On Thursday, I was reminded that progress doesn't always have to look like much for it to make an impact...
Think about the Blazers' greatest necessities heading into this offseason: a starting center, improved defense and rebounding and more backup on the perimeter. Now scratch them off the list.
Portland solved all of these problems.
When Lopez, a 7-foot, 255-pound creation, specifically mentioned that he's here to block and alter shots, somewhere, Theo Ratliff must have shed a single tear of pride. Portland's interior defense needed an upgrade and a guy who averaged a career-best 1.56 blocks last season is a nice start.
Starting center and defensive upgrade — check.
As Robinson, still fatigued from the morning's practice, flexed his sculpted arms next to Lopez, just that sight alone confirmed that this 22-year-old can come in and rival Meyers Leonard for strongest man on the roster. But unlike Leonard, Robinson uses those muscles for bullying and rebounding. Though Robinson was tossed around during his rookie season — traded from Sacramento to Houston — and received decidedly fewer minutes and opportunities on the court, he still averaged more rebounds (4.5) than Leonard (3.7).
Improved toughness — check.
Watson may equate to simply Ronnie Price version 2.0 — a veteran who stays in his patriarchal lane as a locker-room mentor — but his calming influence will do wonders for the Blazers young point guards, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. However, fans will see more of Wright and his 36.7 percent 3-point shooting on the floor. Wright's size and versatility allows him to play from the two-guard to the stretch-four, so you can uncover your eyes now. No more reaching for the remote when Terry Stotts looks down his bench.
A better rotation — check.
Portland may never attract the Dwight Howards and Chris Pauls through free agency, but the team is excelling in the alternative — drafting wisely and luring the second-tier players who can make a difference. Just with these additions, the Blazers should win more games than last year.
"There's no question we're a more talented team," Stotts said. "We've added shooting, length, playmaking, rebounding, defense, leadership. So I think top to bottom, we're a better roster."
Baby steps, but it's progress.
