Speaking Numerologically, I like what I see!
I’ve had fun, success, and my share of misses covering the Trail Blazers over the past several years. What do I think is in store this season? My assessment mirrors the consensus view of most writers and prognosticators. From a numerology perspective, this is a peak year. That’s great news, of course. The bad news? Portland’s championship chase will become increasingly difficult after that.
As background, I predicted as much in August 2019: “With the power vested in me, I declare that they are going to reach their goal within the next two or three seasons! I am old man numbers, and that’s the way I see it!“
Dame seems solid again. CJ has new wrinkles and could flirt with all-star status this year. Kanter’s return appears to be more significant this time around. Jones is a find. Covington excels. Nurk is steady. Hood has some catching up to do but contributes. It’s good to have Melo. Miles is a find. Trent picks up where he left off last season. Ant is the question mark. Does he inherit his legacy? Nassir Little will be good to have around. Elleby surprises. Zach cannot seem to shake the injury bug.
But as things look up, another storyline is as steady as ever. For years, I’ve pleaded with Terry Stotts: “PLEASE play the talent and let them rip!” Hopefully, he drops his (what seems to be) a cast-in-concrete three-year plan for rookies and gives the Rook some valuable playing time. It will pay off.
Numbers aside, and speaking now only as a fan, I hope the Trail Blazers will go beyond being a bridesmaid and beat out ‘those braggarts’ from conference south!
