Stay the Course?

The trade deadline has passed, JJ Hickson is still a Blazer, Eric Maynor has upgraded the backup PG slot and Ronnie Price has been waived.  Maynor is a big upgrade for our bench unit, and adds depth to a team that previously had none.  Last night, Portland beat a Boston team to remain in the hunt for the 8th seed in the playoffs.  4 games behind Houston and 5 behind Utah, the team currently sits at 10th in the West (the Lakers have passed us for 9th) with a record of 26-30.  Dallas is closing in on us as well.  The biggest question for our deadline acquisition:  Was it enough? 

Maynor most likely does not put us over the top and into the playoff picture (Hollinger's playoff odds on ESPN.com list us as having a 3.5% chance of making the playoffs), but the depth he adds solves a big issue.  A team cannot play its starters 38 minutes every night and expect the same performance every night.  Players experience fatigue.  As a reference point, Tony Parker and Chris Paul average 33 and 32.6 minutes per game, compared to Lillard's 38.5 minutes per game.  Blake Griffin plays around 6 minutes per game less than LaMarcus Aldridge.  Maynor's acquisition should help Stotts limit Lillard's minutes to the extent where he isn't fatigued as much.  I am predicting a rise in Lillard's shooting percentage over the rest of the season with Maynor's acquisition.

If the playoffs started today, we would pick 13th, which is an issue as our 1st round pick (traded to Charlotte as part of the Gerald Wallace trade) is only top-12 protected.  With such a small percent chance to make the playoffs, the time is nearing to see what the younger players can do.  For all Blazer fans, myself included, this is a frustrating time of uncertainty.  Losing more and more games could upset our marquee players, and team chemistry could take a hit.  A sensitive issue, but a decision needs to be made for the benefit of the franchise.  A playoff run would be welcome by most, but, the slim chance might lend us to keep our draft pick, which would benefit the team for the future.

The next 5-7 games win-loss record will determine the course we take.  Stay tuned, it could be an exciting finish.  If not, check back here often for more information on draft prospects (Or do that anyways :D)