How many wins?

"Look out here we come", strikes fear doesn't it? Yeah, well, something tells me that most of the other teams have already put a "W" on their schedule where it says Portland. I think it is this one factor that may allow the Blazers a good chance to win a few games. Teams are going to assume a win, and that is when we can strike back with a bit more strength than expected. We might be able to catch a few teams with their guard down. I am going to make an optimistic prediction and say the Blazers will manage 30 wins this season. This is probably too optimistic, but hey, I am a fan.

GO BLAZERS!

The 'Dress Code'...

I have just read the NBA's new dress code. While I am all for straightening some of these guys out I do think that Mr. Stern has probably taken this too far. I mean, is the jewelry such a big deal? Women can wear it to work, why can't the guys if they aren't playing? Who cares if it is gawdy and ugly? I don't care for it but why make it such a big deal? No headphones on the plane? Come on, that is crazy. Some of those flights are really L O N G. I hate to say it but I think a lot of Stern's power has gone to his head. I agree that some guys look like 8th grade gangsta wannabes but just how far can this go? No head gear of any type? No hats? Some suits demand a hat! What is Shaq going to do?

I had an idea that I'd like to propose to players that want to protest the dress code. Do exactly what the code calls for, show up in a dress. Perhaps Dennis Rodman was ahead of his time. I see no mention in the rules about dresses. Could you imagine David Stern's reaction if this caught on? What could he do? It isn't breaking the rules. Just imagine Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace in a nice floral print. I think they would look fabulous.

Seriously, these rules are going to make problems. All the rules seem to be is a description of how David Stern dresses, It isn't fair to people who prefer other styles. These alternate styles can be done neatly. What is so wrong with retro jerseys? They could be worn with a suit jacket.

Now that I am thinking about it, since when are headphones considered clothing? is this a ruse to get under Sheed's skin yet again? Hmmmmmm....

The poor Blazers. Not only do they have to deal with these new rules, but they have to deal with Nate's rules as well. No headbands. No cell phones. Talk about cold turkey! I am telling you, someone is going to snap over this.

Drama in Portland, are you surprised?

The Blazers have played 2 preseason games and already there is a problem. It seems that the immaturity of our 80 million dollar man has already gotten him into trouble. Zach Randolph managed to get himself kicked out of practice yesterday by coach McMillan. McMillan then proceeded to take the team into another room and lay down the law.

Unfortunately, I am not one to think that this will last long. I would love it if it did, but Blazer management has a way of turning on coaches and undermining their authority. Let's not forget how much support Mo Cheeks got when he wanted to punish Darius Miles. I'd say that between Nate's tough new rules and the new dress code, someone is going to snap. Most likely our highest paid guys, Zach and Darius. At that point we will see how much authority Nate will be given.

Blazer fans are watching and waiting to see.

LINK

Why I've been distracted...

I have been devoting my spare time to the newest member of our family. Her name is Maricella Faith. She was born on 9/20/05 at Legacy Emmanuel. Maricella weighed only .410kg at birth. She is a micro-preemie. Maricella's mother is my niece.

Maricella is currently in the NICU at Legacy Emmanuel. The nurses are doing a wonderful job caring for her. THANK YOU to them!

So far Maricella is defying the odds and doing quite well for a baby in her circumstance. She is literally a miracle in progress! I have begun a blog that will chronicle her journey. I invite you all to check in and witness this amazing story.

LINK

A new season, a different perspective.

Well, the 05-06 season is just around the corner. Already, I am experiencing new perspectives. Normally I am geered up and ready to begin making the trip to Portland 2, 3 and even 4 times a week. By now I normally would have all my extra tickets for friends and family purchased. Not this year. For the first time in 7 years I am saying no to season tickets. My decision is not based on the team at all, it is entirely due to Steve Patterson. I will simply leave it at that. I am not going to spend the season griping about him. OK, I am going try very hard. I have to say, the man still needs a haircut!

As for the team, I am somewhat excited to see what they can do. My main concern is Darius Miles. Last year Darius told us all how he was willing to do whatever it takes to win. We all know how that turned out. This year, we are hearing the same thing. Darius has said that he will play for Nate McMillan and basically behave. Only time will tell. I am sure many a Blazer fan will be crossing their fingers and toes.

Nate McMillan is sounding like his reputation as a disciplinarian is not a fabrication. Nate has banned headbands. So much for "Can I get A Headband". I am happy to see them go. Nate has banned cell phones from practice and the team plane. Nate has also said that the guys will be rooming together while on road trips and that he will choose who rooms with who. This makes me laugh and also wonder, is this another tactic to save Paul Allen money? Hey, why not? I hear the rooms players stay in are quite nice. Why pay for 12 when you can pay for 6? I applaud Nate for his efforts. I hope that management backs him up. We'll see where he stands when Darius demands his own room.

As for the rest of the team and what I think, I can't say. It is simply too soon and it is all speculation. I think we have a good group of guys. I do wish the team the very best this year and hope that they pull off a cinderella story. Hey, it can happen. This is the time of year that a fan can dream big dreams.

I am looking forward to watching games in my PJ's and not having to drive 50 miles to get home. If I'm thirsty I can go to the fridge and miss 15 seconds rather than forking over 3 bucks for a coke and missing 15 minutes. For once I will have the bonus of hearing what is going on rather than trying to decipher it by asking people who are wearing headphones.

Don't get me wrong. I will still go to games, just not as many. I like being there and screaming my head off. I hope that this year I have a reason to. I'm looking forward to getting things started.

One more thing. I am very pleased that Ruben Patterson is still a Blazer. I don't care what anyone says. Ruben is a keeper.

GO BLAZERS!