Last Season: The Blazers tied with the Nuggets atop the Northwest division but lost the tiebreaker and were the fourth seed in the West. Despite the second best home record in the West, they dropped Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals to the Rockets. They lost all three road games in the series and fell in six games.

Acquisitions: G Andre Miller, F Juwan Howard, F Dante Cunningham

Departures: F Channing Frye, G Sergio Rodriguez, F Raef LaFrentz

Starting Five: F Nicolas Batum, F LaMarcus Aldridge, C Greg Oden, G Steve Blake, G Brandon Roy

Bench Mob: Andre Miller, Jerryd Bayless, Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw, Joel Przbilla, Martell Webster, Dante Cunningham, Patty Mills, Juwan Howard

Most Interesting Man in the World: Greg Oden – He’s always seemed like such an affable guy. He has kept a good attitude despite the disappointments due to injury. So much has been thrust upon him at such an early age and he has managed it pretty well. But the best part about Oden is his self-deprecating humor as evidenced by his ESPN the Magazine commercial and ESPY audition tape.

Over the Hill: Juwan Howard – This team is just too young to not single out the obvious old guy in the bunch. At 36 years old, Howard is three years older than the next oldest Blazer (Miller). Howard will give the Blazers a good 10 minutes per game and be able to fill in at the center or forward position.

Ready to Break Out: Greg Oden – This will finally be his year. He is going to stay healthy and put up solid numbers. Oden lost 15 pounds this offseason which should help him take some pressure off of those knees. So far, he has looked great in the preaseason. Through the first six games he averaged 14 points and nearly 10 rebounds while shooting 56% from the field. It wouldn’t surprise me if he wins the Most Improved Player award this year.

Outlook: The Blazers picked up what they were missing last year when they acquired veteran point guard, Andre Miller. With Miller running the point, Roy can concentrate on scoring and should be more effective on the offensive end. The question is whether the addition of Miller makes them a contender. Miller alone doesn’t help the Blazers leapfrog the likes of the Lakers and Spurs but if Oden can be a force inside then they instantly become a perennial title contender.

NBA Team Previews