Blazers look to build on late-season success

[lakeshowak7]

Portland - Following the Blazers game 6 loss to the Suns at home, many questions will surface that will need answering before the Blazers can return next season to achieve a winning record and win a playoff series.

(Kevin Durant was not a happy camper as the seconds ticked during their home-elimination game loss against the Suns)

"You've got to be proud of the team honestly, we are talking about a team that was destined for a top 3-5 pick at the midway point of the season while being 15..16 games under .500 to making the playoffs and you know.. being competitive," Blazers GM Andrew said.

"The next step now is to not only make the playoffs and be competitive, but to be a factor...win a playoff series and then see what happens you know," Andrew continued. "We..the fans, you know, the front office..we're proud of the guys, considering the way things went the previous three seasons... this was good for us," Andrew said.

Kevin Durant ended his MVP campaign with series averages of 44 PPG/11 RPG/9 APG. "You know, I don't know how he isn't the MVP.. you look at what he's done this year, averaging 40 a game in the regular season, playing those minutes for us, 8 triple doubles which was breathtaking to watch at the end of the season with his string of them, willing this team into the playoffs despite missing 2 weeks with an injury, and then the way he performed in the playoffs.. it was quite a ride," Andrew commented when asked about KD's MVP chances.

"I think people underestimated Phoenix within the media, they were the 2 seed this year.. won 53 games with all of those injuries.. that's impressive, they're a good team and their offensive capability is top notch in the league.. nobody collectively is better I would conclude on that end of the floor, in the league...so yeah, we belonged here, a few balls bounce the other way, we make a couple plays and we might be the team preparing for Houston this week," Kevin Durant said following a question of whether or not he felt the Blazers underperformed this playoffs.

However, despite the positives from this season, the teams glaring weaknesses were sorely visible throughout the playoffs. The lack of a true point guard and better team defense were ultimately the demise of this version of the Trailblazers, and the Championship aspirations within the organization hinge on these issues being remedied. "We know what we need to fix, we've already shifted focus on improving the team and giving this group of guys the best chance at winning the whole thing," Andrew concluded during his short interview following the season-ending loss.

[KW]

I think you have the best player in the game right now. I'll be interested to see how you build around him in a way so that he's not forced into ridiculous minutes. Supporting cast probably needs a complete turnaround, but you can get it done.

[mgtr81]

Congratulations on one of the best turnarounds I have seen.

As for Durant, his stats are obviously inflated by his minutes, but on a per 36 basis he's still elite (33.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 block with good shooting and good defense). That being said, I think the MVP should go to players on the best teams. Playing him so many minutes is risky, also, and without him your team is back to the lottery.

A lot of work to do in the offseason, but the team is on the right track.

[hardenwithnod]

KD is simply a beast, and a fantastic piece to work around with, it will be interesting to see what kind of moves will you make to get him some much needed help.

[Jaboo]

Great turnaround, certainly a busy offseason ahead to see if you can build on this momentum.

[donaldtrump666]

I ask Kevin Durant, what have you got to lose? what have you got lose? Give Trump a chance, I can make you the MVP.