Did the Blazer roster improve, get worse, or stay about the same as last season?

So far this year, the Blazers are no better than last year, and perhaps a bit worse due to player regression and a lapse in team chemistry. Last year it actually felt as though the Blazers had a deep roster, with numerous players who could step up on any given night. Looking at the roster this year, we don't seem to have that same depth.

Cliff Alexander VS Jake Layman:Alexander seemed to be a big man with potential to become somebody in the NBA, but alas he remained buried at the bottom of the roster for all but a couple games, and never had the chance to show his stuff. Layman, a second rounder, with little expectations on him, has shown glimpses of talent as well in his short stints on the court. He had one of the more memorable debut performances hitting 5 threes and finishing with 17 points ( behind only Dame for most points in a debut game for the blazers) Maybe he has something to offer, but maybe like Alexander he won't get much of a chance.

Tim Fraizer/Brian Roberts VS Shabazz Napier:

Both Frazier and Roberts bring something to the game, and to the roster that Napier does not. They are pass first guards who facilitate a flowing offense, where as Napier is a shoot first guard, who is a bit selfish, clogs the lane, stalls the flow of the offense, and turns the ball over a bit too much. Neil was hoping Napier could become a solid back up, he definately has potential, but maybe we didn't get one over on Orlando this time.

Gerald Henderson VS Evan Turner:

The interesting thing about this pair is that both struggled to start the season. Henderson mostly because he was coming back from hip surgery. Turner has had a hard time getting used to the Blazers system. He has been playing better of late, but the jury is still out on if he can be the same 6th man presence that Henderson was. Henderson's presence was no doubt a big part of the Blazers second half of the season run to make the playoffs.

Chris Kaman VS Festus Ezeli

No doubt if Ezeli were healthy there would not be much of a comparison. Yet, his knees, as in the case of the many other big men, who the Blazers hoped would pan out, have gone to pasture. Kaman, though played sparingly, was the down and dirty guy that didn't take shit from anyone, and made sure no one got away with messing with the guys. The Blazers don't really have anyone quite like that this year.

Luis Montero VS Tim Quarterman

Montero provided versatity, in that he could play three positions, an aspect Neil Olshey coveted. Yet, Montero never quite found a place in the rotation, and rode the end of the bench out the door. Tim Quarterman like Montero is versatile at 6'6 he is a tall guard, with moderate passing skills, and some potential on the defensive end because of his size. Yet, offensively he is lacking. He and Montero are really both the same thing when it comes down to it, a 15th man.

Damian Lillard: Dame has improved on getting to and finishing at the basket, and because of that, despite the intense pressures of opponent defense, he has improved from last year.

CJ McCollum: CJ has definately improved from last year. He is more confident and has built a stride in his offensive game. Creating his own shot is taking is game to the next level.

Mason Plumlee: Mase is the closest to that Kaman/Pryzbilla type player that doesn't take crap from anybody. He has improved slightly on offense, and is a hell of a passer for a big man, probably one of the best on the team. Defensively he does the little things, provides that extra energy. Work on the rebounds Mase.

Meyers Leonard: One of the biggest disappointments on the team. He's had five years and has yet to develop into much of a player, and in fact has regressed from last year after returning from shoulder surgery. He has the potential to be hell of a big man, but seems to be to weak minded to make the jump.

Ed Davis: Ed has also regressed. Though in his defense he played a lot more last year. This season his numbers and minutes are dismal. I hope he rebounds (get it) in the second half of the season and gets back to his regular energetic self.

Al Farouq Aminu: Aminu hasn't really been able to get it going this season. Last season he was a force, yet lacked the prestige from three point land, to have taken so many. This year after getting injured and being out a handful of games, he is just getting back into rhythm. Moving to power foward may have affected his game for the worse, hopefully not. Watch this guy in the second half of the season.

Moe Harkless: Perhaps the most versatile player on the team, a steal from Orlando, Harkless has become the bottled energy the Blazers need, and he does a bit of everything including, rebounding, stealing, three pointers, fast break frenzy. No wonder he is a starter.

Allen Crabbe: Underperforming since locking up that 40+mill deal, if he doesn't pick it up soon ( he has been playing a little better lately) he maybe shipped off at the deadline. He is playing below par from last year.

Pat Connaughton: A waste of a roster space. He wasn't good to begin with and I don't expect him to improve. He can't really get much worse then he already is. He should have stuck with baseball. Hopefully we can hide him in a trade.

Noah Vonleh: Dude has got mad potential. He needs to develop more, but he has what it takes to become a top shelf PF in this league. I just hope he doesn't become our next Jermaine O'neal.