When the team was tackling Dame after his shot, the cameras caught Enes grabbing Dame’s head with his hands and he then kissed him on top his head. Very telling - Damian has created something special and there is magic in the air. I’m so thrilled that we have Dame! What a great character guy, awesome leader. And to that end I give Stotts major props for allowing Dame to shape the team. He’s proving to me why he’s our coach and should be.
I'm telling you, unless the Blazers make an insulting offer, I think Kanter will be back next year. The guy's been through a lot. I think, like Hood, he is having fun with this team, in this city. I think that is going to have a lot of value when it comes to decide the direction he wants to take his career.
Four years ago, when Afflalo stepped in for Wes after the achilles injury, wasn't it his shoulder that he injured shortly thereafter, thus severely limiting his effectiveness in the playoffs? Is this a case of history repeating itself? If so, what are the chances of a second-year player at the same position having a breakout playoff series as a result?
Blazers will offer Enes as much as they can. And it may be enough. Hood is a keeper, but he's going to be last on the list of players we need to resign this year, as far as payroll considerations. It's been said ad naseum, but we need a taker for Turner. Throw in some picks.
I kind of think that after last night, the league just maybe has awakened to the fact that Lillard is something special.
Look at how excited this dude is. But then think about this for a second. Enes Kanter played on the 2016 Thunder team who lost in the WCF to the Warriors in 7 games. Enes Kanter knows the player Westbrook is, Enes Kanter has played with incredibly talented generational defining players. Enes Kanter knows what it was like for Dame to handle the series the way he did. Enes Kanter knows how historic a shot that was. Look at how excited Enes Kanter is to be here in Portland playing with Dame.
