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 Nate McMillan’s recent comments on Raymond Felton and his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. Noting that the Felton that has performed well for the New York Knicks in this year’s NBA Playoffs was the Felton Portland envisioned having, former head coach McMillan said that Felton’s weight likely played a big part in him not really succeeding with the Blazers.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers Blogger breaks down whether or not PDX should have mutual interest in signing Jermaine O’Neal during the 2013 NBA offseason. According to reports, O’Neal is interested in returning to the city where he began his career. Portland traded O’Neal just four years into a career for Dale Davis, who was supposed to help stop Shaquille O’Neal out West. Now the Blazers need a mentor to Meyers Leonard.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers’ blogger Jason Hartzog details how Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge are the building blocks of Portland’s future. Portland needs to give Lillard and Aldridge players who will compliment their styles. Should they choose to do so, they will see success in the near future. One thing Jason liked, was the move to try and get Roy Hibbert last off-season. That could have pushed them to the playoffs this season.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ April 14 matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Jason says they key matchup he’s watching is Wilson Chandler versus Will Barton. If Barton can have a nice game and keep up with Chandler’s defensive intensity then it could open up things for Damian Lillard. Lillard will likely see a lot of double teams in this one if Lawson is limited again as he was last game.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ April 12 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jason says the Thunder are still playing for the top seed in the west. They won’t let this one slip away without a fight. Can we get more Lillard please? Damian Lillard was outstanding as he scored a new career high 38 points vs. LA. The Blazers got off to a quick start, shot the ball well, and really looked in control the whole game.
NWSB Insider and Rip City hoops blogger Jason Hartzog reviews the Portland Trail Blazers April 3rd matchup versus the Memphis Grizzlies. He points out it was a rough night for Joel Freeland and Meyers Leonard. They both showed some of their offensive ability. However, it was their lack of defense that stood out in this one. Will Barton followed the rest of the team with horrible shooting.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ March 21 matchup against the Chicago Bulls. Portland is coming off another tough loss the other night to the Bucks. Jason says for Portland to truly wish to compete for this playoff spot, they must win on the road. Of the 15 remaining games on their schedule, 7 of them are on the road. Chicago has struggled to score this season with the absence of Derrick Rose. For this game, Jason will be watching Nicolas Batum versus Luol Deng.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ March 18 matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Portland is coming off a 101-100 loss to the 76ers on Monday night. Jason says for Portland, they have to keep up this fire and intensity. Losing these close games is rough, but you have to keep fighting. This will be a hard fought game. Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum will have their work cut out for them guarding J.J. Redick and co.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ Feb. 22 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Staples Center has been a tough place to play for the Blazers throughout the years, and that’s not expected to change at this point in the losing streak. The key matchup is going to be between Damian Lillard and Steve Nash. Wesley Matthews is questionable, while Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill are out.
NWSB Writer Bryant Knox discusses whether or not the Portland Trail Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge has hit his NBA ceiling. Aldridge’s ceiling has made him an All-Star power forward in a tough Western Conference. Whether he gets back to the All-Star game this year or not, he’s one of the best big men in the league, and he’s an offensive threat every night of the week.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Dec. 3 matchup with the Charlotte Bobcats. Portland and Charlotte are both rebuilding, but it’s safe to say that the Blazers havve more star power. Charlotte’s leading scorer is Kemba Walker, but LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Damian Lillard are all averaging more points. The key matchup in this one is going to be between Walker and Lillard.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Nov. 28 matchup with the Washington Wizards. Portland is coming off a disappointing loss to the Detroit Pistons, and a bounce-back win is needed against the worst team in the NBA. The battle between the starters and the battle between the bench units are two matchups to watch out for in Wednesday’s game. Meyers Leonard and Nene are both day-to-day.
