Had a chance to watch the Lakers-Blazers opener last night, which LA won, 96-76.Portland has a great young nucleus with a bright future. They have so many pieces. But they're missing a starting point guard.
Brandon Roy, who starts at the point for the Blazers, shot just 5-15 from the field. With a true PG who could create easier looks, a great scorer like Roy would be much more effective, especially against a good team like the Lakers.
As for the other point guards on the roster, Steve Blake is an excellent guy for your team, but he's a back-up. Bayless isn't ready to be a starter right now. And Rodriquez is a back-up fourth guard on a playoff team.
As for the frontcourt, the Blazers have tremendous depth (and youth) up front at the power forward/center position with Aldridge, Oden, Przybilla, Frye, and Diogu.
Rudy Fernandez had a nice offensive game, shooting 3-5 from 3-point range in 29 minutes and scoring 16 points.
As for LA, the Laker defense has really improved since last season. The second unit changes the pace and tempo for them.
Off the bench, they've got great a great combination of youth/energy/experience Vujacic, Ariza, and Farmar, all of whom really pick up the defense off the bench while the starters set the tone with execution and playoff experience.
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