29-year old Gerald Wallace is an outstanding all-around player as he goes all out, all of the time on both ends of the court. Wallace played in 71 games (63 starts) for the Bobcats & Blazers last year and he averaged 37.9 minutes, 15.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He has now played in 615 games (469 starts) in his NBA career and he is averaging 30.7 minutes, 13.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. 22-year old Nicolas Batum will have a good shot of winning the 6th Man of the Year in the NBA in 2011-12. Batum played in 80 games (67 starts) for the Blazers last year and he averaged 31.5 minutes, 12.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He has now played in 196 games (168 starts) in his first three years in the NBA and he is averaging 25.0 minutes, 9.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. 22-year old Luke Babbitt struggled big time in his rookie season for the Trailblazers. He played in 24 games (0 starts) for the Blazers last year and he averaged 5.7 minutes, 1.5 points, 1.3 rebounds an 0.3 assists per game. Babbitt just couldn’t shoot last year as he shot only 27.3% from the floor, 18.8% from three point range and 33.3% from the free throw line.

The Portland Trailblazers expect a lot of offense out of the shooting guards this year. It all starts with 25-year old Wesley Matthews. He played in 82 games (69 starts) for the Blazers last year and he averaged 33.6 minutes, 15.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Matthews has now played in 164 games (117 starts) in his first two years in the NBA and he is averaging 29.2 minutes, 12.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He will be the starter once again this year. 27-year old Brandon Roy has bum knees that limit the minutes he can play. He played in 47 games (23 starts) for the Blazers last year and he averaged 27.9 minutes, 12.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Roy has now played in 321 games (295 starts) in his first five years with the Trailblazers and he is averaging 35.6 minutes, 19.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game. The Blazers likely are hoping for 15-20 solid minutes out of Roy in 2011-12. 22-year old Elliot Williams missed his rookie season due to injury. He isn’t likely going to get much P.T. in 2011-12. 23-year old rookie Nolan Smith was taken in the 1st round of the NBA Draft last June and he’s likely going to split time between point guard and shooting guard in 2011-12. 23-year old Jon Diebler was taken in the second round out of Ohio State last June. His best skill is his long range shooting.