Insider Special: Camp Battle ~ Portland

[Weez]

McInnis will push Stoudamire at the point

By Chad Ford

NBA Insider

Send an Email to Chad Ford Friday, October 3

Updated: October 3

11:15 AM ET

For the first time in awhile, the Blazers don't have the depth that they once did. The past few years, there was a position battle for almost every spot on the roster. The perpetual logjams often caused the chemistry problems that made the Blazers so infamous.

With things thinned out, will the team just get along?

Unlikely. There are still questions at the point, shooting guard and small forward, which should make for some interesting fodder this season.

Portland Trail Blazers

Point Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Damon Stoudamire 8 5-10 6.9 ppg, 3.5 apg in 22.3 mpg When he isn't getting busted by the DEA or pouting about his minutes or role on the team, Stoudamire is still the team's best playmaker. When he sticks to passing and playing defense, he's usually OK.

2. Jeff McInnis 6 6-4 5.8 ppg, 2.3 apg in 17.5 mpg McInnis will push Stoudamire for the starting job this season. He's not a saint either, but he actually played pretty well his last season with the Clippers.

Shooting Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Bonzi Wells 5 6-5 15.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg in 31.9 mpg Wells is a dominant scorer and one of the best guards in the NBA when it comes to posting up his defender. When he isn't fighting with the coach, insulting fans or spitting on other players, he has star potential.

2. Derek Anderson 6 6-5 13.9 ppg, 4.3 apg in 12.2 mpg When he's healthy, Anderson may be the second-best playmaker on the team. Was second on the Blazers in assists last season and will play some minutes at point guard this season alongside Wells.

Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Rasheed Wallace 8 6-11 18.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg in 36.3 mpg Will move to small forward full time this season. Wallace tends to prefer taking perimeter shots anyway and this clears room for Zach Randolph to start. Will also see minutes at power forward.

2. Qyntel Woods 1 6-8 2.4 ppg, 1 rpg in 6.3 mpg He was the most dominant scorer in the summer league this year and coach Maurice Cheeks is promising that Woods will get plenty of minutes this season. He'll also see a few minutes at shooting guard.

3. Ruben Patterson 5 6-5 8.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg in 21.2 mpg Patterson is the team's best defender, but his attitude will hurt his chances of being a contributer this season. He's still demanding a trade but the Blazers are struggling to find a taker.

Power Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Zach Randolph 2 6-9 8.4 ppg, 4.5 apg in 16.9 mpg He averaged 13.9 ppg and 8.7 rpg in the playoffs and was the Blazers' best, and only inside threat. He's capable of averaging 20 ppg and 10 rpg. If he does, the Blazers will be back in the playoffs for a 22nd consecutive season.

2. Travis Outlaw R 6-9 -- Skinny high school star is an unbelievable athlete, but he has virtually no chance of playing this season.

Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Dale Davis 12 6-11 7.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg in 29.3 mpg He's getting old. Without Sabonis, the Blazers are going to have some serious issues in the middle this season.

2. Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje 2 7-0 -- Played in just two games last season. Now might be a good time to panic.