It is now safe to say we are contenders.

It would be a major 'upset' for the Blazers to make it to the finals. There are other teams in our way with more experience and maturity when it comes to preparing for and surviving the playoffs. I think there is a mental approach those teams have that we have yet to learn, also those teams know how to pace themselves, which we clearly have not been doing. And our bench sucks.

I think we are 'contenders' to win at least one round of the playoffs, but I would be shocked and overjoyed if we won the title.

 

But you could make the case that losing Westbrook is addition by subtraction because he's a black hole at inopportune times. Yeah he's an all-star, but he's a bit like the JJ Hickson of Point Guards.

 

Ding ding ding!
Two ways this team gets past the first round: (1) major trade, or (2) shoot over 40% from 3-point throughout the first round.

 

Actually playing some defense would help as well.

 

But that's not going to happen. A trade or shooting >40% are at least plausible scenarios.

 

Indeed. Good pull.

 

ESPN just advertised the Indy/Portland game as a battle of two CONTENDERS. A possible preview of the NBA FINALS.

There you go. Period.

 

Are we a contender yet?

 

Pacers gonna have to work if they wanna hold up their end of the matchup!

 

Feels really good to be right about this team and this season! All heart! I predict a Wizards-Blazers finals..Indy isn't going to get it done looks like

 

[video=youtube;tTYdhyKFpNA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYdhyKFpNA[/video]

 

3) do neither of (1) and (2).

 

No. Plenty of work. We had a legendary first round. Have to get to the WCF. That's the next goal.

 

There are 2 kinds of sports teams.

Winners, and contenders.