Before we hit the Panic Button....

[Blazer_Dreamer]

Like many Blazer fans, I have been frustrated with the start of the season. Before I over-reacted too much to the recent struggles of the Blazers, I decided to look at the starts of several teams that made it to the finals. I looked at the season starts of the teams to play in the Last 25 Finals. I was surprised to see that nearly half (23 of 50 teams) struggled out of the gate but recovered to go on and play in the Finals. Some of the teams struggled longer than others but, many stumbled while finding their way.


I truly believe that these players have it in them to find success, and hope that it come quickly.

I just thought some of you might find these records interesting!

Won Finals
1984-85 Los Angeles Lakers…..3w – 5L
1989-90 Detroit Pistons…..3W -3L
1990-91 Chicago Bulls…..2W – 2L
1997-98 Chicago Bulls…..4W -4L
1998-99 San Antonio Spurs…..6W -8L
2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers…..3W - 3L
2002-03 San Antonio Spurs…..5W – 4L
2003-04 Detroit Pistons….. 5W – 4L
2005-06 Miami Heat…..2W – 3L

Lost In Finals
1985-86 Houston Rockets …..2W – 2L
1987-88 Detroit Pistons….. 3W – 3L
1990-91 Los Angeles Lakers …..2W – 5L
1991-92 Portland Trail Blazers …..1W – 3L
1994-95 Orlando Magic…..2W – 2L
1995-96 Seattle Supersonics …..6W – 5L
1996-97 Utah Jazz 2…..W – 2L
1997-98 Utah Jazz …..2W - 4L
1998-99 New York Knicks …..0W – 2L
1999-00 Indiana Pacers …..7W – 7L
2005-06 Dallas Mavericks …..2W – 2L
2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers …..2W – 2L
2007-08 Los Angeles Lakers …..3W - 3L
2008-09 Orlando Magic …..2W – 2L

[jeffhardyfan52]

those do seem to point to us beiing fine but i also think may of us are hiting the " we are sick and tired of nates crap button

[Moonbeam]

It is indeed way too early to write off the season as some have seemed to do! While it has undoubtedly been a disappointing start, there's still so much to go that it is definitely premature to draw any conclusions about the entire season. I'd say the same thing if we were 5-0.

My personal opinion is that some changes should be made at least in the rotation schedule and offensive style, and perhaps changes should be made in team personnel as well. We'll know a lot more about this team after the upcoming road trip.

[Blazer_Dreamer]

It is indeed way too early to write off the season as some have seemed to do! While it has undoubtedly been a disappointing start, there's still so much to go that it is definitely premature to draw any conclusions about the entire season. I'd say the same thing if we were 5-0.

My personal opinion is that some changes should be made at least in the rotation schedule and offensive style, and perhaps changes should be made in team personnel as well. We'll know a lot more about this team after the upcoming road trip.

I agree....It all depends on their ability to come together and deal with their issues. The next several games will show if they are mature enough to work through this together as a team.

[mojomarc]

I think Jeff's nailed it--I don't think many are writing off the season, but a lot of us have seen that Nate's style is a road to first round playoff losses and that we expected a lot more sophistication out of a team that is playing, for the most part, players that have years under their belt with this coach. I wouldn't be complaining if the offense had significant new wrinkles or we weren't alternating between ridiculous switches on the pick-n-roll and a sagging zone on defense, but we are. We're still doing the same schemes that sucked for us since Nate got here, and that's the real problem.

[The Sebastian Express]

The Blazers: Where using the zone on a team with hall of fame level three point shooters happens.

The Blazers: Where continuing to use the zone despite a team making four three pointers in a row happens.

The Blazers: Where people are slamming car doors on the street outside of TSE's house at 3:30 am for no reason happens.

[soobias]

I think Jeff's nailed it--I don't think many are writing off the season, but a lot of us have seen that Nate's style is a road to first round playoff losses and that we expected a lot more sophistication out of a team that is playing, for the most part, players that have years under their belt with this coach. I wouldn't be complaining if the offense had significant new wrinkles or we weren't alternating between ridiculous switches on the pick-n-roll and a sagging zone on defense, but we are. We're still doing the same schemes that sucked for us since Nate got here, and that's the real problem.

+1
i know i've been tired every single player look at the bench before we run a play. the players pay more attention to the bench than the court!!!! it's ridiculous!!!!

remember 2 years ago and we started off crappy and we were playing tight. then dean told nate to let off of them a lil bit, then we went on that 13 game win streak. that kind of changed our season a lil bit. then we saw what kind of potential we had and the player started to get more comfortable in their roles.

[bob2]

Rob (Oregon)
What is wrong with the blazers?

John Hollinger (12:08 PM)
What if I said "nothing?" They played five good teams, lost by 6, 4, and 3, and are now 2-3 -- just like they were after five games last year. I think there's an uneasiness in PDX because the expectations are so much higher this season, but I can't shake the nagging feeling that if Oden makes those foul shots against Denver nobody would be saying a peep.

[BBen]

Rob (Oregon)
What is wrong with the blazers?

John Hollinger (12:08 PM)
What if I said "nothing?" They played five good teams, lost by 6, 4, and 3, and are now 2-3 -- just like they were after five games last year. I think there's an uneasiness in PDX because the expectations are so much higher this season, but I can't shake the nagging feeling that if Oden makes those foul shots against Denver nobody would be saying a peep.

Wow... well I guess not even Hollinger can watch all the games. This kinda lessens my (already somewhat low) opinion of the guy.

[DaVoiceMaster]

What was our record after 5 games last season? Wasn't it about the same? Nothing to freak out about at this point. Definitely some cause to worry, but not freak out.

[britblazerdude]

Obviously it would be stupid to hit the panic button but it is time to worry about Nate's adequacy as a competitive team's head coach.