Quote:
Originally Posted by Cannon Shell
Portland is good but they have 2 real issues that don't have any easy solutions. As CJ said the starting 5 is strong but the bench is a pretty big drop off at every position. They cant afford any injuries at all. Plus that bench is almost all young guys with little experience. The only veteran bench players that they have are PG's and Dorrell Wright. They essentially have no front court players with any playoff experience.
The other issue is that they have problems getting defensive stops and don't create many turnovers/easy transition baskets. Outside of trading for Asik I don't know how this will change.
I liked Portland more than most people coming into this season but they may be a bit overrated as a deep run playoff team. Their best players (Lillard, Mathews and Aldrich) are all having career years. Can Lillard and Mathews continue to shoot 43% and 44% on 3 point shots as season progresses and their leg get tired? Can they find enough points on nights that the 3 point shots aren't falling? Can their starters all avoid injury? Can any of the bench players step up?
I think they will win a series and probably get knocked off 2nd round but if they can keep the core intact and add possibly one impact guy and find a player among the younger bench guys they will be tough the next few years
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Chuck what good team does not have a good starting 5? I would take Golden St or Houstons starting 5 all day over Portland. I would also take OKC and the Clippers. Maybe I would take Portlands over San Antonio, but w/ Leonard being a huge wild card, Im not so sure. As for the last paragraph.... What teams are not lined up to be good for the next few years?? OKC is. Golden St and Houston are both going to be good. I dont see how Portland jumps any of these teams? Is it true they are trading Batum and Aldridge for Melo? If so that would be a total disaster. Melo is a ball hog gunner no defense disaster. Its funny I get bashed for bashing Melo, I used to like him. I grew, I understand the game better. Every team this man plays on is better when he is gone. I cant wait to see where he goes in 6 months. Rumor is the Lakers. What a joke that would be, plus if Kevin Love is smart he stays awak in 2015 if Melo is there.