Tip-off is still months away but the Blazers have already leapfrogged two Western Division foes. Kevin Garnett has already been shipped east but now comes word that Elton Brand has ruptured his Achilles tendon.
Neither Minnesota or Los Angeles were playoff teams last year, but neither was Portland. In the quest to reach the playoffs, which is still somewhat of a pipe dream for Portland, they'll have to pass several teams.
The fact that two teams that will presumably be fighting for the eighth playoff spot in the west are now weaker, helps the Blazers immeasurably. And training camp is still months away.
Last year, 42 wins got Golden State a playoff berth. 42 wins is not out of the question for Portland albeit it might be a little high. The fact remains that young teams just struggle to win games...particularly late in the season when the wear and tear on the body takes its toll.
But these two off-season happenings have undoubtedly strengthened Portland's stature in the west and makes the playoffs even that much more of a possibility.
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