FanShot

Pelton: Blazers In Western Conference's Second Tier

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Kevin Pelton writes on ESPN.com (Insider) that his SCHOENE system projects the Portland Trail Blazers will join the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference's second tier behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, his clear favorite. --------------------------------- Last in this group is Portland. Once on the same track as Oklahoma City, the Blazers' young core was derailed by injuries to Greg Oden and Brandon Roy. That shouldn't overshadow the quality talent Portland still has available. The Blazers' top seven of guards Raymond Felton, Wesley Matthews and Jamal Crawford, forwards LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Gerald Wallace and center Marcus Camby goes as deep as any in the league. Nate McMillan got more support in the frontcourt with the additions of Craig Smith and Kurt Thomas, and will have tremendous lineup flexibility. --------------------------------- On track for the No. 5 seed. Too high or too low? -- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter