| 27 October 2009
There’s nothing like leaving some regular season predictions – at least for the Portland Trail Blazers - to the morning the NBA regular season officially tips off. But it went over well last year, so here goes the “Second Annual”.
Out of the eight categories mentioned, I’d like to think I called three accurately last season: Rudy Fernandez excelled as Portland’s 6th Man, Coach of the Year went to Monty Williams – just ask Glen Taylor and the Minnesota Timberwolves who courted Monty heavily this summer, and once again in a landslide Brandon Roy proved most valuable.
So with that in mind, here’s who will take home the hardware this season along with where Portland should finish:
Sixth Man of the Year – Andre Miller: I know, I know. People think Andre should be starting for Portland. That goes with opinions inside the market and even across the league. But even with Nate McMillan going with Steve Blake at the point, that’s not to say Miller won’t start at some point this season. He’ll surely be on the floor come game time in the fourth quarter. This much is true. For the most part though, it appears Miller should simply swallow a cup of Vente pride and prepare to be Portland’s lift off the bench.
Most Improved Player – Martell Webster: This was a tough call to make. Greg Oden quickly came to mind. But how can you not respect and reward Martell Webster for coming back strong this season – if he can remain healthy that is. We’ve seen such glimpses during the preseason: he was aggressive, which is huge considering Webster was prone to settling for jumpers before his injury and re-injury to that foot. But the guy has worked. He worked last season with that walking boot on shooting from a folding chair, and his summer hardcore summer regiment should overflow into the regular season. Now with Nicolas Batum on the shelf, Portland will depend on Martell even more than they planned. Fine by him.
Coach of the Year – Bill Bayno: In April 2008 when Coach Bayno left the Blazers to run the men’s basketball program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, a certain physical toughness went with him. Often seen pounding players in the paint and drenched from head to toe in pregame warm-ups, the return of Bayno last February was truly a blessing. Just ask Greg Oden. Oden and Bayno rolled like Starsky and Hutch this offseason, with Oden enduring countless workouts in Columbus, Ohio with Bayno pushing him all the way. So when you see Oden quickly flash that drop step on the baseline for a dunk, stay on the floor longer without huffing and puffing, and even sport that child-like smile on the court now and again, know that Coach Bayno had something to do with it. The make believe COY award is well deserved.
MVP – LaMarcus Aldridge: Come on Brandon. You can’t win the award every season out. With Aldridge’s contract extension finally inked, he can now get fully back to business without wondering when his day would come. It’s here. Expect to see Aldridge mature into that all-star caliber player Roy already is. Portland may belong to Brandon, but the Blazers aren’t the Blazers without Aldridge at his best.
Rookie of the Year – Patty Mills: The kid missed summer league, training camp, the preseason and will be laid-up for much of the regular season. Yet here Mills is in Portland after beating Ime Udoka and Jarron Collins for the 15th spot on the roster. That’s some serious game. How is he not the Blazers’ rookie of the year?
Defensive Player of the Year – Greg Oden: I said it last year, and I’ll say it again. While Joel Przybilla is going to give Greg a run for his money, I’m still betting on a healthy and agile Oden to have the most direct impact on the defensive end of things in Portland. Block party anyone?
Total Wins – 54: I fell short last year after saying the Blazers would win 47 games. At that point, 50 seemed the ideal number to get them into the postseason. They beat both those numbers and took home a share of the Northwest Division with a 54-win season. Why not go there again? Some around Portland and the Association are predicting 57 to 60 wins, but that is a bit premature for my taste. Personal concerns linger about Portland’s durability – Nicolas Batum, Rudy Fernandez, can Martell Webster and Greg Oden last? Injuries are always a question mark and out of Portland’s control obviously, so staying realistic with 54 wins is a safe bet for me.
Playoff Seed – 6th: Did Portland get better this offseason? Was adding Andre Miller, Juwan Howard and rookies Dante Cunningham, Jeff Pendergraph and Patty Mills enough to make a real surge in the postseason? We won’t know that answer until April.
The Los Angeles Lakers stayed strong. Houston lost a step but is still tough. Dallas and San Antonio both improved. Denver and Utah remained even, with even Phoenix showing signs of improvement after their postseason absence from last year. Portland could fall in the middle of the pack, with much of where they finish depending on what happens to a number of other teams out West and within the Northwest Division.
Either way, it’s safe to bet Portland will prepare for another playoff push.
photo: espn.com
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