I've been around this basic core of posters for around 14 years or so... I've seen people come, I've seen them go, some have even passed on. The one thing that is clockwork is once this team has a 3 game losing streak, and then once again when their season run is over, the doom comes on strong. There is nothing to be positive about our best players will never re-sign, our other best players are terrible we need to ditch them for a bag of gummy bears ASAP. The coach should be replaced, the GM is terrible and it's all part of Paul Allens master plan to move the team to Seattle. On the flip side the team goes on a mini tear and every starter should be an All-Star, the Rookies on the Bench are going to Hall of Fame players, the Blazers are a lock to win it all, heck I bet I could throw the ball over them mountains over there. But let's be honest here, before the bigger injuries this team was in fact being considered a contender... Not a favorite to win the title but in the discussion, in fact we were in the HCA hunt up until the last week or so. For sure there were discouraging things, Batum all season was out of Sync, Dames 3pt shooting especially in the playoffs, the injuries to Robin, Wes, Arron, LA etc.... Getting absolutely owned in the 1st 3 games of the series... But on the other hand Lamarcus played what 30 games with a torn tendon in his thumb, he could have bailed out, but he fought for this team. Meyers and CJ really emerged as not just competant players, but very effective players with ceilings yet to strive for. So I look at this team and I think if we keep the basic group of starters together (Wes still kind of a ?) add a smart pick in the draft and also add a MLE either PG or SF, hopefully any of those being hustle guys, I see no reason not to be optimistic that we can't be in that discussion again next year. In regards to Lamarcus I still don't see how either Dallas or San Antonio is really a better destination, in either case he's giving up around $30 mil to play there, would they really be that much better than the Blazers? I know everyone says yes in regards to San Antonio, but SA would have to renounce about 6 guys including Duncan, Ginobli, Bellinelly and both Greens to make a max offer to LA. Of course all those guys could sign back with the team for Vet Minimums... Dallas? How do Dirk and LA play together? Rondo is out of there, so they have Monta Ellis and Ray Felton. Parsons is facing Microfracture surgery so could be out most of next season.... Chin up Blazers fans, it's a sunny day in Portland today.
Veteran forward Dirk Nowitzki said he would be willing to come off the bench next season for the Mavericks if it meant the team was able to acquire a marquee free agent, per ESPNDallas.com.
I know who most of the super negative people are, or the gimmick posters, and I simply just don't read them. It's the best solution that has worked for me for a long time.
For everyone complaining about Aldridge's performance this series, you do remember he could have easily said, "I'm gonna get paid next year no matter what, so why waste playing injured for the rest of the year?" He sacrificed injuring his thumb more severely to help this team. Not only does he have the pressure from the team, but he also has it from the entire city who they look up to as the leader of the team. Playing against Memphis' bigs wore him down much quicker than any other team, and it showed last night. I'm 90% confident he'll be back because of how much he means to the city and how the city treats its players (unless your name is Felton).
I agree, Schilly. Look at GSW, they finally had a great year in part because they all stayed healthy. They fought the good fight. Now it's time to heal, and re-sign LaMarcus (and Wes). Plug a few holes. The core is sound.
Great post and pretty much sums up my perspective. Thanks Schilly for the level headed threads and info you provided throughout the season. I love this team. Go Blazers! As to Dallas...does anyone think LA wants to play with Raymond Felton again?
I'll be honest, when I didn't have a phone, I had a lot more rational things to say. Now, it's hard to write on the phone, and so I go for the easy reactions... I'm working on some thoughtful season end grades though.
I miss those guys... I think Ed O and I had a Bonzi Wells or Jerry Stackhouse debate for like 10,000 posts.
Well spoken Schilly...finally someone with a level head. Personally myself I can't stand about 80% of the posts on these boards from the fair weather fans (especially out in Facebook land!) but this post gets an A+ Thank you Blazers for another fun season...cheers to 2016!!! peace out, daddylogan
