NBA: 8 random thoughts ahead of the 2017-18 season

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 13: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Spectrum Center on October 13, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Ron Garretson #10 speaks to head coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers as his team plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on December 15, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Portland Will Be A Top Four Seed

The Portland Trail Blazers are the team no one is talking about. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum form arguably the best backcourt in the league. Last season’s acquisition of Jusuf Nurkic will pay off even more now that he will have a full training camp and more familiarity within the system.

Evan Turner and Maurice Harkless add good depth to their bench and Terry Stotts is a very underrated coach. The Blazers have a great blend of both perimeter and inside scoring. They also have terrific defenders in Nurkic, Aminu and Noah Vonleh.

The Blazers will not only be a playoff team once again but they will also become a top four seed in the vaunted Western Conference.

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