About the Blazers and the Nets

Portland TrailBlazer - These guys aren't making it to the playoffs this year but expect them to perform impressively this season. I think after the Celtics the Blazers have the best corps of young talent. Telfaire is a stud and so is Khryapa. Watch the development of Travis Outlaw, he has the tools to be a good pro in the league. The Przybilla movement should be in full swing at Portland this season. Theo Ratliff's stock has be steadly declining in Portland. Look for Przybilla to start most of the games this season. he was a monster in the games he did start, he doesn't have much of an offensive game but is a great interior defender, if he polishes up is O he is going to be a 10 pts 10 reb and 2 blks player. The only thing blighting the the future of the blazers is their past. Miles and Randolph are head cases. Pure and simple. I mean Ruben Patterson, who would be the full blown headcase on any other team barley even get a mention on this team. Hopefull strict coach Nate Macmillian will be able to get these guys in line and make them play with in the system. Also the Blazers have salary cap albertross in the form of Patterson's and Ratliff's contract that they need to get rid off. My advice to GM John Nash would be to simply give a call to the Knicks, I'm pretty sure you could convince Thomas that they need another Center and a G/F.

New Jersey Nets - Ah! the New Jersey Nets, how I love thee. let me count the ways.....
1. Jason Kidd
2. Jason Kidd
3. Richard Jefferson
4. Vince Carter
5. Nenad Krstic
Can some one please explain to me why the hell aren't the nets getting any buzz at all. Everybody seems to agree that they will end up winning the Atlantic. BUt what about beyond that? The Pistons are not going to be as good as they were under larry. Flip Saunders is a good coach but is a better offensive guy than a defensive guy and the Pistons aren't a very good ofessinve team. This leaves only the Pacers and the Heat for the Nets to contend with. If the hear team was unchanged from last season I would have given the heat the edge but with so many new comers and so many ball hogs there is now way the Heat are goin to be effective. This leaves only the Pacers as the only true hurdle between the Nets and the Finals. This is my pick for the Eastern COnference Finals. Nes vs Pacers. Just you wait.