Even Though the West Is Crazy, Portland Has Its Mind Made Up To Contend

About a year ago, there were plenty of enthusiastic Blazer fans who were predicting a 50 win season in '08/'09. Some were more conservative, saying 45 wins would be a good building block. But when it was all said and done—the Blazers won 54 games and tied for the second best record in the Western Conference.

I remember my number was 50 wins last year. I also distinctly remember thinking that was a reach and I couldn't expect that much from such a young team. The Blazers exceeded our expectations by a long shot and now we all want more.

Many people considered Portland's early exit in the playoffs to be a disappointment, but I look at it as a much needed learning experience. The NBA playoffs are a totally different animal and we now have experience with that beast.

This summer, the team got rid of some dead weight and added a nice vet in Andre Miller. Theoretically, the team is better now than it was a year ago. But there are certain other factors to consider this year as I decide on a prediction for the seasons win total. One of those factors has to be how many times Brandon Roy bailed Portland out and won games by himself.

It started with the three-pointer heard around the NBA against Houston and happened many more times when I count throughout the year. Didn't it seem like Portland had quite a few good bounces to seal victories?

There is also the improved competition out West. The Spurs, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, etc etc have all had good offseason acquisitions or good draft days. I just think it will get more difficult especially now that these teams know Portland is for real. 54 wins is going to be a tough task this season, I guarantee it.

The landscape of the NBA will be incredibly different this year. Good teams added important pieces and there was more offseason movement then I've ever seen before.

While there are still plenty of bottom dwellers, certain bad teams, like the Clippers, are suddenly contenders to make the playoffs and will give Portland a battle during the regular season. I have no doubt the Blazers will make the playoffs again, but seeding and total wins is somewhat of a mystery to me.

Based on all of the summer activity around the league and even our own solid additions and subtractions, I believe we can match last years output. But I'll go one better.

The Blazers will win 55 games.

But is that a successful season to you? If the Blazer put up 55 wins and get the fourth seed in the playoffs, are you satisfied? You should be. Just because this young team overachieved last year doesn't mean mid-50s wins every year isn't extremely good. In all honesty, I'll be happy with any win total above 50.

I think this is another year of growth in a way and making the playoffs, postseason victories and getting out of the first round is the most important hurdle for the Blazers to overcome. The regular season is just setting you up for the real season, the NBA playoffs. I wonder how many wins we'll have in the postseason?

Basketball season can't come soon enough.

Photo Courtesy of Oregon Live.