The Seattle Blazer: They Look Good

Well, I have good news from the Emerald City. I'm getting digital cable this week through Comcast, which means I'll now get all of the Blazers games. 

I thought this would mean I would be waiting a week or two to see a truly exhilarating Blazers game. Wrong.

On Nov. 6 the thrilling overtime victory over the Rockets literally had me rolling on the floor. Even though Brandon Roy had a really, really bad game he redeemed himself late in overtime.

After Yao Ming took a little jump shot and was "fouled" he made the free throw, giving Houston a one-point lead with .8 seconds to go. Roy then hit a fade-away three to win it. 

This game is a huge victory for Portland. Now it seems like they have the confidence to challenge Denver, and maybe even Utah in the Northwest. And Hell, the Blazers just might have a shot to be a top-five seed in the West.

The Blazers have had the toughest schedule in the league so far, and to be 4-3 means this team has the stuff. 

I love the way that both Nicolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez are playing. It's amazing how much young talent is on this team. Fernandez has been stroking threes and Batum has been good on defense and has range. 

Batum has the potential to be a starter. If not this year, then sometime in the near future. He has been challenging Travis Outlaw all year, and it wouldn't shock me if Batum starts a good number of games throughout the year.

Fernandez probably won't start much this year. Brandon Roy is the shooting guard, and that obviously won't be changing. Also, Steve Blake looks like he'll be starting at point all year. 

Portland is pretty deep at the point. Blake has been starting, with Sergio Rodriguez backing him up. The rookie that hasn't been getting much time is Jerryd Bayless. I mean, Kevin Pritchard gave up Jarrett Jack for Bayless, and I'd like to see him get time.

However, Nate McMillan seems more concerned with getting Rodriguez time. The two have been discussing his role lately, as Rodriguez thinks he should be getting some more time. Right now, he's getting under 10 minutes a game. Rodriguez is in his third season, and it makes sense that he wants more time. Unfortunately, it probably isn't going to happen at this point.

Maybe Pritchard could explore trading Blake some time down the road. When you look at the young point guards that are riding the bench, it could be a good move for the future.

Before I wrap this up, I have to mention LaMarcus Aldridge. If he continues to play as he has for the first seven games, I think Aldridge has a shot to be an all-star. Love his defense, love his post moves while filling in for Oden.