You blew it. The iron was hot, and we had one of the more valuable trading "chips" in recent memory - a huge expiring contract with insurance incentives. It was the perfect storm to pull off a trade for a really good player in these tough economic times. Sure, we would also have to part with one of our young, talented but UNPROVEN players, but you have to give to get. How many chances do you get to aquire a player that could propel us into a legit playoff team, perhaps with home court advantage? Blazer Mania was that close . . . it could have been a really special season. And perhaps the beginning of many to come. It was the kind of move that could have defined your career. It didn't happen, and you'll tell us to "let the cake bake" and "these are the guys we'll go to war with", and it's just not good enough. I just heard you say on the radio that "Sometimes watching your guys grow through the tough times is just as fun and rewarding as the championship run". Well, not for me.
Our team is flawed. Perimeter defense, and a lack of a solid 2nd scoring option remain problems A stagnant half court offense that, if it weren't for Brandon Roy, would be flat out ugly. Actually, it has been ugly recently period. Many fans feel this team will not make the playoffs, that they will be the #9 seed when the smoke clears. Maybe they sneak in with the #7 or #8 seed and get whacked by LA or SA with this roster.
It's off to other things for me. Fair weather fan? Maybe. I can tell you I turned the channel last night vs Memphis to watch "Lost" - it was an easy decision. I'm tired of watching sloppy play. Travis Outlaw losing his man on the perimeter for open shots and forcing up crap at the other end, or Sergio dribbling the ball into a shot clock violation. Oh I'll tune in to watch a few games, or at least a few 4th quarters. I'm not buying any more tickets this year. Money's too hard to come by these days. I'm sure I'd feel differently if today gone the way I'd hoped.
You've done some good things since you've been here to be fair. I won't curse you or insult you like some. But I'm not buying that Raef coming off the books gives us FA flexability. What FA ever comes to Portland? Not trading RLEC is a waste. I'll be looking for your comments after the season. After these 29 games, and (perhaps) another late season melt down . . . will you admit you blew it? See you then.