These scene is all too familiar for the Blazers. |
The Portland Trailblazers have been a staple in the NBA playoffs for the last three years, unfortunately they've also been biting by the first round bug every single time, a la the Houston Rockets of the McGrady years. The Blazers are quite talented and mighty deep, but still can't find that playoff success they've been hyped up for. They've been led by a group of underrated players, and have continually achieved "dark horse" status only to underachieve every single time. However, the biggest Trailblazer issue doesn't come with playoff underachievement, it comes with two sets of inadequate knees.
Greg Oden and Brandon Roy had potential to be two of the NBA's brightest stars. Oden, a 7'0, Shaq-like center with soft hands and physical prowess still hasn't played a full season; he's 23. Brandon Roy, who was probably the most underrated guard in the NBA, retired today at the age of 27. Both of these players bit the injury bug hard, as knee surgeries seemed like an everyday thing. Oden is still trying to get his act together, but he has shown he will never return his Ohio State days ever again. Roy, taking a sad, but probably appropriate move, retired in the middle of his prime.
It's truly unfortunate to see not only these two budding young stars fade into obscurity, but to see a franchise chalk full of potential slowly burst into flames. I mean, it hasn't been the end of the world for the Blazers, but LaMarcus Aldridge can't win a championship by himself. Oden, Roy and Aldridge would have created a underrated big three that could contend with the Thunder and Grizzlies. Portland is still going to be a good team, don't get that twisted, but they saw their championship potential fizzle into a flurry of first round exits. The Trailblazers also have veterans who fit their roles all too perfectly. But there season are numbered, and it looks like the Blazers will most likely have to part ways with Aldridge and rebuild if they can't find someway to put a team around him.
I'd just like to give a shout out to Brandon Roy for all the memories he gave us in 5 short years. Good luck in the NBA afterlife.
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