Post by DiamondThief on Oct 25, 2014 3:34:55 GMT -8
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Season Preview - 2014-15
Analysis
We seem to always hear, "That is why they play the games." Well, a new campaign of 82 games is about to begin and the outlook for the Portland Trail Blazers is full of optimism. Why should it not be? The Blazers claimed 54 wins a season ago, advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, saw their leader enjoy the best season of his career, and relished in the further emergence of their point guard of the future.
There was an amazing amount of chemistry among the players from the get go. They spent much of the first half of the season hovering amongst the best teams in the NBA. They were remarkably healthy for most of the season and, when the injury bug seemed at its worst, some younger guys stepped up and produced a 44-point win. It was as if on any given night, anything was possible.
That was evident perhaps no more so than on that May 2 evening inside the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter when Damian Lillard, with nerves of ice, propelled the Blazers into the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Then, of course, the team ran into a brick wall called the San Antonio Spurs. Personally, if you absolutely have to lose in the playoffs, then losing to the eventual champions is almost palpable. However, it doesn't mean the players, coaches, staff and fans are satisfied to stop there.
By now, we've all read the analysis, accolades and criticisms of last season. As a matter of fact, we are probably a little sick and tired off hearing about the latter. General Manager Neil Olshey, using limited resources over the summer, gave the team some experience and depth by signing center Chris Kaman and guard Steve Blake. This should bolster the bench, which was last in the league in scoring. Kaman can play defense and can score, and Blake will be called upon to back up Lillard. The team is also looking for an emergence of one or more of the younger players to solidify the second unit.
Over the past couple of seasons, the media -- local and national alike -- have made a huge deal about LaMarcus Aldridge and the possibility that he could move on after this season. Anyone who has paid attention to Aldridge knows that the three-time all-star has gone on record that he is pleased with the direction the team is headed and is very interested in signing with the Blazers next summer for the max contract, which would keep him in Portland for another five years.
But that is next summer. The new season is upon us and we are wondering whether the team can repeat its relatively injury free season from last year; whether the team can duplicate or even surpass its 54-win total from last season; whether the team can overtake Oklahoma City to win the Northwest Division title; whether the team can take the next step by reaching the conference or even the NBA finals; and whether an NBA championship is within the grasp.
It is a lot to ponder and rightfully so. Last year was a huge step in the right direction, but it only left us fans yearning for more. However, last year was last year and there is a new season upon us. The sky is the limit and we will have to pay close attention over these next six months. Perhaps the Blazers will still be playing in June. That would be a huge kick for the BlazerNation. We will simply have to see what happens.
That is why they play the games.
- ANM
_____
For Kasey's player capsules, click In Kassandra's Words
For this season's predictions, click 2014-15 NBA Predictions
_____
The Team
Our Projected Depth Chart
SF -- Nicolas Batum - Dorell Wright - Victor Claver
PF -- LaMarcus Aldridge - Thomas Robinson - Joel Freeland
C -- Robin Lopez - Chris Kaman - Meyers Leonard
SG -- Wesley Matthews - Will Barton - Allen Crabbe
PG -- Damian Lillard - Steve Blake - CJ McCollum
Last Season's Regular Season Stats
Blazers vs Northwest Division Foes
Denver Nuggets
Nov. 9 - vs. Nuggets
Nov. 12 - at Nuggets
Dec. 2 - at Nuggets
Mar. 28 - vs Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Nov. 30 - vs Timberwolves
Dec. 10 - at Timberwolves
Mar. 7 - at Timberwolves
Apr. 8 - vs Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oct. 29 - vs Thunder
Dec. 23 - at Thunder
Feb. 27 - vs Thunder
Apr. 13 - at Thunder
Utah Jazz
Feb. 3 - vs Jazz
Feb. 20 - at Jazz
Mar. 25 - at Jazz
Apr. 11 - vs Jazz
Click to view the Trail Blazers full schedule
Season Previews
Seku Smith previews the Blazers upcoming season
Additional Previews
NBA
Sports Illustrated Northwest Division Preview
Yahoo Sports Ball Don't Lie
ESPN - Blazers Still Shooting HIgh
HoopsHype
BasketballInsiders.com
Fansided, courtesty of HoopsHabit.com
brojackson.com
GotBuckets.com
One last look back
Damian Lillard sends the Blazers into the second round of last season's playoffs.
What do you think?
How do you think the Blazers will do this season? Will they be fortunate not to be hit hard by the injury bug again? Will they win the Northwest Division? Will they reach the playoffs again? How far will they go?
All those answers are yours to make!
To comment on this and other threads on this forum, please log in or click to register.
Season Preview - 2014-15
Analysis
We seem to always hear, "That is why they play the games." Well, a new campaign of 82 games is about to begin and the outlook for the Portland Trail Blazers is full of optimism. Why should it not be? The Blazers claimed 54 wins a season ago, advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, saw their leader enjoy the best season of his career, and relished in the further emergence of their point guard of the future.
There was an amazing amount of chemistry among the players from the get go. They spent much of the first half of the season hovering amongst the best teams in the NBA. They were remarkably healthy for most of the season and, when the injury bug seemed at its worst, some younger guys stepped up and produced a 44-point win. It was as if on any given night, anything was possible.
That was evident perhaps no more so than on that May 2 evening inside the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter when Damian Lillard, with nerves of ice, propelled the Blazers into the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Then, of course, the team ran into a brick wall called the San Antonio Spurs. Personally, if you absolutely have to lose in the playoffs, then losing to the eventual champions is almost palpable. However, it doesn't mean the players, coaches, staff and fans are satisfied to stop there.
By now, we've all read the analysis, accolades and criticisms of last season. As a matter of fact, we are probably a little sick and tired off hearing about the latter. General Manager Neil Olshey, using limited resources over the summer, gave the team some experience and depth by signing center Chris Kaman and guard Steve Blake. This should bolster the bench, which was last in the league in scoring. Kaman can play defense and can score, and Blake will be called upon to back up Lillard. The team is also looking for an emergence of one or more of the younger players to solidify the second unit.
Over the past couple of seasons, the media -- local and national alike -- have made a huge deal about LaMarcus Aldridge and the possibility that he could move on after this season. Anyone who has paid attention to Aldridge knows that the three-time all-star has gone on record that he is pleased with the direction the team is headed and is very interested in signing with the Blazers next summer for the max contract, which would keep him in Portland for another five years.
But that is next summer. The new season is upon us and we are wondering whether the team can repeat its relatively injury free season from last year; whether the team can duplicate or even surpass its 54-win total from last season; whether the team can overtake Oklahoma City to win the Northwest Division title; whether the team can take the next step by reaching the conference or even the NBA finals; and whether an NBA championship is within the grasp.
It is a lot to ponder and rightfully so. Last year was a huge step in the right direction, but it only left us fans yearning for more. However, last year was last year and there is a new season upon us. The sky is the limit and we will have to pay close attention over these next six months. Perhaps the Blazers will still be playing in June. That would be a huge kick for the BlazerNation. We will simply have to see what happens.
That is why they play the games.
- ANM
_____
For Kasey's player capsules, click In Kassandra's Words
For this season's predictions, click 2014-15 NBA Predictions
_____
The Team
Our Projected Depth Chart
SF -- Nicolas Batum - Dorell Wright - Victor Claver
PF -- LaMarcus Aldridge - Thomas Robinson - Joel Freeland
C -- Robin Lopez - Chris Kaman - Meyers Leonard
SG -- Wesley Matthews - Will Barton - Allen Crabbe
PG -- Damian Lillard - Steve Blake - CJ McCollum
Last Season's Regular Season Stats
Blazers vs Northwest Division Foes
Denver Nuggets
Nov. 9 - vs. Nuggets
Nov. 12 - at Nuggets
Dec. 2 - at Nuggets
Mar. 28 - vs Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Nov. 30 - vs Timberwolves
Dec. 10 - at Timberwolves
Mar. 7 - at Timberwolves
Apr. 8 - vs Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oct. 29 - vs Thunder
Dec. 23 - at Thunder
Feb. 27 - vs Thunder
Apr. 13 - at Thunder
Utah Jazz
Feb. 3 - vs Jazz
Feb. 20 - at Jazz
Mar. 25 - at Jazz
Apr. 11 - vs Jazz
Click to view the Trail Blazers full schedule
Season Previews
Seku Smith previews the Blazers upcoming season
Additional Previews
NBA
Sports Illustrated Northwest Division Preview
Yahoo Sports Ball Don't Lie
ESPN - Blazers Still Shooting HIgh
HoopsHype
BasketballInsiders.com
Fansided, courtesty of HoopsHabit.com
brojackson.com
GotBuckets.com
One last look back
Damian Lillard sends the Blazers into the second round of last season's playoffs.
What do you think?
How do you think the Blazers will do this season? Will they be fortunate not to be hit hard by the injury bug again? Will they win the Northwest Division? Will they reach the playoffs again? How far will they go?
All those answers are yours to make!
To comment on this and other threads on this forum, please log in or click to register.