Prior to the season there was a lot of optimism in Rip City. It made a lot of sense because the team, at least on paper, had clearly improved.
Backup point guard, the most glaring problem spot, had seen a major upgrade with near-All Star Andre Miller coming in at the addition-by-subtraction cost of turnover-machine Sergio Rodriguez.
The second most glaring problem was resolved with the return of Martell Webster. While Nicolas Batum was clearly the best Blazer defender, Webster presented them with an offensively dangerous option.
Furthermore, team strengths were also improving. Greg Oden looked to have regained his speed and agility and was looking so improved that a guy who should have gotten some consideration for team MVP last year, Joel Przybilla, became a reserve.
Yet 20 games into the season Portland has already lost four home games, including a blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, has trailed for 11 consecutive quarters, and worse yet, looks like they are a team that does not care.
What happened?
In some ways, it is a team effort. The players who have improved this year from last can be limited to two: Greg Oden and Martell Webster.
Oden is doing mor ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Drew Barton
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