The Trailblazers are handing the car keys to second year player Jarrett Jack.  Jack had a decent rookie year, averaging 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while only playing 20.2 minutes per contest.  Jack is not a good 3-point shooter, but he shot a decent 44.2% from the floor as a rookie.  Jarrett makes his free-throws count, as he hit 80% of them.

The Blazers traded for Dan Dickau to be the back-up.  Dickau was a star in college at Gonzaga, but he’s found the going tough so far in the NBA.  Dan only has averaged 17.1 minutes per game in his career so far, and is a shoot-first type of point guard.  He has averaged 6.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game so far in his career.

Late first round pick Sergio Rodriguez of Spain is a great passer but he likes to take risks with the ball and may take time to adjust to the NBA level.

First round pick LeMarcus Aldridge is out indefinately with shoulder problems.  The Blazers need this kid back as soon as possible.

Darius Miles is still having problems with his right knee that was operated on last December.  He’s questionable for opening night.  The Blazers want to trade him, so he has to prove that he’s healthy before they can.

Nate McMillan must have really wanted the big paycheck he got to leave the Sonics, because last season was a disaster.  The Jail Blazers were 21-61, and lacked talent all over the floor.  McMillan is a good coach, but he’s not a miracle worker!  McMillan has a career record of 233-244 in six seasons as an NBA head coach.

McMillan has an 8-8 career playoff record, and it will probably stay that way for awhile.