Set for Home Finale
posted: 4/14/2008 at 10:05 PM
Tuesday night the Trail Blazers will play game #41 at home, and will also be looking for win #41 of the season. They host the Memphis Grizzlies at the Rose Garden at 7 o'clock. It'll be the 32nd sellout of the season, and the 27th straight.
The team has been talking lately about their goal of ending the season with a winning record, and of course, that's still possible. That won't be easy, as even if they win on Tuesday night, and they should, they'll be looking for win #42 at Phoenix on Wednesday night. Maybe in a normal year, when the Suns would have already locked up their playoff spot, you'd catch them resting some people and not taking the game as seriously. But, thanks to their win over Golden State on Monday (that officially knocked the Warriors out of the playoffs), they're now in a three-way tie with Houston and Utah at 54-27. So, they'll be going full throttle to try and get the win.
I'm not sure what your predictions were before the season, but I'm not ashamed to say that on our pre-season predictions radio show on Trail Blazers Courtside, I said this Blazers team would win 38 games. That wasn't the highest total thrown out there that night, but it was among the highest. Nationally, I saw Portland picked to win anywhere between 23-34. I can't say that I saw any national writer say that the Blazers would hit the 40-win mark (that's not saying it didn't happen, but I seriously doubt it).
We'll get into more of this following the Phoenix game, when we really start reflecting on the season, but, as you know, the Blazers just recently came back to the .500 mark, and even fell a game below on two occasions this month. The most they were ever over the .500 mark was nine. Following a win at Atlanta on January 21st, was the latest the team was nine games over, at 25-16.
The most games the team was below the .500 mark this season was seven, and thanks to a Travis Outlaw bank shot at the buzzer in Memphis on December 3rd, that number never reached eight. That win at Memphis also started the 13-game winning streak. It ended on New Year's Eve in Salt Lake City. But, the team climbed to the point where it was nine games over, for the first time, after a January 9th win over Golden State. That put the team at 22-13.
Following the Blazers final practice of the season, today in Tualatin, I was talking with Brandon Roy and we were remembing the streak. We were also talking about the future, and what the expectations will be like for next season, and in the coming years. The amazing thing is, as much as the team will undoubtedly improve, I wouldn't be shocked if there's not another 13-game streak any time soon. It turned out to be the second-longest winning streak in the NBA this season, only eclipsed by Houston's incredible 22-game streak. As we tried to keep telling ourselves during our streak, these things just don't happen very often.
I also remember saying during the streak that when something like this happens, you're often too close to it to truly appreciate it. We knew after the streak was snapped, perspective about it probably wouldn't truly be gained for months, if not years. Anyway, probably because the end is very near, we were looking back at things like the streak, and talking about them.
Now then, on to the Darius Miles stuff, because that's all you're going to remember from this anyway. You've no doubt heard the news by now. The independent medical examiner jointly appointed by the league and players union, has ruled that the damage to Miles knee is severe enough to qualify as a career-ending injury. Therefore, the team has put him on waivers, despite the fact that he has time left on his contract.
I know you've got questions about this. We all do. I've asked many of them, and what I understand is that there is a significant amount of gray area surrounding this thing. First of all, yes, Miles will get his money, and no, the Blazers won't have to play it all. Most importantly, obviously, Miles' remaining years, and money, will come off Portland's salary cap. The only way the money goes back on the cap, is if sometime before the end of this current contract, another team signs him, and he plays more than 10 games for them.
Here's where my question came in (and maybe I'm over thinking tihs, and/or getting paranoid). Let's say another team, like in the west, decided to give Darius a shot and signed him to a one-year contract at the veteran's minimum. And, let's say they decided to play him the 10 games, just simply to stick it to the Blazers. Could they? I was told yes, and I was told no, and then the final answer brought this gray area into play. It would only cost the other team a pro-rated portion of the minimum, and could not only cost the Blazers the 18, or so, million left on his deal (talking salary cap only here), but couldn't it cost them (in real dollars here) another 18 mill in luxury tax, if it puts them over the tax limit? Because, as you know, the tax is dollar for dollar once you hit the luxury tax.
It's probably too early to ask this stuff, and I'm really just thinking out loud here late at night, and that's never productive. But, I know some of you have probably thought the same thing, so I thought I'd get that out there.
The positive, obviously, is that about 9 mill comes of Portland's cap after this season, with another 9 the following season. This puts the Blazers in a position to really be a player in the free-agent market, especially following the '08-'09 season, when another 17, or so, comes off from the Steve Francis buyout.
Anyway, these are just thoughts, and this is just a blog, so take it for what it's worth. The answers to all of these questions will be coming in the near future. It's clear though, just from a fans' perspective, this is good news, and that's why this rule is in the books- to protect teams from having to be penalized if a player suffers a career-ending injury like this. I should also say that to Darius' credit, he did work his tail off this season in an attempt to get back into shape and make a comeback. I was there, and saw him. And, it's not like he's not going to get his money, so I know most of you don't have much sympathy after hearing that.
Back to the present, and to the game. It's the Blazers and Grizzlies Tuesday night, and a game Portland should win. But, as you know, the Blazers have struggled against teams like this recently. We've talked about how the Blazers haven't scored against teams like Sacramento and Seattle, who give up a ton of points, and Memphis fits right into this catagory.
Talk to you Tuesday night.
RSS FEED
Thanx for the Darius info Mike. It sort of makes my head spin. There are so many different scenarios to consider. I'm wondering if the Blazers will just sit on that possible cap space this next year, just in case, or will start to make a splash by doing a sign and trade with another team to resolve some of their point guard issues. Whatever happens, it will be fun to watch. It wasnt too hard to switch my mind off the Blazers at the end of the season a few years ago, but that certainly isnt the case anymore. Thank you Blazer organization for what you've done the past couple of years!!!! And Mike, thanks for the blog. I appreciate what you've put into it, and I enjoy reading what most everyone says.
From a fellow WA grad...
J.
Actually, Mike, Francis' contract comes off the books following the `08/`09 season. That is the same year Raef's contract comes off. Because of rookie contracts coming to an end, extensions, ect., the summer following the `08/`09 will be the only season in the near future that the blazers will be a major player in free agency.
Hey MB!
Speaking on Miles I can't but wonder if at some point in the next couple of years he regains some of his ability to play, and comes back to the NBA. As we all know Miles was the last of the Jailblazers to go. I myself always liked him, but I do understand what's going on.
Isn't Chris Paul going to be up for a new contract in a year.
I say don't draft a PG until next year, because we have an opportunity to get a quality PG.
We are looking a year out and what better PG then Chris Paul.
I'm licking my chops. As it is right now we can just keep who we have right now and wait and see what's out there.
I thought about the same thing as well with the Darius situation. I just don't know how a team would justify signing a injured player to a minimum to screw the Blazers over in the luxury tax. Not only is it not a very nice thing to do, a team that does that is really hurting their reputation. The Blazers could black ball them from ever doing deals with them. Not a very smart move considering we have a ton of young talent and picks we may need to trade away in the coming years. No franchise would do something so stupid. It's just going to put a bulls eye right on their backs. That's my quick take on it, I think we will be okay.
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the great coverage all season long! The Blazers really did have a great season this year and I can say that I was on cloud 27 during the 13 game streak when the east coast actually started paying attention to Rip City and I can only imagine the damage Rudy and Greg will bring next year. I'm a D Miles fan so no more head daps in a red and black uniform sucks. I'm surprised that its based on a career ending injury, I thought it was more probable that KP would've sent him packing to Miami for another first round pick and cash. Either way, I can respect what it does for the salary cap thats going to be a huge plus for us(unless someone plays him 10 games)
Back to the present.... Lets get 42 Games! Go Blazers!
Thanks for the comments. Like I said last night, I'll have more on this stuff very soon.
mrblazer,
That's correct, about it being following the 08-09 season. I mentioned that it's a year from this summer, but had the year wrong. The actual number we'll be under the cap following next season will be 25-33 million, pending who is retained through options, new free-agent signings, ect. Regardless, that's a huge amount to be under the cap. I don't think it can be overstated how big this is for the franchise. Kevin Pritchard and Tom Penn should be given a ton of credit for making this happen. Not only does it put the franchise in a position to grab a big-time free agent, but it saves the franchise millions.
MB
All along, I was thinking that if this scenario happened, that the other NBA teams might have some sort of 'gentleman's agreement' in place that would stop them from signing Darius for 10 games just to stick it to us. I hope that's still true, but it doesn't sound like it.
I can't think of too many guys who have had this happen. Terrell Brandon? Bryant Reeves? Has it ever happened that a player with a 'career ending injury' ended up coming back later?
All along, I was thinking that if this scenario happened, that the other NBA teams might have some sort of 'gentleman's agreement' in place that would stop them from signing Darius for 10 games just to stick it to us. I hope that's still true, but it doesn't sound like it.
I can't think of too many guys who have had this happen. Terrell Brandon? Bryant Reeves? Has it ever happened that a player with a 'career ending injury' ended up coming back later?
Hey Mike,
I know this has been asked about a billion times, but is there any news on the Comcast situation yet?
I would die if I have to go another season without watching the Blazers play.
Please let me know.
Thanks.
Mike-
Thanks for the update and for the clarification on when exactly that cap space will become available. Quick said 2010 in his article today, which is when Miles' contract would come off anyway, regardless of this ruling, so that confused me. Basically, this means that Miles contract is essentially already off the cap and Francis' and LaFrentz will be off after this next year, 2008-2009-providing us with 25-33M in cap space barring any trades, etc.
Here is a question: What if the Blazers don't feel they will be able to get the players they want through that cap space and decide they want to trade LaFrentz as an expiring contract. Could they, in effect do the same thing with Steve Francis' contract? I know he is playing with the Rockets now, but what if he is not playing next year? Or have the Blazers already waived all rights and do not have the ability to trade that "Cap space?"
Lastly, I could see two teams signing Miles to stick it to the Blazers: the L*kers and the Nuggets.
Mike how much of that cap space do we need to set aside to signing LA, BRoy, and possibly Martell and Frye to longer contracts?
It is never fun to see a player's career come to an end in the way that Darius' has due to injury. I wish him well in his future endeavors, but can't say fully that I will miss him, because I won't.
I too am all for Chris Paul in a year or two, but that is not likely to happen if New Orleans keeps on winning.
Can't wait for next year to be here so that we can start laughing hard at the L.A. Fakers. If they do win the conference, then we can say at least that we in the games in L.A. even at much less than full strength and we Ripped them in Rip City.
Go Blazers! Can't wait for the next season.
MB, the Darius news is closure that needed to come. Time for moving on.
It is a sad day in Rip City, if that is all fans choose to remember.
Thank you to all the Blazers, management, and employees for a great season.
Regardless of the final record:
We are the winners here in Portland.
We have a team we can be proud of again.
With a very bright future.
I'm sad to see the season ending this week.
Lets Go Blazers !!!!
Bring on the Grizz!!!!
Hey Mike,
Is there any free agent you can think of that Portland might go after in the offseason?
George
Mike: Thanks for the update on Darius Miles. I don't get involved with the love hate campaign. He was a very young man put in a big world with immature feelings and thoughts. Maybe, he grew emotionally and maybe he didn't, but he did put much hurt on the Blazer fans, and I am a Fan. As far as his injury, I hate to see that. He no longer fit as a Blazer therefore we had the option to trade him. To be glad he has a career ending injury is sad. You don't have to like him or as ian said you don't have to miss him, but don't lower yourself to his past standards to rejoice in his misfortunes.
Whether another team signs him or not, we still have to pay salary, so our only problem is the salary cap.
I keep hearing getting Chris Paul when he is a free agent. I think that would be great considering how him and BRoy played together in the All-Star game. but I agree that he probably will not be attainable. Maybe by that time our team value will go up and more powerful pt guards will be willing to play for Portland. Right now we are making big waves in the NBA and we don't have to make suddun decisions. Like BlazerChic said in the last blog lets just wait and play our cards when its time, for we do have a great hand.
I think this has been a terrific season and as it has also beed said The Blazers are already a winner regardless of the last two games. With Martell and Joel out, our team is different, but not bad, so lets hope we can keep it going tonight
hg
I can't wait until next year! It's going to be a crazy off-season though.
All I can really think about is L Aldridge next year! He's going to eat people alive.
Nice season bloggers.
Thanks for the info MB. What would we do without you.
Whoever is going to the game tonight, get the rose garden rocking from start to finish! Let's get win number 41.
Go Blazers
Rip City baby!
My prediction for tonight is that we struggle the first half, tighten up the screws halfway through the third, and finish with a handsome blowout.
On the D-Miles, good riddance. I don't feel sorry for him. He had a huge chance to be big but his rotten attitude prevented that... and his knee.
I can't wait for next season!
Go Blazers!
THis has been a great year and I just hope the team sticks together and gets even better next year! Hopefully Greg Oden will work with the nice chemistry that the team has going!!!
Chad Pedigo
Rudy, the Lakers and Nuggest have enough problems to worry about paying their players max contracts. Bynum, Gasol, Iverson, Melo, cost big bucks. I don't the situation but I also don't think they want to sign Miles with the image he brings to a team. Nuggets already are dealing with Melo and his problems off court, and Kobe hasn't exactly done a lot to win people over with his off the court problems.
Miles rep is so bad it would only damage a team to sign him. He should just go live on some island in the caribbean.
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