Celtics Title Town

• The Blazers finished 48-34 in 2011,and 6th in the West.

For the past three seasons the promise,and growth of the Blazers have been derailed by injuries. Highly prized number draft pick Greg Oden has been a bust. Not because of his talent,but it's been about his lack of playing time do to injury. Roy has been the latest victim of major injury problems. Both his knees are in some trouble,and it's hard to see him bounce back fully.

 

It's hard to believe  Oden being able to play more than 50  games per season; but when he does lace up his shoes he is a quality defensive center that impacts the game despite his limited play due to foul trouble. His career numbers per 36 minutes: 15.3 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. You got to feel a little sorrow for a player plagued by so many injuries. It's a harsh reality for any big man in the NBA.

 

What do I see from Roy next season.Just enough flashes of greatness to carry him through the season.Some players are able to adapt their games in response to injuries. Look at Grant Hill,but I don't think Roy is their yet. Roy is young enough to work on his game even if he's slower now. Roy has always been a smart player,and a good shooter. If he can work on his low post game,and post up smaller players he can really use that to his advantage.  Roy could be more important than Oden moving forward.

 

Batum is a terrific player but unless he gets more scoring opportunities he will not become an All-Star. He's seemed to take advantage of the Roy injury,and he's taking a bigger role for the Blazers. Aldridge has become one of the best power forwards in the NBA,and he's also taking advantage of the Roy injury. If all three can play together. This will be a strong team next season. It all depends on Roy. Aldridge might have to be the focus of this team going forward. Is he able to carry this team? Will find out next season.

 

 

The Blazers have also traded for Raymond Felton. They gave up the Andre Miller project in Portland,but they become younger at point guard. Felton had an up,and down season in 2011. He started off the season on fire with the Knicks,and after he was traded to Denver in the big deal that sent Anthony to New York. Felton wasn't the same after the deal. He's in a better place now. In terms of playing time. Felton will be given another chance with a top power forward.

 

The Blazers will be in search for an injury free season,and they will look to jump up the west ranks. It won't be easy. So much will need to go right for a team that has seen it's fair share of bad luck.