Excitement That is what I felt when he was drafted. That is what the city felt the next day when 5,000 people showed up in downtown portland to welcome him here. That is what I felt for the first 6 weeks of this season. And that is what I am going to feel when he comes back next year.
If they get a legitimate big man (ie Chris Bosh) in this year's free agent period, or if Serge Ibaka can become a force at the offensive end then yes in three year's time, I think they are very well positioned for deep playoff runs and maybe even a championship or two.
I think they are closer than we are. They are a decent big man away from being legit title contenders in 2-3 years.