Martell Webster had a promising run at the end of the season after his stint in the NBDL. The Blazers are looking for major contributions from him but the question is where. If Darius Miles can't go he'll see a lot of minutes at small forward along with Travis Outlaw. If Miles' knees do hold up Webster will likely be bumped to shooting guard. He obviously has the stroke for it and his height is impressive, but he has problems moving his feet, handling, and driving. He works as hard on his game as anyone though. I wouldn't be surprised if even with an up and down season he scores in the teens and gets several chances to prove himself. In the end his time will be as consistent as his play.

The young guy who will get the chance to make the most impact is second-year man Jarrett Jack. The Blazers showed an enormous amount of confidence in him by trading away both Sebastian Telfair and Steve Blake over the summer. Besides the as-yet-untested Roy the only other point guards on the team are an injured Dan Dickau and not-yet-ready-for-primetime rookie Sergio Rodriguez. That means it's Jack or nothing. He's got a solid physique, lots of confidence, a developing shot, and good leadership ability. That said, the coaching staff made sure he'd be in position to succeed last year. This year he'll be thrown to the wolves. He'll need to deal with opposing guards harassing him fullcourt and forcing him to his weak hand dribbling. He'll have to polish up his decision making and passing, especially in pick and roll sets. In order for the Blazers--strictly a halfcourt team at this point--to be successful their offense is going to have to expand beyond dumping it to Zach and watching him work. Jack will bear primary responsibility for making that happen.

4. Is there anything else you want to say about the Blazers?

It will no doubt be another hard year. I'm not holding my breath in the win-loss category. If the young guys develop some, Nate gets some consistency in the offensive and defensive schemes, and we manage to climb out of the NBA cellar in at least a couple statistical categories (rebounding would be nice) I think you have to label it a relative success. We're still a couple players and a couple years away.

5. Who wins the NBA Finals this coming season (besides your team that is)? Just give me a team name.

Isn't it written in Tim Duncan's contract that he gets to win the title every second year? I'll go retro and say the Spurs.

Dave, thanks so much for your help about the Blazers! You're a great guy and I look forward to getting more of your insight!

MY TAKE - Things Go Right If These Three Things Happen:
1. Zach Randolph shows some maturity and responsibility and takes the leadership role that's all but his for the taking.
2. Darius Miles actually stays healthy for the season, at least most of it, and taps his potential.
3. Brandon Roy equals ROY - Rookie of the Year, but LaMarcus Aldridge also shows why he was the second overall pick in this year's draft.

MY TAKE - Things Go Wrong If These Three Things Happen:
1. Randolph doesn't step up his game and maturity level.
2. Jarret Jack and Dan Dickau can't handle the PG duties after Sebastian Telfair and Steve Blake left for new teams. One of them will need to show they can be a starter and not just a bench player.
3. Martell Webster can't move up to the next level of play, despite a very strong showing at the Vegas Summer League.