On the Evolution of Teams

I was basking in the glow of Roy's all-star performance and it got me thinking about other loyalties I have to the NBA. For example.

1. Rick Adelman. I still have loyalties to that guy to this very day. I actively cheer for Houston when I see them play only because Rick coaches for them. I did the same thing when he was with Sacramento. I have a lot of loyalty towards that guy and I've followed his teams only because of his time with Portland.
2. Terry Porter. I really loved this guy. I still remember when he blocked that Jordan jumper from behind in that championship series that ended up coronating Jordan. I followed the Milwaukee Bucks only because he was with that team. I still hope he finds a coaching gig.
3. Ime Udoka. I'm happy that Ime ended up with the Spurs, although I wish he'd play more. I find myself looking up box scores to see how that dude is doing.

I suppose that the list goes on for many people for many different reasons. I suppose that's what's great about being a good fan of the game. You're aware of the ebb and flow of people and find a reason to pay attention to other teams. (Btw, I get a great sense of schaudenfreude when I see players I don't like do badly... are you listening Bonzi?)

Then it got me thinking about this team. How will I feel?

1. I'll follow whatever team Demopolous ends up going to. I think he's a great coach.
2. It seems clear to me that Surge will be with another team. He will probably flourish but I'm willing to concede he's a bad fit for the Blazers. I will feel envy if he makes the all-star game.
3. Webster and Jack will, I think, be gone soon. I don't know if they've inspired enough loyalty in me to actually follow them but I'll think kind thoughts on them. But I will not feel envy if they make the all-star game... only immense surprise.

One thing that is clear to me after watching the all-star game: our Blazers have a long way to go. Watching Roy play with Paul and Amare really clarified in my mind how much he's been carrying that team. It solidified in my mind how utterly replacable Jack, Webster, Surge, and perhaps even James Jones really are. AFter all, who in the NBA doesn't have guys like this?

Our team is going to change faces... and that's a good thing. We're so close to the team that we can't bear to think of other players playing. But really, we don't miss Ime that much; we don't miss Bonzi or Rasheed at all; Brian Grant's departure didn't end up being that big of a deal; we got over Kersey and Drexler and Porter all leaving the team.

In fact, I find myself hoping that KP does, in fact, pull the trigger in the 11th hour.