So Chad Ford chatted again today, and he had a few gems about Portland, apparently the Blazers are going to be getting some press from now on.

Charlie (Portland, OR): How far does Portland go in the playoffs, in your opinion?

 Chad Ford: It's unfortunate that it looks like they'll hit the Lakers in Round 2. I think they're rounding into the second or third best team in the West. I love their talent, I just don't think they have the experience to beat the Lakers. But ... wow ... once these kids grow up a little more ... is anyone going to stop them?

Alex (Oklahoma): Durant, Westbrook, Green. If the thunder land blake griffin how scary does this team look in the future?

 Chad Ford: Scary! If they land Griffin, in 3 years they'll be fighting the Blazers in every Western Conference Finals.

Matt (Rip City, OR): Nate McMillan COY!!! why not?

 Chad Ford: He was my second choice. My top vote goes to Mike Brown. LeBron gets all the credit, but to me, Brown has evolved into one of the elite coaches in the league.

Kelly (Austin, TX): Chad: I like the Rockets a lot this year. Western Conference finals....

 Chad Ford: I'm not feeling that. I do think Rick Adelman has done a great job and they are all playing well together. But I think there's just more talent in the West from teams like the Lakers, Blazers and Nuggets. But sure ... they have a shot. There really isn't a huge difference between seeds 2 and 8 in the West. The possible exception is the Spurs who, without Ginobili, are going to struggle.

Brian (New Jersey): Chad, two part question. One who's your sleeper pick in the draft and two who is your sleeper team for next year?

 Chad Ford: Sleeper pick? Eric Maynor of VCU. I think he should be a lottery pick.

Sleeper team in the NBA? I think Portland could be a 60 win team next year and a potential NBA Finals team