Thinking about the coming playoffs (two weeks from tomorrow), it dawned on me that, records aside, I significantly like this year's team more than the team that played the Suns last spring. Aldridge is better. Batum is better. Rudy is wayyyyy better. Add Gerald Wallace and I have way more confidence in our ability this year as opposed to last year. So come on, guys, let's do it!! Go Blazers!!!!
Rudy is way better? Really? I disagree with that. If he is not worse, he is just about the same as last year which was not good. Other then a big offensive foul he took tonight, his defense and offense were putrid and lately, he has been missing 3's moreso than hitting them. With that said I agree with your post they are more exciting to watch especially with Wallace, but we still take way to many jumpshots (which is why we have so many cold spells in games) and Roy is getting very painful to watch. If he keeps playing defense and offense like that, he won't see much court time in the playoffs.
Camby has been playing significantly worse, but other than that I agree with you. We are used to playing without Roy, we upgraded Martell to Wesley.
Rudy has been playing great. That was the first put back jam from Rudy last night that he's had in his entire career. He has developed good on court relationships with LaMarcus and Patty, making both players better. Last year against the Suns, he was sulking and disinterested. He wasn't even trying. Now, he's out there having fun and has become a real contributor to the team. How can you not see that? As for missing threes more than making, well, that is true for every team in the NBA. As for taking too many jumpshots, we get more easy baskets than any team in the league. But when the defense sags, you have to take and make jumpshots. That is part of the game and true for every team that's ever won a championship.
They need to rest Roy until the playoffs and I would agree. At this point Brandon is once again looking really bad. They should do another shot and give him two weeks to get ready to play. Maybe give him 10 mins a game at most.
[Youtube]JO_x66ye9lI[/Youtube] I agree though, Rudy has been playing solid basketball for awhile now. Even when his shot is off, he's been active on defense and showing his court vision on offense.
I certainly think they won't be any worse this time. I do feel they are a better team. But I wonder if the home seeds aren't a little better this time around.
