So, yeah, every team wants to win a title each year, but what are reasonable goals that would make this season a success in your eyes? I'll start it off with Dame and/or CJ needs to make the All-Star roster. Not easy in the loaded West, but really important in establishing credibility as a team on the rise that's desirable for FAs.
The reasonable goal from the team's perspective is to make an assessment of Nurk. Was the 20 games stretch a fluke? Can he handle the rigors of a full season as a starting center? Is he the 3rd star the team is looking for or just a nice to have center? As for achievement - this team should make the playoffs, not making it is a failure. A good year is 2nd round playoffs, a very good year is WCF. Everything over that - is gravy.
Barring them being a top 2 team in the western conference come all star time, CJ and Damian aren't making the all star team. There's just no room. Think about it, this is the list of western conference players now. Millsap Butler CP3 Westbrook George Anthony Curry Thomson Green Durant Ball (only because of idiot Laker fans voting him in) Kwahi K-Anthony Towns Parker Harden Gasol Lowry (I think that's the guy on Memphis) Griffin Jordan I'm sure I've missed some, but really...what makes anyone think that CJ and Damian will will the popularity contest at all? And i'm not just talking about starting spots either. Therefore, their goal should be to play defense and go for the jugular.
The only way they get in is if the team exceeds expectations and is in the top 4 in the West by the first of the year. That and a few injuries wouldn't hurt.
Cousins and Anthony Davis. Scratch Lowry and replace him with Conley. Add in Aldridge just for the winning percentage of the Spurs. The west is a murder factory.
Am I alone in not giving a shit about all-stars? The game is stupid and I'd prefer our players to rest. Plus it seems to motivate Dame every time he gets left off. Shoot for end-of-year all-NBA teams if you care about awards.
Finishing in the top 4 in the West and earning home court advantage would be huge. Really tough given the level of the competition, but it should be a goal.
Another goal: Zach Collins averaging 10 mpg in the last month of the season. But I'd be perfectly happy for him to start the season in the D-I-mean-G League.
It only matters in terms of perception of the team around the league. If you want any chance at attracting stars to come here, you need that All-Star credibility.
That would require a Golden-State-after-replacing-Mark-Jackson-with-Steve-Kerr magnitude of leveling-up.
I don't know if this is a shot at the current bigs on the Blazer's roster or not but... I think soon as Collins was drafted he became the second best rim defender Portland has. Therefore I don't see him not contributing to start the season. He'll be in foul trouble, but that's okay. Not looking for big minutes out of him. Just spell Nurk.
