Blazers Opener - Recap

Almost everyone has experienced that morning after where you look at the person still snoring next to you and wonder what comes next. Was last night just the booze, the party, and a carefree feckless attitude? Will the two of you be able to hold a conversation? Have you made a horrible, horrible mistake?

Be honest, the answers to these questions are usually yes, no, and would I be a complete tool if I just quietly got dressed and snuck out?

But not everyone gets a morning after that starts with you both waking up at the same time, dying for a greasy breakfast at the same run down diner, and completely unable to stop talking to each other. You're hooked, you're intrigued, you're understandably nervous, but you see real potential.

These are your Portland Trailblazers.

They definitely have some flaws. Only time will tell if they become cute and endearing or if they become an overwhelming focal point of negativity. For instance, we have one point guard with a ton of heart, intensity, and a decent outside shot. Most importantly, though, he's figured out how to fit in with this team and contribute without being disruptive. We have another PG with amazing talent, size, and experience. Unfortunately, he doesn't have history with these players and his touches seem to come at the expense of our established scorers and leaders.

Will we figure out how to work around the flaws and come to terms with them, or will they grow and fester until they strangle the relationship?

Okay, enough with the metaphor. You get it.

Players that stood out:

Travis Outlaw - As much as it pains me to say it, Travis was very effective last night. He still only makes the correct drive-or-pull-up decision about half the time, but his athletic gifts tend to make up for his mental errors. I did like seeing him active in traffic on a few defensive possessions instead of getting lost, but his focus wavered as the game wore on. Even after last night I believe we should sell high for him.

Martell Webster - Played like he has something to prove, which is good because he does have something to prove. We need to see the 6th overall pick from 2005 on the floor. We need to see the shooting touch. We need to see an evolved understanding of offensive sets and a willingness to mix it up. But most importantly we need to see Martell have fun. Last night he showed all of those things plus a defensive intensity that could take him to a different level.

Greg Oden - What impressed me most about Greg is what he didn't do last night. He (mostly) didn't pick up cheap fouls due to being out of position or bringing his arms down. But he still went after players early and often. This had a noticeable effect later in the game as the Rockets started shooting fall-aways, away from the defensive pressure and away from the rim. He put the other team off balance just like a big man should.

Brandon Roy - It's definitely early to make this a blanket statement, but he was certainly getting All-Star calls last night. It was such a departure from previous seasons as to be staggeringly obvious. Hey, I'm not complaining. It's about time he started getting the benefit of the doubt.

Question marks:

The PG dilemma needs to be solved soon, whether it be from the players accepting their roles and buying in to the system or one of them taking command and making it a moot point. But you can quote me, if this doesn't get sorted quick it will cost the Blazers wins. They can't afford that in a stacked Western Conference.

Rudy Fernandez - didn't look happy, didn't look in rhythm. He played with a lot of hustle and I commend him for that. I just can't shake the feeling that his need to start, his desire to be a superstar and focal point of a team, will wear on him and the rest of the team. He's a triple caramel non-fat macchiatto and the rest of the Blazers are a cup of coffee. Get my drift?

Thank god it was the Rockets last night and not a good team. Not to demean the Rockets, but the Blazers overall performance last night would not have resulted in a victory against any other Western Conference teams but the Clippers, Kings, and Grizzlies. Though sometimes efficient, even inspired, the Blazers were more often careless with the ball and hesitant. Teams with killer instincts would have seen that and found ways to capitalize. With Denver, Atlanta, and San Antonio in our next 6 games, there's no time to waste. Cohesion should be the word of the day.