Playoff Picture: Portland Trail Blazers

Verdict

The Trail Blazers are one of the most likeable teams in the league. Their home atmosphere is usually electric, and could swing some games in their favor in the postseason as well. They have two legitimate stars, and seem ready to have a crack at winning a title for the next five years (assuming Aldridge re-signs with the team).

Like others, it is more a case of them being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There are simply better teams in the Western Conference right now, either with more depth or a better collection of stars. Had they been in the Eastern Conference, they surely could have made the conference finals.

It’s a good think the future is still bright, as this team will take a backwards step and go home in round one. They have a lot of similarities to the team they’ll likely face at the first hurdle, the Los Angeles Clippers, and I just see their older and more experienced players getting it done. It’s not a massive shock however, it is just so close at the top these days.

Rather, it’s a sign that a couple more moves will have to be made to put this team above some others in the conference, but these are moves I see them making in the near future. A real shame we’ll only get to witness their home fans for only one series as well.

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