Tom Hale

As a “charter member” Blazer fan (Geoff Who? anyone), I am stoked to get this season rolling- ‘cuz something is brewing in Portland. We feel it. We know it.

We felt it when Rolland Todd’s motion offense made Geoff Petrie, and not Pete Maravich, the rookie talk of the league. Almost setting a league record for expansion wins. Hooked.

We felt it when Bill Walton cut his hair in a “new beginning” and the ABA disbanded, landing big Mo in town. Then you saw Ramsay’s team play and fell head over heals. Blazermania and a championship. A beautiful parade on a beautiful day when a city allowed itself so much joy. Short lived, but glorious.

When Buck Williams came to town it felt like the final piece to an excellent brew. It was, Red Hot and Rolling – three conference finals and two NBA finals. No shame in not clearing the hurdles that were the Bad Boys, Showtime, and Jordan’s Bulls. History has shown those were all elite teams.

When Trader Bob spent Paul’s money and put together an all-star laden team we held our breaths. Didn’t quite seem the Portland way to do things (and indeed the seeds were planted for the JailBlazers) but they played as a team and had CRAZY balance and depth. 12-Men Deep should have gone all the way. Hearts broke after melting down to the fracking Lakers. Towels flew and dark days set in…..

Then came Nate, Brandon, and LaMarcus. They brought Rip City back. It felt so good after the long dark. While storming the floor over the Oden pick we KNEW we had a championship concoction. More injury heartache, again, and again. And then again…….

Now this bunch. Can it be true? This much talent? This much character? This much chemistry? We believe and we are ready to uncork on the NBA and the world. This is our kind of team, and they deliver. Rip City is brimming.

We know most sports fans get disappointed. There can be only one champion. When we are champions again streets will be dancing up and down Willamette valley. Not a prediction – but a statement of hope and optimism that this crew skippered by the creative and likeable Stotts has the right stuff . A little luck on the injury side (knock on every Doug Fir in the state), and we will be right in the thick of the championship fight.

I feel like a winner already being a fan of this group, so glad they take representing Portland and their team so much to heart. Let’s get this adventure tipped off, and enjoy the ride.

- Tom Hale

As I watched the Blazers last win over the Celtics, there was a sweet moment about 6:05 into the 3rd.

Robin Lopez was guarding a player out a ways from the basket; Hard, Intense, feet moving something fierce.

After the brief but effective defensive focus from Lopez, a grinning Thomas Robinson lunged off the bench, beating his hands in appreciation.

We know that ethic here in Rip City. Maurice Lucas and his associate Lloyd Neal left a lasting impression. So have Jerome Kersey and Buck Williams. The inspirational Brian Grant.

Our great teams have had warrior heart – that is what I thought about when watching RoLo and T-Rob do their Wild bunch call and response thing.

Rip City buzz …….

-Tom Hale

Still seems a bit surreal.

Terry Stotts coach of the month. LaMarcus Aldridge twice player of the week. Damian Lillard giving any sophomore jinx the stink eye. And so much more.

18-4,  Having hung a loss on each of the other three teams in the current “elite” won-loss tier.

No.1 in this weeks NBA Power Rankings for goodness sake.

Gosh. Golly. Giddy as a school boy.

It doesn’t matter whether the Trail Blazers have been deemed “real”  by a sufficient amount of pundits. What’s real now is a Portland brand of basketball (It’s the team, stupid) executed by players that are coming together fast; with obvious enthusiasm and verve.

There is a certain hum about Rip City when we know we are again in the hunt… A vibrating Deja Vu of past days spent Red Hot and Rolling.

Ready for the Rockets.

As a charter member Blazer fan I am really enjoying the win streak. From the long view the double-digit streaks come along only so often.  Soak it up.

The vibe of  this years Blazers is a glorious fit for small market fanatics like Portlanders.

It’s the team, stupid.

There are big waves coming from other lesser metros as well – San Antonio, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City. All the while, the Big Apple’s stew away to nothing in their own rich juices……. and the old later day Lakers have nothing to do but try and ride that mumbo guy one more time.

I can lose my head and talk irresponsibly because the team has my back. They have arrived in professionalism, grit, and cohesion – while still exploring their potential – they can and do grow – steadily. Having it together while improving is potent.

Rip City is Red Hot and Rolling – this is looking like a lot of fun!

The last time I made a Blazer Post was almost 6 years ago – the Roy era was feeling good. We know some disappointment followed. A lot.

But times are good again – I really like this team. Tipping off against the surprising Suns in just a few minutes…..

Go Blazers!

I have been a Portland Trail Blazer fan since – well, since there have been Portland Trail Blazers.

Right now, as a Blazer fan, I’m having a good time.

A real good time.

‘Nuff said.

-T