No, not a joke. After everything we've seen the past 3 or 4 years I don't think there's much left that could surprise me.
The Blazers go 3-1 or better against the Lakers. They always play the Lakers tough and with a bunch of new pieces and a new coach the Lakers are not going to be prepared to defend the Blazers. With Dwight on ice early, LMA will have a field day in the first two games.
I'm starting to drink the Koolaid and thinking it's not such a bad roster. With LA, Batum and Lillard, I was thinking the weakness is at SG and C. While SG might have just a decent plug in of Matthews, it does have depth in two players with loads of "potential". I'm thinking that Howard will for sure want to joint this group next year as a free agent . . . and that solves the center position.
Elliot didn't have micro fracture surgery. He had a procedure on both knees to correct unstable patellas, iirc.
Lillard a contender for Rookie of the Year! I will agree on this one. LMA not contending for an All Star spot? I will agree with this one. Matthews being traded? I don't think he will be during the season, but perhaps in the off-season. ML will start at Center on opening night and make the All Rookie team during All Star weekend. Biggest suprise: There will be a trade prior to the start of the season.
I really liked what I saw out of Hickson last season....and if he would come in playing this year like that - - then we might just be a contender for the 8th spot. We'll see.
I agree and am hoping the same. I'm not sure I even believe my prediction will happen, I just wanted to make one.