I'm back, who knows for how long. A quick player-by-player rundown:
Brandon Roy - Even if he suffers a sophomore jinx, he'll be at worst our third best (but most valuable) player. And what's not to like about a kid who hangs out all weekend in Vegas during the All-Star break with his mother and pregnant girlfriend? I give him about a 1 in 4 chance at making the real ASG this year.
LaMarcus Aldridge - By the end of the year, our best player at both ends of the floor. Zach who? 1 in 3 chance at All-Stardom.
Greg Oden - I just hope this kid lives up to a third of the hype. Nobody could be that likeable AND that skilled, yet I'm convinced he's both. Talk about the perfect player at the perfect time for the Blazers.
Joel Przybilla - Our best defensive player, and the perfect mentor to LaMarcus, Greg, Channing, and even McRoberts. Professionalism personified. Character matters.
Channing Frye - I'm becoming a big fan of Frye. He's intelligent, witty, respectable, and well-spoken. Oh, did I mention that he's a pretty darned good basketball player?
Josh McRoberts - Any player you can nickname "McBob" is all right in my book. I think he'll play a role on this team in the near future. A small role, but a role nonetheless. As long as he makes Oden more comfortable, anything we get from him on the court over and above what we got from Ha will be gravy.
Jarrett Jack - I still think he could wind up his career being mentioned in the same breath as Terry Porter. People forget that we still haven't seen him 100% healthy yet. He's tough, he's smart, and he works hard. As much as I liked some of the trade rumors surrounding Jarrett, I'm glad he's still a Blazer.
Steve Blake - My second favorite Blazer, and not just because I was able to buy his jersey last year for ten bucks, lol. Steve is the kind of player who will be a leader by following Brandon's lead, if that makes any sense. From what I hear, Nate was livid when Blake was traded by Patterson. That's good enough for me.
Travis Outlaw - Likeable kid, freakishly athletic, and hopefully not the Black Hole that Zach tried to teach him to be, lol. Fortunately for Travis, he can play three positions. Unfortunately for Travis, so can a lot of guys on this team. His best performances last year came at the 4 but he'll be playing very little there this year, if at all. My fingers are crossed, but my expectations aren't very high.
Martell Webster - I still think this kid could wind up an All-Star eventually. If he can learn to dribble the ball on the floor instead of on his (or the defender's) feet, he'll be golden. Again, crossed fingers, but moderate expectations for this season.
Sergio Rodriguez - I hope Nate lets this kid run wild soon. I'd hate to see his spirit and creativity broken. Can you imagine Sergio at the point with Brandon, Martell, LaMarcus, and Greg all ahead of him on the fast break? (Insert Homer Simpson Drooling Noise Here)
Raef LaFrentz - He's a shooter with a leg injury. If and when his leg is 100%, he should contribute. I have serious doubts whether he'll ever contribute to the level that he's paid, but he'll give us everything he has and that's all we have a right to expect.
Taurean Greene - Meh. I suppose he's worth the risk of his small guaranteed contract. I'm tired of undersized lightning bugs at the point, I want some substance to go with all that style.
James Jones - Another guy I'm learning to like. From what I hear, he's a taller, younger, stronger, faster, and cheaper Ime Udoka. And coming from me, that's high praise indeed.
Darius Miles - Working out twice a day? Nice to hear, but I'll believe it when I see it. Have you seen his car? 'Nuff said.
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