I know it's very early in all three of these young players careers, but even if you just single out Lillard, the 2012 draft haul would have been an A+ for our Blazers. When you factor in the flashes that we've seen from Leonard throughout the season, and what we've begun to see from Barton lately, I think we will be talking about the 2012 draft for a long time in Rip City.

The best part is that it's so balanced. You have a one, a five, and a wing player, which pairs perfectly with our existing two best players (Aldridge and Batum). I hope in the second half, as it becomes clear we are out of the playoff race, we will begin to see those five (Lillard/Barton/Batum/Aldridge/Leonard) on the floor together. I love what Matthews brings to this team, with his shooting, toughness and leadership, but I wouldn't be upset to see some of his minutes eaten up by Barton.

Finally, if Barton and Leonard continue to progress over the course of the season, it truly allows the Blazers to go after the best player available in the upcoming draft, or potentially trade that pick away.

My only hope is that we get to see all three of them grow and develop as Blazers, and not with some other team.