I would like to start off by saying that I have had little to do and a lot of time on my hands these last couple of weeks so I have been scouring this site and have probably read every post and every commented related thereto. I have read the negatives, the positives, the opinions and conjecture. In the end of it all, I have come to a realization. We as fans are quick to assume and slow to forgive perceived slights. We hear the word rebuild and our love turns to hate rather quickly. Now, I can understand not wanting to pay 30 bucks to sit in the nosebleeds and watch our beloved Blazers lose, which is why I'm holding out hopes that ticket prices will drop this year, but I am still extremely excited for this team. I enjoy watching draft picks from around the league mature and I think we've got some very intriguing young players that will grow before our very eyes.

Lillard could very well turn out to be another Bayless, a low court-vision guy who can get to the basket but doesnt know what to do when he gets there, but I don't believe that to be the case. His competition was pretty bottom of the barrel in college but with that body and work ethic I dont think it matters. Also, his shot is a thing of beauty. Fluid movement and a quick release with a long and low follow through. Also, from the interviews I've seen with him he seems like he is a serious competitor ready to put nay-sayers in their seats. We needed a leader, a true floor general AKA Patton (George S. Patton) and I think we got him.

Leonard is definitely a bit of a project, but he is a beast athletically. The kid can jump straight out of the gym and take a couple of us with him riding on his back. His lateral quickness and competitive nature were in full showcase with Illinois and that is something that translates very well into the NBA. He may never make an All-star game, but I think when his time comes to get a contract he'll be getting paid.

Barton. What can I say about this kid that hasn't already been beaten into the ground and then danced on top of. Yes he's skinny, but they said the same thing about Durant. Obviously Barton isn't the next Durant but he should have definitely gone in the first round and I think if Boston hadn't taken Sully and OKC hadn't taken PJIII then he would have. This kid can play.

I guess what I'm getting at is that I am actually very excited about this next season and I think everyone else should be as well. It's never fun to lose games but it's extremely fun to watch young players define themselves and the direction they are going to take. A la BRoys first year. We lost all kinds of games that year but all of a sudden things started looking so bright we had to wear sunglasses at night. I say let's just take a step back, a deep breath and a Valium or something, and enjoy this season for what it is. A stepping stone.

The Reverend J Danger