What if... the Portland Trailblazers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Jesse Johnson from http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/01/05/trail-blazers-timberwolves-nicolas-batum-wesley-matthews/1811637/

          The Portland Trailblazers are on the verge of homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Separating them from the 8th seed is only five games. There is no room to slack off if they want to maintain their position as the 3rd seed of the West. With rising point guard, Damian Lillard, and team leader, Lamarcus Aldridge, their star duo are capable of bringing their city a championship. That is to say if Aldridge does not re-aggravate his thumb forcing him to have surgery. What's their resolution? Staying healthy just like last year. Between the starters for the Blazers, they have only accumulated 13 missed games total which was all from Lamarcus Aldridge. That is a remarkable number considering the number of minutes they play each game. This year, they have played numerous games without Robin Lopez, Nicolas Batum, and Lamarcus Aldridge. The chemistry will be a bit off because it won't be as consistent as last season. It's tough to past the first round like last year. Any team they face in the first round will be a worthy opponent whether it's the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, or last year's matchup, Houston Rockets.

          Chris Kaman has been a great addition who adds a post-up game and solid offense whenever Aldridge heads to the bench. The key to the Portland Trailblazers doing well in the playoffs are Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum. Matthew's 3-point shooting is important when Lamarcus Aldridge is double-teamed and needs someone to kick out for an open jumper. We can't give Batum enough credit. He has to defend the elite wings like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Paul Millsap. Sometimes he has to guard the quicker guards like James Harden, Demar Derozan, and Monte Ellis. Nicolas Batum may not have plays called for him but he keeps the job done. It's great to have a player like Batum on your team because he's not a one-dimensional player. Let's hope the core of the Portland Trailblazers stay for many years to come.