With Roy and IF they signed Landry, this team would still be very questionable to win 50 games. Without either, I would think lotto. I realize this will not be a popular opinion after reading numerous posts the last few days.
Nate always gets this team to play hard in the regular season, so we will most likely sneak in to the playoffs and get our asses handed to us in the playoffs where he is constantly out coached. With this upcoming draft being potentially stuffed to the rim with talent at the top, it would probably make us better in the long run to sacrifice Roy, trade Camby and head towards the lotto to re-tool. Adding one of the incoming studs might replace the star that had his knees turn on him.Literally the only way Portland can compete is through the draft. Even looking back through franchise history tells us that. Other than Whitsitt's reign of terror in the early 90's our best teams have been primarily built through the draft, and even those Jail Blazer teams back then had Sabonis on them, who while not their best player, was probably their most important.
I think the single biggest factor for the win column this season is Raymond Felton. If he can integrate well and get this team away from isolation offense, then I like our chances for 43 wins. If he's stuck in stand around "Nateball" then I have a feeling it's a 30-35 win season.
Ok, another prediction, we will make it to the playoffs and make it at least out of the first round. A healthy Oden is a crucial part though. Remind me again who did we lose to in the last playoffs? And how did they do?
LOL ever the myopic optimist. We could also talk about the Rockets a couple of years ago. You know the team that hadn't made it out of the first round in a gazillion years until they played Portland. With Roy and Oden, by the way Here's hoping you are right, Michael
Good news, we seem assured 3rd place in NW but then again Minnesota seems to have a better bench then we do. Who knows huh? http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/33584531
