The Blazers got (what I think of) as a huge win last night in Miami. For one, it was a solid road win, starting off a 5 game trip 2 - 0. In addition it was the long awaited re-debut of Greg Oden. He looked amazing, for 3 minutes, before looking very very tired. Hopefully, he will have a good 4 minutes against New Orleans and so on and so forth. I for one, think Greg Oden will be a great player, but not this year. I am in favor of having him come off the bench, at least until the all star break. I know, I know, that might not be a popular opinion, but I am in the business of making the playoffs THIS season. Starting Przybilla and allowing Oden to play against the 2nd unit center will let him develop an offensive game, which he obviously does not have now. He is a monster on defense and does demand a double team, but can he go against the best centers in the NBA? No, not until the all star break.
As I look forward through November, it is possible for the Blazers to go 12 - 6, very possible they go 10 - 8 and almost a lock to go 9 - 9. I am thrilled with 9 - 9. Being 500 after the toughest 5 game stretch to open a season plus losing two starters (Oden and Webster) is HUGE. Plus, to go a step further, Dallas and San Antonio have tripped outside of the gate, really opening the door for Portland to solidify a place for a 7th or 8th seed that those teams will have to chase. For Portland, it is a new position to go on the road and be favored. That hasn’t happened in years on a regular basis.
So Blazers, I am proud of you. I am beyond satisfied with the start of the season and would be happy with standing at 9 - 9 on December 1st. Anything better would be flat out amazing.
Go Blazers.
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