http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp09/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=BlazersObservations-090930

The main Hollinger article is far more illuminating. This article is really a summary of all of the stuff we’ve already read on OLive and BEdge, but here’s a brief summary:

1. The Blazers want to win the Northwest
Hollinger just emphasizes the fact that the Blazers were focused on the message of winning the division so much that the word “L*kers” only came up once.

2. Blake is a better fit with the starting five
He says that Miller is clearly the better player in a vacuum, but that Blake fits better with the starting five. He notes that Brandon and Miller weren’t in sync during pre-camp scrimmages, and that Roy appears to have given his vote to Blake due on chemistry grounds.

He also says that Miller is more likely to finish games to give the Blazers the benefit of another creator during crunch time, and again has a supporting quote from Roy.

3. Breaking down the other position battles
He thinks Oden will beat Joel out for the starting center spot—especially given the excitement among the Blazers’ brass regarding Oden’s development over the summer.

He says that small forward is a mystery. He thinks the starting small forward will basically play the role of defensive stopper, so Batum has the inside track, but Webester isn’t a slouch either, and as we all know, spaces the floor better. He also notes that Trout is in the picture, but that with Pendy’s injury, he’s really going to be needed as the backup power forward. He concludes by discussing the fact that Outlaw is in a contract year, and may object to playing as the backup 4, but cites Outlaw’s quote about being comfortable with his advantage against slow power forwards as evidence that Outlaw might be okay with that role. He also gives Outlaw praise for recognizing the need to do more than shoot 18-footers all day, but sadly failed to drop-in Outlaw’s, “One dribble, two dribbles, you know, three dribbles, pass,” quote.

4. Aldridge and his contract situation
He notes that LA is surprised he hasn’t signed yet, but says that he thinks an extension will “almost certainly” be reached by opening day. But he notes that LA could have problems if he doesn’t get his extension, and that the team already has too many guys looking for more minutes and more shots (he says 9 want to start, and 5 won’t be happy with their minutes).

5. Miller’s worth to the team
Despite the fact that Miller is unlikely to start, he thinks that Miller will be a fantastic floor general and will really keep the young guys in the second unit in line, both on offense and defense. He thinks Blake as the starter and Miller as the backup is the best scenario for the team.