I'm thinking more like 6-13, going on what they have done so far. Has the defense really changed now, I hope so. Is Aminu finally in a groove, I hope so. I can't see either Turner or Crabbe suddenly becoming more than average players; it seems like they have had plenty of time already, but it's possible one of them could break out.
There are so many winnable games....but that hasn't meant much so far. With so many of those, I would hope they could get 9-10 wins as the schedule is much easier. 10 wins would put them at 24-30.....which would be right around tied for the #8 Playoff spot if SAC were continue to play at their pace. The #7 seed after 54 games is on pace to win 33. We would still be 9 games out of the #7 spot. Oh joy...
I find it interesting that so many of you have given up on the Blazers considering these things: A. They have exactly the same record, 15-21, as they had at this point in the season last year. We all know how they hit the afterburners in the second half of last season. B. They just finished the toughest stretch of their season. The schedule from this point on is much more friendly than the what they've played to date. C. The Blazers have struggled to get healthy this season, but finally look to be getting to the point where they can go with the same rotations as last year. Aminu is rounding into shape and he definitely helps with the defense. D. Turner finally is showing signs of fitting into the Blazers' offensive schemes. E. The Blazers were able to hold their own in the past several games despite missing their best player. I expect Lillard to come back energized and fully engaged at making a playoff push similar to last year. I'm never betting against Dame doing something that he sets his mind to achieving.
One unlikely thing happening doesn't create a precedent to rely upon. It's similar to my joke a few days ago about trading McCollum for the #3 pick because Michael Jordan was a #3 pick. Just because it happened once doesn't mean it's likely to happen again. I don't really know what this means. Are you saying he didn't set his mind to defeating the Warriors in the playoffs last year? Is he not setting his mind to achieving a championship? Lillard doesn't have the power to makes things happen just because he wills it. Your other points are reasonable. I think the Blazers will be a bit better going forward than they have been so far--but that doesn't mean they'll be good, and currently I don't expect them to be.
