it's not just Oden, its' the fact that they have a tradeable max contract expiring in 2 years(LaFrentz), two up and coming projects straight out of high school(Webster, Outlaw), draft rights to Joel Freeland, all thieir future 1st round picks, and back to back drafts this year and next that they will posses 3 2nd round picks with yet another still to come in 2011.
How hard would it be to use some of that treasure alongside Raef LaFrentz in a deal to get Rashard Lewis? Lewis and Oden plus their current rotation would be a high playoff team next year, and a contender over the next decade so long as they don't muck it up. I think that they are in an enviable position, but I disagree on the timeframe. I'd be surprised if the Blazers garnered more than 45 wins next season as they continue to gain more experience playing together. I think that would be a reasonable target in a powerful Western Conference. Yep, it's nice that they retain all of their own future 1st round picks right now. I'd look for them to trade next year's for a veteran SF or possibly a PG.Do you think Raef's contract is going to be attractive this season? I was thinking next off-season.A dramatic turnaround in the last two years. I think Kevin Pritchard is well on the right track into creating a winner here in Portland.
It's not that La Frentz's contract is inviting, but would a Sacramento, Minnesota or Memphis be all that concerned? It's not like their going anywhere over the next two years.
As for next season, right now they'd probably improve enough to get into the 35-40 wins range. Add Oden and someone like Rashard Lewis and you can add 10 wins to it roughly.
With what they can expect to have after the draft (not taking trades into consideration) I would say that 35-40 wins would be considered a failure after a 32-50 season.
Realistically, making the playoffs should be their goal next season.
nothing againts greg oden or kevin durant...im sure they are great players but just because u get the first pick dont mean anything...look at olowokandi and kwame......even allen iverson himself....as good as he was, they only reached the finals once with him....we can go even farther and bigger with the likes of hakeem olajuwon....one of the best centers, but only 2 rings in his 15 year career and that was only because jordan went away....the first pick does not mean anything
Well, it means something... but I agree it doesn't translate to automatic success. I would expect the Blazers to improve a further 10 wins this season on the strength of drafting Oden or Durant and the benefit of a year of experience to the rest of our young core.
I think we'd have to suggest that Oden and Durant are more heralded potential #1 picks than either of the two you mention though.
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