Remember that Philly powerhouse that slapped teams

around in the 76-77 season. Ponder the club led by Dr. J, Chocolate Thunder,

Bob Mcadoo, Bobby Jones and company. That team clubbed their way

through the East and into the World Championship Finals against the

underdog Portland Trailblazers. The championship was as good as won.

The 76er's had the high flying, supremely skilled players who dazzled

NBA fans and pundits alike. Their unparalled skills and power dunking

prowress could not be contained by Bill Walton and a bunch of no name

players from the distant Northwest. If only Kareem and the former Minneapolis

club were there to give that once in a generation club a battle. Now that would

be a matchup to be remembered. Well, at least the parade of dribble drive

finger rolls and visits to Lovetron would make this a short series before

a FANtastic parade through the streets of the City of Brothery Love !

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     As most

Continue reading this post »

Continue reading this post »

     With the announcement of Rudy coming to the NBA and the

Trailblazers, the fans are juiced about his unique package of

dunks, step-back threes and alley ooops off the dribble. I think

one factor in Rudy's game being overlooked is his speed up

the floor and our other rookie's ability to go looooong !

     The plain fact of the matter is that with GO in the middle

working the defensive boards, we will have more leak outs

by Martell, Smooth and now Rudy. GO showed some nice

outlet ability in his highlight package and I think it will be

a unexpected surprise this year. Rudy's highlight reel showed

excellent transition speed and handle in order to make him

one of our Runners. If we could only draft Westbrook at # 13,

we would have that final piece in a lockdown defender at the

PG (combo), who can really fly up the court and finish !

I smell something baking and I think it's a CAKE.

     It's funny to think about after witnessing BRoy take over the game inthe fourth quarter, but LaMarcus issuch a big key to the Blazers gettingto the championship. He is such a physical specimen in his combinationof length, speed and agility. The NBA has quite a few 6'11" power forwards,but how many can match his speedover 94 feet ? KG ? Duncan ? Sheed ?Certainly not Dirk. I find it unusualthat he has the great touch in his top of the reach jumper to go with the length, speed and agility. Hencethe nickname "SMOOTH". He even speaks with that smooth Texas drawl.      I can't wait for the inevitable8-10 lbs of core muscle that his frequent forays into the weight roomwill produce. That will allow him toadd strength to his package, and turnthe finesse finishes into thunder dunks.Add the left wing face up power dribble to the righty hook, to his back to the basket version of Hakeeem's dream shakeand Smooth has all the tools! 

     As you may know from Canzano's column,
a couple of Blazermaniacs have started a
group to put pressure on Comcast and the Blazers
to help get deals done with the cable and sattelite companies. We don't get any TV coverage
beside National TV games here in Southern Oregon
(Medford) and our Blazer radio affiliate is
now spanish language. According to Chuck Cushman,
one of the organizers, the Comcast deal basically
eliminated coverage for Southern and Eastern
Oregon, Southern Washington (including areas just
outside Vancouver), as well as other rural areas
of Oregon. Chuck's research indicates that
the population excluded is near 600,000 households. Mr. Cushman is a land use lobbist/
National Parks and Forests advocate and so has
a email, fax and internet based communication
group that has effectively lobbied Congress and
other governmental agencies for many years. He is also a huge Blazer fan and has set up a network of
links to Comcast and Blazer officials as well as
advertiser's that we can inform of our displeasure.

                 Blazer Fan Access Coalition
                 P.O. Box 423
                 Battle Ground, WA 98604
                 (360) 687-2505
                 ccushman@pacifier.com

     If you think Comcast holding 25% of the
Blazer fans hostage isn't right, please get on
the phone or email list. Bring back our Blazers !

In response to the poll regarding Juan's playing
time, I think the important thing to remember is
that he can't guard anyone. He plays D with his hands and though this yeilds an occasional steal,
most of the time it's the opposing guard in the
paint. At least Martell has been trying to play
defense, while growing into his future game.
Remember he's only 20.