10-08-2019, 09:29 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-08-2019, 09:30 AM by SleepingHero.)
(10-04-2019, 03:10 PM)Hypermav Wrote: Portland hmmm, they got better I thought? Other than that, why not?Nurkic is going to be out until Febuary, and he was quite literally the glue that held that starting lineup together. His passing ability with hard nosed defense was what put the Dame & CJ combo over the top. They replaced him with Whiteside, who puts up big numbers but he isn't exactly known for his hustle/passing. I doubt there is going to be any resurgence there from him.
Also only 5 players from last year's roster remained. Dame, CJ, Collins, Nurkic, and Hood. Portland essentially lost their entire team that led them to the WCF (though they did keep the most integral parts). Their bench, which while wasn't the best in the NBA, was still filled with savvy players that played their role well. Seth Curry, Enes Kanter, Evan Turner, was replaced with Kent Bazemore, whatever's left of Pau Gasol, and Anthony Tolliver/Mario Hezonja.
Is the combo of Dame and CJ enough to lead them to a playoff berth this year? Because this is as weak as a supporting cast they've ever had around Lillard. That's going to be an interesting question that'll be answered this year for Portland.
Here is great breakdown from the Ringer on Portland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD7NXbxbJ_k
14x All-Star, 12x all-NBA, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1 NBA Championship: Dirk Nowitzki, the man, the myth, the legend.