Blazers re-cap

Thanks to Denise for a previous comment reminding me that I'd forgotten to discuss my Blazers experience on Wednesday.

I was again able to preside over a Blazers defeat. I did so in much better style, though, having scored a free seat next to the Little Dutch Boy in the 100 level, right near half court. One of the best two seats I've ever had.

I was pleasantly surprised by what I say. I think thanks mostly to the absence of both Zach Randolph and Darius Miles, two of the more over-paid, counterproductive people in the league.

I realize Zach is an excellent scorer and rebounder. But he doesn't make the team better. He's pretty lazy on defense, doesn't set good picks, and doesn't pass when he's double-teamed. He's the classic me-first player.

And Darius doesn't seem much different.

On Wednesday, it was a very exciting game, though. Sebastian Telfair shows good signs for the future, as long as he doesn't draw ideas of what it is to be an NBA baller from the wrong Wells (well, Zach and Darius are old Bonzi disciples, so this isn't too much of a stretch). Shareef Abdur-Rahim again demonstrated why he should be our starting power forward next year (although he most certainly won't) with his unselfish play, hustle, and hard work. Ruben Patterson was all over the place, pacing the team on offense and working very hard on the defensive end as well. Say what you want about Ruben off the court; on the court, he's a prototypical baller, and he does wonders for the team. Finally, Joel Prysiopasdfjkl;billa continues to impress. He might be the best thing the soon-to-be-sent-packing John Nash ever did for this team.

By the way, rumor is Jim Paxson is being chased out of Cleveland. Any bets as to whether or not he ends up here?

Anyway, we lost by two after Damon Stoudamire, the Blazers' feel-good story of the last year and a half, missed a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. But the team walked off the court with their heads held high, having clearly left everything they had out there.

I liked what I saw.

I'll actually spring for a ticket next year if the team gets rid of Zach and Darius. Darius is unneeded with Ruben and Travis Outlaw, and Zach is a good player who may have a bright future, but he needs to be around some veterans who will be able to force him to play the right way. Just don't have that here. He's not ready to be the top dog.

So, good game, made me excited for the future and still-frustrated by the present. I hope that this summer, with a new general manager, we can pull the trigger on some trades that'll actually do something for our team, instead of holding players out of fear that we might be giving up too much. And either re-sign Shareef, or else find some tried-and-true talent (or a college graduate who's built a reputation for playing right) to fill that void.

And, no, I didn't cave in and have beer and/or other carbs. I'm very serious about not giving Paul Allen any money until he does right by the city. Oh, and that diet thing, too...

Now, off to mow the lawn.

Catch ya later.