It all seemed so promising in October. The Portland Trail Blazers opened the season with two high draft picks, a crop of other promising youngsters, a star who was primed to take a leap, and a series of veterans whose role could be determined. The team was, perhaps, just one season away from some real clarity: Who is showing the most promise? Who is getting traded? And do any players (crossing fingers) look like a future superstar?
Instead, we’re now in the fifth month of a season-long quagmire of conflicting directions. And with 22 games remaining, the Blazers should resolve this by handing the game ball to the kids.