While Portland’s bench has drawn much of the national ire, and LaMarcus Aldridge’s sudden alleric reaction to the low block has been quick to follow, there’s a murmuring around Portland fans that Nicolas Batum may be the next in line. After signing a large RFA match from Portland via the Timberwolves, Batum now sits on … Continue reading »
Nov
27
Three Trade Scenarios for Blazers F LaMarcus Aldridge (and why they don’t work)
There’s a look on LaMarcus Aldridge’s face that I’m surprised has not changed since October, and it’s one of frustration. As the cornerstone of the Blazers, Aldridge looks to be a perfect building block. Yet lately, it’s obvious just from his face that he may not want to be in Portland. His expression hasn’t changed … Continue reading »
Nov
26
Why Starting Meyers Leonard is Working for the Portland Trail Blazers
There has been talk of moving Meyers Leonard into the starting lineup and rotating JJ Hickson to the bench. In fact, it was suggested by Sean Highkin earlier this season. With Hickson coming off the bench and providing the scoring the Blazer bench desperately needs, Leonard could get some much needed time against NBA starters. … Continue reading »
Nov
21
Five Things for Blazer Fans to be Thankful For
Portland has exceeded expectations in their record during the first 10 games of the year, if only by a small margin. They’ve pulled out two road wins, and surprisingly, dropped three in a row at home. The season is still young, but most of us thought Portland would be hovering around 3-7 in their first … Continue reading »
Nov
19
Let’s All Shut Up About Brandon Roy
No one is surprised. Not Portland fans, not Minnesota ownership, and not even Brandon Roy. As the Oregonian’s Jason Quick has reported, Roy will again have surgery on his right knee, sidelining him with the seventh such medical procedure of his basketball career. While Timberwolves fans groan, and Portland fans bask in the Schadenfreude, it’s … Continue reading »
Nov
16
Market, Record Why Damian Lillard Was Left Off All-Star Ballot
David Stern has made it no secret that basketball is a global game, and the NBA is the brand that is going to deliver it. There’s an emphasis on overseas play and marketing, a grab for dollars that the head office believes will be crucial to the sustained growth of the league. It should come … Continue reading »
Nov
15
Rare Ink Gets First Clyde Drexler Portland Trail Blazers Art
Portland has been left out of the loop on the recently stocked NBA art website RareInk.com but Portland fans need not fret any longer. Rare Ink has their first Blazer print coming out this month and it’s a good one: Clyde Drexler. The print isn’t out yet, but when it does it will be on … Continue reading »
Nov
15
Blazers Could Boost Bench Scoring in Transition
Bench depth is an obvious issue for the Blazers, which is why the Portland starters have played the third most minutes out of any first line in the NBA. Perhaps most glaring an issue for the substitutions, besides minutes, is the lack of a true shot creator on offense. What Portland needs more than anything … Continue reading »
Nov
13
Portland Trail Blazers Need to Use Sasha Pavlovic Beyond the Arc
Terry Stotts has mentioned that he thinks Sasha Pavlovic is a valuable asset to the Portland Trail Blazers, a calming veteran influence on a team half-filled with first-year players. Ok, then. Perhaps most perplexing about the Blazer bench rotation is Pavlovic’s run. Obviously, Terry Stotts had to make some justification that sounded better than “he’s … Continue reading »
Nov
12
Why is LaMarcus Aldridge Taking Too Many Long Jumpers?
LaMarcus Aldridge got snippy with Oregonian writer Jason Quick last week when asked whether he thought he was taking too many outside shots. Aldridge responded by telling Quick that it must be the writers opinion that he was, since he was asking the question. Looking at Aldridge’s shot charts, it’s not whether he’s taking and … Continue reading »
Nov
11
Could the Portland Trail Blazers Trade for JJ Redick?
Neil Olshey has made mention that he will look to make changes at the trade deadline in February depending on how the Blazers performance goes over the next few months. JJ Redick has been the player mentioned most prominently by Blazer fans and writers as a trade target. While Redick is a good player and … Continue reading »
Nov
11
Beno Udrih Could be Trade Target for Portland Trail Blazers
Portland has some serious issues with bench depth. JJ Redick has been the person of interest lately, but Highkin mentioned Beno Udrih from Milwaukee and that has me far more intrigued. I think the Trail Blazers are much more likely to be able to offer a package to the Bucks that makes sense for both … Continue reading »
Nov
08
Game 5 Preview: Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers
If you’re not already aware, I’m fairly high on the Clippers this year. Despite their erratic past, they’re going to be a playoff team this year. The Blazers have the opportunity of playing the Ships at home where LA is coming off of a game Wednesday night. Portland has had a few days rest, so … Continue reading »
Nov
05
Mavericks Shoot the Lights Out in Win Over Portland 114 – 91
Dallas might as well have been shooting into a bucket in this game as they shot a ridiculous 61.5 % from the field. OJ Mayo poured in 32 points for the Mavericks as Portland failed to put any meaningful on-ball pressure on him. Game notes. Portland doesn’t know their offense outside the pick and roll … Continue reading »
Nov
05
The Lonesome Crowded West
In the last decade, the Western Conference has become a playground for the wealthy, a private pool where only the privileged could take pride in admission and where the poorer franchises had to peer through the fence at them. And perhaps more worrying for fans on the other side of the country, it has also … Continue reading »
Nov
04
Game 4 Preview: Portland Trail Blazers at Dallas Mavericks
Dallas started the season by turning two keys simultaneously and hitting the button to launch the panic attack in Lakerland. Since then, they’ve been playing well despite Dirk Nowitzki watching from the second row. Neither of these teams have proven that they can defend or rebound, and Dallas may have the edge because of their … Continue reading »
Nov
03
Blazers beat Rockets, Harden in Overtime 95-85
Portland came out of Houston with a win against the Rockets Saturday night, and while James Harden was able to pour in 24 points, he did it on 24 shot attempts and ended up with a +/- of 15 (emphasis on the minus). The Blazers edged it out in OT, and Portland could play better … Continue reading »
Nov
03
Game 3 Preview: Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets
While Portland continues their road trip into Houston on Saturday night, most of us in Oregon will be watching the Duck vs. USC game. Unless that contest gets out of hand early, there probably won’t be a lot of eyes on the Blazers and Rockets, despite James Harden’s astronomical play as of late. The Blazers … Continue reading »