Author Archive
The Only Thing Standing Between The Blazers and a Title Is Health
February 17th, 2010
The 2009-2010 Portland Trailblazers’ season has been a drama of epic, almost Biblical proportions. It’s the stuff of Greek Mythology, 19th Century Russian literature, 20th Century American Realism and the Book of Job all rolled into one.
Well, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but at times it has certainly felt like all of these ...
Nate McMillan’s Real Achilles Heel: The Blazers Have Too Much Talent
December 31st, 2009
In a moment that seems to symbolize everything that has supposedly gone wrong for the Blazers this year, Nate McMillan recently blew out his Achilles tendon during a practice. Yes, that's right. The coach had to suit up because the Blazers couldn't field a ten man practice squad.
Of course, the injury bug ...
The Blazers: Veteran Leadership Must Start With Roy, Aldridge, and Oden
November 30th, 2009
After a 4-1 road trip and a stretch of dominance against weak teams which saw them run their record to 12-5, the Blazers are suddenly in danger of getting Nate McMillan fired, missing the playoffs, and being moved to another city.
Well, maybe the sky is not falling quite that dramatically. ...
Brandon Roy: Portland’s New Villain
November 26th, 2009
Last holiday season, I got free tickets to a Blazer game at the Rose Garden. They were good seats in the 100 level, and my 8-year-old son and I watched up close as Brandon Roy scored 52 points against the Phoenix Suns.
This came on the heels of Roy's dramatic ...
Evaluating Greg Oden in His Real Rookie Year
November 20th, 2009
If you think about it, this is really Greg Oden’s rookie year.
That may seem strange, since he was drafted two years ago and actually played last season. However, when it comes to evaluating his potential as a young player, he’s really a rookie.
After all, this is the first time Greg ...
Nate McMillan’s Stroke Of Genius: The Four Guard Lineup?
November 13th, 2009
As of this writing, the Portland Trailblazers are 4-0 since switching to their new four-guard starting lineup.
Wait, you ask. Four guard lineup?
That's right. With Greg Oden starting, Portland now has four players who can handle the ball and run the break. If you don't believe me, check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPYmOZs0Vv0
In all ...
LBJ Honoring MJ: Great Idea; Poor Execution
November 13th, 2009
Lebron James has decided to honor Michael Jordan by giving up the number 23.
This is a great idea . . .for Lebron James.
However, he has taken this noble gesture a step too far by suggesting that every NBA franchise retire the number 23. Taking nothing away from Michael, whom I consider the ...
Portland Sports Media: The Kings Of Trauma-Drama
November 12th, 2009
I've been noticing a trend lately More and more, the Portland sports media have become the kings of trauma-drama.
You know what trauma-drama is. I'm sure you've all had a girlfriend or a coworker who routinely turns the smallest little non-event into a crisis. You know, her best friend doesn't call her back, and she has ...