Strengths and weaknesses
The millennium edition of the Blazers is strong and deep. The returning nucleus of Wallace, Brian Grant, Sabonis and Stoudamire blends well with the newcomers. Pippen is an unselfish, multitalented, complementary player who does everything well, and also increases the team's defensive versatility. Dunleavy uses him as a stopper on opposing high-scoring perimeter players and keeps him on the floor with a pressing unit that's been highly effective. Smith is a point producer at two-guard who has three-point range and strong post-up skills; and the veteran Schrempf, like Pippen, fits in just about anywhere and makes a positive contribution.

When I watch the Blazers, I'm impressed with the execution of offense; the tough, unyielding defense; the willing acceptance of Dunleavy's game plan; and the obvious team harmony, devoid of the distractions that accompanied Rider. Coach Mike uses his roster well -- nobody plays excessive minutes, and everyone makes a positive contribution. His pressing team (Anthony, Augmon, Harvey, Wells -- now injured), and either Schrempf, Grant or Pippen jump-starts the team into an uptempo game if the starters are sluggish. Players enter the game enthusiastically and leave the floor without rancor. It's nice to watch.

Portland usually ranks one-two with San Antonio in each week's team ratings on vital statistics relating to offense and defense. The Blazers allow opponents to shoot .397 from the field, and shoot .470 themselves -- both excellent marks. Their point differential (the difference between points they score and allow) is at the top of the league -- also with the Spurs. They also rank among a few of the best teams in total assists and defensive rebounding.

Portland's weakness is apparent only against teams with strong, quick centers. Sabonis is a highly skilled center with a clever inside-outside game and great passing skills. But he has difficulty defending quicker matchups -- such as Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson. Unfortunately, both of them play on teams that stand between the Blazers and the Western Conference championship. In the Blazers' recent loss to the Lakers, Sabonis scored two points, had two rebounds and five personal fouls in 17 minutes of play.

To counter this problem, Dunleavy might experiment with a three-forward front line in regular season games with the Spurs and Lakers to get a sense of its effectiveness. He might find that he can create matchup problems for both Shaq and David that would help overcome their apparent advantage. If the Blazers can't stop either player from scoring, they could make them work harder on defense by taking them away from the basket area to defend perimeter-shooting, driving big men like Wallace or Grant. Coach Mike has a shrewd basketball mind, and has plenty of time, plus enough head-to-head games with the Spurs and Lakers, to work that one out.

Until then, the Blazers will continue to dominate the lesser teams. They are 15-4 overall (including 9-3 on the road) -- not all that bad.