Bold predictions

I have two bold, or as bold as putting something in an internet blog can be bold, predictions today.

Prediction #1: Steve Blake and James Jones will be the starters at point guard and small forward, respectively (I hope I used that word right). They will play upwards of 30 minutes at those spots.

Because Oden, Aldridge and Roy, respectively, have a strangle hold on the Center, Power Forward and Shooting guard spots it's kind of been assumed that the small forward and point guard spots are up for grabs. Beyond that there's a certain amount of belief that neither of those spots will have any sort of hierarchy and will be run by committee.

I say that's hogwash. I say Blake and Jones are the obvious choices to start and they're so much better than the rest of the field at those positions that Nate McMillan is going to have a hell of a time trying to find any sort of consistent minutes for Outlaw, Webster, Jack and Sergio.

I've thought this from the moment we acquired both players but today my feelings were strengthened by This Article

I know, it's not the most objective article because it comes from the Blazer web site. But it still tells me that not only are Blake and Jones the best option we have at point guard and small forward, but they're also the hardest working players at their position.

Prediction #2: The Blazers will win more than 45 games and make the playoffs this season.

I mostly make this prediction based on my first prediction. I figured the big three would do well and it would be up to the rest of the team to play their roles properly in order to propel us to real success this season. With Blake and Jones playing most of the minutes at the other two spots I am confident that not only are we a team of the future, but we're a team that people will take notice of this season.