With teams like the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers collectively building their arsenals like they are preparing for World War III, the Portland Trail Blazers are left with some major decisions to make. It's no secret that the firing of General Manager Kevin Pritchard left both a bad taste in the mouths of fans and a lull in the Blazer's opportunities to attract and/or bring in that elusive last "piece".
There are those in one camp who believe that the a healthy Greg Oden coming back would be that missing piece. And yet there are others who have written off Oden after pegging him as injury prone. Additionally, the Blazers are missing a young solid point guard to set up the offense and take the pressure off of Brandon Roy. With troubles in the front office are they going to make any moves the rest of the summer?
So far the answer seems to be no. They acquired Wesley Matthews from the Utah Jazz after putting forth an offer the Jazz couldn't match. They picked up a couple of solid picks in the draft but still have not made the blockbuster move that fans have been expecting. After some excitement in being named in the hunt for the Chris Paul sweepstakes died when Paul decided to stay in New Orleans, it seems like all is quiet on the Northwest front.
That's not to say that the Blazers don't have options. It has been made perfectly clear that Rudy Fernadez is not happy and would like to be traded. The Blazers could easily get something of value back for Rudy, especially if they combine him with the expiring contracts of Joel Prizbilla and Andre Miller. But is new General Manager Rich Cho going to pull the trigger? In an off season that has seen more moves than Fashion Week, it seems like Cho is a bit more conservative.
If that is true and the Blazers go into the 2010-2011 season with what they currently have then are they going to be able to compete? The answer is yes due the fact that certain other teams in the West have taken a step backwards. The Jazz lost Carlos Boozer and have changed directions. Jerry Sloan most certainly will have his Jazz over performing like normal but they should still be not as strong as last year. The Phoenix Suns lost Amare Stoudamire. San Antonio is another year older. Even Denver's talent is a year older. Even without that next piece the Blazers could compete for a top 4 slot right now. With a healthy Oden maybe they could make the 2nd round.
But is that going to satisfy owner Paul Allen and Blazer fans? That answer will make or break new GM Rich Cho.
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