Your hope for this season

[Mediocre Man]

You can only pick one things per player/coach:

I hope

Nate takes a few more technical fouls standing up for bad calls on his players.

Roy makes one of the all defensive teams.

LaMarcus mixes it up for more defensive rebounds.

Greg can stay out of constant foul trouble.

Nicolas is a little more assertive on offense.

Andre helps our fast break.

Rudy wins 6th man of the year.

Joel leads the league in blocks off the bench.

Martell lives up to his potential.

Travis learns there is more to basketball than shooting.

Steve penetrates more.

Jerryd continues to learn how to play point guard.

Dante plays well enough that the team trades Travis at the deadline.

Juwan is the calming veteran presence he was brought in to be.

Jeff recovers well from his injury.

Ime plays a role in developing Nic if he makes the team.

Jarron doesn't get beat to hell by Greg in practice if he makes the team.

 

[hypnosmurf]

That's 16 players

 

[Nikolokolus]

I hope

Nate
Loosens the reins a bit and trusts his team to play; they're growing up
Roy
Shows an ability to play off the ball a bit more
LaMarcus
Continues to grow, but also develop a little bit more of a nasty streak
Greg
Stays healthy and stays loose ... the rest will come
Nicolas
plays with authority and aggressiveness on the offensive end
Andre
Makes the bigs better
Rudy
develops a better handle
Joel
re-ups with the Blazers next season for below market rates
Martell
shoots efficiently
Travis
learns to rebound
Steve
takes a few more chances
Jerryd
improves everything
Dante
enjoys his time in Boise
Juwan
teaches the bigs a few tricks
Jeff
gets healthy
Ime
makes the team
Jarron
does not make the team

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Fun game:

I hope

Nate loosens the reins and lets his players have more control over the flow of the game.

Roy adjusts well to playing off the ball a little more.

LaMarcus signs his extension within the next couple weeks.

Greg shows the athleticism we remember from his OSU days.

Nicolas retains the confidence he appears to have gained this summer.

Andre feeds the big dog--a lot.

Rudy doesn't miss Sergio too much.

Joel is the best backup center in the league.

Martell shows few aftereffects of his year off.

Travis plays well for his new team, whoever that may be.

Steve develops chemistry with Rudy as well as he has with Roy.

Jerryd becomes the backcourt defender many think he could be.

Dante provides energy and BBIQ in his garbage minutes.

Juwan supplants Outlaw as the 2nd string PF.

Jeff is hungry to get healthy and join his new team.

Ime imparts to Nic and Webster wisdom he gleaned from his SA tenure.

Jarron has a safe flight home.

 

[mook]

Roy shocks everyone by having another big leap in production. At that point he could arguably be second best player in the game behind LeBron. (Yeah, it's not likely, but a guy can hope.)

Aldridge becomes a monster defender. Not just good like he has been, but All-NBA Defensive team good.

Oden vaults so high up in production that he's the consensus lock for the All Star team at center.

Batum performs at a Tayshaun Prince level, averaging 30+ minutes and gaining the rep as one of the best defensive wingmen in the game.

If just one of those things happens, we'd be a favorite among many to win the championship.

If those things seem pretty extravagant to hope for, well, these are hopes and not expectations. I have hopes for other players on this team, but they really pale in comparison to these.

 

[MIXUM]

I hope for 5 things....


1. Blazers advance to western finals

2. Oden becomes the center he was expected to be...

3. LA gets his contract

4. No serious injuries

5. We beat Dallas once at least lol

 

[andalusian]

I hope for a ring.

 

[magnifier661]

That we smash the Lakers in the WCF

 

[LittleAlex]

Nate
Stands up for his guys more then he did last year.

Roy
Becomes more of a two way player.

LaMarcus
Doesn't decide he is a three point shooter.

Greg
Proves his critics are all wrong. Especially the Boston Sports Homer.

Nicolas
Is allowed to be a larger part of the offense.

Andre
Beats out Blake for the starters job.

Rudy
Same as Nicolas

Joel
Is fine with only playing 20 minutes a night.

Martell
Becomes a lock down defender.

Travis
Enjoys playing for a different team by the trading deadline.

Steve
Doesn't get burned on picks so badly.

Jerryd
Is allowed to be the player he is, a smallish shooting guard/spark plug off the bench ala The Microwave Vinny Johnson.

Dante
Takes over for Outlaw.

Juwan
Plays 10 minutes a game at back up power forward.

Jeff
Doesn't play one second so I don't loose a bet.

Ime
Makes the team.

Jarron
Enjoys his retirement.

 

[STOMP]

my hopes...

-health for all
-LA signs a contract
-Batum regularly emulates his idol's handle/point skills
-Jerryd becomes a consistent outside threat easing Steve's departure
-Freeland continues to develop, morphing into a quality Big to team with Greg and LA next year after Przybilla leaves.
-Blazer broadcasts available for all fans
-fans stop needing a scapegoat (longshot... I know)

STOMP

 

[magnifier661]

my hopes...

-health for all
-LA signs a contract
-Batum regularly emulates his idol's handle/point skills
-Jerryd becomes a consistent outside threat easing Steve's departure
-Freeland continues to develop, morphing into a quality Big to team with Greg and LA next year after Przybilla leaves.
-Blazer broadcasts available for all fans

STOMP

This is just me, but I really think Bayless isn't a good fit on our team. He's a scorer and used to being the focal point offensively. I would much rather have more of a facilitator than an undersized SG. Just my opinion though.

 

[STOMP]

This is just me, but I really think Bayless isn't a good fit on our team. He's a scorer and used to being the focal point offensively. I would much rather have more of a facilitator than an undersized SG. Just my opinion though.

especially if Batum develops more of a handle/playmaking skills, I really don't see Portland needing a traditional ball dominating PG to succeed. Having multiple passers/playmakers on the perimeter who can all spread the court plus a beast on the low block should create plenty of good scoring looks. As long as JB can spread the court + adequately defend opposing PGs, I think he'll fit in fine with Brandon and crew.

STOMP

 

[hasoos]

Ok I'll make it easy. Every player and the coach wins a championship. The rest is a consolation prize.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I hope the Blazers make it to the Western conference finals (I don't care how we get there)

 

[magnifier661]

especially if Batum develops more of a handle/playmaking skills, I really don't see Portland needing a traditional ball dominating PG to succeed. Having multiple passers/playmakers on the perimeter who can all spread the court plus a beast on the low block should create plenty of good scoring looks. As long as JB can spread the court + adequately defend opposing PGs, I think he'll fit in fine with Brandon and crew.

STOMP

Not going to crown Batum anything yet, but doesn't the kid remind you a lot of a Tayson Prince? Seriously oozes it IMO.

 

[noknobs]

I hope:

…Roy is Roy.

…Lamarcus signs an extension.

…Greg stays healthy.

…Batum puts more points on Pau Gasol’s face.

…Miller doesn't bring back that 'haircut'.

…Steve stays.

…Joel resigns.

…Rudy doesn’t get worn out.

…Martell stays healthy.

…Travis keeps talking.

…Jerryd stays positive.

…Jeff, Dante, and Juwan have thunder-sticks on the bench.

…Ime or Jarron wear Craig Sager-esque suits.

 

[hasoos]

especially if Batum develops more of a handle/playmaking skills, I really don't see Portland needing a traditional ball dominating PG to succeed. Having multiple passers/playmakers on the perimeter who can all spread the court plus a beast on the low block should create plenty of good scoring looks. As long as JB can spread the court + adequately defend opposing PGs, I think he'll fit in fine with Brandon and crew.

STOMP

The main thing with Bayless is to stop expecting him to be something he is not. He is a scorer. He brings intensity on defense. He brings attitude. The main thing to remember is, we may not have Rudy for many more years. He may want a starting gig somewhere. When that happens, we are going to need another scorer off the bench at SG. Bayless could be that guy.

I would not give up on Bayless until maybe after his 4th year. He is young, needs the coaching, and has a lot of upside.

 

[STOMP]

The main thing with Bayless is to stop expecting him to be something he is not. He is a scorer. He brings intensity on defense. He brings attitude. The main thing to remember is, we may not have Rudy for many more years. He may want a starting gig somewhere. When that happens, we are going to need another scorer off the bench at SG. Bayless could be that guy.

I would not give up on Bayless until maybe after his 4th year. He is young, needs the coaching, and has a lot of upside.

since both came into the league as rookies last season, both Jerryd and Rudy are under contract with Portland for the same amount of years. I'd guess that both would want starting gigs somewhere today, but neither has the leverage to force a trade.

STOMP

 

[Minstrel]

I hope:

-Roy shows that he can be as good in a more diverse offensive role

-Aldridge takes one more step forward in his development, leaving David West territory and entering Bosh/Gasol/Stoudemire territory

-Oden plays fluidly and confidently, deploying both his athleticism and size to great effect

-Miller establishes a great flow, making everyone else better by setting them up where they are at their best

-Batum becomes one of the league's toughest perimeter defenders and plays more aggressively on offense

-Fernandez adds a handle to his game

-Bayless finds a comfort level on the floor, plays solid defense and knocks down jumpers...while continuing to be aggressive in attacking the hoop

-Outlaw takes fewer shots but increases his scoring efficiency

-Webster adds something to his game, like passing or driving to the hoop

-Przybilla holds steady and doesn't regress

-Blake holds steady and doesn't regress

-Howard makes some heady veteran plays and puts maximal effort into being a solid defender

-Cunningham and anyone else who makes the team cheers loudly and looks excited when good things happen for the Blazers

 

[LittleAlex]

since both came into the league as rookies last season, both Jerryd and Rudy are under contract with Portland for the same amount of years. I'd guess that both would want starting gigs somewhere today, but neither has the leverage to force a trade.

STOMP

The big difference is the amount of money waiting for Rudy in Europe. If Rudy grows tired enough of the situation in Portland, he could skip off to Europe and play there until he becomes a free agent.

Bayless isn't in the same position. He may very well get decent money in Europe but not on the same level as Rudy.

 

[Minstrel]

The big difference is the amount of money waiting for Rudy in Europe. If Rudy grows tired enough of the situation in Portland, he could skip off to Europe and play there until he becomes a free agent.

He'd never become a free agent in the NBA. A player's seniority doesn't advance in years he doesn't play in the NBA, I believe. Whenever he returned from Europe, he'd be in the same position, contractually, as he left.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

He'd never become a free agent in the NBA. A player's seniority doesn't advance in years he doesn't play in the NBA, I believe. Whenever he returned from Europe, he'd be in the same position, contractually, as he left.

Plus, I don't believe he'd be able to play in Europe as long as he had an active contract in the NBA, just like Rubio can't come over here while he still has an active contract in Europe.

 

[RoyIsClutch07]

I'll be as candid as much as possible with this.

Nate: My hope is for him to become a lil more open minded with the lineups. If he starts and plays the right guys as the right time. His team offensively and defensively be awfully difficult to stop. I also agree with a previous poster. Loosen up the reigns.

Brandon Roy: I hope he stays at status quo. Maybe taylor his game more to his teammates. To get them more involved. There are individual players I like to see have significant growth. Aldridge and Greg. Maybe tilt his game back just a lil bit to get these two more involved. He is going to need both of them when it counts

LaMarcus Alridge: My hope with him is that he becomes something that he is not. Or at least he hasn't proven to be. People he say he is a physical. But he is not physical enough. He doesn't rebound enough. He doesn't block enough shots. And, he is putting too much resources out on a outside, three point shot. LaMarcuse needs to bang and get inside position. After all, it's all part of the position he plays

Greg Oden:. I hope to see a more polished offensive and defensive player

Andre Miller: I hope he is the exact opposite person on the court that he appears to be off the court thus far

Martell Webster: I hope stays healthy

Travis Outlaw: I hope he shows growth in the bbiq department.

Nicholas Batum: I hope he improves offensively.

Jerryd Bayless: I hope he improves his overall game. Not just point guard skills but everything

Joel Pryzbilla: I hope stays healthy

Rudy Fernandez: I hope he is stays content with the role on this roster

Steve Blake: My hope is for him to quit thinking so much when running the offense.

Juwan Howard: I hope he has something left in the tank. If he does, he is the perfect backup to LaMarcus. If only

Ime Udoka: I hope he gets a roster spot. We don't need him. But I think like Juwana, he has a lot to share with others on this team.

 

[MARIS61]

I hope

Nate turns over the offense to Dean Demopolis.

Roy learns to move without the ball, and defend his man.

LaMarcus gets the max contract he deserves.

Greg can stay out of constant foul trouble.

Nicolas is a little more assertive on offense.

Andre is traded for a younger, pass-first PG.

Rudy plays 30 mpg.

Joel starts all year.

Martell lives up to his potential.

Travis wins 6th man award.

Steve starts all year.

Jerryd finds a team who will play him at SG.

Dante likes riding the bench.

Juwan gets HUNGRY.

Jeff doesn't get addicted to drugs.

Ime gets a coaching job with us.

Jarron finds another team.

 

[THE HCP]

No injuries

We get to the WCF

 

[STOMP]

The big difference is the amount of money waiting for Rudy in Europe. If Rudy grows tired enough of the situation in Portland, he could skip off to Europe and play there until he becomes a free agent.

according to my understanding, thats not true. Unless a contract contain player options, that player can't get out of their contract and play professional ball elsewhere. This holds whether a player is seeking to potentially join or leave a team in the NBA.

STOMP

 

[mook]

according to my understanding, thats not true. Unless a contract contain player options, that player can't get out of their contract and play professional ball elsewhere. This holds whether a player is seeking to potentially join or leave a team in the NBA.

STOMP

Interesting. I didn't know that.

Legally speaking, you may be right. From a team dynamic, though, it could be different. If Rudy announced to the local media that he was fed up and wanted to go back to Europe, would we really want to keep him? At best, we'd probably negotiate a partial buyout of his contract so we didn't owe him anymore and he'd be free to go, wouldn't we? I can't imagine you'd actually want to keep and pay for a guy who publicly stated he hated the team....

 

[STOMP]

Legally speaking, you may be right. From a team dynamic, though, it could be different. If Rudy announced to the local media that he was fed up and wanted to go back to Europe, would we really want to keep him? At best, we'd probably negotiate a partial buyout of his contract so we didn't owe him anymore and he'd be free to go, wouldn't we? I can't imagine you'd actually want to keep and pay for a guy who publicly stated he hated the team....

every player has the nuclear option you describe to force their way out of a situation. Of course doing so doesn't endear the player to fans/lowers their marketability so that would be a cutting off your nose to spite your face move. If Rudy were to do this while in the league, the team with his rights would have to let him go via a team option in his contract for him to return to Europe. According to Storyteller's site their are team options in his contract following last season and 2011-12.

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

Legally speaking, you may be right. From a team dynamic, though, it could be different. If Rudy announced to the local media that he was fed up and wanted to go back to Europe, would we really want to keep him? At best, we'd probably negotiate a partial buyout of his contract so we didn't owe him anymore and he'd be free to go, wouldn't we? I can't imagine you'd actually want to keep and pay for a guy who publicly stated he hated the team....

every player has the nuclear option you describe to force their way out of a situation. Of course doing so doesn't endear the player to fans/lowers their marketability so that would be a cutting off your nose to spite your face move. If Rudy were to do this while in the league, the team with his rights would have to let him go via a team option in his contract for him to return to Europe... I very much doubt there would be any sort of compensation for doing so and losing him. According to Storyteller's site there are team options in his contract following the next two seasons.

STOMP

 

[tlongII]

Championship!