I think they're legit, honestly. I think it it'd be difficult to think otherwise if you really watched them play this season. And speaking of the Nuggets, they've been on a tear after a rough start to the season. I think the West will be thicker than we thought, and that's saying a lot.
I've watched the second half of the last two games and some other of tehir games this year. Things to like about their prognosis: Well coached. Players who can create their own offense. Fantastic chemistry. The players games and styles fit and complement each other so well. Things to dislike about their prognosis: Somewhat soft schedule until recently - and to their credit, both wins. LMA takes some of the most difficult post up shots you'll ever see, but makes them at a decent enough clip. Minutes. LMA is on his 6th year in a row at over 37 mpg... this is Portland we're talking about. Injury history. Also fading down the stretch history. Lillard plays 37 mpg, Batum 36 mpg, Matthwes 34 mpg. Add Lopez and Williams, and that's basically you're 6 guys. No one else gets over 14 mpg. You'd like at least a solid 7th man. And you might be ok come playoffs... if you can get there, healthy, without fading. Defense... it's not horrible, it's not great... just average, pace considered. Lopez - he's ok, and fits well, but he's regressed a bit since last year, and isn't near the defender that say an Asik is (who would catapult them into series WCF and Finals contenders if they stayed healthy). Lillard... love love love the bravado. Love his game... BUT, can't overlook the holes. He's shooting under 40%. He's effective because he's shooting just over 40% from threes, BUT can that continue. 37 minutes per game and primary ballhandler on a team VERY comfortable playing with each other, with good scorers, and he averages under 6 apg.... he's about equal to Harden in that regard but then Harden isn't the PG, and has a meaningfully higher TS%. To the last two games in particular, Lillard hit some big clutch threes, which is what you love about him, but still don't know if it will last. They've pulled out 2 solid wins. At home, close games, big shots at the end. Beginning in mid/late January they're schedule gets relatively tougher. They have an 8 game in 11 day stretch starting then, all against the Western conference, 5 of 8 on the road, two sets of back to backs all on road, playing Spurs, Mavs, Rockets, Thunder, Nuggets, Twolves, Warriors and Grizzlies. February eases up, March is tough - 17 games that month in 30 days, 10 on the road, 3 back to backs again all road games, 9 of 17 against the West but Eastern games include Miami and the Hawks twice.
I don't believe the Blazers are a legit Finals contender. They will falter later in the season, probably not as bad as last year.
I think first round 7 games or second round will be a success for them young guys to build on for the future.
they're a playoff team. not much more. sa, ind and okc were all back to back away games. just very fortunate scheduling so far for them.
They are very good. I suspect they are playing at their peak right now. When LaMarcus is hitting those midrange shots combined with doing great work in the paint he makes them very, very good. Lopez solidifies their D. They looked great last night. However you could sense the inexperience and big game jitters down the stretch. They pulled it out but they did get shakey against OKC. If Batum hadn't hit that 3 I think OKC would have pulled it out. You can pretty much write off any Aldridge trades for at least this year. They will come back to earth but they're a playoff team and might be a top 4 seed playoff team. Chemistry is great. The other guys (Matthews, Lillard) are lighting up the 3-point line. And they're playing together. Can they beat OKC in 7? No. SA? I doubt it. Clippers? Maybe Us? Maybe They need to add a solid vet big off the bench. But doesn't everybody??? And.....I think they are too reliant on LaMarcus from midrange. As good as he is, as sweet as that shot is, it simply doesn't go down enough. When it goes down like last night...they're gonna be very, very tough to beat. But there will be too many games, especially in a playoff series, where that shot won't go down often enough...and it will cost them. But...very entertaining game last night. Great, great ball movement. And they didn't back down one inch from OKC.
Someone is bound to have a season-ending injury over there. That's my rational, scientific reason behind why they will not.
Yes you should take them seriously. They're a very solid and talented team. They however will not contend for a title. Not enough experience, injury issues, not very deep (with good players at least). They're fun to watch, but wont be seeing them play in June. 2nd round exit.
Fair. Either way, the West is unbelievably stacked this year. Just consider this - the Warriors are 8th right now! Also can't count out Minnesota after their schedule softens up and if the Grizz can get healthy. Lakers, Pelicans, and Suns are all also over-achieving.
Have you been in a Coma? All the players excluding Harden and Howard have been brought up as a possible trade for him on this board.
