Tuesday, one of the worst days of the week, right behind Monday. Today's post won't be that long, but there should be game notes up tomorrow because there is a huge game going down tonight between the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks. This game will have implications on both the race for the Western Conference number one seed and homecourt throughout the playoffs.
But today, I wanted to ask one question. What happened to the Portland Trailblazers? They currently hold the West's worst record and the third worst in the entire league. In the second half of last season, the Blazers seemed to show promise (I want to avoid the worst buzz word in the history of basketball, potential), and finished the season strong.
Sebastian Telfair averaged ten points and six assists per game after the all-star break. And the Blazers most important player, Zach Randolph put up 19 points and nine boards per game after the break. Former first round draft pick Travis Outlaw was showing flashes of why they drafted him straight out of high school and the team was starting to gel.
Everybody expected that with the addition of head coach Nate McMillan this team would make the jump and contend for a playoff spot this season. But it was not to be. Players have trouble responding to McMillan's philosophy and the team has not been able to put it together. The expected starting backcourt of Telfair and Darius Miles has been replaced by Steve Blake and Juan Dixon. Solid, but not exactly the tandem that is going to take you to the top.
This team has a long way to go, but it also has some young talent. Telfair should be one of the top point guards in the league in a few years, just as long as he focuses on running the offense, creating opportunities for his teammates, and keeps improving his jumpshot. And as long as he stays away from his cousin Stephon Marbury. Outlaw should continue to improve, Randolph is one of the more underrated big men in the league, and rookie Martell Webster can become a great shooter with some more experience.
I know it was said last year, but next season this team could be a force to be reckoned with in the west. The only difference is next year, no one will expect it.
