The Blazer Alternative to Free Agency

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The first few days of July 2009 were like a kid's anticipation for Christmas for Blazer fans.

For the first time in years, the Portland Trail Blazers were on the verge of signing a legitimate free agent. A guy who could potentially put the organization in a position to contend in the coming season.

Many of us went through a quick acceptance process, from questioning Hedo Turkoglu to ultimately accepting his presence on the team. As I sat in traffic heading over to the Oregon Coast, I had eventually accepted it and daydreamed about the possibilities—how Portland could take on the Western Conference, specifically the Lakers and Spurs.

But alas it was all a dream. Hedo did what he had to do and took his game to Toronto. He chose a city in Canada with a larger Turkish population, a little more money and a better fit for him and his wife.

So that brings Portland back to square one. Many of the big free agents have been traded for or signed and we are left with a smaller window of opportunity.

This scenario got me thinking about a new plan.

Well, not a new plan, just the same plan before the Blazers went and won 54 games last season.

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