It is now safe to say we are contenders.

[SlyPokerDog]

Straw poll: Safe to say we are contenders?

Hell yes!

 

[craigehlo]

I know many don't like to re-visit old threads, but this one was just about 2 weeks ago.

Straw poll: Safe to say we are contenders?

Contenders for a 1st round exit? Yes.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Things went down hill fast, didn't they!

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

This is the new 18-0

hoop fam

 

[maxiep]

We're struggling right now. I have every confidence we'll right the ship.

 

[TBpup]

Not a contender right now. They might get back to it but contender to me means challenging for a title and Portland right now isn't anywhere near that level. They need some help off the bench to help get their psyche back because they aren't going to get any less tired for the rest of the season.

 

[BlazerBeav]

Well if our recent struggles mean we're no longer a contender, than the same goes for San Antonio and Miami.

 

[TBpup]

Well if our recent struggles mean we're no longer a contender, than the same goes for San Antonio and Miami.

The difference with those teams is that both of them have won multiple titles and have proven they can return to form and perform in the playoffs. That said, neither of them is playing very well right now either.

 

[KingSpeed]

I know many don't like to re-visit old threads, but this one was just about 2 weeks ago.

Straw poll: Safe to say we are contenders?

Yes. 6-1 vs OKC/SA/Indy/Clippers. Losing to Wizards isn't anything to lose sleep over. They blew out OKC. Is OKC a contender?

 

[TBpup]

Yes. 6-1 vs OKC/SA/Indy/Clippers. Losing to Wizards isn't anything to lose sleep over. They blew out OKC. Is OKC a contender?

Right now OKC is not playing just over .500 ball like the Blazers in the last 15 games and they are playing at a high level WITHOUT one of their all-stars. Take Dame or LA off of Portland and I dare say we are in even much bigger trouble.

 

[BBert]

It would be a major 'upset' for the Blazers to make it to the finals. There are other teams in our way with more experience and maturity when it comes to preparing for and surviving the playoffs. I think there is a mental approach those teams have that we have yet to learn, also those teams know how to pace themselves, which we clearly have not been doing. And our bench sucks.

I think we are 'contenders' to win at least one round of the playoffs, but I would be shocked and overjoyed if we won the title.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Right now OKC is not playing just over .500 ball like the Blazers in the last 15 games and they are playing at a high level WITHOUT one of their all-stars. Take Dame or LA off of Portland and I dare say we are in even much bigger trouble.

But you could make the case that losing Westbrook is addition by subtraction because he's a black hole at inopportune times. Yeah he's an all-star, but he's a bit like the JJ Hickson of Point Guards.

 

[blue9]

Contenders for a 1st round exit? Yes.

Ding ding ding!
Two ways this team gets past the first round: (1) major trade, or (2) shoot over 40% from 3-point throughout the first round.

 

[BrianFromWA]

But you could make the case that losing Westbrook is addition by subtraction because he's a black hole at inopportune times. Yeah he's an all-star, but he's a bit like the JJ Hickson of Point Guards.

to be fair, he's much more like the Kevin Love of PGs than JJ Hickson of PGs.

 

[santeesioux]

Ding ding ding!
Two ways this team gets past the first round: (1) major trade, or (2) shoot over 40% from 3-point throughout the first round.

Actually playing some defense would help as well.

 

[blue9]

Actually playing some defense would help as well.

But that's not going to happen. A trade or shooting >40% are at least plausible scenarios.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

to be fair, he's much more like the Kevin Love of PGs than JJ Hickson of PGs.

Indeed. Good pull.

 

[KingSpeed]

ESPN just advertised the Indy/Portland game as a battle of two CONTENDERS. A possible preview of the NBA FINALS.

There you go. Period.

 

[KingSpeed]

Are we a contender yet?

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Pacers gonna have to work if they wanna hold up their end of the matchup!

 

[riverman]

Feels really good to be right about this team and this season! All heart! I predict a Wizards-Blazers finals..Indy isn't going to get it done looks like

 

[BigGameDamian]

CJ is.

[video=youtube;tTYdhyKFpNA]

 

[PapaG]

Ding ding ding!
Two ways this team gets past the first round: (1) major trade, or (2) shoot over 40% from 3-point throughout the first round.

3) do neither of (1) and (2).

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Are we a contender yet?

No. Plenty of work. We had a legendary first round. Have to get to the WCF. That's the next goal.

 

[MARIS61]

There are 2 kinds of sports teams.

Winners, and contenders.