Positive: We have our 1a and 1b in Aldridge and Lillard. Doesn't really matter in which order. Some nights it will be Aldridge, some night's Lillard. Some games, it will change from quarter to quarter. I know it's only been 3 games, but right now, they are the best scoring duo in team history. No other Blazers team has had 2 players average 25 ppg. Hell, there have only been 4 total 25 ppg season in the entire history of the team (Clyde has 3 and and Kiki 1).
Negative: Many posters will look at Batum's scoring or Lopez's stats and say they are disappointing, but both players are making positive contributions. This team has plenty of scorers. That wasn't true in the past, and we needed to rely on Nic to score more. As long as he's contributing in other ways, I'm not worried about his scoring being down. Right now, his passing and rebounding are off the charts good and that's helping the team tremendously. Lopez's stats look bad after 3 games, but the team is out rebounding their opponents and Lopez is so big, he makes it hard for other teams to get to the rim. He's not blocking a lot of shots, but the ones he has blocked have been game changers. The block against Nate Robinson killed the Nuggets comeback and silenced the crowd in Denver and the block against Duncan last night was a momentum changer.
Oh, and for all the Meyers Leonard haters, his TRB% is 100%. Suck on that bitches!
I've been a little disappointed in Mo Williams, but he's gotten better each game. So, I'm definitely willing to give him some more time.
Team defense is a work in progress, but is already better than last season. In particular, Lilliard's effort on the defensive end is encouraging. We still give up too many easy baskets, especially when we have a decent size lead. If we don't tighten that up, it will come back to bite us.
Overall, many positives and very few glaring negatives. But, it's only been 3 games...
