Hopefully brown paper bags are no longer a common feature amongst fans attending Blazers games.
When asked how he felt about the team's fit going forward, Andrew replied, "Smart and Stanley are the main pieces of our core, there is no doubt about that. We like McAdoo and McRae as complimentary pieces as well. DeAndre (Jordan) is one of the more ideal fits next to a player like Stanley due to his defensive presence in the paint. We will see how Stanley plays at the 4, but if the fit is there I really like our front court going forward and can't see us changing much there."
The Blazers may have a difficult season ahead as there will surely be growing pains, but the experience on the team brought by CSL champions and ex-teammates DeAndre Jordan and Jordan McRae will be invaluable. "I was brought in to be the team's leader on and off the court, and I'm really embracing that role," Jordan said. Jordan McRae has carved a very nice niche into the league as a low-usage, top-tier defender and he's a player that "really has no chance of escaping Portland," Andrew replied when asked about specific player's future with the team.
The biggest uncertainty surrounding the team has to be seeing how well Marcus Smart plays this season following the weight loss program he was put through this off-season. "I'm down 10lbs and feel great. I feel lighter, and I don't crave big macs at 12 am anymore.. I'm ready to go," Smart said.
Marcus Smart looks much slimmer while getting in a late night training session in mid-July.
Chances are they will keep both picks - we predict a 25-30 win season from the Blazers, unless Marcus Smart has finally reached his potential, then perhaps a playoff berth is possible. Don't count on it, they likely need a 13-15 game improvement to make that dream a reality.
2020, 2023, 2027, 2035
