NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers’ blogger Jason Hartzog talks about what five players he would like to see drafted by the Blazers with the No. 10 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. There is a mixed bunch drafted at number 10, but judging by history, the odds of drafting at least a role player is pretty high. All the Blazers need is a role player. They need someone to come off the bench and score some points. Targets look like Shabazz Muhammad, Cody Zeller, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
NWSB Editor Bryant Knox breaks down who the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to draft according to the national media. ESPN, CBS, Sports Illustrated and Hoopsworld are just a few of the publications. Players on Portland’s radar are Shabazz Muhammad, Cody Zeller, Alex Len, Kantavious Caldwell-Pope and the Northwest’s own Kelly Olynyk. With money to spend, free agency will be a hot topic around PDX as well this offseason. Stay tuned.
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 17 matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Damian Lillard versus Stephen Curry is a fun match-up to watch. These two guys can fill it up on any given night. They have had some great games against each other already. LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews have all missed the past few games. Jason is hoping the all come back soon.
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.
Lillard’s Big Night Sitting 11 games under .500, and mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the Portland Trail Blazers had very little to play for heading in to last night’s contest against the rival Los Angeles Lakers. However, any time Portland hosts the Lakers at the Rose Garden, no matter the situation, there’s always something to [...]
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.
