The Blazers open their season in that other River City tonight, San Antonio, as they face the world-champion Spurs. Reloaded with young, hungry talent, expect Portland to run a lot this year, make some mistakes and generally be far more entertaining than in years past. Here’s a look at the starting lineup.
Center: Joel Przybilla is the starter here, and it’s no big surprise. The Pryz is an excellent shot blocker and is generally good on the boards, but the worry with him is that at 7-foot-1 and very slow, he won’t fit in with head coach Nate McMillan’s new run-first philosophy.
Still, backup Channing Frye should provide defenses with a different look, as Frye plays more like LaMarcus Aldridge–athletic with a good shot–than Pryzbilla, the former University of Minnesota star.
Power forward: LaMarcus Aldridge secured the starting spot the minute general manager Kevin Pritchard sent Zach Randolph packing to New York. Based on his dominant preseason (and Randolph’s abysmal one), chalk it up as just another savvy move by the Blazers’ young GM. Aldridge runs the floor as well as a guard, plays above the rim and has a sweet stroke from 15 to 18 feet.
Expect Travis Outlaw to back him up and become the second unit’s go-to player. Outlaw improved his outside shot tremendously in the off-season, and McMillan likes the way he plays with the rest of the backups.
Small forward: The sixth pick in the 2005 draft, Seattle Prep star Martell Webster gets the starting nod here. Webster finally found some confidence shooting the ball this preseason, and the hope is he’ll continue to shoot well as the season progresses. He’ll get plenty of chances to prove himself, especially with all the looks Brandon Roy and Aldridge will create. Expect a big year out of the 20 year old.
James Jones, an established threat from range, will back up Webster. Jones, who played for Phoenix last year, could also see some time playing behind Roy at shooting guard.
Shooting guard: The reigning Rookie of the Year, Brandon Roy, is the new face of the franchise and also happens to be one of the most talented playmakers on the team. When he’s not burning teams with his numerous shooting skills (he shot .456 last year, including .377 from three), Roy will be creating for his teammates. Roy averaged four assists per game last season to go with 16.8 points. Both those numbers should increase.
Expect Jones and either Jarrett Jack or Steve Blake to see time behind Roy this year. McMillan went small at times during the preseason, and with the emergence of Taurean Green, the backcourt is getting rather crowded. It makes sense to see two point guards on the court at times this year.
Point guard: McMillan announced his starter Monday afternoon, giving the nod to last year’s starter Jarrett Jack. Blake will play with the second unit, but expect both men to log heavy minutes with both the starters and backups.
Fan favorite Sergio Rodriguez will get some minutes off the bench, as will Taurean Green. With four point guards, McMillan’s job is to make sure each player is used in the correct situation. When defense is needed, Green will be on the floor. When the tempo needs to be increased, Rodriguez should hear his name called. And Jack or Blake should see major minutes at both guard spots.