Shake it off, ladies and gentleman

by panfolk on Jul 5, 2010 6:27 AM PDT

It was a rough season followed by a demoralizing draft day, but we can get past it.

I enjoyed the phrase "reality check" in Eat Politicians' thread title. It is needed.

I'm as guilty of falling into a negative stupor as any: see Luis Scola? thread.

So what are the positives and optimism we can share? What makes us the fanbase to welcome in Elliot, Luke, and Armon? Do we boo PA? I say no.

Las Vegas Summer League starts on the 9th, and though I cheaped out on getting cable, I did buy the Summer League internet pass. I am looking forward to a season of highs and lows and epic battle in roundball glory.

I am looking forward to the cream of the backcourt rising to the top (maybe two4larue and others will be right about Bayless), I am looking forward to Camby's spike blocks and Roy's clutch points. I am looking forward to MLE free agent signing and watching Babbitt sink his first NBA 3.

What are you looking forward to, folks?

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Sorry, someone had to do it right?

Get well Greg! Rip City is still behind you!

by axel360 on Jul 5, 2010 6:39 AM PDT reply actions

I think we can make an impact on the league without Paul...

by panfolk on Jul 5, 2010 6:43 AM PDT up reply actions

I prefer Dream Lover personally.

In Bayless I trust.
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by staylost on Jul 5, 2010 6:48 AM PDT reply actions

I am looking forward to what Greg Oden can do this season.

And I am excited for it. I hope Greg will shock Portland, the rest of the NBA, and the Lakers this year. I want to see him rip peoples faces off before ramming them through the hoop. This is his year. It feels too story book for him NOT to have an amazing season.

"What people need to know is that those pictures were taken a year and a half ago, and I've grown since then." - Greg Oden

by dario argento on Jul 5, 2010 7:58 AM PDT reply actions

It'd be a good start to get his weight down to his Ohio St days.

Or within 5-10 lbs of it.

Get well Greg! Rip City is still behind you!

by axel360 on Jul 5, 2010 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions

He should have his butt in summer league

by King Mar on Jul 5, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Well he's not cleared for 5-on-5 yet

And even if he were healthy, I’ll pass. He’s arguably a top 5 center (you know, when he is actually on the court)

Get well Greg! Rip City is still behind you!

by axel360 on Jul 5, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Seeing what LaMarcus did this summer

If the Blazers can keep their centers on the floor this year, I see LA taking a big step forward. It seems that many have either given up on him or think that he has hit a ceiling. I am firmly in the camp that sees him becoming the second star this team needs. I look forward to watching this unfold.

PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04

by tssbro on Jul 5, 2010 8:42 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

I agree

I thought Camby was great for LMA and an offseason/pre-season with Camby will help him even more. We are the only team in the league that can match the Lakers front court length.

by Biph on Jul 5, 2010 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

LaMarcus will be an allstar in 2011

LaMarcus will become the player we hoped he’d be when he was the 2nd pick in the draft 4 years ago. Bigs take longer to develop. It also takes time to exchange elbows with the Garnets and Boozers of the NBA to realize one can withstand the assault. Like Pau Gasol LA has been hardening, getting stronger, becoming more able and willing to hang tough. It’s important to recognize that his skill set allows him to play all over the court— so let’s celebrate what he brings rather than criticize him for some perceived lack. He will be an all star in 2011 (20pts, 8.5 rebounds/ 1.5 blocks per game).

by KnightBlazer on Jul 5, 2010 9:15 AM PDT reply actions

Should have an easier road to allstar game

If Stoudemire and Boozer move East

"What we have here, is a failure to communicate."

by with_a_z on Jul 5, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Yep

that will mean these guys are LMA’s main competition to reach that elusive 1st All Star game:

Locks- Dirk, Melo, Durant
Maybes- Duncan, Gasol
Longshots- West, Gay, Z Bo

It will still be tough, unless Duncan drops way off

Get well Greg! Rip City is still behind you!

by axel360 on Jul 5, 2010 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions

LMA's best bet to an all-star team

is for someone to be injured, and for Portland to be in the top two or three teams in the West. Stern may reward Portland’s record by adding LMA as their second all-star.

Until Duncan and/or Dirk are Shaq-like shells of their former selves, LMA will have to beat out Gasol, Carmello, and Durant to earn an all-star appearance. So replacing an injured player is his best bet.

by Rodney Gustafson on Jul 6, 2010 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions

I can't wait to see Babbitt in summer league.

I am hopeful that he is going to be soooooooo good…and then I think maybe if I get my hopes up too high, that I will be crushed by his average to poor game. I can’t wait for summer league.

by parkinglotj on Jul 5, 2010 10:01 AM PDT reply actions

why the venom?

by panfolk on Jul 5, 2010 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions

another good season of ups and downs

hopefully a few more ups this year :)

Geriatric Dunk Squad!
1/4/10 - Juwan Howard dunks on Chris Kaman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTkOqDgLb6s
3/7/10 - Andre Miller Tomahawk jams on the Denver Nuggets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-JVgm7F1QA
4/12/10 - Marcus Camby drops 30 and 13 on OKC to cement 50 wins. http://www.nba.com/blazers/media/camby_chant_041310.mp3

by Eat Politicians on Jul 5, 2010 12:52 PM PDT reply actions