Sir Charles says that it's the Lakers, Spurs, Cavs, Celtics, Magic...and then everybody else. Also says that each team's chances essentially hinge on their key additions (Artest, Jefferson, Shaq, 'Sheed, and Carter/Bass). So, what say you?
Blazers can win this year. Our team is at least as good as the Magic and on par with the C's and Spurs. Only Cavs and Lakers are truly a cut above.
Why is Boston on that list? Sheed will undoubtedly bolster their frontline, but KG is still a huge question mark. He's not even healthy yet, and without him, they're not a top 5 team. After our shit performance in the playoffs, I don't expect mainstream media personnel to believe in the Blazers. I kinda like that.
I pretty much say he's spot on. those are the contenders, the first tier. if anyone else wins, its going to be quite a surprise and they are in the second tier of contenders (i.e. darkhorses)
When this team shows it can get past the first round we'll talk ... Secondly, Oden needs to demonstrate substantial growth otherwise I think we're going to be perpetual also ran.
You are never a contender until you step up and make yourself a contender. All of those teams listed, have contended over the last few years, and that in itself makes Barkely correct. For Portland to become a contender, they need to start beating some of these teams, not only during the regular season, but on the road, and then, in the playoffs. The one thing that was missing with Portland for most of the last several seasons, is the ability to beat good teams on the road. When they get over that hurdle, we will know they are ready for some playoff noise.
You know very well, or should, that the difference between a first round exit and a possible WCF date with LA was less then a second. That's all it took for Michael Finley's game winning POST BUZZER three pointer to radically reorder the standings. Without it we play NOH or SA in the first round and likely advance, Second round brings the Nuggets and a 50-50 shot at the WCF. If you watched this team last year you know we are on par with any team in the league other then LA and the Cavs. Houston was like rock when we were scissors with most of the league being paper. There was no chance we would beat Houston as they were a matchup nightmare for us. Hell they took LA to 7 missing Yao for 5 of the games. It goes without saying that if Oden doesn't produce at a star level (not necessarily All-Star or Superstar but at least top 5 Center) we won't win a ring. Being contenders though? We already are. Also ran's are teams like NOH and Utah. We're at least Darkhorse picks if not elite tier (SA, ORL, BOS level) only LeBron and Kobe truly stand head and shoulders above Portland.
If teh Blazers get to western conference finals.... that would be a huge step. anyone who expects more is dreaming. It seems the obvious goal here is to win a playoff series and try to get to the finals. a first round exit or no playoffs screams failure
Yea, the Blazers are in the grey, they are not favorites yet, but once a top contender goes down it very well could be the Blazers replacing them.
Good to see you back man. And not all psycho!!! Anyhow, I don't hate what Charles said. Let them think we are not a contender!
Charles being Charles. But the blazers will make a believer out of him simply because they are the second best team in the west. They will prove that in time. San Antonio won't keep it together in the health department. The blazers will be overwhelming for Denver to handle. So in the end. He will have no choice but to become a believer. There ain't a better team in the league on paper than the blazers. The only thing that is holding them back is experience. Experience is why Barkely refuses to give them the love. But he will.
and who knows about us. rudy and nic are already hurt. webster is a major ? mark. can oden stay healthy?
And you should know that teams with a losing road record and a .500 record overall against other playoff teams are not contenders. I couldn't care less who our draw was in the first round last year. It could have been the Mavs, Spurs, or Hornets and there still wouldn't have been any guarantee of getting out of the first round let alone advancing to the WCF. By saying we are a darkhorse, you're pretty much validating my whole point that this team is not a truly serious contender; darkhorse teams are that way because they haven't proved anything and are relying on a perception of potential not production. Furthermore, they usually require a lot of lucky breaks or a near miracle run to win a title. If on the other hand you had said we are contenders to get to the second round or possibly advance all the way to the conference finals then I will concede that they have a chance, but that's all at this point.
He is spot on IMO as well. Portland shoots too many jump shots to be considered a serious contender. And unlike Orlando, we have no consistant post game to rely on. These people that keep saying we were locks to get to WCF if only the matchups were different crack me up as well. Portland got their ass handed to them at home in the first game, and probably would have against most teams.
I presume it will. The addition of Miller should help with that immensely. I REALLY hope that he is able to get the Oden more involved, and hit LMA when he leaks out on the break. I wasn't saying I agree with what I posted, I just meant that Barkley seems to have no respect for jump shooting teams.
Coulda woulda shoulda... It didn't happen. I'm right there with you about that post buzzer shot probably drastically effecting Portland's post-season success, but nobody cares about excuses. The fact of the matter is we got bullied in the playoffs and had an early exit. I think it's perfectly fair to not lump Portland in that category. I think it would be a huge upset if Portland were to win it all this year, given the teams core youth, relative post-season inexperience, and totally unproven ability to beat good teams on the road. The onus is on Portland to change peoples minds, and until they do that on the court we shouldn't expect the national media to lump us in the same category as teams that have already proved they're contenders. I think this is the year we prove that.
