IMO if CJ makes the all-star team, we're legit contenders. “If he’s not doing something that he should be doing as the leader of the team, I should be able to say something to him and vice versa,” Lillard said. “We remind each other of that every year before the season starts, I tell him, ‘I’m going to say something to you and we got to be able to communicate. If I shoot a bad shot or if I do something I shouldn’t be doing, then challenge me.’ We agree to that every single year... I think that’s a huge part of us being able to coexist, us both being able to succeed and also being partners in leading the team." https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/...own-as-a-leader-alongside-damian-lillard.html Whiteside: “It’s funny, you play with one team and (people) get a perception, they think that’s how you play,” Whiteside said, “but that’s just the system I was in.” https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/...lazers-praises-the-chemistry-and-culture.html
I've never been this hyped for a season in years. Getting to watch Collins and Ant blossom in real playing time is what I'm looking forward to the most. I love watching the young guys take that next step. It's one reason why I personally enjoy rebuilding years with zero expectations.
I know everyone is excited about Anfernee, me too, i think he will be a good scorer and maybe a All Star in this league, the potential is definetly there, but Collins is the real X-factor for this team imo. If he plays great, like in the first 20 games from last season and like in the Denver series, this team legitimate contender, but he needs reduce the fouls and develop his offensive game, he's already very good defender, now it's time for more offense. If he's struggle, we have a problem at Power forward
