There has been a lot of talk about how Europe is paying well and NBA players- even premier players may be defecting.  I don't really take stock in any of this because it just doesn't seem to be a draw for the elite.  In an odd twist of fate- the new collective bargaining agreement is scheduled for review in (I think) 2010.  If it plays out- we may have some sort of luxury tax similar to MLB.  Some owners may be able to pay players crazy money to come.  Now, why would Stormin' Orman begin to feel very excited about all this?  Uncle Paul (Allen) has the deepest pockets in professional sports.  Portland is the next door neighbor to Beaverton- home of Nike and Orman loves the Blazers.

Imagine Paul Allen becoming the George Steinbrenner of the NBA.  That would make for some very interesting happenings in the free agent market.  LeBron James to Portland for $30 million a year over 10 years (guaranteed).  Many will say that he's a lock to be in New York/Brooklyn with his boy Jay Z.  I give the kid more credit.  He wants to be Warren Buffet and one of the best ways to learn how to be a billionaire is to work for/with one. 

If the salary cap restrictions change- hop on the Blazer Bandwagon.  We have room and don't discriminate.  We also have the richest owner in sports.  <evil laugh>...

The best way for the Portland Trail Blazers to live up to the hype is for Greg Oden to start strong.  This doesn't mean 38 minutes a game strong.  Heck- that might not mean 25 minutes a game during the 1st half of the season.  Oden needs to be the aggressive, agile, energetic, charismatic guy the moment he enters every game.  The Big Guy needs to strike fear in opposing teams.  Imagine a slightly toned down, non-swearing version of Kevin Garnett with an actual physique.  Imagine a "not in my house" look after each block.  Picture him looking mad as heck one second and then laughing like a kid after a ferocious put-back the next.  Every member of the NBA must fear being Odenized.

If you watched the summer league games, you saw our newest pick (Jerryd Bayless) play with an arrogance that just screamed, "I'm the best guy out here!"  The fans know it is summer league and not to read too much into that... BUT... Jerryd's ability to get to the hole and demeanor is what got Portland excited about him.  Greg is carrying the weight of being selected #1.  He is carrying the weight of a city that has embraced him- despite not playing a game yet.  He needs to step out and play like a guy in his second year.  We all know he has the talent.  We want that demeanor to come out that this is his job, his city and his statement that Portland is a force.  We want the big guy to match Jerryd's intensity or surpass it. 

We have Brandon (thank the Lord!).  LaMarcus is going to be huge (more thanks).  We are stacked from top to bottom.  Greg- we want you to be YOU!  Come hard- even if it's for 10 minutes a game.  We know the knee isn't 100%.  But when you enter- make it known.  Make the Laker Girls scared!  Let em' know that Lil Boy Bynum just doesn't match up (LaMarcus will take care of Pau).  Tear the rim down- laugh like a kid.  Be respectful and humble.  Grimace and snarl...  BE YOU!

Bring it Greg...  We are right behind you. 

Next year the Portland Trail Blazers will be (again) the youngest team in the NBA.  They will also have a ton of cap room to lure one, possibly two free agents to the team.  Brandon Roy will still be the Captain of the team.  The team doesn't look like it needs much if Rudy turns out to be the answer to our Spanish inquisition.  I'm wondering what my Monday Morning GM's would do next year.  Who would you bring in?  What would you do with the team?

The Portland Trail Blazers starting five is unknown.  There are many projections for how the season will start and ultimately how it will end.  Most speculating that the maturation of Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez will answer some questions.  As with most, I speculate the starting five will include Oden, Aldridge and Roy as guarantees.  At the center position, Joel Pryzbilla will see a lot of playing time to ensure "the knee" holds up through the season.  Aldridge is backed by Frye, newly acquired Ike Diogu and the seldom used Raef LaFrenz.  Roy will be backed by Rudy Fernandez- then Bayless.  Bayless will start the season training for the PG position but will probably see plenty of time filling both positions.   The other positions are open to the intense competition within a young, hungry squad.  Outlaw is moving from PF to SF where he will give Martel Webster a run for the starting spot.  The nod will most likely be determined by the team the Blazers are playing.

Ending the Season: it is widely believed that Jerryd Bayless would play point.  B-Roy at Shooting Guard.  Oden at Center.  Aldridge at Power Forward and either Webster, Outlaw or Fernandez at the Small Forward position. 

Predictions for Playoff Spots in 2009: (In order) New Orleans, LA Lakers, Portland, San Antonio, Utah, Phoenix, Dallas, Minnesota.  Put it in the books.  It's official.  I don't believe Houston will make the playoffs without Yao (because his mid-season injury is almost as predictable as a 24 hour work-day.  Memphis may surprise people.  Although not because of the Mayo.  Moreso because of the younger Gasol- who is said to be more of a presence than big brother Pau.  I don't like Denver's defense because they simply don't have any- especially since trading away Canby.  Oklahoma is not close because they simply have no history (ok... that was bad).  Golden State falls out of the picture and looks to be out for awhile.  Nothing about that roster stands out and excites anyone.  The Clippers?  Well, they are the Clippers and that's all I really need to say.  Lastly, Sacramento makes me feel like it's Golden State South.  As for the order of the teams that will make the playoffs.  New Orleans has a chemistry driven by a CP3.  They are young and play nasty.  This year was a break-through year.  I suspect that they are contenders for awhile.  The Lakers at number two because they didn't do much to improve their roster.  Kobe is still the best steak in the west, he just needs more from everyone.  Portland at three is just optimism becoming reality.  These happy, go-lucky kids will turn nasty when they hit the court.  My only concern with this team is how will minutes affect a great chemistry.  Minnesota as the 8th seed because of the Love and Miller lite.  The fact that every supposed expert still thinks Love is a cupcake will be eating his words by the break.  Love will be Elton Brand Jr. with 20/10 and is a top pick for Rookie of the Year (only because Oden will be spared minutes for the playoff run). 

That's it.  Predictions that will be fact.  Place your bets...  Oh yeah- Portland will be in the Western Conference Finals in 2009.  Go Blazers.

Portland Trailblazers are starting to resemble a young San Antonio Spurs.  Let's take a quick look...

Greg Oden/Tim Duncan

Rudy Fernandez/Manu Ginobli

Jerryd Bayless/Tony Parker

Brandon Roy/Michael Finley

LaMarcus Aldridge/Kurt Thomas

I actually like the Blazers starting five here.  Plus, the young guns are sporting Batum, Priz, Martel, Outlaw, Blake, Batum, Frye and potentially Sergio or Petteri Koponen (who I really hope makes the team).  He's a 6'5" point guard from Finland who is showing in summer league play.  Keep in mind that Raef LaFrentz's salary comes off the books and we are in line to get the best available veteran free agent next year.  This team is super talented and could contend the way San Antonio has in the next decade.  Kevin Pritchard is "Pritch-Slapping" every GM in the league with stunning moves and a huge amount of picks stockpiled for trade bait.  Nate is the perfect coach to keep the YOUNGEST TEAM in the NBA moving forward towards the Larry O'Brien Trophy.  Geez, I have goosebumps.

Let me know if you think the similarities are there or I'm just rusting in the Pacific Northwest.