Blazers in worldwide media

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by Almir, Feb 2, 2018.

  1. PDXFonz

    PDXFonz I’m listening

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    Strange, my long lost Nigerian uncle sent me the same link.
     
  2. Labinot41

    Labinot41 Well-Known Member

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    The Blazers are the biggest threat to the Lakers

    After a season with lots of bad luck with injuries, the Blazers want to go back to the Conference Finals - and have upgraded for it.

    Portland Trail Blazers: The Transactions

    Newcomers

    Draft: CJ Elleby (No. 46)

    Trade: Robert Covington (Houston Rockets), Enes Kanter (Boston Celtics)

    Free Agency: Derrick Jones Jr. (Miami Heat), Harry Giles (Sacramento Kings)

    Departures

    Trade: Trevor Ariza (Oklahoma City Thunder via Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons), Mario Hezonja (Memphis Grizzlies)

    Free Agency: Jaylen Adams (Milwaukee Bucks), Hassan Whiteside (Kings), Wenyen Gabriel (New Orleans Pelicans), Jaylen Hoard, Caleb Swanigan

    Portland Trail Blazers: The Strategy

    Damian Lillard has reached the prime of his career, which the Blazers want to make the most of. Hardly any superstar is as loyal as the playmaker, so that Portland was almost obliged to improve the team in the summer. And that was quite successful, some weak points were selectively improved.
    The almost chronic problem on the wing was specifically addressed, with Derrick Jones Jr. and Robert Covington coming variable forwards that defend well and have the three in the arsenal. This has always been the big problem since Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum left a few years ago, and now there is even the possibility of getting a Carmelo Anthony off the bench.

    It is just as important that Jusuf Nurkic and Rodney Hood are available again. Both were absent for large parts of the season due to serious injuries and give the team depth and quality. Two years ago the Blazers showed that they are also good for a participation in the Conference Finals in the West, this year the grapes should not hang any less high.


    The weak points:

    The wing positions have been improved, but a litter specialist like Duncan Robinson or J.J. Redick. Instead, there are some shooters who run hot, but can also cool down damn quickly. Gary Trent Jr. may take on this role, the ex-Duke Guard hit 41.8 percent last season. Time will tell if he's really that good or just had a hot phase.
    As good as the squad is at the top, it also falls dramatically in some places. Behind Lillard, the Blazers again trust Anfernee Simons, who was overwhelmed with this role last year. McCollum may have to help out here again. The Blazers are also hit hard by the failure of Zach Collins, so coach Terry Stotts has to rely on Enes Kanter more than he would like.

    The bearer of hope:

    He's been the same for a good seven years and goes by the name of Damian Lillard. There are arguments that the 30-year-old is the best guard in the NBA at the moment. There was plenty of visual material in the bubble when Lillard heaved the Blazers almost single-handedly into the playoffs.
    With an improved Blazers roster, the All-Star will get more breaks and then be fresher in the crucial phase of the season than he was in Orlando when he injured himself on the series with the Los Angeles Lakers. His loyalty to Portland may make him the best blazer in history - honoring Hall of Famer Bill Walton and Clyde Drexler.

    The bottom line:

    Last season the Blazers were always good for a surprise with a formidable Lillard, now the vulnerable defense has been significantly improved and (almost) all injured players are back. Portland will have a big say about the places behind the L.A. teams.
    In Lillard, Portland may have the best (crunchtime) player out of the pursuers. If Covington or Jones also help as desired, then the Blazers can definitely be located in the expanded field of pursuers.

    Forecast: 1st place in the Northwest Division.

    https://m.spox.com/de/sport/ussport...review-das-beste-vom-reste-im-westen-ftr.html
     
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