by Tony Luftman

Do you remember the movie “Groundhog Day?” Bill Murray’s character was forced to re-live the same day over and over again. Well I think in a similar way that this season’s order of finish in the Northwest Division will be the exact same as it was a year ago. A significant difference should be noted though: I think that the Blazers will make the playoffs this season. Each day this week we’ll focus on the Blazers competition in the division and the story lines to track as training camp begins.

Last Year: Denver finished 2nd in the division with a 45-37 record and earned the 6th seed in the Western Conference Playoffs and were quickly dispatched by the eventual champion Spurs in the 1st round 4 games to 1.

Key Storylines:

Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony will play their first complete season together and I expect them to play better together from the start. Their ability to share the basketball was a key to their 10-1 finish in April. After all there is only one basketball to go around and as long as Iverson is willing to continue to defer to one of the league’s best players in Anthony then Denver will continue to be successful.

Anthony was sensational this summer for Team USA in part according to Head Coach George Karl because he trusted his team rather than forcing his talent. “He’ll have more responsibility on our team, but the trust of each other is an imperative part of a championship team.” I expect Anthony’s 5th season to be his best yet.

Look for Marcus Camby to continue to dazzle. His ability to block shots and rebound will be critical for the team’s success. He patrols the paint like only a few players can in the NBA.

Kenyon Martin’s return from microfracture surgery last season will be handled with care. He’s played only 58 games in the last 2 seasons because of knee trouble including only 2 games last season.



Speaking of big men with injuries in Denver, Nene is still recovering from a calf strain suffered in the FIBA Americas Tournament.. Denver will have to replace the all around contribution of Steve Blake. The Nuggets loss was definitely the Blazers gain. I expect Chucky Atkins to help but he’s not as complete a player as Blake.

Projection: Anthony and Iverson will lead Denver back to the playoffs and will finish 2nd in the division.