Offseason Grades: Portland Trail Blazers

[Nikolokolus]

I think our team will be much better, but our record wont' really reflect that. I think coordinators will scheme for Lillard better and until any back up big shows they belong in the league, I think we are kind of stuck in that 35ish win territory

I guess I tend to look at things in terms of "points differential." I think it's likely we'll be good enough to shave around 3 points off of that average, which puts us at just around even to maybe a little bit better than that. Since that's usually a pretty good predictor of overall record I'm guessing we'll be good enough to go 41-41 or maybe even 42-40. Improvement for sure, but ... Yay?

 

[e_blazer]

I'd also point out that this article was written by Ben Golliver who would likely rather be stripped naked, covered in honey and staked out next to a fire ant hive than risk being stuck with the dreaded "homer" label. No way he would give Olshey an A.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I see Lopez getting the same minutes as he did last year. And I am Ok with that.

Lopez 26
Leonard 14
LMA 8

 

[Strenuus]

Here's the rub. The team needs Lopez to play starters' minutes. In 5 seasons, he has only exceeded 20 MPG once (and that was only 26 MPG). We are asking Lopez to do something he has never done before.

Can the Blazers make the play-offs with Leonard playing 20+ MPG? I can't see that ending well.

Repped.

 

[Boise Blazer]

I would also be willing to say that Stotts growth and comfort level with the players might be good for a couple of wins. That along with a new defense scheme could help too.

 

[Mediocre Man]

So, would it be fair to say that if the team had made no changes from last year to this, you think we would have won fewer games this year than last? Or are you just saying that none of the "improvements" are actually material?

Yes, we would win fewer games

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Yes, we would win fewer games

That would be a fundamental difference between your perspective and mine. I'm of the opinion that the same squad, with Lillard a year better and Aldridge able to train all off-season, would be improved, even with the same crappy bench.

 

[Natebishop3]

I think our team will be much better, but our record wont' really reflect that. I think coordinators will scheme for Lillard better and until any back up big shows they belong in the league, I think we are kind of stuck in that 35ish win territory

Conversely, I think Lillard will get more calls from the officials. We started to see it at the end of last season, but I think he will continue to get better calls if he keeps up his play. The kid couldn't buy a foul for the longest time.