NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Writer Bryant Knox talks about the strengths and weaknesses of Portland’s bench heading into the 2012/2013 NBA season. Heading into the new year, the Blazers are going to be one of the youngest teams in the league from the starting lineup to the 12th man, which should create for a number of ups and downs throughout the 2012-13 season. How will J.J. Hickson, Adam Morrison, Joel Freeland do in 2012?
NWSB basketball insider and Trail Blazers blogger Steve Lee tells us At the very least, these players could help bridge the transition gap of a once promising lineup as the future Blazers learn the NBA ropes. With the Portland Trail Blazers in full rebuilding mode Leandro Barbosa, Derek Fisher, Michael Redd, Kenyon Martin are all possible players the could bolster the RIP city roster for opening day.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Bryant Knox is back today to weigh in on the two options the Blazers have with LaMarcus Aldridge. Of course the best case scenario would be building around him and winning the NBA title, but this is reality, not fairytale land. They either trade him and recoup what they can, or they can wait it out and hope for the best. Either way it will be a challenge for the fans.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers writer Rick Stella tells us the five reasons why its ok for RIP city hoops faithful to get comfortable with the Terry Stotts hiring. For starters the early criticism of the Terry Stotts hire was the players’ desire to retain Canales as the head coach. They flat out like the guy. Wesley Matthews, and LaMarcus Aldridge were fond of him and instantly taken aback by the hiring of Stotts. It’s all good now.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Bryant Knox weighs in with his predictions for the 2012 PDX Blazers. Without sounding too cliché, the most realistic prediction has to come somewhere in-between the best and worst-case scenarios. He says Meyers Leonard and Nicolas Batum could also be pleasant surprises in Rip City next season.
NWSB Managing editor and Portland Trail Blazers writer “Q” tells us the complete Blazers team schedule and 2012 Matchups. The NBA Season is over, the awards have been given out, the NBA draft is behind us too. Does the NBA season really stop? The Trail Blazers tip-off their 43rd NBA season by hosting the Steve Nash & Kobe Bryant led Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, Oct. 31. LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews get ready.
NWSB Insider Bryant Knox outlines what Nicolas Batum must do now that he’s signed his big money contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. He says he must become a reliable No. 2 scoring option behind LaMarcus Aldridge. He says if Batum wants to become an integral part of the Blazers’ success, he’ll have to stay aggressive on both ends of the floor. Neil Olshey believes that Batum will absolutely live up to this contract.
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 Insider and Portland Trailblazers blogger Blair Thomas tells us why he’s a sold out 100% PDX basketball fan for life. It is about family. From 1977 to 1995 Rip City sold out 814 home games, the longest streak in American major professional sports. The Blazers made the city proud and the family thanked them in return. PDX was lucky to have had Clyde Drexler. LaMarcus Aldridge is the promise of a bright future.
NWSB Writer Jonathan Irwin gives you his take on who can fill the role at center for the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s been a whirlwind week for the Portland Trail Blazers. Desperately trying to fill the void at center, it was announced Monday the team’s offer to RFA Roy Hibbert is going to be matched by Indiana. Then comes Wednesday, when it was announced that Euro league big man Joel Freeland will officially be making his way to Portland on a three-year deal.
NWSB Writer Blair Thomas brings us a Northwest Athlete profile of Trail Blazer Wesley Matthews, a key player as Portland looks towards the future. Born October 14, 1986, Wesley Matthews Jr. was given birth to a pair of athletes in their own right. Pam Moore was a two-sport athlete and track standout at the University of Wisconsin and in a member of the Badgers’ 2006 Hall of Fame class…
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.
