2005 Portland Trail Blazers Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Portland Trail Blazers.

2005 Portland Trail Blazers Team Preview

The Portland Trailblazers were 27-55 last season; the hope around Portland this year is that they can improve even just a little bit. The Blazers have a new coach, Nate McMillan—a no nonsense, disciplined, hard working NBA professional. Along with having a terrible record the other thing the team in Portland was known for was its lack of decorum and discipline.

McMillan is taking no prisoners when it comes to team focus. He’s banned cell phones from the bus and locker room saying personal business cannot be addressed when players are supposed to be working. Creating team focus is one of McMillan’s first goals. How will that sit with the talented, unpredictable, undisciplined Darius Miles? Miles and his attitude may be the new coaches’ first test but it won’t be his last.

If McMillan can start making Miles achieve his vast potential, he’ll have taken an important step in improving the team. Miles played an average of 27 minutes per game last season and he missed 19 contests. The power forward put in only 12.8 points per game—somehow the Trailblazers should be getting more from a player earning 48 million dollars over 6 years.

The Blazers are a young, talented team. Zach Randolph is another player possessing a lot of potential. But he can be petulant and moody—a non-team player. Randolph was good for 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game last season. But will he grow up?

Sebastian Telfair, entering only his second NBA season, is expected to run the offense and to conduct the defense. He’s been working hard on shooting from the outside and hopefully he’s honed his passing and ball-control skills. If he can step up, he may give the Blazers the stability they need so badly.

Portland is a young club with a range of talent and a lot of potential. With Nate McMillan in charge they have a good chance of improving and, perhaps in a few years, contending for a playoff position.

For more information on the 2005 Portland Trail Blazers Team, click here to visit their official team website.