Event Should the Blazers 'want' to make the playoffs?

I was really interested in the various scenarios being floated out there where the Blazers would get a chance to play someone other than the Lakers in the first round, in case they made the playoffs.

Now, given the 22-team format, if the Blazers make the playoffs, they will undoubtedly play the Lakers. And that series could easily be a sweep or a 4-1 drubbing.

Wouldn't it be better if we just punted on the season and got a lottery pick? I know Dame wouldn't go for it, but i think it makes the most sense as an organization.

 

Unless you get lucky and move up into the top-3, a late lottery pick isn't much different than an 8th seed's pick.

Why the fear of playing the Lakers? A healthy Nurk-Whiteside-Collins front line is a pretty decent match for LA's Davis-McGee-Howard trio. If Ariza and Melo can somewhat hang with LeBron, our back court should have a big enough advantage to offset that spot. I'm not saying we should be favorites, but I see it being a competitive match-up.

 

Nah, with a Healthy Nurk & Collins we can give these guys a series. Win or lose part of the growth.
Lakers have much pressure on them as it could be their last dance as a group.

 

We can beat the Lakers.

 

Oh come on, I think the Lakers would win at least two games.

 

Oh, you silly, silly boy. Your optimism is so cute.

 

Of course they should want to make the Playoffs. They are finally healthy, with the exception of Rodney, and present a big challenge for whoever they meet. The Blazers are plenty young enough. They need to continue to develop the talent they have, and possibly add another quality free agent for depth. The Blazers would give the Lakers all they could handle, especially with the return of Nurk & Zach. And most important, Blazers have DAME. Punt? HELL NO!

 

We shall see Ol' Laker Lover, we shall see.

 

No home court advantage. No fans. Who knows how weird these playoffs could be - it's a scrimmage like setting. The blazers can score and they could finish this thing on top.

 

Portland Trail Blazers Depth Chart
PG - Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, CJ McCollum
SG - CJ McCollum, Gary Trent Jr., Anfernee Simons
SF - Trevor Ariza, Mario Hezonja, Nassir Little
PF - Zach Collins, Carmelo Anthony, Nassir Little
C - Hassan Whiteside, Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins

Deep Bench: Wenyen Gabriel, Caleb Swanigan, Moses Brown, Jaylen Hoard

Los Angeles Lakers Depth Chart
PG - Avery Bradley, Rajon Rondo, LeBron James
SG - Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso
SF - LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Dion Waiters
PF - Anthony Davis, Markieff Morris, Kyle Kuzma
C - JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis

Deep Bench: Dion Waiters, Quinn Cook, Jared Dudley, Talen Horton-Tucker

I'd give the Blazers the overall advantage at PG, SG, and C. The Lakers have huge advantages at PF and SF. I think it would be a fun series and closer than most people would think.

 

It's always good to test yourselves against the best.

 

One thing partner, Melo is NOT coming off the bench I can promise you.

 

You rang FAMS?

 

I'd see them getting about the same minutes overall. I think that Zach probably has a better chance of somewhat containing AD, so that's why I put him in the starting spot. If Melo starts, he's going to have to show that he doesn't allow AD to kill him on the defensive end.

 

One thing for certain. Lillard got his wish. He will get to be included and given a chance to make the playoffs. The way i read his statement that is all he was asking for.

It's a tough road. Getting to the 9th seed and having a chance to beat the 8th seed twice is tough enough. But then getting into the playoffs and having to beat the #1 seed will be even tougher.

Good Luck Blazers!

 

I doubt with the return of Nurk & Zach, and it's win or be gone, that Ant sees much time in these games at all. Unless it's a blowout.

 

Good point, but AD kills everyone. But Melo can get to the line. Has the respect of the refs, gets calls. Unfortunately all things Zac isn’t really capable of doing yet. Still love him though.

 

I see a 3 guard rotation. Dame/CJ, Dame/Gary, CJ/Gary, back to Dame/CJ

 

The Lakers would fear The Bosnian Beast, Zman & Whiteside!

 

Think of the repercussions involved here. Lets say the Blazers play well. Well enough to actually get to at least the 9th spot. Then lets say they play well enough to win and beat the 8th place Grzzlies twice. That alone is a big "If".

Then lets say they draw the Lakers and play well. Say push them to 6 or even 7 games.

What do you do then? Do you keep the players you have? Or do you make big changes?
Go read some of the comments from Feb. Most wanted wholesale changes to this roster. We are lucky we will get to see this team together. A decision will be much easier to make.