I think I wrote a similar message a year ago tonight or close to it. Guess that means back to back 1st round exits huh? Anyhow I regress, but man... what a journey its been. I guess thats the best way to describe this season, a journey. Perhaps the most ups and downs I have ever seen a team go through in 1 season. Funny enough, there were lots of moments that stuck out to me. I think it all started in Pre Season last year when we all knew something wasn't right. That really carried over into the season as almost a negative karma. Opening night I remember thinking this team was gonna be scary good as Webster was hitting those threes vs Houston and Outlaw couldn't miss. Then the injuries started coming from Outlaw to Oden. When Oden went down, the season became dark. I remember I had tickets to the Knicks game in NY and thinking to myself how bad my timing was. No Rudy, no Outlaw and no Oden. Losing to the Knicks by 20 points was pretty tough to watch in MSG. It was a long long train ride back to CT. Little did I know that was just the beginning. I think the point in the season where we basically came to a cross roads was in Miami. It was a brutal 4 game trip and we were kinda reeling. It was the week leading to xmas. The bLazers went 3-1 and won in Dallas and SA. Maybe it was the cause it was so close to xmas but those wins really stood out to me. It almost was magical. Then xmas night Roy goes off on Denver making our run even more crazy with all the injuries. Watching Roy and Outlaw celebrate as "All I want For Xmas" played as the broadcast ended was a nice feeling. New years comes and I remember playing GS and barely having 8 guys to suit up and winning that one which was highly unlikely. Other moments that stand out to me about this season were Millers 52, trading for Camby, the comeback vs the Grizz, Websters huge three vs SA, Roys last second shot vs the Wiz, the lakers win in LA without broy, and of course one of the great moments ive ever whitnessed... MAR-CUS CAM-By chant vs the Thunder. Then the Roy-less blazers steal one in Phoenix in stunning fashion. When Roy returned on that Saturday... it was one of the great moments in sports I had ever seen. Touching, exciting and amazing.. all words that don't do it enough justice. In a season there was so much bad, I remember a lot of good. This season did show the team had heart IMO. I just wish they could have showed more in the post season. But this was perhaps the most bizarre season in the history of the Blazers franchise. I really dont know where this team is headed. Im almost certain Kpee will be fired. I feel a major facelift needs to be done to our bench. Backup PG, SG, and PF needs to be addressed. I am ok with keeping Webster cause of his defense at SF. I think we really need a guy like Ray Allen or J R Smith off the bench. A talented offensive player if you will who can score when nobody else can. We have the defense but we need more on offense to advance in the playoffs. I also feel the PG of the future needs to be found wether thats the draft or free agency. God i would love Collison but I think thats a pipe dream. Who know sthough. Maybe Monta Ellis off the bench? Devin Harris available? But I think out starters are set. Camby was priority 1 and thats done. Therefore hire MARK W and get this thing back on track torwards a title. Because a year ago we seemed close and today we seem far awy again. Also bulk up Batum, kid needs more muscle. Work on strenghth and conditioning with roy and oden more. Do those things and we should be ok barring any bad luck. I think next year also decides nates fate with us. Its time for him to show he can lead us to a title and out of round 1. So thats what i would do this summer to improve this club. FIX THE BENCH!!!!! So guys, I know most of you are happy to see my final post for a while but i have to say, I always enjoy posting here during the season. I will miss Speed, Rizzle, Nik, and many others. Its been a great emotional ride that ended as good as one would expect considering the nightmares this team went through. I think I enjoyed this season in a sense because most nights i didn't expect to win as I would if we were healthy. I mean, we won a lot of games we shouldn't have. But the season has ended and its sad. I will miss coming home watching games after work. Some nights that gets me through the night when im just not feeling being in a nightclub. I do root hard for this team... and even though some of you cant grasp that... its the truth. So the time has come. Should be an interesting summer and I will still watch from a distance on these boards as I follow the Blazers this off season. When the days grow shorter, the air gets colder, and the leaves being to change color... MIXUM WILL RETURN FOR THE NEXT CAMPAIGN. Until then, take care... I'll talk to ya soon. GO BLAZERS
Mix - two things: First, I know you are a fan of the Blazers (well written and thoughtful post); Second, I know you love to raise the dander of many here! I watch throughout the year and sit back and get a good laugh when reading the banter back and forth. Finally, I agreed with 50% of everything you had to say during the season. Your both a Fan and a Troll - which is truly amazing! A "Froll" ? Have a good Spring and Summer and we'll see ya back here for Camp....with a new re-worked bench, a PF that can rebound...Monty Williams as coach and KP as GM!
well done on keeping your word. although I agree with you less than I do Canzano.. I still dont think you are a troll.
[video=youtube;jzduPKYz3uk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzduPKYz3uk[/video] dont leave us!!!! PM me any new important transaction thoughts this offseason!
I use to think you were a troll but I started to realize at least 50% of what you were posting I agreed with. The problem the stuff I disagreed with still bugged me more then with other posters. I guess that is a good thing keeps me coming back. Later!
Have fun MIXUM, it's too bad you won't be around for what will probably be a very eventful off-season.
