Matt (Beaverton, Oregon): I'm glad to see the Blazers ranked in the top 10, but I disagree with your recent statement that they are a serious playoff contender. I love my Blazers, but they are a year away -- and not just because of Greg Oden. I think Oden will be a hindrance in his first year back while recovering from his knee. This team trusts each other and these guys are confident, but we are missing key elements that serious playoff teams have: A CONSISTENT 3-point sharpshooter, a certified superstar (Brandon Roy is close, but not there yet) and a bench capable of keeping up the intensity (one solid veteran player away, NOT Darius Miles). Basically I'm proud, but I'm realistic. This team will give fits to serious playoff contenders due to their hustle and 'don't quit' attitude. I'm happy to see you guys giving us our props, though.
SportsNation Marc Stein: Realistic fans always welcome here. The Blazers are obviously the team everyone's expecting to drop out of the top eight to make way for Utah, but I'm not assuming anything after they just went 16-1.
SportsNation Marc Stein: Sixteen and one.
What is this Blazers fan talking about?? Now im not saying that we are going to the playoffs, but what team is he watching? We're missing a CONSISTENT 3pt shooter? The last time I checked, the league leading 3pt shooter was on the blazers. Along with the 8th best 3pt shooter in the league in Steve Blake.. Thats not even including Webster, who can stroke it, and Roy, Jack, and Outlaw, who can also all hit from that range.
A certified superstar? I didnt know that Baron Davis, was the GSW superstar that Portland doesnt have, and Utah's Deron Williams is the Superstar thats far ahead of Brandon Roy.
And a BENCH that brings intensity?? are you EFFing kidding me?? Our Bench ranks 3RD IN THE NBA as per hoopsstats.com ( http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketball/fa ... le/08/24/7 - for those who want to check out the stats)
Of course Stein takes the dumbest possible question from a Blazers fan