After reading the posts about the cap space and the CBA, and instead of clearing it up I may be even more lost. If you can decipher those codes, then more power to you. The team accountant, KP and PA should be able to sort through that mess. So let's throw all of that out the window and try and pick a spot where you see your guys in terms of job security at the close of the season. Afterall, even though this season is going to be a fun ride and a chance to watch our dynasty begin it's journey into maturity right before our very eyes, we really aren't going to do much right now. Ranking the players by tiers would seem like the most sensible way to go about it, and since we have likely 3 people coming in next year in Kopponen, Rudy and probably a nice draft pick, let's use a 3 to a tier system.

First tier - Oden, LMA, Roy

他们是我们的球员。我认为如果你question this at this point your credibility is in serious jeopardy. Onward.

Second tier - Pryz, Web, Jack

These guys have a solid stance with the team in my eyes. Pryz is going to be extremely useful as long as we have Oden. He knows how to play against first strings if Oden is in serious foul trouble or fouls out. He will also be great against 2nds. Plus, nice insurance. Web has the potential and fills a lot of needs if he continues on this track he is on, and at 20 he is a great fit for our timeline as well. I really think he is on the up and up for a long time. Jack is taking on a leadership role, and when he turns on the jets (or puts on his thinking cap) he does what we need him to do to win.

Third tier - Outlaw, Buffet, Jones

I don't know if we are going to keep all of these forwards for the long haul, but they seem like they are all here to stay for a bit anyway. I think Outlaw can be great off the bench and can keep Web on his toes for that starting spot. He is the class of these 3 in my eyes. Jones and Frye, I hear reports that make it seem like they are something good. Still yet to be seen how well they fit here, maybe we should wait to pass judgement.

Fourth tier - Green, Sergio, McLovin

这些是脚在火人。他们都有the potential they need to move up on this ladder out of harm's way. Unless something drastic happens this year I don't think they'll lose their jobs. Next year though they will likely be in a desperate situation if they don't show some nice yearly improvements. Sergio can work the offense, Green has the D. They both have to overcome shortcomings, they both are really young and have time to do just that. Green is McMillain's guy, but I would have to contend that Sergio would be Paul Allen's guy. PA spent a lot of money to get him, and while he unboudtedly wants to win, Sergio can sell more tickets if it's a close call between who will help the team more. That has to weigh in on the decision. I'm sure there would be a long discussion before either of those two are let go. McLovin, well, how can you not like a guy with that name? Still too much of a question mark to really tier appropriately, but this is where I see him now.

Fifth tier - Reaf, Blake, Miles

This is the group who is likely the most likely to go, or at least the group I would like to see leave the most. Reaf, is there any question there? Blake, I would have been really happy with his image as a Blazers had it just been left where it was. I think if we keep him we loose too much potential. He has shown us what he can do, and I don't think he has what it takes to get us rings. He belongs in the NBA for sure, and I am sure I will get some dissention on this one. On a side note, it is great that he was one of the brightest spots in a time of darkness a couple of years ago, and now he is being outshined by everyone else while he has really lost nothing. Then there is Miles. Maybe we have to package him to get him out, buy out his contract, whatever. Not the point (for this post anyway). If he doesn't come come back better than ever or he did 'throw back' a drink for old times sake the other night then I want to see him outta here.

So let me know where you think I went wrong, or tier them yourself. Only 5 more days!!!!!