The Future of the Blazers

This year has had it highs and its lows. We all expected lows, but these guys proved us wrong. Right now we are in a low point, but that does not mean we cannot go without a fight. Lets not play for the lottery, lets not play for business, lets play for the love of this game, and the only thing that matters in this game is WINNING!

Its always easy for a fan to talk this way. None of us really know what are in players hearts and minds, we speculate, we judge, but we never really actually know. People like myself never really know what these guys are like when the cameras are off. I can personally name many players that put on that smiling face just for the camera, and when I have met them in person when a camera is not around they snub me. But it is understandable. They don't know who I am , I could be some crazy deranged fan looking to stalk them.

But these young players have shown a city hope. A new life, a new breath, everything we have wanted and more, and trust me more good things are to come. Everyone reading this that has a team that are above .600 and are playoff bound are wondering what the hell I am talking about. Everyone looks at our record of 33-31, and they say "what is all the excitement for ?" Well about this time last year we were at about 21 wins. We are now at 33 and we have now surpassed last years record for wins. If the Blazers can pull off 40 wins without the "Franchise Beast" then I will consider this season a great success.

The 08-09 Season will be a strange season. I still anticipate losses, mainly because none of these guys have played with "The Dude" yet. I also anticipate a lot of movement in the guard positions in the off season. We might drop some folk, and we might pick some up as well. I think Pritch and company will deal their draft pick out with a trade for maybe a veteran guard. I love Jarrett Jack and Blake but we need consistency at that spot. There has been rumors of Brandon Roy moving over to the point when Rudy Fernandez comes along, but no one has staked a claim that "The Natural" will be a PG full time. It makes sense for BRoy to play the point, but with his addiction to injuries I would not think it would be the best place for him. The round mound would be happy as well, because we would no longer have "Midgets" in the back court.

So the lineup of the future is bright. But the big question that I have is the 3 spot. Martell Webster has got to be one of the most streakiest players I have ever witnessed. This guy is so damn good, I just don't understand why he is so inconsistent. This year he really showed us a lot, but has he shown the Execs enough to hold on to him. Trout is turning into a full fledged baller. This guys game really reminds of Shawn Marion's game, just a lot more exciting. But I think Pritch sees him as a huge bargaining chip, and that is something I don't like. This guy could easily be the highest scorer on this team, and their is not doubt in my mind that he should be a starter. The only people I would like to see the Blazers try to pick up in the off season, is a PG, or another 3 guard. Possibly Andre Iguodala who is up for a qualifying offer from the 76ers at the end of this season, which I don't think he will take. He will shop free agency and see who bites. But my suggestion to Pritch is deal Jack, and find a vet backup for BRoy at the point, and save the cash for the end of 08-09 season and either deal for Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

On that note here is my starting lineup for the 08-09 season.

P Guard - Brandon Roy

2 Guard - Rudy Fernandez

3 Guard - Travis Outlaw

PF - Lamarcus Aldridge

C - Greg Oden

So what are your opinions on next year?