The Blazers are getting better.

Impressive win by Portland last night. Yes, it could have gone either way. However, it was the Blazer's ability to fight the Timberwolves face to face that gave them the opportunity to win.

I have heard it said that success is where preparation and opportunity meet. The Blazers have been preparing their game all season long and more and more as teams present them with opportunities, they are able to take advantage of it and have success. The game against Phoenix was also proof of this. The result was not a win but the game was much more of a game than I think people expected. The Blazers actually had Phoenix working for the win, something that not all teams are able to do these days.

I am proud of the progress this Blazer team is making and I am very sure that these are only glimpses of much more success in the future. I pray that Blazer management thinks long and hard before making any trades or changes. I personally do not think that enough time has passed with this particular group of guys to be making any major trade plans. I have advocated for trading Zach. I do not like his off court persona at all. However, as things stand today, I'd be reluctant to do so. If anything, wait this year out and see how he handles himself. The kid deserves to be an all-star in spite of it all. If he doesn't get in this year, I wouldn't blame Zach for wanting to be elsewhere, and the Blazers owe him the best opportunity they can give him. A prudent trade would then be warranted.

As for the rooks, I say HANDS OFF!

Until then, I'll keep watching and enjoying watching this team get better and better.

GO BLAZERS!