Blazer Preview

Summer is a time when people just moan about how boring baseball is. Then later in the summer they start football talk early. Well being back in Blazer country has been great for me. I am all up on everything Blazer, well most of it, as much as work will allow. I know in my family we have some casual Blazer fans, so this post is for you.

Some players you need to get familiar with:

1. Greg Oden. Nickname: GO
Sure this may seem obvious, but some mistake Greg for a 40 year old retired NBA veteran. Greg's knee is doing great, and is my top candidate for Rookie of the Year this season. He is over 7' tall and has beefed up a lot since college. Many fans and media think the hype will be too much for GO, I do not. He is a very mature 19 year old, he alone will be at least 5 more wins this season. All he needs to do is rebound, block shots, and play defense.


2. Rudy Fernandaz from Spain.
I like to say that Rudy and I are built identically (6'5 - 185 lbs) he can grow a lot more facial hair than I can. The Blazers drafted him last year, but he played in Europe because he could make more money there (due to our cap space) plus we didn't really have room for him. Do not be surprised if he finishes as a co-Rookie of the Year with GO. Yes he is that good, the complete package.


3. Jerryd Bayless - Arizona. (who we traded up for and got 4th in this years NBA draft)
He is 6'3" and 200lbs (actually that is more close to me with my new body, haha). Though everyone wants Jerryd to be our point guard, naturally he is a two guard. KP (The league's best GM, Kevin Pritchard) says right now they just want to let him play and experience the NBA game. Rather then trying to change his game and this crucial point in his career. He is averaging 27 points in summer ball, yes it is summer ball, but still I have been pleasantly surprised. He actually attacks the basket very similarly to B-Roy, a slasher very quick off the bounce.

Others are Nicolas Batum of France who is very young but looks very promising. He is still a few years away. Still undecided if he will make the 15 man roster this year or return to Europe where he can make more money. Also new assistant coach Joe Prunty who has had a lot of success in his NBA career. Most recently came from Dallas, and is currently coaching a our summer league squad in Vegas.

I just wanted to give you a little taste of Rip City in the off season. The time is now, not next year or someday in the future. I predict 50 wins this year and multiple all-stars. Did I mention that FOUR of our players were selected to the Team USA practice squard: B-Roy, Lamarcus, GO, and Bayless. Brandon is not attending because he is in Grad School in the summers, and GO is healing his knee, but Bayless and Lamarcus are both playing.

By the way USA will bring home the gold next month. Opening ceremonies for the Olypmics are 8-8-08.

Rise with us.