Looking around for NBA power rankings, after the Melo deal. http://www.businessinsider.com/nba-training-camp-power-rankings-2017-9/#13-charlotte-hornets-18 12. Portland Trail Blazers Steve Dykes/AP Last year: 41-41, 8th in West Biggest additions:Drafted Zach Collins Biggest losses: none One thing to know:The Blazers will hope that a full year with Jusuf Nurkic, who sparked a turnaround in their season last year, will help them make the playoffs once again.
Never heard of this site, but... http://www.thesportster.com/basketball/early-nba-power-rankings-for-the-2017-18-season/ 17. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS The Portland Trail Blazers had a chance to make some big moves this offseason, but unfortunately for them they weren’t able to pull the trigger on any game changers. Portland added Archie Goodwin who is the only player that they got that has any relevant NBA experience, while they also drafted Zach Collins, and Caleb Swanigan. I like both draft selections by the Trailblazers and think that they can make an impact in the NBA. Portland’s projected starting lineup is Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Moe Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Jusuf Nurkic. I think by the end of the season either Collins or Swanigan is in the starting lineup for Portland to help their dyanmic duo in the back court of Lillard and McCollum. Portland will not be that much of a threat in the Western Conference just yet, but pretty soon the Western Conference teams need to be put on notice.
This one is reverse order, Warriors #30, so us at 6. https://fansided.com/2017/08/22/nba-power-rankings-suffering-2017-18-edition/ 24. Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are basically a godsend for this Portland Trail Blazers’ franchise that was trying to find its way. The two have absolutely carried the torch since the bright future of Brandon Roy was extinguished by two sore knees. There was some tough time in between, but it looks like the Blazers are set up well for the future. They have two, young dynamic guards that will be with the team for a long time. They’ve added Jusuf Nurkic to the frontcourt and have some young wings they hope can grow. The Blazers have constantly been in the playoff mix, but can’t seem to get past the Warriors. Oh well, that’s something 29 other teams are figuring out as well. Fans in Portland have absolutely nothing to complain about when it comes to their basketball team — except for maybe the name of the Arena: Moda Center? I mean Rose Garden was waaaay better.
#13 https://www.fanragsports.com/2017-18-nba-power-rankings-training-camp-edition/ 13. Portland Trail Blazers (2016-17 standing: 41-41, lost in Western Conference first round) The Blazers resemble a poor man’s version of the Raptors. They both skew toward offensive excellence and have an explosive scoring backcourt that mostly creates its own offense. After the trade deadline last year, Jusuf Nurkic played like the center Raptor fans wished Jonas Valanciunas could be. Maybe that’s sustainable, maybe it isn’t. The big difference (besides the chasm between the respective defensive abilities of Kyle Lowry and Damian Lillard) is the Blazers’ lack of a solid four man. Maybe Noah Vonleh turns into that, but Portland will probably trot out smaller options like Al-Farouq Aminu and Mo Harkless for much of the year. None of those guys is near the player Serge Ibaka is. Record prediction: 43-39
Instead of calling us the "Poor man's Raptors", I would call us the Western Conference version of the Raptors. Raptors get a break because they play in the equivalent of the G league.
41-41 is about where I had us. I don't see the current signed players outside of our established trio (Dame, CJ and Nurk) as having a ton of new upside. They are what they are. We signed them up and are in for the long hall. Meyers making a comeback would be nice and Biggie could step into the rotation. Collins I have no idea. He's so young.
1st one: can't disagree too much about the teams above us, except... The Clippers ? What 2nd one: 17 ????? SEVENFUCKINGTEEN ?????
Those were the first few I found. At worst, we’re expected to be top half of the league. Most have us top third. Seems about right considering we’re year 3 of a complete rebuild from scratch, and the super team effect.
I was just curious about what people not drinking the Blazers kool aid thought of the team. Kind of a reality check.
Not sure the future odds are a good indicator. It's really an indication of how much money homers are willing to be on their teams. I don't think the L*kers (HCP's team) have a better chance than we do, but I do think there are way more people in LA who would take a $10 flyer on a chance to win $2500.
Those rankings must have come out before that practice video was released where nobody could even make a layup!
