I did attend the pre-season opener last Wednesday, so here are some thoughts. First off, let me just say that the new scoreboard is AWESOME. Jason Quick and Dwight Jaynes were not exaggerating in the least. Even nosebleed seats aren't that bad anymore because you probably see the game clearer from the HD scoreboard than the front row fans see with their bare eyes.
After the first three pre-season games, the big hype is on Martell Webster. I'm not surprised, but I'm sure many fans are. In fact, I wish I would have revealed my expectation for Martell's breakout season sooner. Perhaps Martell read a post I wrote last season Martell "Future" Webster, I where I gave him a few pointers. Anyway, I reassert my claim that Martell can and will be a star in this league.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Monday, October 8, 2007
It's That Time Again!
Trail Blazer training camp is underway, so it's time to start blogging again. Last time I left off, the Blazers had just gotten #1 pick. Well, as you all know, a few things have happened since then. Here are a just few comments on some of the notable off-season events.
Zach Randolph is traded to New York. This was a good move by the Blazers. While Zach was a 20/10 guy, he was stunting this team's growth. Even last year, the team played better without Zach. The fact is, Zach wasn't that guy to lead us to the promised land. Aldridge might be.
Blazers sign Steve Blake. This is also a great move by the Blazers. Steve Blake is one of the most underrated point guards in the league. Personally, I think Blake is exactly what the Blazers needed. He can push the ball, distribute the ball, and hit shots when he needs to. Plus he is a great defender. Steve's signing, and the logjam at point guard is an unfortunate situation for Sergio Rodriguez... but we'll see.
Oden is drafted, then has surgery. First off, Oden was the correct choice. Oden's surgery, and lost rookie season, is just horrible for everyone: the team, the fans, for Greg, the Blazers organization, the league, etc. Even the Blazers-Media-Machine, who hyped Oden so much and downplayed the surgery, seems to have been humbled since the news. Since the surgery the BMM have been much more honest and transparent... we'll keep an eye on this.
Blazers resign Travis Outlaw. I do not understand this move. Travis Outlaw is not “that guy”. Sure, he had some 18 point games late last season, but that's when we were playing our 3rd string and trying to lose. Some reason the Blazers really like him, and have been hyping him hard. I believe the Blazers' expectations for Travis are way too high, and as the rest of the team improves, he'll be pushed further and further out of the rotation.
Many people are saying that this season will be the same or worse as last year, citing Oden's injury and losing Randolph's points. On the contrary! The Blazers will be better than last year, quite a bit better. In fact, I'm not looking for just some improvement, I'm expecting break-out seasons by a couple of choice Blazers.
I will be at the Blazer's first pre-season game on Wednesday, and will report my observations here. Take care. Go Blazers!!!
Zach Randolph is traded to New York. This was a good move by the Blazers. While Zach was a 20/10 guy, he was stunting this team's growth. Even last year, the team played better without Zach. The fact is, Zach wasn't that guy to lead us to the promised land. Aldridge might be.
Blazers sign Steve Blake. This is also a great move by the Blazers. Steve Blake is one of the most underrated point guards in the league. Personally, I think Blake is exactly what the Blazers needed. He can push the ball, distribute the ball, and hit shots when he needs to. Plus he is a great defender. Steve's signing, and the logjam at point guard is an unfortunate situation for Sergio Rodriguez... but we'll see.
Oden is drafted, then has surgery. First off, Oden was the correct choice. Oden's surgery, and lost rookie season, is just horrible for everyone: the team, the fans, for Greg, the Blazers organization, the league, etc. Even the Blazers-Media-Machine, who hyped Oden so much and downplayed the surgery, seems to have been humbled since the news. Since the surgery the BMM have been much more honest and transparent... we'll keep an eye on this.
Blazers resign Travis Outlaw. I do not understand this move. Travis Outlaw is not “that guy”. Sure, he had some 18 point games late last season, but that's when we were playing our 3rd string and trying to lose. Some reason the Blazers really like him, and have been hyping him hard. I believe the Blazers' expectations for Travis are way too high, and as the rest of the team improves, he'll be pushed further and further out of the rotation.
Many people are saying that this season will be the same or worse as last year, citing Oden's injury and losing Randolph's points. On the contrary! The Blazers will be better than last year, quite a bit better. In fact, I'm not looking for just some improvement, I'm expecting break-out seasons by a couple of choice Blazers.
I will be at the Blazer's first pre-season game on Wednesday, and will report my observations here. Take care. Go Blazers!!!
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