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.

The talent level of the Portland Trailblazers is exciting to Portland.  But Rip City is equally excited about the culture being built by Kevin Pritchard that represents our city.  We not only have talent- but good, humble, respectful young men who take pride in their responsibilities to the community.  Our role models are blossoming while doing it with their personalities.  Here are a few reasons why Portland loves it's team.

1.  Brandon Roy: 4 years in college.  Rookie of the Year.  Humble.  All-Star in year two.  Stood up to the last remaining thugs of Jailblazer land.  Undisputed Team Captain.  Clean cut.

2.  Steve Blake: 4 years in college.  Won National Championship.  Proclaims both he and wife LOVE Portland and never wanted to leave for short stints in Buck-Land and Denver.  Role Player.  Clean cut.

3.  Joel Pryzbilla: turned down larger money to stay in Portland.  Likes team chemistry.  Hard worker.  Also states he/wife love Portland.  Rebounds.  Clean cut.

4.  Martel Webster: homeboy from Seattle.  Improves every year.  Humble.  Waves at kids across the street at Club Sport from practice facility.  Competitive.  Explosive.  Clean cut.

5.  Travis Outlaw: Improves every year.  Freakish athleticism.  Defender.  Quiet and humble but killer instinct.  Takes criticism well.  Has a do what's right for team attitude (moving from PF to SF).  Likes to fish.  Clean cut.

6.  LaMarcus Aldridge: Humble and hard worker.  Comedian- expresses personality.  Dedicated.  Consummate teammate.  Competitive.  Improves every year.  HUGE in body and presence as a cornerstone of team for years to come.  Representing USA select team.  Clean cut.

7.  Greg Oden: Open to public.  Comedian.  Went back to school.  Worked hard despite set back.  Proclaims love of Portland.  Cares what fans think.  Makes statements and stands by them.  Talked politics gracefully.  #1 Draft Pick.  Will be cornerstone for years to come.  Part II of twin towers Jr.  Clean cut.

8.  Rudy Fernandez: Spaniard with shooting touch.  Takes less money to join Blazers.  Eager to prove he belongs.  Representing country in Olympics.  Wants to compete.  Clean cut.

9.  Jerryd Bayless: Plays with chip on his shoulder.  Has young Kobe/CP3 killer competitive attitude.  Is willing to fill role of point guard/combo (in that order).  Already defers to proven players on team.  Interviews well.  Excited about being in Portland.  MVP of summer league.  Fearless.  Game face.  Hates losing.  Member of USA Select Team.  Clean cut.

10.  Channing Frye: understands & supports culture and team chemistry.  Never bad mouthed Knicks even though he could have.  Plays role well.  competitive.  Happy to be in Portland.  Clean cut.

11.  Nicholas Batum: lanky young potential.  Humble.  Fundamentally sound and coachable.  Great long term project.  Clean cut.

12.  Ike Diogu: role player ready to prove himself.  Good locker room guy.  Wants to make most of opportunity.  Clean cut.

13.  Sergio Rodriguez: Perseveres through tough transition.  Plays behind starters.  Listens and learns.  Talked positively about Blazers to Rudy Fernandez- said, "You'll be treated fairly and given a chance to play..."  Clean cut.

14.  Coach Nate: Long time fixture in Pacific Northwest.  Understands people and basketball.  Considered a teacher, mentor, coach who cares about the outcome.  Focused on rebuilding quickly.  Turned down extension saying, "We haven't done anything yet."  Good with media.  Personable.  Family man.  Clean cut.

15.  Kevin Pritchard: creator of the Pritch-Slap.  Wheeler and Dealer.  Culture and talent a must.  Doesn't sacrifice by taking good players with character issues.  Great B-Ball mind.  Not afraid to make tough decisions.  Clean cut.

16.  Paul Allen: richest owner in the NBA. 

Clean cut team with good chemistry and a passion for their jobs and communities.  Always improving without sacrificing integrity.  Good decision makers.  David Stern must just love this team and what our management is doing.  The people of Portland do.  The rest of the NBA knows that the Blazers are building "Special".  We will continue to be patient and love our team as long as they continue down the path of ownership and responsibility.  Love the game- let it show.  Enjoy the ride and each other.  Respect your community.  Stay humble.  Maintain that killer instinct of Roy and Bayless on the court- while smiling off of it.  Hate losing.  Don't ever accept a locker room killer.  Do this...  and remember you will reap the riches of a long, happy, profitable career- no matter how big the market.  We want you to be successful the right way.  We live this way in Portland and will not settle for anything less.

Go Rip City- do your thing...