I like the mix of talent that Cronin has assembled. The team is young and has little experience playing together, but for the first time in forever the roster feels balanced and athletic. I think in a normal conference environment, where there’s a more even mix of teams that are competitive vs those rebuilding, the Blazers might be able to push .500. But given how crazy stacked the West is, a record something like 33-49 is more likely. I’ll go with that.
40-42 at least add the year of the predictions to the title for future reference… shoulda let a pro build this thread.
I could see this team sneaking into the playoffs. The most well rounded team in terms of length, size and athleticism we’ve maybe ever had? Not pictured is Thybulle who is one of the leagues premier defenders.
Playing for a pick again??? NO FUCKING WAY! If this team decides to lose on purpose again I will be in front of the MODA every game with a huge sign reading FIRE BILLUPS! He has a former #1 pick in Deandre Ayton who is putting the entire league on notice. He has a very good veteran in Jerami Grant, He has a player who lillard himself says will be a star in this league in his 5th year as a starting SG in Simons. He has a PG who most say is one of if not the most NBA ready PG since Magic Johnson. He has The #7 pick from last year who everyone seems to think is the steal of the draft and should Rival Clyde Drexler before he is done. Well guess what Clyde put up 17-3 with 5 assists in his second year. They have a very solid defensive minded player in Matisse Thybule whom everyone thinks will fit very well with Ayton and Grant. Supposedly they are keeping Brogdon, Williams, Walker, Knox, Moses Brown and Badgi who I hear is better than most know? The team has starters and depth. the one caveat is they are WAY YOUNG. They will get beat by quality teams with experienced players. I get that. Everyone knows things can go bad with injuries and such so they might have a tough season. Just don't play to lose. Prediction- 35- 47 that gets them the 11th seed. Would love to see them be better. With any luck they can make the playin. Let them trade for picks in next years draft. No need to tank. Play to win!
I think team has rough start. Young inexperienced players who have not played together. Expect flashes of brilliance and a lot of turnovers, botched assignments. They will improve during the season. I predict a five or six seed.
I actually think we'll come out okay, then hit the wall sometime in January. In March, we'll start sitting vets to see what we want to keep for 24-25 and improve our draft position.
I guess if you include all 15 players plus the two-way and exhibit-1o there's some roster balance, on paper. But most scrubs remain scrubs for however long their carer is. And the team doesn't play on paper which is why I think more in terms of rotation, and established players that you can actually, maybe, have a hope of depending on. And when I look at Portland's rotation, I see: Scoot-Ant-Sharpe-Brogdon-Thybulle Ayton-Grant-Williams...and then maybe Walker, maybe Knox so 8 'for-sure' rotational players. And of those 8 players, 5 are 6'5 or under. And the two bigs live in the paint, don't spread the floor with perimeter shooting (or passing), and will seemingly step on each other if they play together. And finally, a PF who rebounds like a SG that sure doesn't look balanced to me. But I suppose it doesn't really matter because the team, contrary to their chatter, isn't really looking for wins. And it's pretty clearly a work in progress. I'm assuming several of the guys that constitute that paper balance will get their turns to prove their value; and if one or two 'pop', maybe that rotational balance will improve
That's exactly where I'm at. This feels like a .500 roster, with players to be excited about at nearly every position, but I have no idea what to expect from our back court. I was hopeful we'd keep Jrue and figure that long-term aspect out on the fly, with a solid playoff push this year, but I know that would have been risky in terms of future assets.
Unless we win and Golden State loses and helps our draft pick. That would be like two wins…. At the same time!
