The Blazers are currently on the biggest victory series in the League, with six row successes. And even ten on their last eleven outings. An almost unreal dynamic for a team that had only won 13 of its first 41 games! Especially since, although several of their direct competitors have strengthened considerably, such as Golden State with Jimmy Butler and San Antonio with De'Aaron Fox, the Blazers did not move their ears to the “Trade Deadline” .
Despite several veterans who were clearly put on the market, including Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III, Anfernee Simons or Deandre Ayton, Portland did not find a shoe at his foot. The GM, Joe Cronin, welcomes to have kept his group intact. A promising group that only begins to find its marks.
“We know that many fans, and many of you here, would have preferred to see a little action. Often, too. We are always looking for ways to be able to be active in these windows and find players who could help us ”explains the leader in The Oregonian. “But this time, we did not find any added value. So we passed our turn. »»
In search of young players who could accompany their hard core made up of Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson and Donovan Clingan (in addition to the tireless Toumani Camara), the Blazers went very close to two exchanges. But the game was not worth the candle, while mayonnaise is taking in the city of roses.
“Let's see how far you can go”
“These discussions are always interesting, because we know what each team is looking for. We have bases on what exchanges can be. Only the details to be paid ”he adds. “Our approach remains the same. We think of the future. In this case, I did not want to shake the boat but the way we play recently did not change our plans. We want to build a team that wins for a long time. »»
If the long-term plans have not changed, it must be admitted that the leaders of RIP City would not be against a disheveled end of the season which would bring the Blazers to the playoffs, through the “play-in” most likely. Instead of the start of the season statements to target a new top choice of Draft, Portland now intends to hang on to its little chance of hanging up the wagon with the peloton of the Western Conference.
“I love what we have”confirms Chauncey Billups. “I really like what we are building. We work well at the moment, we learn a lot about each other. It's very pleasant. »»
Even if Portland still only appears in the 13th place to the west, Joe Cronin also caught up in the game.
“It would be unfair to deprive players [de viser le play in]. I am so proud of them. They have no limits, go win matches. Let's see how far you can go. »»
