1993 was the last time the Blazers had a #4 seed. And they lost to the #5 seed (San Antonio) after losing the first game at home. To a Texas team. It was thought that they were looking ahead to a second round match with #1 seed Phoenix. The coach came in for criticism on how he used players. The sixth man, Clifford Robinson, was massively disappointing. Sound familiar? But (just to start a topic that is not a fake trade or a dump ______ thread) there is a big big difference. 1993 was an end. A lot of people did not realize it at the time, but it was the beginning of the decline of the early 90s Blazers teams. The Blazers had gone to the Finals the year before. They had started the season on a tear, winning I think their first 12 or 13. Then Clyde and Kersey had serious injuries, the team had its first real scandal that badly impacted chemistry.The first game was lost after the Blazers had a huge 4th quarter lead, lost most of it in the final minutes, then, when the Spurs had to foul, they missed free throw after free throw so San Antonio was final able in the final seconds to take the game. It would not be until 1999 that the Blazers became contenders again. For 6 years the Blazers were just good enough for a low seed and a quck exit. Looking back, although Strickland bonded with Adelman and had his best season and Cliffy was relatively young, there was no one on that team about whom it could be said "he's going to keep getting better." Fast forward, 2009 is just the beginning. I would find it hard to name anyone on this team about whom I would NOT say "he's going to keep getting better".
Blake won't get any better. Joel probably won't get much better because is is already really good at the things he can actually do. Outlaw will not get better. Great reminder though
Yes, reference was to SLC. Outlaw I would not say categorically won't get better. He's still what, 24 or 25? KP think he can get better, at any rate.
I don't see how we can keep Martel, Outlaw, and Batum. There just isn't enough minutes backing up LA to satisfy Travis. There has to be a trade this summer. It could end up being Batum - he's got a great contract and probably the most perceived upside around the league. I have to say I hope we keep the guy. I love his attitude, work ethic, and potential. But I just don't think Martel or Travis has that much market value. I'm not saying give him away, but if you can package him for a quality PG - you have to look at it. I sure hope he can stay though.
Loved your post, except for the quoted part. When I read it, I thought, "Shit, this is all the other posters will focus on." Why even put it in your post?
