The Rip City Project Staff Predictions
We are just two days away from the Portland Trail Blazers kicking off their season against the New Orleans Pelicans and the time for getting out predictions is almost gone. Several of our staff members chimed on their projections for the season; check out everyone’s thoughts below.
Blake DuDonis-Editor
Best case record: 42-40
Sad to say that being two games over .500 is being optimistic but it is. If Lillard plays at an MVP level, and the younger players pitch in like we all hope, I could see this happening as the Blazers battle for a playoff seed all the way down to the end of the season.
Worst case record: 24-58
Lillard scores but shoots poorly, McCollum doesn’t improve like everyone hopes, and injuries decimate the team.
Blazer MVP: Damian Lillard. ‘Nuff said.
Surprise player: Gerald Henderson. I was a Charlotte resident for Henderson’s entire tenure with the Hornets (excluding last season) and this guy has never gotten his due. He can lock down on D, he does catch fire from deep, and dude can throw down. Seriously.
Bold Prediction: C.J. McCollum will win the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
Steve Dewald-Staff Writer
Best case record: 34-48
I still expect the Blazers to be tough at home. Road trips and back to backs on the other hand, could be another story. Best case they stay competitive, hovering around .500 until they shut it down after the all star break. Good news is they keep their first round pick owed to the Nuggets for the Afflalo trade.
Worst case record: 23-59
Much has been made about the turnover in the starting five, but we haven’t even talked about the new faces coming off the bench. The second unit could be a real weakness this year, and if an injury occurs it will only make it worse.
Blazer MVP: Damian Lillard. Not really a debate here.
Surprise Player: Noah Vonleh
The 2nd year player shows why he was a lottery pick in 2014. Quick feet will lead to easy buckets, and strong help side defense for the youngster. Expect him to step into the starting power forward spot if Meyers Leonard runs into injury trouble.
Bold Prediction: The Blazers will acquire two additional first round draft picks before the all star break. The Blazers cap space will have them linked as a third party to a multitude of trade rumors. Expect Paul Allen’s willingness to buy out bad contracts to result in draft picks.
Perry Waggoner-Staff Writer
Best Case Record: 42-40. Finishing over .500 would be quite an accomplishment for Portland. Looking at how tough this Western Conference will be, the record may put them at 8 or 9, battling for the last playoff spot. The new roster is about as recognizable as Michael Jackson in his final years, and any record sitting around .500 should be celebrated.
Worst Case Record: 25-57. In this case, the Trail Blazers just don’t have enough high level quality talent to compete. Now, if Damian Lillard goes down for any part of the year, the record could look even worse. Here’s to hoping he stays healthy, and keeps us above water.
Blazer MVP: Damian Lillard. No real surprise here. As stated above, if Dame gets injured we might as well pull out the garbage bags and put them over heads right then. He really is the key to success for this team. The MVP should always be the vocal and statistical leader on the team.
Surprise Player: Based purely on the preseason, Allen Crabbe. He has easily been the third best player on the team so far, and with no real depth at the 3, he should see plenty of playing time. Although he may only average 11 or 12 points a game, for a guy who most of us wrote off as a legitimate NBA player, it would be a pleasant surprise.
Bold Prediction: CJ McCollum will lead the team in scoring. With Lillard manning the PG spot, CJ should have plenty of room to shoot, and shoot a lot. This guy can score in bunches *see playoff series vs. Memphis last season.* and will have a prominent role in Terry Stotts offense. If McCollum ends the year averaging upwards of 20 points, it wouldn’t shock me at all.
Chad Crawford-Staff Writer
Best case record: 48-34
Portland quickly finds its team identity as a free flowing offense behind a wildly successful Damian Lillard – Meyers Leonard pick and pop, resulting in career high numbers for both players.
Worst case record: 26-56
The Blazers struggle mightily over the first two months to find a new identity after losing all but five players from last seasons roster, resulting in a frustrated and often triple-teamed Damian Lillard.
Blazer MVP: Damian Lillard
I mean… Who else could it be?
Surprise player: Noah Vonleh
I would not be surprised in the least if by mid-season Vonleh is starting at PF. I think that with his much improved shooting and athleticism, he has a real chance to be a long-term NBA starter.
Bold prediction: Ed Davis wins Most Improved Player award.
I feel that Davis is going to have a breakout season, due to the fact that this will be the most well spaced offense he has played in thus far in his career. This will let him roam around the paint offensively, which will lead to more rebounds and putbacks. Don’t be surprised if Davis turns in a DeAndre Jordan -esque season this year, and earns some hardware in the process.
Josh Vannuccini-Staff Writer
Best case record: 30-52
Worst case record: 21-61
Blazer MVP: Damian Lillard
Surprise player: Noah Vonleh/Ed Davis
Bold prediction: Lillard will average a career high in points, but shoot a career-worst percentage.
Joel Viss-Staff Writer
Best case record: 43-39
Worst case record: 17-65
Blazer MVP: C.J. McCollum
Surprise player: Moe Harkless
Bold prediction: the Blazers will have an All-Star player other than Lillard