Preview - Portland Trail Blazers

With a bunch of aging veterans, this may be Portland's last shot to knock off the Lakers.
Portland Trail Blazers

2000 Record: (50-32), 4th in Pacific Division

Player Losses: Steve Smith, Greg Anthony, Stacey Augmon, Rod Strickland, Antonio Harvey.

Player Additions: Derek Anderson, Ruben Patterson, Steve Kerr, Chris Dudley, Zach Randolph, Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje.

Projected Starting Five:

Center - Dale Davis (6'11" 250 lbs.)
Forward - Rasheed Wallace (6'11" 230 lbs.)
Forward - Scottie Pippen (6'7" 225 lbs.)
Guard - Derek Anderson (6'5" 195 lbs.)
Guard - Damon Stoudamire (5'10" 170 lbs.)

The uncertain status of Arvydas Sabonis is a blow to Portland's chances to compete for a title. He is reportedly considering retirement rather than coming back for another year. This would give them no viable center to compete with Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson. If that wasn't enough, the signing of Derek Anderson has angered Bonzi Wells. Anderson will start at shooting guard, while Wells will come off the bench, where he has been effective over the past two years. If Portland can't solve their problems, their season will be worse than last year.

By Cory Rivera
Published: 10/24/2001
 
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