Midseason Blazers report

Call it a rollercoaster ride, playing sizzling hot then frigidly cold or simply up and down, but the Blazers (19-26) at midseason have been decidedly inconsistent.

Recently, Portland was able to bounce back from last Friday’s murderous 30-point trouncing from Houston with an inspiring 135-132 double-overtime win in Memphis. Right when it appeared this team was on the brink of inferiority with its worst loss of the season, it quickly sprang back to respectability after an encouraging outing.

Right now I’d like to examine why there has been so much inconsistency and who is responsible. With every story there is a cast of characters moving the plotline along. Let’s take a look at which role each character has taken in writing Portland’s fate.

Zach Randolph–“Trusty Warrior”

Z-Bo has undoubtedly been Portland’s most consistent option, putting up all-star numbers on a nightly basis. As the focal point of the offense, he has been an absolute monster with nearly 24 points a contest, and is beginning to assert himself as a force on the glass with double-digit boards.

Grade: A

Brandon Roy–“Rising Star”

After missing 20 games with a heel injury, this rookie has thrown together an impressive resume for R.O.Y. He has taken hold of a leadership role on this extremely young squad, leading with his head, not trash talk or flashy play. In recent weeks, Roy has also proven he can prevail in pressure-packed situations, providing Portland with another option in the final seconds.

Grade: A-

Ime Udoka–“The Surprise Show Stopper”

The pride of Portland State was the last invited to training camp, but he has made the most of his opportunity, being the only Blazer to start each game. Udoka plays a unique role as Portland’s defensive specialist and pressure three-point shooting artist. The team depends on him to do the dirty work, and thus far he has made clean work of that.

Grade: B

Jarrett Jack–“The Pupil”

Jack has become an extension of head coach Nate McMillan on the court. With 12.4 points per game, he is the third wheel in scoring behind Z-Bo and Roy, and his assists numbers aren’t going to top the league, but it has been his ability to calm the team and execute the halfcourt offense that has allowed him to retain his starting job.

Grade: B-

LaMarcus Aldridge–“Lone Star Kid”

Night after night, Aldridge’s energy and knack for snatching offensive rebounds has made him an integral member of this team. Also, his pure athleticism has given him an edge over older, slower options at center position.

Grade: C+

Travis Outlaw–“Untapped Potential”

T-Law has been a bright spot on Portland’s roster this season. Until he went down with a sprained ankle, Outlaw led the team in blocks, as well as attributing 9.3 points per game off the bench. This year there has been a noticeable difference in his shot to go along with his above-the-rim antics. Once the maturation process is complete, he should be the total package.

Grade: C+

Sergio Rodriguez–“Foreign Flavor”

The Spanish import has become a fan favorite with his up-tempo style and flashy dishes. With fewer air balls and a steadier stroke, the man that makes the fans “ooh” and “awe” could hear his name being announced over the PA system during starting lineups.

Grade: C

Juan Dixon–“Mystery Speed Scorer”

The trusty veteran has spoken openly about his nonexistent role. He might not know how many minutes he will play, but he does know how to score and score fast. McMillan also trusts Dixon to pull through in clutch situations, as he leads the team in fourth-quarter minutes.

Grade: C

Martell Webster–“Star in Waiting”

We have seen the flashes of brilliance that cause Portlanders to salivate. But the majority of his performances have left a nauseating feeling in the stomachs of loyal fans. The Blazers’ lottery pick a year ago has grown too accustomed to shooting jumpers and not fond enough of penetrating to the basket. Too one-dimensional for comfort.

Grade: C-

Joel Przybilla–“Fallen Big Man”

Since inking a five-year, $32 million contract, the big man has been far short of a thriller. He missed the opening stretch of the season with abdominal hematoma and has seemingly never come back, averaging a meager 2 points a game and four rebounds. He continues to start, but if his play plateaus, look for Aldridge to leap into McMillan’s five.

Grade: D+

Jamaal Magloire–“All Washed Up”

The former all-star has transformed into wasted space in Portland. He slows the speedy tempo Rodriguez establishes with the second unit and clogs up the middle, forcing the Blazers’ attack to fire from outside. At this point, the sloth-like center is more likely fish bait than trade bait.

Grade: D