NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson talks about Portland’s nail-biting victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night. Playing host to the Miami Heat, basketball’s version of the New York Yankees, the Portland Trail Blazers were looking to continue their hot streak and extend their winning streak to four games against a Heat team that has been struggling as of late.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson previews Portlands contest against the New York Knicks. This will be the first meeting between these two teams this year, New York being heavily favored as many believe this is the year they can once again contend for a championship. Should the Blazers wish to solidify themselves as a legitimate playoff contender, they must play a sound game against an extremely dangerous and impressive team.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson talks about Portland’s easy victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Not at all resembling the team that lost to a mediocre Sacramento team just a few days ago, Portland jumped out to a lead and kept asserting their dominance, proving they are at least above a certain tier of teams in the NBA. One of the players that has been essential to Portland’s uprising this season is LaMarcus Aldrige.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers writer Rick Stella gives us his weekly Rick’s Picks, naming the All-Star performances showcased in Rip City. Poor bench play, a disappearing LaMarcus Aldridge, and downright awful defense has plagued Portland in their recent contests, leaving many to wonder where this team is actually headed. LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and Luke Babbitt earn All-Star recognition in week two, while Lillard also takes home the Dunk of the Week.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson talks about Damian Lillard’s performance through the early party of 2012. The young point guard from Weber State has been impressive so far as he has shown all it takes to be a standout point guard at the NBA level. Through four games, Lillard has played an average of 37 minutes, shot just over 40% from the field, made roughly 94% of his free throws, and scored 19.3 points per game.
NWSB Writer Blair Thomas talks about the Rose Garden, one of the premier venues for watching professional basketball. Even though the team has not witnessed prominent success since 2000, the Rose Garden Arena still remains one of the best places to watch an NBA game, even before the game starts. Mark Mason and an environmentally friendly atmosphere truly distinguish the Rose Garden from other arenas.
NWSB Writer Jonathan Irwin debates whether or not Nicholas Batum is the solution to all of Portland’s woes or if they should think about trading him. Nicolas Batum—the current incumbent—is sitting on a four year, $45-$50 million, offer from Minnesota. Portland seems fully prepared to match. However, Minnesota is determined, reportedly exploring multiple sign-and-trade opportunities.
NWSB Editor and Writer Chris Anderson talks about Meyers Leonard, Portland’s second pick in the 1st round of the 2012 NBA Draft (11th overall). After weeks of working out many athletes and reviewing countless hours of film, the Blazers found themselves drafting Meyers Leonard from Illinois with the 6th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Leonard’s greatest strength is probably his size and ability.
NWSB Editor and Writer Chris Anderson talks about Damian Lillard, Portland’s 1st pick in the 2012 NBA Drat (6th overall). After weeks of working out many athletes and reviewing countless hours of film, the Blazers found themselves drafting Damian Lillard from Weber State with the 6th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He can hit shots from anywhere on the court, drive to the lane, and rebound.
NWSB Editor and Writer Chris Anderson talks about Will Burton, Portland’s second round pick out of the University of Memphis in the 2012 NBA Draft. After weeks of working out many athletes and reviewing countless hours of film, the Blazers found themselves drafting Will Barton from Illinois with the 40th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Though he may be an average player in the NBA, Barton can nonetheless contribute significantly to the Blazers.
NWSB insider and Portland Trailblazers blogger Blair Thomas brings us his reasons why he loves and hates the Blazers offer sheet to Nicolas Batum. Re-signing him now would be the perfect time in his career to do so. He’s already a fan favorite and will grab a starting spot with a deal like this. On the other hand, he will need to produce more and the Blazers are hoping to avoid a bidding war for Batum.
NWSB Writer Bryant Knox details players the Portland Trail Blazers should avoid drafting with their picks in the 2012 NBA draft. The Portland Trail Blazers will have two lottery picks in this week’s NBA draft, and while the potential is there in every prospect, there are a handful of players the team must avoid with the No. 6 and No. 11 picks. Players include Jeremy Lamb and Andre Drummond.
