, Beating OKC in the first round in 5 games is not mediocrity and then beating Denver too isn't mediocrity either. And it was CJ who rescued Dame in the Denver series so that was an example of the duo working. Maybe it's because I was at the games, but the 2019 Blazers playoff run was very special. I mean, I saw Dame hit a series winning buzzer beater. I saw us win Game 3 vs Denver in 4OT. And we all saw what CJ did in 4th quarter of Game 7 on ABC. And that was a VERY good Denver team that had earned the #2 seed and deserved to be there. Don't tell me you weren't entertained by those two series and weren't thrilled that we won them. And with Nurk out and Freedom with a bad shoulder. I'm thankful for that run and I get pissed off when people write it off. It was one of the best playoff runs in the history of the franchise. Like it or not.
Here is a Bleacher Report (I know, Bleacher Report, hardy har har) article where Dame just misses out. I don't think there is a case to be made for Dame over any of the people listed. I can see him making it if one of those people get injured maybe. https://bleacherreport.com/articles...nba-all-star-votes-who-deserves-a-spot-so-far
You're so stuck in homer land, you think Ja doesn't have star power. Wow. Ja is a superstar in this league. Where've you been? Do you just watch Blazers games? And Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver beat out 7 Time All Star (1 more than Dame) Joe Johnson for a reserve spot on the All Star team. They beat out DeRozen too and neither of them were better than DeRozen. But the coaches like to honor team success. They always have.
Yep unless we get over .500 or if one of the All Stars get hurt, Dame's out. Not happy about it either.
It's as good as we've gotten in a long time but without trying to diminish how fun it was... we weren't competitive in the Conference Finals and haven't won a game past the second round with this core. If you are saying that CJ has been a great complement to Dame and that the roster construction has maximized what Dame can and could do then we are at a total impasse and if I thought that we'd put great complementary rosters around Dame and what we've done is the best we can do with him then I'd be on board with giving up on him like so many in here are ready to do... despite him repeatedly saying that's not what he wants. I just don't think Neil has ever come close to putting together a well balanced roster that suits Dame during his prime and I still think Dame is in his prime despite his play being terrible by his standards to start the season due to an abdominal injury.
With Memphis a playoff team by the all star break, Ja is their best player. They don't have another player worthy of an all star nod. There is zero chance he does not make the team. Korver made it over Vucevic that year who was averaging 20/10 on a shit team.
Dame doesn't even get talked about that article. Just a mention of receiving some votes. He's barely in the running.
Here is the article about how Korver was picked over Vucevic as a replacement all star. https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.c...dwayne-wade-injury-replacement-nikola-vucevic
Memphis isn't just a playoff team too. They are starting to pull away as the #4 seed. Yeah, I can see the coaches talking.... let's see... Memphis has a top 4 record in the West and their star player Ja Morant is Top 10 in the entire NBA in PER. I have a better idea... let's give it to Dame who is having an awful year (50th in PER), has been shooting his team out of games resulting in losses, is lazy on D resulting in more losses...... let me look at team record one more time.... the Grizzlies are 23-14 and the Blazers are 13-22. Okay, let's go with Dame. Ummm not.
We'll see, if Dame's numbers continue to be where they've been since he got back from his injury, things will change and there's a month of games between now and when they name the all star reserves. I'm not going to be mad if Dame is left off because of how shitty the team has been so far this season but I'm still pulling for him. I'm a big Dame fan. Despite you mentioning Sheed who I love, Dame has been the best superstar to this team and fan base that we've ever known.
Yep. It is fine that Dame misses an all star game. Players have down years. Doesn't take away anything he has accomplished. Ja is just better so far this year. Zero chance Dame makes it over Ja unless he was voted in by fans.
Dame is great but that is arguable. Clyde Drexler is a top 75 player of all time and is above Dame on the actual rankings of best all time at the moment. He led us to two finals appearances too.
Let;s make sure that Dame does get the strongest fan support that we can manage! Vote for him today and every day!
I just want some hope! Whether it’s retool around Dame or tank for a pick just fucking do something so I know which direction we’re going!! Then I’ll know how to watch the games! Still gonna watch either way
I love Lillard. He’s been a star for us since he entered the league. And I love his loyalty, which is rare these days. But Portland hasn’t even come close to a championship since he’s been here. You may be right that we won’t get anyone better than him in return, but I’m willing to take that chance because this Blazer team is going nowhere. Trading Lillard is the best chance we have to remake the team and get out of this rut we’re in. If you’re the kind of fan who values player loyalty over championships, then maybe you are fine with the status quo. I am not.
I think we have larger problems than Dame beeing an All-Star or not. Today i would say he doesn't deserve to be an All Star this year but things can change in a month. But i doubt it, he's just been awful this year and i dont think a change of number from 2021 to 2022 is gonna change that