who will prove themselves in the playoffs?

[Further]

There are certain players who over or underperform in the playoffs. The ones who play better in the playoffs help will their teams past tough contests and Tmac type players are always hampered with "loser" every post-season. Well, very few of the Blazers have been to the playoffs. Who do you see stepping up, and who do you see fading away?

Roy? Oden? LMA? Rudy? Who do you worry about and who do you know will kill the other team?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Because of physicallity I worry about Rudy and I think Greg will actually be able to play with less fear of getting called for every little touch foul. Roy might struggle if teams throw the double at him every night, but with LMA playing the way he is lately I don't think that will happen (as much anyway).

 

[KingSpeed]

I think they'll all do. They're winners. Rudy is a PTPer. Look how he played in Beijing. Look how Oden played in the NCAA championship game. Okay, their teams both lost but they played great. Blake won in college. Roy and Outlaw are going to THRIVE because they love pressure. I think we're going to be very happy with how our guys play in the playoffs.

 

[Minstrel]

Yeah, I think the more physical "let them play" refereeing in the playoffs will be a big benefit for Oden.

I think Roy, Oden and Aldridge will all come up big. I think Batum will also be a major playoff contributor. He seems like the classic player who suddenly raises his profile with unexpected playoff heroics.

 

[MadeFromDust]

Roy will elevate himself to superstar status.

 

[Haakzilla]

Rudy will elevate his game for the playoffs...gauranteed [Olympics, anyone???]!!!

 

[andalusian]

I think Oden is going to really get in a groove - and when that happens - watch out!

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm with everyone else. I think Oden will actually benefit greatly from being in the playoffs. I also think Roy is going to be Roy, and Rudy will be Rudy. I'm not sure about Aldridge. We'll have to see.

 

[cloudydays]

Roy is capable of having a Wade-esque 2006 Playoffs run. Not saying it's gonna happen but Roy is definitely capable of doing that IMO

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

Roy will be the man. Pryz is also the type who will step it up in the playoffs.

I can see Outlaw being Cliff Robinson II though.

 

[BlazerFanForLife]

Outlaw is going to have to average a minimum of 15 ppg for us to be sucessful. It will be interesting to see if Webster is back and if not if Rudy can hit 3's on the road as well as he has at home, he had the touch earlier but has been tenative on the road since his injury.

 

[Further]

To tell the truth, the one i worry about is Roy. For the same reason Oden should do well, Roy has a hard time when players are allowed to be physical with him. Also, I just worry since he is the soul of our team, and if he can't step it up, we are going to struggle. I hope all those game winning shots are evidence that he will succeed, I just worry.

 

[cdub503]

batum seems to do a lot better when its a high pressured game too or a game that means a lot LA,SA,Jazz, ect

 

[BlayZa]

im hoping joel steps it up a notch, if oden can that'd be a bonus - but really its down to roy and whoever else wants to go along for the ride!

 

[hasoos]

Just remember with Oden when he was at Ohio State with a broken wrist, he stepped it up in the tournament to another level. I think he will step up, and the ref's allowing more physical play in the playoffs will be to his benefit. As the playoffs get closer, the refs are calling the games different. They are calling more out on the perimeter and lettting guys play in the paint.

 

[Reep]

I think Batum will also be a major playoff contributor. He seems like the classic player who suddenly raises his profile with unexpected playoff heroics.

I agree. I really like what he has shown recently. I also think Blake will stand out.

 

[tlongII]

I think pretty much the whole team will be fine. The style that Nate has them playing is perfect for the playoffs. Just don't let Channing have any meaningful minutes!