Are the Blazers Good?

[Lucky17]

Blazers will punch above their weight for a while, thanks to Lillard and the improving McCollum.

However, if those guys aren't combining for 50-60 a night, the Blazers are going to lose more than they win.

I think one or both will wear down over the course of the season. The supporting cast will also have its ups and downs. Aminu will cool off. Leonard will have his share of good and bad nights. There's very little help from the bench: a collection of mystery boxes and D-League talent.

[PhoSita]

Seeing Mcollum improve as a 3rd year player at age 24, and even Aminu in his 6th year just shows how patient you have to be with guys like Young, Bradley (who also just turned 24) and Hunter etc...the road to be an NBA for longer than your rookie contract is a long uphill battle.

It helps when you have lottery talent / size / ability.  I could see it happening with Young or Hunter.  Bradley has come a loonnnnggg way from his rookie season, but despite the gradual improvements to his shot selection I think he pretty much is who he is.

Targeting talented young guys with good physical tools who are currently sitting on the bench for other teams is a good strategy, though.

Terrence Ross and Cody Zeller are a couple guys who I think could shine if given the opportunity to play larger roles in a more free flowing situation.

[slamtheking]

glad they're doing well.  another team that could help push Dallas down in the standings when they give us their pick this year.

[gift]

I have a rule that nobody is good until 21 games in. This was inspired by watching the Cavs one year go, I believe, 15-6 and then win less than 30 games or something.

That said they would be a fun story and I've been waiting for McCollum to break out (though not 20 ppg on a good team break out).

[Big333223]

I have a rule that nobody is good until 21 games in. This was inspired by watching the Cavs one year go, I believe, 15-6 and then win less than 30 games or something.

That said they would be a fun story and I've been waiting for McCollum to break out (though not 20 ppg on a good team break out).

21 games seems legit. Certainly 6 games doesn't tell you much of anything. Oklahom City, Memphis, and Houston are all only 3-3 after the first 6 but I think they're all still locks to win more than 50 games. Portland can put big numbers on the board with those two guards but I'll be shocked if they win 35 games in the West.