Portland Trail Blazers 2006-07 Season Preview

Power forward Zach Randolph led the Trail Blazers in scoring (18.0 ppg) and rebounding (8.0 rpg), while Steve Blake, who was traded to Milwaukee during the offseason, dished out a team-best 4.5 assists per game. Randolph is Portland’s best player and gives them a presence in the low post.

Guard Jarrett Jack and forward Martell Webster showed some promise as rookies in 2005-06, while guard Juan Dixon netted 12.3 per game in 76 contests. Disgruntled forward Darius Miles played 40 games and registered 14.0 points and 4.6 rebounds. Miles would like to be traded and the team will most likely continue its attempt to try and accommodate him.

Draft night was a very busy time for the franchise. When the night was over, Portland had LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas and highly-tauted guard Brando Roy of Washington in the fold. The Trail Blazers traded the rights to Villanova guard Randy Foye, who was selected No. 7 overall by the Celtics, along with cash considerations to Minnesota for the rights to Roy, who the Timberwolves selected with the sixth pick in round one. They had acquired the rights to the seventh overall selection through an earlier trade with Boston. The Trail Blazers sent point guard Sebastian Telfair, forward Theo Ratliff and a future second round draft pick to the Celtics for forward Raef LaFrentz, guard Dan Dickau and the first round-pick, which ended up being Foye.

Portland, which made some lesser moves as the draft progressed, is trying to turn the franchise. The draft was a excellent start. Aldridge and Roy are not only excellent players, but they have good character, which is something that the Trail Blazers could use on their roster. A step in the right direction for this club.

Center Jamaal Magloire was obtained from Milwaukee in a deal for Blake, while Joel Przybilla, who averaged 6.1 points and 7.0 boards in 56 contests last season, re-signed with the club and will team with Magloire to give Portland a solid tandem in the middle.

Head coach Nate McMillan is back for his second season with the club. After last season, McMillan has to be happy with the changes and the young players he will be coaching. McMillan will put his stamp on the team in the 2006-07 campaign.

BACKCOURT

With Blake and Telfair gone, the point guard duties will be handled by Jack and Dickau. Jack averaged 6.7 points and 2.8 assists last season. The Blazers would be thrilled if the 6-3 Jack, who turns 23 on October 28th, rises to the challenge and become their starting point guard of the future.

Roy and Dixon will compete for playing time at shooting guard. The rookie Roy is the real deal and will have an impact in his first year in the league. Dixon’s name was involved in trade rumors and he could be wearing a new uniform in the near future.

FRONTCOURT

Magloire averaged 9.2 points and 9.5 rebounds in 82 games for Milwaukee last season. He is very tough down low and will team with Randolph to makeup a tough duo in the paint on both ends of the court. The 28-year-old center is in the last year of his contract and should have a productive season in Portland.

The Trail Blazers actually should be excited about the future with their frontcourt. If Aldridge can develop into a productive low post NBA player and the 19-year-old Webster’s game continues to mature, there could be a lot to look forward to.

Portland knows what Randolph is going to give it, while Miles is just playing out his days with the Blazers. The 30-year-old LaFrentz, who registered 7.8 points and 5.0 boards per game in 82 contests for Boston in 2005-06, is still serviceable and can hit the outside jumper.

OUTLOOK

The Trail Blazers are finally doing a complete makeover. Acquiring Roy and Aldridge on draft night was a great first step. The process is still in the beginning stages.

Another trip to the lottery is a good thing for this franchise. Adding more talent through the draft is how this team will keep building for a better future.