Home
Previous Posts:
Atlanta Shoots Down Blazers
Grant Hill Hits Game Winner
The Beast from the East
The Beast from the East
Defensive Breakdowns Blamed
Przybilla Likely to Return Tuesday
Suns Take Charge Early
Hot-Shooting Kings Storm Blazers
Another Gutty Effort, Another Dramatic Win
Blazers Look for Sweep Against Nets
RSS FEED
Archives
May 2006
June 2006
July 2006
August 2006
September 2006
October 2006
November 2006
December 2006
1/1/06-5/51/06
Blog Roll
Oregon Live Blazer Blog
Blog Espanol



I think my biggest concern right now is Webster. This team needs him in the line up on a nightly basis getting big minutes.
Other than that the team shows some exciting promise. I look forward to wednesday when I'll finally get to SEE this new blazer team. I'm hearing good things about Zbo and Roy and Travis seems to be doing well but it's hard to tell just how much of an impact these players will have until I actually get to watch a game. That's the thing I'm most looking forward to.
The team is playing with energy and has been fun to watch this pre-season. But any fan has got to have grave injury concerns. Martell's back, how serious is it? Aldridge has never played a game in the league and he's already had his first surgery and rehab. Dickau has chronic injury problems, Zach is coming back from an inured knee, Darius may never get back from the same injury, Joel has had recent knee problems, Raef's calf is still recovering, and Jarrett's coming off ankle surgery that kept him sidelined all summer.
If everyone were healthy all this season, the Blazers might have something to build on heading into next year. My concern is that with the injury problems we've been plagued with lately, this may be a very, very long season. If we can get through the campaign without more injuries, I'd consider that a partial success in itself.
We didn't start the preseason with a set rotation. Unlike other teams, we basically started form scratch. We had new guys, late additions, injuries, and a crazy schedule. So, our record isn't an accurate account of what's going on with this team.
I came away from the preseason seeing one trend i believe can't be ignored. We played better using lineups that could run the floor, mostly because of defensive considerations. This is one reason why i think Aldridge will get meaningful PT this season.
I think he could see minutes with Zach. He can hit a jumper, which will create more space for Zach, and he can certainly get up and down the floor. I'm sure we'll see this combination, this year.
Turnovers will go down as the rotation gets some regularity and chemistry is built, and our offensive should be light years ahead of last season. I'm dreaming of the sick combination of Aldridge, Zach, Webster, Roy, and Jack against smaller lineups. I'm excited to see how we do.
The talent seems quite raw and the players very specialized in what they are good at offensively.I expect the team to look much better when Miles gets back.
Wasn't sure that relying so much on posting up Zack was a good idea but then again it's getting the opponents into the penality first and this might be the key to early success. Hope we don't wear him out.
I like this team but then again I always do. Because nobody else is saying it I will. They will make the playoffs. Have to think that way, I'm sure some of the players do. I might as well join them. A great coach could pull it off and Nate might just be one of them.
Bingo Bango Bongo !
MB,
With all of the offseason moves and the picks Portland made, how can you not be more excited about this years 2-6 record than last years? We should have expected a poor pre-season record because these guys are still trying to get used to playing with one another. I believe the first half of the season the guys will struggle a little, but after the All-Star break, I expect them to be much more effective playing as a team since they'll have some chemistry built.
I would not be one bit surprised to see this team finish close around .500 and we all know that would be a TREMENDOUS improvement from last year. Some say they see the Blazers in playoff contention again in about 3 or 4 years. I think that they will be flirting with the playoffs by next season. If we make one or two more moves, we'll be good to go. Brandon Roy is the PERFECT guy to build a franchise around.
I do have a major concern. Obviously Darius Miles and his health are a concern. Another question is, does he really want to be here this season? If Portland gets off to a bad start, I have a feeling we'll be seeing the same old Miles from the end of last season and we definitely don't need that attitude around with the young guys we have. Another concern is, will Zach stay out of trouble? I knew right away when we decided to let Randolph get playing time a few years ago that Rasheed's bad attitude and complaining would effect Randolph in the future. Same with Damon Stoudamire. How hard is it to do something you love (professional basketball) without getting into off-court trouble? My last concern is Jamaal Magloire. He seems a little slower than everyone on the court and likes to turn the ball over a lot. How hard is it to not travel? I can understand traveling in some situations but come on, you're in the NBA.
Although I feel better than a year ago, the low assist per turnover ratio and inconsistency on defense in this year's preseason are major concerns.
Hey Mike, long time reader, first time blogger. I am very optimistic about this year. The pre season doenst really translate into reg. season performance anyway, however if it werent for those couple games with horrific amounts of turn overs, we could easily have finished 4-4 or even 5-3. I chalk much of the turn over problems to a new group of players still getting to know each other and the system. Hopefully after 10-15 games, we will really start to play cohesively and efficiently. If we can do that, we might just see an exciting season.
everyone that commented here has great views! i saw an article by the espn prediciting the outcome of the blazers and that had blazers on the bottom of everything. anyway, there was a blogger that said he would get a blazers tatoo if blazers win 10 a row.
this year, i think it can be done. im actually starting to think about using the old vintage blazers logo...mmm...hey, that reminds me...dont forget, the blazers were the worst team a season before the '77 championship. im getting an another tatoo if blazers win the champs like they did in '77. oh it was an amazing year! bill walton=lemarcus aldridge=championship. what do you think?
nate
I am hands down the biggest Blazers fan outside Portland. I am from Brazil and will follow every single game listening it on KXL on my computer. I am very excited and think at least this year we can count on guys to have passion and heart on the court.
Best regards to all,
Ricardo Santos
Turnover, turnovers, and more turnovers.
We just don't have any margin for error and not one preseason game with more assists than turnovers is the biggest thing that jumps out at me. I love JJ, but he's got to do better in this area if he's the starter.
On a positive note, I love the effort and it feels good to like most of the guys on the roster again. It's been a while and I can't wait for Wednesday.
Go Blazers!
Hey Mike,
Definitely feeling better this year than last. My one major concern is lack of a clear starter at small forward. This could hurt the teams ability to find its identity and develop some chemistry. Hopefully one of the guys will step up and make themselves the obvious choice for the starting role.
Hey Mike,
Definitely feeling better this year than last. My one major concern is lack of a clear starter at small forward. This could hurt the teams ability to find its identity and develop some chemistry. Hopefully one of the guys will step up and make themselves the obvious choice for the starting role.
Hey Mike,
Definitely feeling better this year than last. My one major concern is lack of a clear starter at small forward. This could hurt the teams ability to find its identity and develop some chemistry. Hopefully one of the guys will step up and make themselves the obvious choice for the starting role.
Mike,
As I was thinking about the team last night, there are many positions which are improved from last year. Starting with Center, unlike last year we have, I believe, Pryzbilla who will not suffer as many injuries as before, a Backup Center in Magloire who will be a low post scorer and enforcer, and a shooter in Raef who can spread the floor. In many ways this team has many more dimensions to it than it did last year.
The Power Forward position will also be improved. Zach is ready to have an All-Star year with his health not in question this year unlike last (remember, he has a room already reserved in Las Vegas for the All-Star game). Travis Outlaw's play has been much improved and will serve well as a backup power forward as well as Raef who could see some time. How can we forget our #2 pick? He will be able to contribute some as well. Compared to last year when we had an unhealthy Zach, and Ruben and Skinner playing the 4 this is a much better position.
The Three is probably the one position I am most concerned about. I know Ime has played great in the pre-season, especially on defense. But with Martell's injury, and his youth still present, it seems as though this position could be a little inconsistent. Last year With Ruben, an unhealthy Miles, and not knowing what you'll get from Outlaw and Martell every night I still think this position has improved. Especially if Ime can contribute right away and gain the confidence of his coaching staff to use him on a regular basis. I believe Ime is that calming consistent force that the team needs at the 3.
The 2 is maybe the most improved over last year. While Dixon did a serviceable job last year, seeing Roy step in makes me believe that we have a true off guard of the future, and now. Yes, he will make his rookie mistakes, like everyone, but I believe his learning curve will be much faster than most. Don't be surprised that by the end of the year, the offense will run through Roy, especially late in games. Compared to last year the offense is more geared to attack the basket as opposed to streaky outside shooting. Dixon is a great outside shooter/scorer who I believe is best when coming off the bench. I see a possible lineup of Dixon coming off the bench, and Roy sliding to the point. This would take any defensive liabilities with Dixon at the 2 and negate them.
At the point, the loss of Steve Blake may be the biggest hurdle to overcome. I am a big Jack fan and I believe that he will do a great job for team this year. My only concerns are at the end of game ball handling situations. Last year's game against Denver where he was stripped in the last few seconds of the ball game shows me that ball handling might be a concern. Dickau coming off the bench will be good, as I like the energy he brings to the game (I used to play with him a little in Vancouver before he turned pro, and he does not lack confidence). If Dickau or Jack gets hurt this position could be a concern. I would rather not put Sergio in the game except for mop up duty or 5 minutes here or there to change the pace of the game (too many turnovers). Roy's natural position is not the point and I would just assume not have him guard quick fast point guards. This could lead to too many fouls.
Overall I am excited about this coming year. I see that Nate has softened up a little this year (although I am sure he would not want to be categorized as soft), and I believe that this team will potentially be a .500 ball club. That is the most wins I can see. Realistically I see the win total to be between the 20 last year and the potential 40. I believe this year more than last year the win total will have a lot to do with coaching. If Nate can get the right mix on the floor at the right times, I believe unlike last year that the second unit will be as strong as the first. This will allow, as Nate likes to say "to play all 48 minutes" and be competitive.
Thanks Mike for your great Blog and for putting up with Wild Rice! (just kidding, I am actually a fan of the Wild one, call me crazy I know)
Chris
Better than last year, I'm still a little sour about losing Viktor though. I was a little disapointed in Jamaal's numbers and Joel's points. Joel can catch the ball in the key and dunk it on about everyone. I didn't really see anything more than the highlights but I think our posts need to step up. I'm with Rob on the injuries, we have too many players injured.
Hmmmm. Excited? Interesting. Am I excited to see a team win 20 - 30 games and struggle all year? Does that make sense?
To tell you the truth, I'm excited to see what Branson Roy is going to do. I'm excited to see Jack, Roy, Martell, Zach, and Pryz. I'm excited to see Roy, Martell, Outlaw, Z-Bo and Pryz just to see if anyone can matchup with such a HUGE lineup.
I'm a little worried about Martell's back. That could be a damper on the season if it becomes a problem. I was actually happy that Darius' knee wasn't going to be ready so we could see Martell and Travis in the SF rotation.
I was excited to see Pryz and Magloire fight it out for Center, but Magloire hasn't showed anything except being Joel's backup.
I'm excited to see a team on the floor that I can say, "I like those guys." I'm excited to say, "Did you see that?!"
Yeah! Bring on the season. Lets see if the team can turn some heads and surprise some people. I would like to see the team grow faster than anyone thought and actually do something in a division up for grabs. I'll be excited!
Hmmmm. Excited? Interesting. Am I excited to watch a team win 20 - 30 games in a season? Does that make sense?
Actaully, I'm excited to watch what the kids can do. I'm excited to see if the kids can put it together faster than anyone thinks and make a run in a division that is up for grabs. I'm excited to see Brandon Roy and if he will be 'The Man' from game 1. I'm excited to see a team play and want to win and work hard.
Okay, you got me. I'm excited to see if JJ,Roy,Martell,Travis,Z-Bo, Jamaal, and Pryz can become a great team in a short period of time! I'm on board!
I think Mark answered his own question when asking about Mags' uncanny ability to travel..........he's in the NBA. I don't know if the traveling violations will be called as closely during the regular season as they were this preseason, but if the past gives any insight, it probably won't. Personally, i'm all for the NBA getting back to a point where players actually have to be able to play basketball to perform, well. I would be happy to see guys like Magloire forced to adjust to proper officiating or find a new line of work.
I'm really looking forward to seeing them play this year.. I think this year is going to be very telling with lots of ups and downs.. With all the great moves the front office made,I think we are one year away from being really good.. Jack is going to get a solid year under his belt, as will roy and Webster.. I hear Zach is tearing it up and making other guys better now... The presants of the new veterans like Reaf and Jamaal will be a big plus in the locker room.. Should be a fun year!!
I'm also hoping that the officiating will tighten up this year. I saw so many non calls last year it made me sick. It gets annoying to watch someone on a fast break take like 5 extra steps before they do some fancy dunk and they get no call. I understand that the referees are human and everyone makes mistakes, but come on.
I would also like to see the NFL's officiating tighten up too. I rest my case after last years Super Bowl.
Due to its youth and players unaccustomed to playing together, this team needed a pre-season much more than both.
That said, while I saw only one game, the results were promising. 2-6 is disappointing, as you almost expect a team like this one to do better than most because they're not playing 8 guys auditioning for the 11-13th roster spots, but I guess that works both ways.
As for injuries, I'd say the team is in decent shape. All teams have some problems. The exception is Martell - he is essential to the development of chemistry and roles, and the PT is important to his development. That said, players seem to be fitting into roles better than I would have expected. It is right to be concerned about the number of people who could be hurt, but this is a deep team and right now the historically injury-prone guys are healthy.
Someone mentioned the influence of Darius. While it's a concern, Darius just won't have the influence in this system. Nate controls things much more than did Cheeks, and there is a good culture here now. A guy like Darius has less influence in a healthy culture.
So am I excited? Yes! This team is dramatically improved. It has energy. It knows what it needs to work on (ie TO's). It's a bunch of good guys - this is the kind of team a city wants to root for. I will be. Go Blazers!
I’m excited for this fresh team. I like that the team is much cleaner (no more bad apples) now. I’m excited about Roy. I think he is going to be the next franchise player for Portland. I am now a proud season ticket holder.
"Roy for ROY!" Let's get this train a-rollin' folks!
it was weird to hear the show on a thursday.
btw, do you think you guys could do away with the cheesy music and sound-affects? that really was distracting.
just one mans humble.
Hi Sergio,remember when you changed the whole thing against Argentina and made a whole country worldchampions.Nobody else in the Blazers roster can say something like that, so stand up and show what you are capable of. Best luck for you and ¡VAMOS A POR ELLOS!
Hap,
You've been awfully salty lately. What's the deal? Cheer up and embrace change.
MB
am I the only one who's not seeing the comments?
I'm surely, not salty. Change is good, cept when it's bad. If you come to a fork in the road, take it.
He's some advice MB.
You should always go to other people's funerals; otherwise, they won't come to yours.
Oh yeah, um...Go Blazers.
Mike I do like the new format and look forward to what you guys bring us every day. Today was great with Nate and Rafe and Kevin (I went to KU). I do agree with Hap that the sound levels need some tinkering. Antonio's interview was good and the rest was low. Thanks for bringing us a hopeful and honest look behind the scenes.
Hap
Be happy your comments are even being posted. I mention something a tad negative, and Mike won't post it.
My earlier comment wasn't fair, Mike. I apologize. I've had a lot to say here, and most of the time, it has been posted. This is a great blog, and it is your blog. I respect that.
I guess i just find it irritating when hap, a guy who can actually afford tickets close enough to the floor to be bothered by camera lighting, feels the need to complain, publicly. How dare the organization try to provide a good show for those not fortunate enough to afford coming to the game?
And, how about those crazy fans that go after those cheap t-shirts thrown and projected into the crowd (i have 3)? I guess, according to hap, it would be appropriate for people to chew out those inconsiderate kids bumping into us at baseball games trying to catch a foul ball. I mean, couldn't they just get there parents to buy them one at the store? Personally, i find his numerous complaints void of perspective.
"Money doesn't buy you happiness, but it certainly gives you more options."
Paul Allen
Hap probably has more options than 99.9% of the rest of the world, so like you said, Mike, he should cheer up.
if you're going to bump into someone, land on top of them, and knock their drink over..to catch a foul ball, I don't care if you're a kid or an adult. Thats pathetic.
If you're bumping into someone for a 3 buck t-shirt, and have no regard for the little kids around you, you are pathetic. And lets be clear about this..I was talking about ADULTS doing this, not little kids. Little kids don't know better...when you can shave and buy beer? you do.
and as for the "better options" than 99.9% of the world, way to bring something into the discussion that bears nothing inregards to what we're talking about. Bravo.
by that logic, non of us should complain about anything, since we have it 'better' than most.

Hey Mike great job on the blogs, better than any newspaper I've read. Two questions, how many games can I catch on TV this year? And is there anything we fans can do to help Outlaw get in the dunk comp in Vegas this year??
Well, I was at the game last night. It was great seeing my team close up...I was like 8 rows up from the court! I got to see Zach hit all his free throws except one. At one point I even shouted an encouraging Lets go Zach...he turned to me and nodded, everyone else around me ( all clippers fans kinda gave me a dirty look..but I was unfazed. I was not pleased by the many turnovers...and was disappointed to see sergio struggling..but I had to remind myself he is only 19. Roy looked good. Other than that everyone else did not perform to what I know they can. Outlaw got great lift on his jumps but that was about it. Wanted to see a little more of Dickau..he seemed to knwo how to run the offence well as did Roy. I twas great to see Nate yelling and pacing the court. I believe we will be strong and competitive when the season really starts. I will attend as many regular season Clipper Blazer games as I can...NO LAKER GAMES THOUGH,I CAN'T STAND THEM.
Mike..........I like this team. KP wanted the "culture" of the team to change. It has transformed from effete to one of hope and determination. Nate spoke of adding "scrap" as a team trait, something that was absent, last season. This team fights, scraps, and doesn't give up. I can cheer for this team with pride.
I can't get over how well Randolph is playing. Passing out of double teams is opening up opportunities for him, and i finally feel he's buying into that philosophy. I mean, have you ever seen him play better? Wait until team chemistry starts coming together. Once players start getting to the right spots, and he gets more comfortable, hitting guys sooner, Zach could find himself over the hump and into the elite.
The work he's done on his right with Bayno is definitely showing. Imagining his game extending to either block, where he's able to turn either direction with equal effectiveness gives me goose bumps. I've criticized Randolph in the past, and rightfully so, but i'm giving him all the credit in the world for his hard work and approach, starting this off-season, to improving his game.

Love reading your blog Mike. I think that the Blazers will get off to a good start tomorrow night with a 104-92 win. Roy might even get a double double. He will be very excited to be playing his first NBA game infront of his hometown. I do hope Martell rests that back and doesn't try to rush back.
Love reading you insights Mike. Thank You. With that the Blazers start out the season on the right foot with a 104-94 win. I think that Roy could have a double double. He will be playing his first NBA game infront of his hometown. Just keep giving him those Froot Loops. haha.
DOWN WITH THE SONICS!!!
if we have beaten them before, we can beat them again!!!
GO BLAZERS!!!
i say, 120-112, blazers.
nate
Froot Loops? Odd, I think I'd take the steak but cereal is good too.
The waiter didn't know who Mike Rice is?! I always make sure to tell people about you two when I talk about the Blazers. I'm converting everyone I can to the Portland side before it's too late (as in before the bandwaggoners come in 09-10 10-11 or so). I think it is important to convert everyone before the rapture.
Some people are just too stuborn.
I think we'll win. I could say we have a decent chance to win, but i'll just go out on a limb. WIth Swift and Forston out, i don't know what they're plan could be to try and deal with Zach. It'll probably just be the usual double team once he gets it going (which he will with single coverage) and then flash different defensives throughout the rest of the game.
If Zach continues to play as he has, i don't think it'll make a difference what they try to do. As long as Zach believes in his teammates enough to pass out of the double team, they won't have an answer for him. I'll say, too, that every time he gets the ball in a decent spot in single coverage, i hope he just goes to work. They can't stop him.
Call me crazy, but i think Seattle is going to see, for the first time this season, a true account of how difficult it is to beat us. The other games against them, we pulled guys who will now be finishing. We went a lot deeper and spread out minutes much more than we will, tomorrow. On the other hand, they played to win in our first preseason match-up. I think Seattle is in trouble.
I really hope Webster gets some minutes. He's a great guy to have when teams want to double.
I'm expecting only a handful of minutes from Dickau, Magloire, Rodriguez, Graham, and Webster (if he plays at all with that sore back) tomorrow night. The starting five plus Outlaw, Dixon, and LaFrentz will get nearly all the play.
My takeaway from the pre-season - when the Blazers rebound and take care of the ball, they can hang with most anyone in the league. They are a better defensive team than last year, and with Zach staying home in the paint so far, their offense has been effective too.
If the Blazers can keep their turnovers below 15 and come out ahead in rebounds, they win. I know what you're thinking - Allen and Lewis could go nuts, Wilcox could have a career night - yeah, that kind of thing could happen. But probably not.
I'm hoping that we can come out with a win but beyond that I'm scared to even think about it. This is the time when you can dream about the team and the season. Soon reality will set in and we'll all realize that the Blazers are going to have their work cut out for them each and every night.
Hopefully they'll have a good showing and come out on top.
I see Portland winning this game. As long as they can hopefully hold Ray Allen to 15-20 points and contain Rashard Lewis a little as well. With Fortson and Swift out, I see Portland taking advantage in the low post all night. Look for the Blazers get to the line a lot by driving to the hoop and dropping the ball down to Z-bo and Magloire. If Portland doesnt take advantage of this, it could be a long night.
Hey Mike,
Just want to let you know how much your blog is appreciated. It is great getting the behind the scenes info you always have for us. Keep it up! I predict a big night for Roy tonight and a Blazer victory. I also predict Martell will see some action despite his sore back. I think he will tell Nate anything to get into the opening night game in his home town.
Wait a minute, Rice didn't pick up a check? Gee, what are the odds of that, lol? What kind of drink was spilled on Rice?
I understand. The steak will sit with you all day. The Cereal won't. PSSSST: I like Captain Crunchberries.
I think we are going to see 3 great performances from the Blazers tonight.
1 - Zach will have a double double in the high 20's.
2 - Roy is going to be jacked up and nervous but not like the first preseason game. 20 - 24 points and pushing a triple double in rebounds and assists.
3 - Ime will put on a defensive clinic against Lewis.
GO BLAZERS!!!
R.O.Y.
I think Portland starts off with a win this year..
94-89 will be the final in a close entertaining game
Only one thing can keep the Blazers from winning tonight. Turnovers! As the pre-season progressed, out rebounding and assist numbers improved, so I am not too concered about that. The team is gonna be super hyped to get this season started. After soo many guys showed up so early and worked soo hard in the off season they should come out with A LOT of energy and overwhelm the Sonics. Add in the Roy homecoming and we will really see something special........However, i cant leave without a note of pessimism, if we dish out a healthy 20-25 turnovers, it wont be pretty. Still, I predict a beautiful 110-89 victory tonight!
As a Seattle native and fan of B Roy im expecting him to have a big first game back in his home town. I think he will stay focused and help the blazers to a win.
Another person that is going to be a factor in the win is Randolph. I think he will have a huge game agains the sonics big guys wich ever one might be guarding him.
I expect Jack to light up Ridnour early.
I think Magloire should get half the minutes at C. He to can beat up the big guys for Seattle down low. The Blazers should really utilize the former All Star.
hey this is matt the biggest blazer fan there is!! lol well i just wanted to let you know mike that i really enjoy reading these blogs of yours its nice to have someone on the inside keep people updated. i really thought that was cool when you were telling us about the schedule all of you guys have from getting to the airport to being on the plane its like a behind the scenes thing :). well to answer the question about predictions to the season opener well simple BLAZERS WIN!!!! nothing else to it right he he. Ok have a safe flight home.
Hey Mike,
I was just thinking. You should change the name of your every Thursday show to "Mike and Mike in the Evening on KXL radio"... haha
Mike and Mike in the evening, that's good. You should do that. Have it be on FSN or something for TV, played at a later time than the radio show.
WOW! I don't think I've ever been into a Portland Trail Blazer game like that in at least three years. My hands were sweating were sweating more watching the end of that game than watching my beloved Seahawks in the Super Bowl last year. What a great win for Portland.
After all of the moves and pick ups Portland made in the offseason, does anyone else agree the Ime Udoka was the biggest of them all? Getting that Offensive Rebound at the end of the game to pretty much seal it up for Portland was fantastic. Brandon Roy has an awesome game and so does Zach Randolph. Man, I could go on forever talking about all of the great things Portland did. Can you tell I'm excited for this year's team? Good luck against the Warriors!!
Hey I'm tired of hearing other Portlanders trash the Blazers. I just watched the Blazers convincingly beat the Sonics tonight !
To the nay-sayers- I say - put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Go Blazers!
Hey I'm tired of hearing other Portlanders trash the Blazers. I just watched the Blazers convincingly beat the Sonics tonight !
To the nay-sayers- I say - put that in your pipe and smoke it!
To the Blazer Players - thanks for putting your heart into it!
To Nate - you da man!
Go Blazers! Let's get the next one!
Post a Comment
<< Home