Fitting how the Blazers open the season, on the road against the Los Angeles KobeBryants. The rivalry has been restored and what better time to renew the rivalry than opening night, in Hollywood. The Blazers will have 13 nationally televised games, including a Christmas Day showdown with the Mavericks in the Rose City, who we owned last season. I hope my tickets include that game, as they did last season. The twelve game pack, should be packed (no pun intended) with great games again this season. Should be fun to see a healthy Oden, a flashy Fernandez, an MVP named Roy, an LA that you don't hate; averaging double-doubles, Trout and his crazy hops, Marty bury triples, the '80-09 ROY player named Bayless, Joel punishing opponents in the paint, and Sergio and Blakie dishin' and swishin'. Who knows, maybe there will be enough left over burn for IkeDiogu, Money Man Raef, and the French kid, Nicolas Batum.
The time to make Rip City relevant again has come! To the playoffs and beyond!
Imagine the possibilities. Laker fans can focus on the end of the video. Last season's struggles and successes have built a playoff contender for the next season.
I don't know why, but I love that Childress did this. It shows the NBA that it's not the only game in town. Losing players to the foreign market seems to becoming a trend this offseason, and Childress is the first significant player to choose this route. I hope this move makes the commish real nervous, because in future free agency periods it could become all the rage. No longer will players be heading overseas at the twilight of their careers, but in their prime. This could be terrible for the NBA, but after the Seattle Thunder moved to OKC, the NBA could use a little bad karma. Thunder? What a terrible teamname, seriously.
Role players, doing their thing. Steve Blake being the steady playmaker that he his, occassionally burying that necessary 3 ball. Channing Frye showing me that I was wrong for calling you "soft" last year. I'm sorry. What can I say about Ike Diogu?Raef LaFrentz proving to me that not all money is well spent. Good luck to James Jones and Jarrett Jack and of course McBob. Jack will be missed, especially by me. Voted by his teammates as the "Best Dressed, Best Friend" We'll miss you buddy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU7u4YxKnTI& amp;feature=related
and hopefully Mac 10 will win Coach of the Year!
and of course we have the best owner (Mr. Allen) and GM (Kevin Pritchard) in the league
The Mock Drafts are tough and you can guarantee with all the trades, you'll never guess them all. I think there are some real gems in this year's draft class, particularly Mayo,Beasley, Rose, Gordon, and Rush. The majority of these youngsters look like they need to time to grow. Anyway, my final mock draft. I think I'm getting closer to maybe figuring this thing out. Eventhough my team has a late pick, I'm still very much excited about the draft.
5. Memphis Grizzlies: Kevin Love, PF, UCLA I think the Grizz are going to do the rumored deal of Mike Miller and Kyle Lowry to the Heat for the #2. If that's the case Kevin Love might be dealt elsewhere.
6. New York Knicks: Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy A lot folks are thinking point guard here, but I think they'll try to trade for one.
7. Los Angeles Clippers: Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA His stock is rising, but I think he ends up playing in LA again.
8. Milwaukee Bucks: Joe Alexander, SF, W. Virginia Could go higher, possibly NY, but I think he stays on the board and ends up in Wisconsin.
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Brook Lopez, C, Stanford Another guy that has seen his draft status take the dive. He'll be adequate for the Cats in the middle.
10. New Jersey Nets: Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana Seems like the Nets could really use a big body here, but I don't think they pass on someone as talented as Gordon. I predict they take a big with there second first rounder.
11. Indiana Pacers: DJ Augustin, PG, Texas I would love to see him end up in Portland, as his workouts have been really impressive. Too many experts suggest that the Blazers will deal their pick though.
12. Sacramento Kings: Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas
13. Portland Blazers: Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas That's their pick if they stay in the draft, and if he's there at 13, I hope they do. He may end up as the steal of this draft, but his age (22) has some teams shying away, which is ridiculous.
14. Golden St. Warriors: Donte Greene, SF, Syracuse This kid seems like the ideal fit for Nellie Ball. He's a real chucker from the footage I've seen
15. Phoenix Suns: Marreese Speights, C, Florida Gets some solid tutoring from one of the best big men of all time, Mr. O'Neal.
16. Philadelphia Sixers: Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU I keep hearing this guy is having terrible workouts and doesn't appear NBA ready.
17. Toronto Raptors: Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
18. Washington Wizards: Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State
19. Cleveland Lebrons: Alexis Anjica, PF, France
20. Denver Nuggets: Jason Thompson, PF, Rider They need a point guard, but need a big man for the future.
21. New Jersey Nets: DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M The Nets take a risk on this kid with their 2nd first rounder
22. Orlando Magic: Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG, Memphis
23. Utah Jazz: Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown I haven't heard anything other than Roy Hibbert being projected to go to the great Salt Lake
24. Seattle/OKC Sonics: DJ White, PF, Indiana I think they take a power forward here, given Wilcox's recent legal troubles. People think White will be better than Hickson.
25. Houston Rockets: Courtney Lee, SG, Western KentuckyBatum could possibly go here as well
26. San Antonio Spurs: Nicolas Batum, SF, France
27. New Orleans Hornets: Bill Walker, SF, KSU If he proves knee troubles are behind him, he could be a steal, if not he ends up getting drafted late in the 2nd round. Could be a solid, athletic running mate for CP3
28. Memphis Grizz: JaVale McGee, C, Nevada Haven't heard much good news about this kid, but should have time to grow in Memphis
29. Detroit Basketball: Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas They could go a number of different ways here. This is assuming they trade Chauncy, which I think would be a mistake. They should move Rasheed.
30. Boston "Champs" Celtics: Serge Ibaka, PF, Congo Not many needs on this team, so they draft a potential KG replacement, who won't see the states for a few years.
With a record of 22-41, the Marinersseason appears to be over. The '95 M's couldn't even dig themselves out of this hole. The season held so much promise with the upgrade of the starting rotation (Bedard, Silva) that no seem to realize how little the offense had improved, which given the loss of Jose Guillen to free agency, it didn't. The goal was the playoffs. Then it became trying to have a winning record. Then playing .500 ball. Then cutting some players (Norton, Wilkerson), and trying to integrate some younger ones (Clement, Balentien) by calling them up from AAA. Then the manager goes on a verbaltirade, after another heartbreaking loss, in a close and winnable ball game. It seems like collective failure, from top to bottom, management and players both. Since the season is lost and morale continues to lessen, as the defeats continue pile up. Decisions about the '09 season, and future seasons need to be made. Here's a few of my ideas.
First:Waive players like Jose Vidro and Jaime Burke.Burke is a good backstop, but is another catcher blocking the path of Jeff Clement, besides Kenji Johjima. The Vidro at DHexperiment clearly hasn't panned out. He's a solid hitter, but not an HR & RBI producer that the DH position is usually accustomed to having. Maybe even waive Arthur Rhodes, but he's a decent late inning, lefty option, plus the guy is well liked for when he played for the winning Mariner clubs of the past. You know what, throw Willie "Boom Boom"Bloomquist in the mix as well. I hate that guy. Not to mention Miquel Cairo. Other than Burke and Rhodes, none of these other guys should have even made it past spring training, but we can thank our wonderful GM for that.
Second: Trade some of the veteran players that can get you some potentially solid and youthful talent in return. I don't think rebuilding is the answer, but re-tooling seems like a decent approach. Try to get rid of some bad contracts in the process. Some players might look attractive to competing ball clubs, like Raul Ibanez, Kenji Johjima, Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista. I hate to say it, but let Richie Sexson play out the rest of the year.
Third:Give some young guys a shot. Why not? The season is totally ruined anyway. Start playing Jeff Clement at catcher and DH. Call up Bryan LaHair to split time at first with Richie Sexson. Add Ryan Rowland-Smith and Brandon Morrow to the rotation, and see what they can do in that role. I think both could be more productive then expected, especially Morrow. Boston gave some young pitchers a shot, and they won a World Series by doing so. That's the kind of ball club every team should model theirs after. These youngsters are capable, but need the oppurtunity. Might be an oppurtune time to fire manager John McClaren and GM Bill "I got Fleeced again" Bavasi, who tend to prefer playing veterans.
Fourth: Start working on contract extensions with players that are detrimental to the the future success of the team. Sign Felix, Bedard, Yuni, and Adrian Beltre to contractextensions. Maybe try to deal for a superstar that can consistently drive in runs and put fear into opposing pitchers. Perhaps, a guy like Matt Holliday, who isn't necessarily a lock to return to Colorado, or a guy like Travis Hafner, who is struggling, but still a solid player. The M's need a power bat. Clement could be that guy, but it would be nice to have more than one. Try to reassure Ichiro that signing a long term contract was still the right thing to do. Integrate the youngsters with good veterans.
RP: JJ Putz Sean Green Eric O'Flaherty (only if he can throw strikes) Mark Lowe Roy Corcoran Ryan Feierabend R.A. Dickey
Lineup (in no particular order)
SS Yuniesky Betancourt
2B Jose Lopez
3B Adrian Beltre
1B Bryan LaHair / Decent lefty or switch hitting player like Mark Teahen of the Royals
C Jeff Clement
DHPower bat like a Hafner
LF All-Star player, could be anybody.
CF Ichiro
RF Wladimir Balentien / Jeremy Reed
UTIL Mike Morse
I seriously doubt the team will follow my lead, but I'd like it if they did something along these lines. This is a capable team with the some decent role players in place, but they need to develop their youngsters and have some punch in the lineup. If anything John McClaren should be axed since he can't win with the current talent and continuously makes bad decisions late in ball games. Bill Bavasi should be let go, before he makes any more disastrous trades. I read some where that reporter thought the M's should deal Erik Bedard, which would be a huge mistake and admitting failure. The gave up enough to get him, they might as well try to get the best out of him. Mac pulled him out at the bottom of the6th, when he was absolutely dealing. Fire Mac and Bavasi. Re-tool the offense and rotation.
The 2008 Seattle Mariners. A team in shambles. 2009 Seattle Mariners. "At least it couldn't get any worse! "
The anticipation of the draft, is there anything better? I can think of a number of things, but that's not the point. Last year my Blazers chose Greg Oden out Ohio State. Will see how that pans out this upcoming season. There's all sorts of exciting players to be had this year: Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, OJ Mayo, Kevin Love, etc. Sure there's probably some exciting playoff games to watch right now, or some exciting MLB action I could be enjoying. I haven't watched a single playoff game, cause my team isn't in it. That being said, Go Spurs and Pistons!If Kobe Bryant wins a ring by himself, I may go into hiding. Let's hope that doesn't happen. My favorite MLB team, who shall remain nameless, stinks to high heaven right now, so on to the my NBA mock Draft. I'll be the first to admit that I am no Jay Bilas and I couldn't possibly be more annoying than#### Vitale. I don't have a lazy eye, so I can't be Stuart Scott, so I guess I'll have to just be PF. Here's my 1st and hopefully only mock draft with some commentary, minus the comments about motor and basketball IQ.
1. Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis. Everyone is picking Beasley. I'm thinking they take the home town guy. The current backcourt of Hinrich and Gordon hasn't gotten them very far. Perhaps they deal Hinrich, but I'm guessing they'll deal Duhon and groom Rose to be Hinrich's replacement. This team still lacks rebounding, but a Drew Gooden can get you by, in the East. Thanks again for LaMarcus Aldridge!
2. Miami Heat: Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas St. He's the consensu number 1 and 9 times out of 10 he would be, but I don't see the Bulls passing on Rose. The Heat have been talking about trading down and taking OJ Mayo, but that seems like the rumor mill has officially began to "heat" up. Rimshot!Beasely could be a 20 and 10 guy. Why would the Heat pass that up? They were terrible last year. Beasley and the Matrix could dominate the glass and low block next season.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: OJ Mayo, SG, USC: The post-KG Era begins with drafting the type of player that can put the meat in the seats. No way does Kevin McHale draft Brook Lopez here, no way. Fans don't pay money to see beasts like Al Jefferson####in' away in the paint, they pay to see the guy that shoots lights out from anywhere, ie Jordan, Bryant.
4. Seattle Supersonics of Oklahoma City: Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona. The Supes need a point guard. Apparently no one is happy with the play of Luke Ridnour or Earl Watson, so here's Jerryd Bayless. I could see them trading down for DJ Augustin, or taking Brook Lopez here, but as I think about it I really don't care. I've hated the Sonics since they let myboy, future Hall of Famer, Gary Payton go. Now I really hate them for moving to Oklahoma. I mean isn't there a more enticing NBA city for this team to go to?
5. Memphis Grizz: Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU. Hardest pick to predict thus far, as they could go a number of different directions other than PG. Power forward seems like a real need here, but maybe they go with Lopez or Love here. I figure they'd want someone a little more athletic at the 4, and Randolph has that. He's drawing comparisons to Chris Bosh so far, and that's not a terrible player to be compared to by any means. You need to be worried when you're getting compared to Oliver Miller with a little less of a motor.
6. New York Knicks: DJ Augustin, PG, Texas. Like I said, the Supes might trade down and take this guy. Let's face it the Knicks need everything. I do think Jamal Crawford will look good in the D'Antoni system, but they need a solid, Steve Nash style distributor and Nate Robinson might not be the guy. Augustin could be a nice pick up here, or maybe this Gallinari character I keep reading about.
7. Los Angeles Clippers: Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA. I could see the Clips going a number of directions here. I think Brand will stay in LA, to maintain that flourishing movie career, but Maggette is as good as gone. They need a point, since Livingston may be done for good. Here they can fill a need, take a local guy, and create a log jam at any positions already held by good players like Brand and Thornton.
8. Milwaukee Bucks: Kevin Love, PF, UCLA. I don't see the Bucks drafting a project, raw player here. They draft somebody, who can help their cause right away. I don't see them dealing Michael Redd, but trying to add a piece to the puzzle. Yi Jianlin can slide into the 3,Love at the 4, and Bogut at the 5. This could be a sweet deal for the Bucks. Though that Gallinari guy could be an option, as could Eric Gordon, who would allegedly replace Michael Redd (yeah right)
9. Charlotte Bobcats: Brook Lopez, C, Stanford. With Okafor likely to bolt Charlotte, Lopez seems like the ideal pick here. Many mock drafts don't have him going this far, but hey I make bold predictions. This gives them a ####er inside to compliment Richardson, Wallace, and Felton.
10. New Jersey Nets: Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy. A rebuilding team makes a splash here. I do think they might make a play for DeAndre Jordan here too. This pick could signal the end of a Vince Carter or Richard Jefferson in NJ. Is the Big Pimpin' Jay Z bold enough to make such a pick. We shall see.
11. Indiana Pacers: Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana. The Pacers take the combo guard here, and try to groom him into the point guard of the future. I hear Jamal Tinsley's days are numbered. They could possibly take a big here too, as I hear Jermaine O'Neal's days might be numbered as well.
12. Sacramento Kings: Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas. The Kings need a point as well, but I see them taking another big team need here with a power forward, not named Kenny Thomas or Shareef Abdur-Rahim. The Maloof brothers appear to be in a rebuilding mode.
13. Portland Trail Blazers: DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M. I guess it doesn't matter who the team drafts here, as I expect they might deal the pick. The Blazers are blossoming into a contender and don't have any real needs, other than bolstering the point guard position. They package the highly coveted big man here with other parts (Frye, Jack) and deal them for a veteran point guard. The Blazers are going to be crazy good next year with the additions of Oden and Fernandez. Mark my words.
14. Golden State Warriors: Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas. The first surprise of the draft. If Baron Davis is gone, insert Monta Ellis at the point and draft this guy. He can shoot anddefend. He's a bit of a reach here, so maybe Golden State deals the pick for a point guard or takes Speights here. Maybe this is my one bone headed fan pick of the draft. The Warriors could be on the cusp of being great or ending up in the lottery more, in the future.
As we all know the fantasy football and baseball on this site are terrible, so join me and several other celebrity Foxsports bloggers in playing fantasy baseball on Yahoo.
Fox Blogger's MLB
Password: beavers
League id #: 57745
@ Yahoo.com
We are about 8 teams short of starting this thing. Refer to my list of favorite blogs. If your name is on that list, you should check out my league. It should be fun!
Again Red Sox and Yankees fans are welcome to play as well, eventhough I dislike those teams immensly
I get to see my first Blazer's game of the season, though it's preseason still, this next Wednesday. I'm pretty psyched to see Kevin Durant play for the Supes, but more excited to see my boys playing in the black and red. I expect to see a lot of minutes doled out to LaMarcus Aldridge, who's going to have a huge year, Taurean Green, who Coach McMillan absolutely loves as the back up point, and Martell Webster who has been lighting it up, from all over the floor. I don't see Brandon Roy getting many minutes due to his heel injury flaring up again. Even if he doesn't play, I have the reassurance of the ten game pack to cheer me up. I know I already did a post about the ten game pack, but all these games are gonna be sick! I get to see the Chauncy, Kobe, Dirk Diggler, Deron, DWade, Shaq, Durant twice, and Steve Nash live. It will be incredible. The only glaring drawback, which is totally out of my control: The Trail Blazers minus first overall pick GregOden.
Here's how I see the Blazers roster shaking out
Starting lineup:
PGSteve Blake (Coach McMillan has a real hard on for this guy and I'm not sure why. I think Jarrett Jack should be the starter. It's gonna be a real battle for back up minutes amongst Jack, Sergio Rodriguez, and former college star Taurean Green)
SG Brandon Roy (How do you follow up a solid season as Rookie of the Year? By having an equally good sophmore season. Fans around the league will take notice as Roy becomes one of the most clutch, late game performers in the NBA. He's the unquestioned leader and team captain of the Blazers. A potential all-star selection seems possible)
SF Martell Webster (It's time for this kid to show the world why he was taken 6th overall two years ago. He's been lighting it up in the preseason, and has shown the kind of confidence and maturity it takes to be a starter in the NBA. His solid play has overshadowed the play of Travis Outlaw, whom a lot of people believe will be the team's starting small forward, but I like the scoring mentality of Webster, in the starting lineup)
PF LaMarcus Aldridge (How great would the Bulls be if they had this guy? Experts the cover the NBA, expect what those of us Blazer fans have known forever: LA is going to blow up this year. He showed flashes of brilliance last season, even getting a few starts at center and power forward here and there. He played so well, in limited minutes, that he was named to the all-rookie first team. He can score from the inside, the outstide, block shots, and rebound with the best of them. I don't think he makes the all-star, but will be considered as an alternate if need be. Alridge and Roy will make this team dangerous.)
C Joel Pryzbilla (There's been speculation that Channing Frye will be the Blazers starting center, but he doesn't play with the kind of defensive toughness that Joel does, eventhough Joel is prone to foul a lot. I think the team would be better served playing Pryzbilla in the beginning of games, and in crunch time, to cut down on the fouls. Then Frye can step up with some scoring punch off the bench. Frye's game is a lot like that of Aldridge, except Aldridge plays better d. That being said, I see Pryzbilla being the man in the middle, in the Blazer's starting rotation.)
Bench:
PG Jarret Jack, Taurean Green, Sergio Rodriguez (It still anybody's guess how this point guard battle will shake out. I like all of these players, so it would be hard to leave any out. Jack could see some minutes at the 2, and McMillan is known to like playing two point guards at once, to go small. I haven't seen Green play yet, but by reputation I believe he will be a real spark plug, and possibly the team's point guard of the future. I like the fast paced entertaining style of Sergio, but he's more prone to turn over the ball more than the other point guards here. I'd say all three make the active roster, with Jack either starting at the point or backing up Brandon Roy. We still have a young point guard serving in the Finnish Army right now (Petteri Koepennen) to think about as a future point guard, but he will be playing overseas this season)
SG/SF James Jones, Jarrett Jack (James Jones could be the starting small forward, and had success while playing with Phoenix. It really depends how the battle between him, Webster, and Outlaw shakes out. Jones and Jack are two players I could see battling for back up minutes at the 2. McMillan has mentioned that Jones and Outlaw may see minutes at the 3, and even possibly the 4 this season. Rudy Fernandez, playing overseas, will make this thing really interesting next season.)
PF/C Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, Josh McRoberts, Raef LaFrentz, Joel Freeland (Freeland may again play overseas, which would make this easier to decide who the best subs will be. Frye will most likely get the bulk of the minutes at center and power forward, leaving minimal time for Outlaw at the 4, so I see Outlaw spending more time as the back up 3. LaFrentz can hit jumpshots from all over the place, but offers little else, so I wouldn't keep him on the active roster. Josh McRoberts is supposed to be good and the Oregon media seems to like him, but I don't see much playing time for him, so maybe he's the 12th man on this team. Otherwise I expect he'll be in the D-League, perhaps being joined by whomever loses the battle at point guard.)
I'm pretty happy with my fantasy basketball team, though I didn't get Jason Kidd or Brandon Roy, which was kind of disappointing. I think I got a pretty good team. Tell me what you think, I'm curious.
PG: Deron Williams, Utah Jazz. Randy Foye, Minnesota Timberwolves. Larry Hughes, Cleveland Cavaliers. (To me this is a good mix of points, assists, and steals without a ton of turnovers, plus Foye and Hughes also qualify for the shooting guard position)
SG: Ben Gordon, Chicago Bulls. Randy Foye, Minnesota Timberwolves. Larry Hughes, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Again I'm really luck these guys qualify as shooting guards. Ben Gordon can really light it up though. I'm ranked him fourth behind Kobe, DWade, and Kevin Martin, so he's a nice pick up.)
SF: Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey Nets. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors. Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans Hornets. (I got a good group in this position. I finally got Lebron on my team. Jefferson is solid. Peja was ranked really low coming off an injury. I'm trying to trade Bargnani, cause I don't think I really need him.)
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers. Zach Randolph, New York Knicks. Reggie Evans, Philadelphia 76ers. (I think LaMarcus is poised for a break out year. I'm trying to trade Randolph while his value is so high, as I don't think he'll do as well in New York. Reggie Evans can give me a lot of boards and will play a lot of minutes in Philadelphia. I may also trade Bargnani for more depth at this position.)
C: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami Heat. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers. (I love that I was able to get Dwight Howard, as I think he is in a position to be the league's best center, though Greg Oden may one day be better. Shaq still puts up good numbers when healthy, but I still might opt to trade him, if he has trade value. I don't think there is though. LaMarcus is nice because he plays the role of PF/C, which could be huge.)
I also drafted Sam Cassell, Jeff Green, and Al Thornton, but opted to drop them in order to get Larry Hughes, Peja Stojakovic, and Reggie Evans. I may regret those drops if Thornton and Green get starter's minutes, because I think that both of them will be really good.
Out for the year?! The single worst news a Blazer fan like myself could possibly hear. I'm hopeful that Greg will come back and be better than ever next season. All year I'm going to be subjected to the "They should've taken Kevin Durant" talk or the "Sam Bowie" comparisons. All I can say is that those folks who think that are wrong. It will be easier for Durant to out perform the big man, because, obviously he's healthy and looking forward to being the main man in Seattle.
The Blazers will be just fine, and I'm still looking forward to the ten game package, in which I get to see Kobe, Shaq, D-Wade, Lebron, Chauncy, Dirk Diggler, Kevin Durant, and of course Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Odenis out for a year, but not done forever. Of course, every columnist on Around theHorn is making the Bowie comparisons. Joel Pryzbilla and Channing Frye can fill in just fine, for now. I guess it will be a year before we get to see how great Greg Oden will actually be. Until that day, I can still watch how good Roy and Aldridge actually are.
My brother told me that we are going to buy a ten game special package for Blazer games this season. All ten games are going to be incredibly awesome, as they are all against teams that I really want to watch. I'll be able to see the develop of Greg Oden first hand, and see Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge take their games to the next level.
Here are the games that come with the 10 Game pack
Detroit (I get to see one of my favorite non-Blazers in person, point guard Chauncy Billups)
Orlando (Dwight Howard vs LaMarcus Aldridge will be sweet. Rashard Lewis in a Magicuniform, though I think he's highly overrated)
Miami (Shaq and DWade in the house! I really hope we beat them, cause Miami has had a terrible offseason. Maybe Penny Hardaway will still be playing at that point of the season.)
Seattle on X-Mas (I may not go to this game, as I'm usually in Seattle for Christmas, but going to this game might be the better option. Oden vs Durant take one!)
Utah (We suprisingly beat Utah twice last season, and I want to see Deron Williams aka the next Jason Kidd live, and Carlos Boozer.)
Cleveland (One word: Lebron. The one player I would most like to see in the NBA. I never got to see Jordan, so this might be the next best thing)
Chicago (I'm sure we'll get destroyed by the Bulls, but I still want to see Big Ben vs GregOden and Brandon Roy vs Ben Gordon.)
Phoenix (I picked the Suns to win it all last year, and they let me down. Now I want to see the Blazers beat them and Steve Nash.)
LA Kobe Bryants(I hate the Lakers with a passion, but I'm not going to lie, I want to see Kobe Bryant in person. I never saw Jordan play live, so Kobe will have to do. Plus we beat the Lakers plent of times last season.)
Dallas (My brother went to the same high school as Jason Terry, graduating a year before Terry and a year after Corey Dillion. He wants to see Terry, I want to see Dirk Diggler.)
I've had a lousy summer. I broke my leg playing indoor soccer, and haven't been able to be as active as I've wanted to, since I quit smoking three months ago. I got accepted to go to OSU, which is awesome and just got the news about the Blazer tickets. Things are looking up. Now if I could only get some trim.
I usually steer clear of making predictions regarding the NBA, because my team is in a re-building phase. The Blazers do look good though, especially Roy, Aldridge, and SergioRodriguez. I wish the Blazers would trade Darius Miles in the offseason to the Knicks for ajersey, and trade Zach Randolphto the Hawks for Joe Johnson, who could be plugged into the rotation as the starting SF. Probably won't happen on either account. Let's move on to the hardware, and post season predictions.
League MVP: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks (This team would be absolutely clueless and scoreless without this guy leading the way.) Runner up: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns. Laughable choice: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Rookie of the Year: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers (No contest. I'm sure there are a handful of teams that regret passing on this guy) Runner up:Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors.
Most Improved Player: Deron Williams, Utah Jazz (This guy is way better a point than Chris Paul) Runner up: Al Jefferson, Boston Celtics & Kevin Martin, Sacramento Kings
Comeback Player: Zach Randolph, Portland Trail Blazers (Playing for the Blazers gets no respect these days. Averaging 20 and 10 doesn't automatically getting on the All-Star squad. It should) Runner up: Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz
Coach of the Year: Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz (It's about freakin' time this guy won the award) Runner up:Sam Mitchell, Toronto Raptors
Eastern Conference Finals: Detroit Pistons vs Chicago Bulls. Winner: Detroit Pistons (Pistons back court better than the Bulls back court in the clutch)
Western Conference Finals: San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns. Winner: Phoenix Suns (Amare Stoudemire is the missing link, to a championship caliber team)
PF is from the Northwest. I'm a huge fan of the Seahawks, Mariners, and Trail Blazers! If you don't root for your teams, even when they're losing or re-building, you are not a true fan.
Go Beavs! Back to Back NCAA Baseball Champions! Obama in '08!
