Switching Loyalties to the Portland Trailblazers

Now that the Seattle Supersonics are gone, as a basketball fan I eventually will need another team to follow. Sure, I have my beloved UW basketball team, but I need to follow a professional team. Ignoring the NBA just isn't an option for me, I'm too big of a basketball fan. Ever since Howard Schultz sold the Sonics to a group of Oklahoma City businessmen, I've been flirting with the opportunity to become a Portland Trailbalzer fan.

First, Nate McMillan is the head coach. I believe he is one of the best coaches in the NBA, plus his basketball roots are planted in the Emerald City.

Secondly, Brandon Roy and Martell Webster are both on the roster, they are both Seattle natives. Roy has such a unique skill-set, watching him play is enjoyable because he can make so many different types of plays; drives, shorts ,blocks, and steals. Martell Webster is an under-the-radar forward, who can straight light it up from the perimeter.

Thirdly, the Trailblazer's are owned by Paul Allen. We already know that Paul Allen owns a team called the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks' trip to Superbowl XL proves that Mr. Allen is a solid owner who isn't all about the money but a lot more about the winning. His winning attitude translates all the way down to his player's efforts.

I understand I'll never be able to call myself a true trailblazer fan, but PLEASE don't call me a bandwagon fan. If there was any team a former Seattle Supersonic fan deserves, it's the Blazers.

This young team is loaded with talent, it's ridiculous. Roy, Bayless, Webster, Oden, Aldridge, Fernandez, I can go on and on.

I have a good feeling FSN Northwest will air quite a few Blazer games, so I'll be watching as many of them as I can.

Hopefully, one day I'll even be able to drive down to Portland and catch a game at the Rose Garden.

It'll be hard emotionally to follow the Oklahoma City team. I've semi-officially shifted 75% of my fan loyalty to the Blazers. Leaving 25% in the hope that another team comes to Seattle.

What will you be doing?

Jumping on the Blazer bandwagon? Quitting the NBA forever? Following the OKC team?