Roster stays in tact with a couple of our bench scrubs gone and a couple new ones in their place from the draft, how many do we win. I think with the edition of Sabonis 2.0, I say 53 wins and the 4the seed.
So soon? 41-41. We lose the last regular season game and face the Warriors again but win two games this time. Deja Vu...
47. I'd say 52, but I don't like the depth behind Lillard and Nurkic. An injury would be a bad setback. A lot of things can change in the off-season though.
Based off the fact that we did lose some games we probably shouldn't have (though we did win some we probably shouldn't have either so it kind of balances out in the end), I will say we get 47 wins next season. If Nurk can stay healthy the whole season I could see it being higher, but I'm not certain he will be available every game.
Healthy Nurkic only, no other improvements: 48 wins Healthy Nurkic, improved bench PG: 52 wins Healthy Nurkic, improved bench PG and C: 56 wins
It's ridiculous to give a prediction right now as not one has any clue of the make up on the team past Dame, CJ, and Nurk. And even then, if a CJ for PG13 or Butler trade comes available, you gotta take it. Right now, the focus is on capturing a coming-into-his-prime Damian Lillard and putting the proper pieces around him to maximize his potential. I think Nurkic fits into that, but I'm not sold on CJ being the ideal backcourt running mate long-term. As far as the role player pieces, I think that at least half of them will not be wearing Blazer jerseys next year, and I doubt that we'll see more than one draft pick suit up for the team. Right now, it's all about bringing in playoff-caliber young-ish veterans who know how to win. The Blazers have assets to get one or two more pieces to the championship formula. Olshey needs to earn his money this offseason.
I'll hold that until after the Draft and any trades that are made. Too much incomplete information as of now.
It's not that hard to put the disclaimer "as of today" or "with current roster".... I mean, even once we know our roster, you never know about Nurk's health (or the health of any key player, really). With Nurk playing 74+ games and without any significant roster changes, I see Portland as a 52-54 win team. If we'd have had Nurk all year, that's where I think we would have been. That being said, I'd like to see us get a decent backup center and improve at one of starting PF or starting SF. Improve either of these to deepen our bench, and I think we're capable of big things. I don't think we're all that far away, if we have a healthy Nurk.
This is ridiculous to start now and will jsut confuse the real thread later this year. too many things will happen in the summer that will make people wantto change thier picks. Can someone please change the title of this thread to HCPs personal predictions or something?
Relax Francis, just did this one for fun. We'll do an "OFFICIAL" "OFFICIAL" one in the end of October after the roster is set. Just having some fun FAMS.
