have in the back of our minds going up against an LA or another "bigger market" WC team). I'm delighted in their success, because I feel like we fit a similar mold. -Pop
I completely agree. If Orlando makes it to the finals, it dispels a lot of conspiracy theories immediately as well. I do not agree on their PG, though, as I feel all of Orlando's PG are better than ours, including Johnson. Markedly better. I would also like to point out, that Orlando's big lineup, has been causing Cleveland total shitfits. Big lineups cause good things to happen defensivly. Portland could do that too, if Nate would have the balls to do it.
Flat and simple, yes. I know it is early to speak, but now you are seeing why a dominant center can be more important than a dominant wing player. They effect more of the game on both ends of the court.
I disagree. Oden doesnt need to be as dominant as Howard is for them for us to succeed. We have something they dont... B.Roy!
I don't think Oden is that far off, FWIW. I honestly think he has the skill set, but in his first year back after microfracture surgery his body didn't always keep up with his mind. I think you'll see a much better Oden in 09-10. -Pop
Then you aren't paying attention. Broy is mostly about the offense. Centers bring defense, rebounding and extra posessions to the game that wing players rarely, if ever bring to the game. Roy is great for getting buckets, but do you think he would have got a clean block on Lebron James in the paint with the game on the line? I highly doubt it, as there are only a few players in the league that can even jump that high to get a piece of his shot, let alone get it cleanly. Orlando had way more than enough scoring. It was the defense and rebounding that made the difference.
An improved Oden and Pryzbilla will be a force in the paint on the defensive end. Aldridge has also improved on his help defense/blocking shots. I think its safe to say that we will go after a "tough guy" type back up PF this offseason to further help the situation.
Howard shows that Oden can be a star and a force even if he doesn't develop an offensive game. Howard is simply not a very good post player. He gets his points either off put-backs, wide-open dunks or overwhelming his defender (either with speed or power). He doesn't have refined footwork or skills on offense. Yet he still averages an efficient 20 PPG and can go for 30 points here and there. Oden has already shown the rebounding prowess that Howard brings and flashes of the defensive aptitude that he's been lauded for through his career, that Howard has. Oden has the potential to be an even better man defender than Howard, with his greater size, and just as much of a shot-blocking force. Where Oden could surpass Howard is if he develops the footwork and skills to be a good post scorer. Even if he never does (as some posters here have decided he won't), he can still be a Dwight Howard-level player.
I agree with the East Coast Blazers comparison. We are a lot like them. But like one poster said, we have B-Roy They don't have anything even remotely close.
