The Gambler: LA Clippers

Opponent: LA Clippers
Line: -6.5

Gambler's Record: 19-20-1

Paramedic: "Homer, this is never easy to say. We're going to have to saw your arms off."
Homer: "They'll grow back, right?"
-The Simpsons

Today's trade was HUGE news. This was a big move involving quality players and it will have a dramatic effect on not only this season, but the entire future of the Trailblazer franchise.

Marcus Camby is essentially a hired gun with an expiring contract. He's like Jamaal Magloire except he's not terrible. He'll be a blip on the Blazer's history, but he gives us roster flexibility at the end of the season while providing a veteran defensive presence this season. And he's just the short term variable in this equation.

Moving Blake and Outlaw give us a more streamlined roster and reduces the clutter and question marks that came with our overly deep lineup.

Outlaw was an erratic scorer off the bench. He could create his own shot and brought a lot of energy to the team, but after several seasons it is a good bet that he had reached his ultimate maturity as an NBA player.

Blake was a steadying presence on offense with streaks of exceptional three point shooting. He was also a defensive liability and has been known to rack up shot clock violations.

Both players had some incredible strengths, and also some glaring weaknesses. Emotionally both of these players resonated with fans, which lead to irrational arguments about who should be playing and when.

Championship teams have clearly defined rotations. Neither Blake nor Outlaw was the key to the championship puzzle, but their presence here would limit the opportunity to surround Roy/Aldridge/Oden with the pieces necessary to bring home a title.

If you want to see how great this trade is, look no further than the Trailblazer fan base. Generally Portland fans have fallen into two camps, the nurturing/protective camp that fiercely loved every core player from the last four seasons, and the cold/businesslike camp that saw the players as assets to be flipped in pursuit of a trophy.

Amazingly this move united both camps. We can all lament the loss of two quality players that have been model Trailblazers that were worthy of our praise, while realizing that this is something that had to happen.

This move will have the rest of the league shaking in their boots. They know Portland just got better, and they're worried.

From a gambling perspective, it takes Marcus Camby off the floor tonight and gives us a great chance for a big win. I think the team and the crowd will be energized by this trade and I think it will show in a big win tonight.

I wish the best for Travis and Steve.

Take the Blazers.