The Blazers played last night (or was it the night before?) against the Los Angeles Clippers and actually played pretty well. Want to know why? Zach Randolph and Darius Miles weren't the the lineup. The Clippers swept the Blazers this season but I think this was the closest game out of all of them.

I was actually excited to watch them and they competed really well. The young guys played well and it was a really solid effort. Jarrett Jack stood out... along with Travis Outlaw to a degree. They hustled and played good team ball... something you don't see a lot of in the NBA.

Now that I check they played the Lakers tonight and stayed close until late in the fourth quarter. So good for them. They may not be winning but at least they are competing. That is all that I can ask. And why are they competing? I think ZBo and DMiles drag them down. We could trade for some decent talent with them and should during the offeason. Telfair, Jack, Outlaw, Khryapa, Webster, Dixon... they all look good (you too Steve Blake... unfortunately we have three really good PGs). We need to get some veteran leadership via the trade (hopefully the #1 pick too!) and will be better next year!

Don't sell the team Paul... and go Blazers!