Portland Trailblazers

Portland Trailblazers

          The Portland Trailblazers went from a bad team in 2012 (33 wins) to a very good team in 2013 (54 wins) even winning a series against the Houston Rockets in the first round. So why do I have the Rockets ahead of the Blazers? The Blazers exceeded everyone’s expectations and had a tremendous season. Almost everything went right for the Blazers which takes incredible luck in the NBA. Even if the Blazers play their starters more than anyone else, nobody got hurt. Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and Lopez all played great and the Blazers got strong contributions off the bench from Mo Williams, Thomas Robinson and Dorell Wright. The likelihood of everything breaking right for them in 2014 is unlikely. The Blazers resemble last year’s Everton in everything broke right for them but struggled the following year. Everton is currently 14^th, though injuries to Ross Barkley and John Stones have led to the slow start. The Blazers will rely on their superstars Lamarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard. Aldridge might have the best postgame in the league and has a great mid range jumper. Lillard and Aldridge’s pick and roll is as dangerous as any in the league. Robin Lopez is to Aldridge what Tyson Chandler is to Dirk Nowitzki. Lopez’s ability to protect the rim lets Aldridge shift outside and allows him to relax on defense. Nic Batum (36 3P%) and Wes Matthews (39 3P%) are perfect complimentary guys who can defend the perimeter and shoot the ball.

Question: Do the Blazers have enough pieces on the bench?

          The Blazers starting five is as balanced and talented as anyone in the league but their bench leaves something to be desired. Meyers Leonard and C.J. McCollum are lottery picks who haven’t exactly paid off and need to show more if they want to earn another contract. McCollum has potential, as a shooter off the bench while Leonard needs to refine just about everything. Thomas Robinson, another lottery pick, enjoyed a semi breakout year, finally finding a role with the Blazers. Robinson offers a lot of energy but isn’t a solid defender or post scorer. The Blazers added Chris Kaman who was effective in 39 games for the Lakers. It will be hard for the Blazers bench to come anywhere close to the level of the starters and I don’t really see them scaring opponents.

X Factor: Robin Lopez

Lopez (above) was a tremendous pickup for the Trailblazers.

          Robin Lopez’s career was in a flux: he’s always been in his brother Brook’s shadow and admitted he has struggled with anger issues. He left the Phoenix Suns and signed a 3 year contract worth 15 million. The deal was seen as a slight risk but has turned out to be pure gold. Lopez has been everything the Blazers could have ever wanted, as he is an elite interior defender and good rebounder. When Lopez is on, the Blazers are a dangerous team that can outscore opponents but also defend teams. Lopez is by far and away the Trailblazers best interior defender so an injury or bad year from Lopez would take them out of contention. Lopez means so much to the Blazers that his value is right there with Lillard or Aldridge.

Bold Prediction: Aldridge regresses and averages less points, rebounds and blocks.

Best Case: Aldridge and Lillard continue their tremendous on court relationship and Lopez provides the defense stability.

Worst Case: Some Blazers regress and some get injured, causing the Blazers to miss the playoffs.