It's already October and the NBA season will start in a few weeks. Basketball fans across the globe is excited, specially when super power casts of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash and Dwight Howard team up in LA-La-land. While fans can't think of anything else but a highly likely Heat-Lakers finals match-up, I can't help feel excited myself for the Portland Trail Blazers.
I've been a blazers fan since the start of the Brandon Roy era. Yes, I know, the team is not as sexy as the Thunder, Celtics or the Clippers. We only have one legitimate all star in the roster and our chance of success for this season hinges on a rookie. Our bench probably lack the depth to make meaningful impact. So what's there to look forward to in this team?
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| Will they laugh as hard when they meet as opponents? |
I've never seen Lamarcus Aldridge this dedicated. Even before training camp, he has assembled most of the team in informal workouts and practices. It is so good to see that he has finally embraced the leadership role. He was supposed to be a third wheel of the Roy-Oden combo, before the two succumbed to injury. Roy is of course back from one-year retirement to join forces with LMA's archenemy, Kevin Love in the Minnesota Timberwolves. It should be fun when these two teams meet.
They acquired rookies with fantastic attitude. Never mind the pressure on Damian Lillard for thrusting him the point guard of the franchise role right after he was drafted. Or Meyers Leonard's NBA-ready frame and athleticism for a big man. Or Will Barton touted as the steal of the draft when they got him at 41st pick. It is their personal stories and background from college that I feel will help them succeed.
Nic Batum and Wes Matthews have something to prove. Sure no one's going to take away the starting job on them, but expectations are high on their potential. I think this is the year they'll shine.
Role players are fighting for playing time. It's a young team and everybody needs solid minutes to further develop their game. Victor Claver and JJ Hickson will come out on top of the bench list, but I think Luke Babbitt and Nolan Smith will be busts. Ronnie Price and Jared Jeffries are serviceable because of their experience, while the rest will most likely float around for awhile.
They have a new GM, a new coach and a new system, and the season will be long and ugly. As much as I want them to make the playoff, I expect them to finish 10th in the west. The league simply has too many great teams well ahead of them to be able to make it out. Besides, another lottery season can be beneficial as it increases their chance of getting a potential star in the draft. We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.
