A- Portland Trail Blazers The Blazers remain remarkably competitive, persistent and resourceful in the face of adversity. Coach Nate McMillan compensated for center Greg Oden's season-long absence and guard Brandon Roy's long break and current part-time status by mixing and matching personnel. Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has had a career year by concentrating his scoring in the low post, where Oden was meant to be. Free-agent signee Wesley Matthews has expanded his role as a versatile, above-average wing defender in Roy's stead. Meanwhile, for the second straight year, the front office picked up an invaluable rotation player at the trade deadline, with forward Gerald Wallace following last season's addition of center Marcus Camby. The result is a roster brimming with diverse talent, making Portland a dangerous playoff foe. Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...egular.season.grades/index.html#ixzz1JL2u4C7o
We don't get a lot of attention, but it's nice to see someone who gets it. There isn't another team in the league who could have sustained the kind of injuries to key personnel we have and remained competitive. You have to give a ton of credit not only to our coaching staff but also to the GMs that built this team.
I don't mind being the underdog. No one gives this team much hope of getting out of the first round. I think we are peaking at the right time, and could steal a round before people realize it.
