FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Just a thought: Brandon Roy may be the most underrated star player in the NBA this season. Coaches and players alike have all lumped him into the same category as Kobe Bryant and Lebron James, but the media seems to never include him in discussions of MVP candidates... 

 Brandon Roy is the western conference player of the month! Now that's more like it... the evidence in the trial of Roy for MVP continues to build. Consider how he dominates during 4th quarters, the game saving clutch plays he makes, and the myriad intangibles he brings to this team.
I know it is early in the season and this is a young team, but come on people, the Trail Blazers are beginning to legitimize the excitement.
   I still think the expectaions for Greg Oden should remain tempered (I would like to see him finish the season having played in about 70 games playing about 25 minutes per, average about 10 pts 10 reb and 2 blks). The team is obvioulsy doing very well even as he is struggling to gain consistency... unless he hits the rookie wall (that dreaded "funk" about mid season, which is a possibility), Oden should be performing much more consistently at the end of the season. If he's pulling 10, 10, and 2 with Joel Pryzbilla continuing to play solidly behind him, Oden's rookie season could contribute mightily to a strong Blazers's season.
   LaMarcus Aldridge appears to be past his funk and everyone seems to be settling into their roles... Martell Webster's return could cause a speed bump, but he is willing to accept a lesser role so the transition should not be too unsettling for the rotation.
   This unprecidented, merciless early schedule should prove to be a blessing as the season wears on. The Blazers have played solid ball against some tough competition and established home court as their domain. The battle scars and experience gained up front has already led to some very impressive play and clutch performances. Of course, improvements will need to be made as the season goes on- particularly on the defensive end- but the improvements already made and proven in solid road wins and home stands are proof that this team is resilient and smart enough to make such adjustments.
   I think it's time to ease up a little on easing up on the expectations. This team is starting to prove why everyone has been so high on them. Yes, they need their room to grow, but they also need to know that we believe they can do amazing things this year... which includes Brandon Roy making a solid case for league MVP.