Insider Special: Best Worst ~ Portland

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By Jerry Bembry

ESPN the Magazine

Editor's note: Here's a glimpse of the good -- and the bad -- that could happen to the 2003-04 Portland Trail Blazers.

Best Case Scenario

The Blazers have been to the postseason for 21 straight seasons. To accomplish a 22nd consecutive trip to the playoffs, these three things need to happen.

A rejuvenated Rasheed would be so money for Portland.

1. Wallace plays with focus and fire. With his talents, Rasheed Wallace could have had sole ownership of Portland. But his sullen demeanor -- combined with the team's intent to shake the "Jail Blazers" image -- leaves him expendable. The best case scenario for Wallace is that he plays the good soldier in the final year of his current deal (paying him $17 million this season) before he becomes a free agent. It would benefit him, in terms of getting another lucrative contract, and it would also benefit the Blazers, who might possibly get equal value in return if Wallace can adjust his image.

2. Stoudamire undergoes a career rejuvenation. Coming home has not been good for Damon Stoudamire who, along with his problems off the court, seems to have lost his confidence on the court. When he struggled a year ago, the Blazers went to Scottie Pippen at the point, and the team nearly upset the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. There's no veteran leader like Pippen to bail this team out now, leaving the point guard position as Stoudamire's to lose (with Jeff McInnis and Robert Pack eagerly waiting in the wings). Now 30 years old, Stoudamire has to show some maturity and demonstrate the ability that once led him to average 20 points in this league.

3. Randolph emerges as a stud. True, Bonzi Wells has a nice post-up game for a swingman. But what this team lacks is a big body who can throw his weight around in the paint and score with his back to the basket. Zachary Randolph, in stretches, demonstrated that last year. At 6-foot-9 and 253 pounds, Randolph is the only player on the roster who is agile enough and, more importantly, willing to throw his body around in the paint. With Arvydas Sabonis gone and a Western Conference with superior post-up big men, Randolph's success over a long season will likely dictate Portland's postseason chances.

Worst Case Scenario

The Blazers won't keep their playoff streak alive if the following three things happen.

1. Randolph can't handle his bigger role. It's one thing to talk the talk, telling everyone you're willing to shoulder more of the team's load. But teams will be ready for Randolph this season, and they will focus on being physical with him to slow him on the court.

2. Cheeks can't control 'Sheed. The Philly connection, you have to think, was part of what helped Maurice Cheeks better understand his star player last season. But it will be up to Cheeks to light a fire under Wallace. A solid season for Wallace is a must for the team to have more flexibility in moving the soon-to-be free agent.

3. Wells or Anderson is called on to play the point. Pippen had the right demeanor in moving from forward to point guard last season. He set up his other players and was not concerned with scoring. But if either Wells or Derek Anderson is playing there, that means that Stoudamire and McInnis failed miserably.

Jerry Bembry is general editor (NBA) for ESPN The Magazine. You can reach him via e-mail at Jerry.Bembry@ESPN3.com.