Weaknesses Revealed
The Blazers-Pelicans first-round playoff series exposed Portland’s weaknesses for all to see. And even though many of us in the Blazers community are well aware of the Blazers’ shortcomings — and have been writing about these weaknesses for much of the season — to have them revealed in such demonstrative fashion over the course of a four-game sweep was too much for many fans to stomach.
Hence the calls for Stotts’ head and the raging debate over the proper course for this franchise moving forward. The problem is that the Blazers’ financial situation is such that making tweaks to the lineup becomes difficult to imagine. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Blazers take the court next season with pretty much the same roster as they have right now, minus (perhaps) Ed Davis and Shabazz Napier.
And, as we’ve learned, this Blazers roster just ain’t good enough.
Go Pelicans!
https://twitter.com/MattGeorgMoore/status/988876593937305600
So why is this Blazers fan suddenly interested in what the Pelicans do starting in the second round?
Well, for starters, if NOP continues to win, I’ll feel a little better about the Blazers’ poor showing in the first round. I mean, if nobody can beat the Pelicans, then it isn’t all that surprising that the Blazers couldn’t, either.
Right?
Second, I’m going to continue watching the Pelicans because I want to see how teams approach them and work to undermine their game plan. Portland certainly wasn’t able to do it — but can the Golden State Warriors? (The Warriors have a chance to wrap up their first-round series Tuesday in Oakland against the San Antonio Spurs; they’ll face the Pelicans in the second round if they advance.)
Next: Collins confident from rookie season, ready to work hard in summer
Pelicans vs. Warriors?
Let’s assume Golden State advances to the second round. Will New Orleans be able to shut down Golden State’s backcourt, especially if Steph Curry has returned from injury? What about GSW’s other All-Stars — Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson?
And yet, I’m actually more curious about these questions:
Can anybody on the Warriors’ roster contain Anthony Davis?
Will Jrue Holiday be as beastly on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court against the Warriors as he was against the Blazers?
Will Rajon Rondo be “Playoff Rondo” against the defending champs?
Maybe a Warriors-Pelicans playoff series would simply remind us of how much distance there is between the Blazers and Golden State. Maybe the Warriors have too much firepower on offense and too much length and strength on defense — even for the Pelicans.
I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I can’t help but be impressed by these Pelicans. And I can’t help but think that they’re capable of beating the Warriors. Which would be swell, as far as I’m concerned.
I do know this: I’ll be cheering for the Pelicans. Not because I’m a fan, but because I’m a Blazers fan, and I have much respect for how thoroughly New Orleans pummeled my team.
And I want so badly for them to do the same against the Warriors.
And maybe even Houston in the Western Conference Finals … ?
Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
One series at a time.
Go Pelicans!