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Wow, an ESPN analyst who got Travis's name right. Although, he didn't have to produce a picture. 6th seed could be generous, but it's certainly not unrealistic.
Tim Legler is one of the few analysts from that network worth listening too. But I agree with Entity, his prediction of a sixth seed might be a little high.
I'd argue we're right up there with Dallas and Phoenix. Those teams are fading and aging FAST, and add in new coaches too, who knows how that's going to work out. The Suns are going to be a completely different team and won't be that fast-break team anymore, and Dallas is going to be the Blazers circa 2001-2002 -- good enough to make the playoffs but a first-round exit for sure. It's not that unbelievable to think we can be a sixth seed.
I think sixth is the best guess so as not to look stupid. They could somehow gel and get 4th or so or struggle and miss the playoffs or just barely get the 8th seed. I don't know how one can really make a strong guess either way until the season is half over.
QFT I agree that it's not out of line to say that the Blazers could take the 6th seed this year. I suppose a lot of it has to do with Oden's progression along with the general health of our squad.
Agree, wholeheartedly! I do believe the Blazers downed the Jazz 3 out of 4 times last season without Greg. So I'm willing to go on-line and state "I believe the Blazers will enter the NBA Playoffs as the NW Division champs this year". And while Brian's 58 game win prediction might be considered by some to be high, I think their win total will be within 4 of this number. JAFO
I have Portland at 8th. They would be 7th if they were more experienced, not that the team isn't great, but that is the only reason why I have Dallas at 7th. But it'll be a tight race.
I've asked this a couple of times before... I understand it looks extremely homeristic, and I'm one of the few that's outside the fat part of the bell. But can someone tell me how we're that much worse than the New Orleans flippin' Hornets were last year? They seemed to ride a young team with an All-Star facilitator, and All-Star PF, and a young and energetic big man (with a healthy Peja bombing away) and NO CROWD for the first 4/5 of the season to a spot in the WCF. Why not us?
Only because, at this point, Brandon Roy has not shown to be at the same level as Chris Paul. I do think that Roy could elevate his game this year to near Paul's level. If so, there is no reason to think Portland can't be the surprise of the season.
