subject: Portland Trail Blazers Tickets - 2009-10 Roster Examination [print this page] Here is a look at the most relevant players on the Portland Trail Blazers and their roles for the 2009-10 season and moving forward.
Brandon Roy, Guard: Roy is the player that sells the most Portland Trail Blazers tickets. He's been the best player on this team since his rookie season and he's still getting better. Roy can do a little bit of everything, but he shoulders a good portion of the scoring load on this team. He can play both guard positions, but will probably spend more time at the two now that the team has acquired Andre Miller. He's the team's most valuable player.
Greg Oden, Center: Blazers fans will be packing into the Rose Garden this season to see the big man play now that he's a starter. He had a tough 2008-09 season, as he was slowed by foul trouble and injuries, but he's reportedly in the best shape of his NBA career and looking to make something of the 2009-10 campaign. Talent certainly is not the question here; it's health and minutes. If Oden can take the next step in his development, then the Blazers could be a top Western Conference team in 2009-10.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Forward: Aldridge is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. He's got a great touch for a guy of his size and he's becoming stronger and tougher inside. He still spends a lot of his time in the mid-range area, but he's looking to assert himself more and more down low. The team awarded him with a hefty extension in the preseason, so he should be glad to have the negotiations behind him. If he can get tougher inside and grab some more rebounds, he's a future All-Star.
Andre Miller, Point Guard: The Blazers signed Miller this summer to fill their void at point guard, but some people have questions about how well he fits on this team. He's a veteran presence, which will help this young squad, but both he and Roy will need the ball in their hands quite often to be effective. I think they'll figure out a way to make things work because Miller could be an addition that takes this team to the next level.
Travis Outlaw, Small Forward: Outlaw keeps on expanding his offensive repertoire, and he's getting more and more dangerous offensively because of that. He's not settling for the jumper as much as he used to, but his shot overall has improved for when he does pull up off the dribble. He's versatile, long and athletic and provides a big spark when he enters the game.
Martell Webster, Guard/Forward: Webster was injured last season but the team still extended him; that's how highly the organization thinks of him. Webster has a sweet shooting stroke that can stretch the floor and he's got the game to be a really good role player on this team.
Steve Blake, Point Guard: Blake could retain his role as the starting point guard if Miller and Roy don't mesh. Either way, he should still see significant minutes.
Rudy Fernandez, Guard: Fernandez wants more of a role, but the backcourt situation is a bit crowded. He's got talent, but I'm not sure where he fits in right now.
Nicolas Batum, Forward: I love Batum's potential and he's a favorite of Nate McMillan because of his defense.
Jerryd Bayless, Guard: The Blazers need to find a way to get Bayless involved. He's a gifted scorer and has shown flashes of playmaking ability. Again, the crowded backcourt could be an issue.
