ANALYZING STARTERS:
G Steve Blake is one of the best in the league in assist/turnover ratio and is excellent from three-point range, but he is limited in terms of setting up teammates and with his defensive skills. He teams well in the backcourt with Brandon Roy, who handles the ball while Blake spots up at the three-point line. G Brandon Roy has few peers in terms of offensive production and leadership. He's the franchise's most popular player since Clyde Drexler. Like "Clyde the Glide", Roy is the kind of player a team needs to get to the top.
F Nicolas Batum seems improved at the offensive end after a summer with France at The European Championships. His role won't be unlike that of a year ago, though, using his outstanding range and savvy to defend one of the opponent's top players.
F LaMarcus Aldridge has become one of the game's best offensive players at power forward. He's only an average rebounder and needs to improve his defense to get to the All-Star Game.
C Joel Przybilla is the consummate team player, blocking shots, rebounding and setting picks for opponents. He provides very little in the way of offense, but his teammates never look for him, either.
ANALYZING KEY RESERVES:
G Andre Miller's acquisition gives Portland some veteran leadership that could make a big difference. He was sensational in an Oct. 14 preseason loss to Phoenix, scoring 19 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. It will be a big surprise if he doesn't become a starter sometime soon.
G Rudy Fernandez could be a starter for a lot of teams. An excellent spot-up shooter and passer, he provides plenty of energy and firepower off the bench.
F Martell Webster is back after missing almost all of last season with a stress fracture to a foot. He looks 100 percent physically and gives Portland another three-point shooter and active body defensively. He, too, might become a starter.
F Travis Outlaw is one of those used often by McMillan as a closer. He's one of the best leapers in the league and is one of the best, too, at creating his own shot. Still needs work on his defense.
G Greg Oden has been outstanding in the preseason, leading Portland in scoring (15.5) and rebounding (10.5) despite playing only half of games.
MEDICAL WATCH:
G Rudy Fernandez is dealing with back spasms that kept him out of the Oct. 15 preseason visit to Utah.
F Jeff Pendergraph underwent hip surgery in September. The rookie probably won't be available until around Christmas.
