Notice Preseason power rankings

[Denny Crane]

Looking around for NBA power rankings, after the Melo deal.

http://www.businessinsider.com/nba-training-camp-power-rankings-2017-9/#13-charlotte-hornets-18

12. Portland Trail Blazers

Steve Dykes/AP
Last year: 41-41, 8th in West

Biggest additions:Drafted Zach Collins

Biggest losses: none

One thing to know:The Blazers will hope that a full year with Jusuf Nurkic, who sparked a turnaround in their season last year, will help them make the playoffs once again.

 

[Denny Crane]

Never heard of this site, but...

http://www.thesportster.com/basketball/early-nba-power-rankings-for-the-2017-18-season/

17. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

The Portland Trail Blazers had a chance to make some big moves this offseason, but unfortunately for them they weren’t able to pull the trigger on any game changers. Portland added Archie Goodwin who is the only player that they got that has any relevant NBA experience, while they also drafted Zach Collins, and Caleb Swanigan. I like both draft selections by the Trailblazers and think that they can make an impact in the NBA.

Portland’s projected starting lineup is Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Moe Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Jusuf Nurkic. I think by the end of the season either Collins or Swanigan is in the starting lineup for Portland to help their dyanmic duo in the back court of Lillard and McCollum. Portland will not be that much of a threat in the Western Conference just yet, but pretty soon the Western Conference teams need to be put on notice.

 

[Denny Crane]

This one is reverse order, Warriors #30, so us at 6.

https://fansided.com/2017/08/22/nba-power-rankings-suffering-2017-18-edition/

24. Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are basically a godsend for this Portland Trail Blazers’ franchise that was trying to find its way. The two have absolutely carried the torch since the bright future of Brandon Roy was extinguished by two sore knees.

There was some tough time in between, but it looks like the Blazers are set up well for the future. They have two, young dynamic guards that will be with the team for a long time. They’ve added Jusuf Nurkic to the frontcourt and have some young wings they hope can grow.

The Blazers have constantly been in the playoff mix, but can’t seem to get past the Warriors. Oh well, that’s something 29 other teams are figuring out as well. Fans in Portland have absolutely nothing to complain about when it comes to their basketball team — except for maybe the name of the Arena: Moda Center? I mean Rose Garden was waaaay better.

 

[Denny Crane]

These guys have us #3:

http://www.oddsshark.com/nba/power-rankings

 

[Denny Crane]

#13

https://www.fanragsports.com/2017-18-nba-power-rankings-training-camp-edition/

13. Portland Trail Blazers (2016-17 standing: 41-41, lost in Western Conference first round)

The Blazers resemble a poor man’s version of the Raptors. They both skew toward offensive excellence and have an explosive scoring backcourt that mostly creates its own offense. After the trade deadline last year, Jusuf Nurkic played like the center Raptor fans wished Jonas Valanciunas could be. Maybe that’s sustainable, maybe it isn’t.

The big difference (besides the chasm between the respective defensive abilities of Kyle Lowry and Damian Lillard) is the Blazers’ lack of a solid four man. Maybe Noah Vonleh turns into that, but Portland will probably trot out smaller options like Al-Farouq Aminu and Mo Harkless for much of the year. None of those guys is near the player Serge Ibaka is.

Record prediction: 43-39

 

[theprunetang]

#13

https://www.fanragsports.com/2017-18-nba-power-rankings-training-camp-edition/

13. Portland Trail Blazers (2016-17 standing: 41-41, lost in Western Conference first round)

The Blazers resemble a poor man’s version of the Raptors. They both skew toward offensive excellence and have an explosive scoring backcourt that mostly creates its own offense. After the trade deadline last year, Jusuf Nurkic played like the center Raptor fans wished Jonas Valanciunas could be. Maybe that’s sustainable, maybe it isn’t.

The big difference (besides the chasm between the respective defensive abilities of Kyle Lowry and Damian Lillard) is the Blazers’ lack of a solid four man. Maybe Noah Vonleh turns into that, but Portland will probably trot out smaller options like Al-Farouq Aminu and Mo Harkless for much of the year. None of those guys is near the player Serge Ibaka is.

Record prediction: 43-39

Instead of calling us the "Poor man's Raptors", I would call us the Western Conference version of the Raptors. Raptors get a break because they play in the equivalent of the G league.

 

[ripcityboy]

41-41 is about where I had us. I don't see the current signed players outside of our established trio (Dame, CJ and Nurk) as having a ton of new upside. They are what they are. We signed them up and are in for the long hall. Meyers making a comeback would be nice and Biggie could step into the rotation. Collins I have no idea. He's so young.

 

[SIeepwalker]

1st one: can't disagree too much about the teams above us, except... The Clippers ? What

2nd one: 17 ????? SEVENFUCKINGTEEN ?????

 

[Denny Crane]

Those were the first few I found. At worst, we’re expected to be top half of the league. Most have us top third.

Seems about right considering we’re year 3 of a complete rebuild from scratch, and the super team effect.

 

[blue9]

"Biggest losses: none" LOL!

 

[e_blazer]

These guys have us #3:

http://www.oddsshark.com/nba/power-rankings

Damn! No 3? Did Kingspeed & Orion Bailey start this site?

 

[Denny Crane]

Damn! No 3? Did Kingspeed & Orion Bailey start this site?

I was just curious about what people not drinking the Blazers kool aid thought of the team. Kind of a reality check.

 

[BBert]

"Biggest losses: none" LOL!

I know, hahaha

 

[Denny Crane]

Bovada

 

[Denny Crane]

Vegas Insider

 

[Denny Crane]

topbet.eu

 

[Denny Crane]

Not sure the future odds are a good indicator. It's really an indication of how much money homers are willing to be on their teams. I don't think the L*kers (HCP's team) have a better chance than we do, but I do think there are way more people in LA who would take a $10 flyer on a chance to win $2500.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Sixers are ridiculously overrrated on all these futures sites

 

[blue9]

Sixers are ridiculously overrrated on all these futures sites

Those rankings must have come out before that practice video was released where nobody could even make a layup!

 

[noknobs]

2nd one: 17 ????? SEVENFUCKINGTEEN ?????

That had to be before they read about there being a new Meyers Leonard.

 

[THE HCP]

17th or so in the NBA is about right. Thats what blows me away when some on here say we will finish ahead of Houston and SA! HCA in the first round? Shit, I have a feeling we will be battling for the 8th spot up till the last night at best.

 

[Denny Crane]

17th or so in the NBA is about right. Thats what blows me away when some on here say we will finish ahead of Houston and SA! HCA in the first round? Shit, I have a feeling we will be battling for the 8th spot up till the last night at best.

Possibly/likely.

But we don't know about all sorts of things that can affect how the other teams' records turn out. Injuries, chemistry, etc.

That's why they play the games.

 

[THE HCP]

Possibly/likely.

But we don't know about all sorts of things that can affect how the other teams' records turn out. Injuries, chemistry, etc.

That's why they play the games.

Agreed. 2 seasons ago everything clicked. One can hope it does again and we can make some noise.

 

[THE HCP]

Agreed. 2 seasons ago everything clicked. One can hope it does again and we can make some noise.

And when I say "we" I mean the Blazers, NOT the Lakers. Not this time at least.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I agree we will be battling for the 8th spot until the end, but I also think there is a strong possibility that the difference between the
8th spot and the 5th spot will be so close , that we will be battling for both..... until the end.

And of course key injuries are so crucial in basketball that every team, except the Warriors, can fall real quick if their main star goes out for a while. And if that happens and it often does, then the 3rd or 4th spot is up for grabs too,

 

[blue9]

And of course key injuries are so crucial in basketball that every team, except the Warriors, can fall real quick if their main star goes out for a while. And if that happens and it often does, then the 3rd or 4th spot is up for grabs too,

For the first time in forever I think SAS would not be able to handle a long-term injury to their star player.

 

[Pinwheel1]

For the first time in forever I think SAS would not be able to handle a long-term injury to their star player.

Yep. I almost included them because of Pop and his system, but you take out Kawhi and their line up is not looking good. Not with Pau and Murray starting

 

[Boob-No-More]

Agreed. 2 seasons ago everything clicked. One can hope it does again and we can make some noise.

Honest question: who do you think would win a 7-game series, that team from two years ago, or this year's team?

BNM

 

[SIeepwalker]

Honest question: who do you think would win a 7-game series, that team from two years ago, or this year's team?

BNM

Nurk vs Plumlee.....

 

[THE HCP]

Honest question: who do you think would win a 7-game series, that team from two years ago, or this year's team?

BNM

Man I'm in a meeting, anyway you can put there rosters side by side for me.