Mark Sandritter of SBNation writes that Damian Lillard's debut on Wednesday night is one for the books: "Lillard scored 23 points to go along with 11 assists against the Lakers, becoming just the third player in NBA history with at least 20 points and 10 assists in their NBA debut, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Lillard was also the first player with at least 21 points and nine assists in his debut since LeBron James accomplished that feat in 2003."
Hollinger has Batum as a candidate for this years all-breakout team. Sure hope he is right, and Batum finally gives us more than glimpses of that much ballyhooed potential.
Kim Hughes, the Blazers' big man coach, thinks Leonard will be an All-Star. I just hope it's during his time with the Blazers, and not later in his career after we've traded him away. I watched him very closely in the game at home against Utah, and the main thing that jumped out to me is that he is very immature. The potential is most definitely there, but he just needs to move past some of his childish quirks.
The folks over at BallinEurope are trying to decide which NBA team to root for. They want you to vote between, Minnesota, Denver, Portland and Toronto. I think Portland has some good story lines for the Europeans. Freeland, Claver, Batum and Pavlovic. Help build the brand! Vote at: Thanks.
The article is an insider piece, but it's mostly about the Houston-OKC trade and its impacts on their win totals. A table at the bottom lists all the predicted W-L records. What do you think about a bottom 5 finish? Are the increased odds of landing the #1 draft pick worth the price? Bottom 5 Bobcats: 16 wins Magic: 17 wins Suns: 24 wins Blazers: 27 wins Pistons: 27 wins Next 4: Hornets: 30 wins Kings: 31 wins Raptors: 33 wins Cavs: 34 wins
Charter Cable, Verizon FIOS and AT&T U-Verse Portland must need the ghost of Monty Hall, the DirecTV crickets are warming up again.
