I have a hard time saying Batum for two reasons: First, most of us have a very high expectation with Batum (not that we don’t with Oden) and it almost seems like a guarantee that he’ll get significantly better in the coming years. Second, and more importantly, Oden, if healthy and out of foul trouble, will have an easier time getting minutes than Batum. With M-Web back, the bottleneck at the 3 will be in full effect.

Something’s a big improvement over Nothing.

If he stays in the game, his contribution to the team’s success should be greater than Batum’s (who I’d rank 2nd). It is pretty clear that both players have improved after watching some of the Team USA footage as well as the Euro tourney. However, I don’t see Batum getting a lot more playing time with Webster being back unless a trade is made, injury, or Webster just stinking it up (not likely).

Rudy could be a close 3rd depending on his playing time as well. I think Miller will get him the ball in transition more but overall, I don’t see him ‘improving’ his all-around game. I just don’t think he gets the playing time or freedom with Portland that we saw out of him in the Olympics.

Wouldn’t that be sweet?

He always works hard in the off-season and this year is no exception…

Honestly tho, I vote for Outlaw. He is going to get regular minutes of the bench and is going to maximize the time he gets. I predict Travis is going to show definite improvement in rebounding and perimeter D— he two biggest weaknesses. Travis should know the PTB won’t be happy with bringing just his ability to get off a shot and Cliff Robinson like 3 point spotting.

Isn’t Travis in his final year? I may be wrong. But if so, he cannot afford to plateau this season. Book it.

It is apparent from the above posts that we have up to eight players to choose from. Here is my most improved list in descending order: Oden, Aldridge, Batum, Roy, Rudy, Bayless, Webster, Outlaw.

The two players I expect to break even on are Joel and Steve. The three players, who are new, and should be expected to help us a lot are: Miller, Cunningham (coach said last night on courtside that DC is improving in leaps and bounds since summer league), and Pendergraph.

I don’t think I am being overly optimistic to say that there should be substantial improvement over last year from a TEAM perspective. Many of these players are on the steep upward incline portions of their growth curves.

Even Andre seemed to have a good year last year; if he holds about even this next year, it will help us a lot. Comparing the four players we gained (I’m including Webster here) to the two rotation players we lost (Fry and Rodriguez) we again have a substantial gain.

Its hard not to be excited about this upcoming season. WE SHOULD BE BETTER!

Odens development is also THE MOST critical thing that needs to happen. If he fulfills his potential, then you have a chance at the ring.

oh wait..

Kinda wonder if he’s got a chip on his shoulder since he’s kinda been pushed to the background. Also I think Miller is going to help him a ton. I really really want LaMarcus to become an AllStar.