Tomahawk Tuesday: The Trail Blazers are securing their future

                                         (Credit: John Leyba/The AP) 

Earlier today, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that the Portland Trail Blazers have inked their star shooting guard C.J. McCollum to a three-year, $100M extension, giving him a five-year, $157M contract that keeps him in Portland through the 2023-24 season. This extension comes after Damian Lillard's five-year, $196M max extension, which keeps him in Portland through the 2024-25 season. By inking both of their star guards to long-term contract extensions, the Trail Blazers are securing their future.

This past season, the Trail Blazers made an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals before getting swept by the Golden State Warriors. Had Jusuf Nurkic been available, that series may have been pretty competitive. I'm not saying the Trail Blazers would have won, but instead of it being a sweep, it could have been a series that went six or seven games.

With the Warriors' dynasty appearing to be on the brink of extinction due to the departure of Kevin Durant and the torn ACL of Klay Thompson, the Western Conference is wide open, giving a team like the Trail Blazers a unique opportunity to make a run to the NBA Finals. These windows don't last long and the Trail Blazers know it, thus their efforts to secure McCollum and Lillard.

I'm still undecided of as to who I think comes out of the Western Conference next season. The Clippers are the easy choice after landing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but first year experiments don't always work out. I think it's possible the Clippers don't do as well as everyone expects. If they fall short of expectations, then it really is anyone's game. Including the Trail Blazers.

The bottom line is the Trail Blazers are giving themselves a shot to win a championship by securing one of the most electrifying backcourts the NBA has ever seen. Together, C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard can take this Trail Blazers team to the promised land. Especially as their front office continues to put quality pieces around them.

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Tomahawk Tuesday: The Portland Trail Blazers are hanging tough

Every time people give up on the Portland Trail Blazers, it feels like they find a way to prove their doubters wrong. The Trail Blazers are currently 5th place in the Western Conference and have won three straight games over the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder. What makes their success even more impressive is the fact that they've been doing this without a healthy Damian Lillard, who has played in just two of their last nine games due to a calf strain. During this time, CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic have done a really nice job of carrying the load and keeping the ship afloat.

McCollum continues to show why he's one of the best shooting guards in the NBA, averaging 21.3 points per game on 44.2% shooting from the field, 41.9% shooting from 3-point range, and 86.7% shooting from the foul line. Nurkic likewise continues to show why he's one of the top big men in the NBA, averaging 14.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

With a healthy Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers have a very nice trio that gives them a very balanced scoring attack. Lillard provides them with an elite slashing guard that can facilitate and set the table for others, McCollum provides them with a lights out shooter, and Nurkic gives them a sound presence down on the block. Such a combination is very tricky to stop in today's NBA.

The only knock on this team is that they don't have a ton of depth. Once you get outside of those three guys, there's not much else to get really excited about. If they want to get to the next level and make a serious push for the Western Conference Finals, they need to add at least one more piece and give themselves a little bit better depth across the board. As good as they are, there is a limit to what they can presently accomplish.

That said, this team has been very impressive this season. They're a competitive presence in the Western Conference and have the pieces to perhaps win a playoff series. If they can make a surprise move before the trade deadline, perhaps they can exceed their current limits.

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Tomahawk Tuesday: Don't sleep on the Portland Trail Blazers

Last season, the Portland Trail Blazers traded Mason Plumlee to the Denver Nuggets for Jusuf Nurkic and unfortunately were not able to reap the immediate benefits of the move due to Nurkic suffering a non-displaced right leg fibular fracture at the end of the season. During the 20 games that he played in a Trail Blazers uniform, Nurkic averaged 15.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, making an immediate impact and helping the team lock up the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

With a healthy Nurkic, the Blazers finally have a quality low post player to pair with their dynamic backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. The real question is how good will this Blazers team be if they are able to keep their core trio healthy? While it's somewhat a tricky question to answer given all the moves made during the offseason, I think it's safe to say that this Blazers team has all the pieces to get back to the playoffs and possibly win a series pending on who they draw in the first round.

The real think to keep an eye on is what the Blazers do with the excess of power forwards that they have to pair with Nurkic. Ed Davis, Jake Layman, Meyers Leonard, Caleb Swanigan, and Zach Collins can all play the power forward position and it is unclear which of those guys will get the bulk of the minutes alongside Nurkic. There are good odds that the Blazers will trade one of those guys for a quality backup point guard to give their roster a bit more balance. Which one gets shipped is what remains to be seen.

Probably the other main thing to look for with this Blazers team is how ready they are mentally to take that next step. They've been hanging around for the past couple of seasons but have not yet found a way to really give a contender a scare. Lillard and McCollum are at a point of their careers where they should start to make some serious noise in the playoffs. While the addition of Nurkic is huge, it is still up to those two guys to carry the load for this team and take them to that next level where they can actually threaten to reach the conference finals.

Overall, the pieces for success appear to be in place in Portland. They have a fantastic back court and a big man to give them scoring and interior defense down low. They just have to find a way to balance out their roster a bit and build on the success that they had towards the end of last season. While I'm not yet ready to make a prediction on how deep this team goes, I am ready to say that this is a team that deserves our respect and attention as we head in to the 2017-18 season.

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Skyhook Sunday: Jusuf Nurkic could be on his way out of Denver

One player that appears likely to be dealt before the trade deadline is Denver Nuggets big man Jusuf Nurkic. Nurkic is averaging 8.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in 19.7 minutes of action. After starting 25 games, Nurkic has been assigned to a bench role, getting a DNP coaches decision against the Hawks and Clippers, 9 minutes against the Timberwolves, and 19 minutes against the 76ers.

Nuggets head coach Mike Malone has decided to start Nikola Jokic at the center position instead of Jusuf Nurkic and it appears as though this will continue to be the case moving forward. Jokic is having a solid season, averaging 12.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, so it's not as if Mike Malone is making a mistake by giving him the lion's share of minutes in the front court. This is just a case where the Nuggets have two big men that serve the same primary function, making one expendable. Unfortunately for Jusuf Nurkic, he's the one who is expendable and likely to be on the trading block.

Jusuf Nurkic talked to the Denver Post about his minutes reduction, saying that he isn't happy about what has happened.

“For sure it’s tough,” Nurkic said. “I’m 23 years old. I’m not here to sit on the bench. I’m here to play basketball. And it’s a tough decision for me, from a starting spot and 20 minutes to four straight (games of not playing). … You control what you control, and I let my agent do the rest of the stuff.”

 The real red flag in this statement is Jusuf Nurkic mentioning his agent. That's code for "get me out of here" in the professional sports world. Jusuf Nurkic is starting to mentally check out of Denver, which means that if the Nuggets are smart, they'll try to find a home for him as soon as possible.

As for what teams might be interested in his services, there are several teams that could use a quality big man, but the challenge will be finding a team that is willing to give Jusuf Nurkic the amount of minutes that he wants. At some level, Nurkic might need to humble himself a bit and realize that as of right now, he's more of an off the bench kind of player than a starter. His numbers aren't bad, but they also don't scream NBA starter, either.

Going forward, it will be very interesting to see how the Denver Nuggets handle the situation with Jusuf Nurkic. A trade feels inevitable, but unless a team is willing to roll the dice on Nurkic and give him the minutes he wants, he may not get his wish of getting traded before the trade deadline. It's always a risky proposition to lobby for a trade when you aren't exactly lighting it up. It can send bad signals to potential teams interested in your services. If Jusuf Nurkic really wants out of Denver, he needs to keep quiet and not make any mention of wanting out of Denver. Otherwise, his teammates may start to turn on him and he could be in for a very awkward rest of the season if he doesn't end up getting traded.

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Daily Dunks: 10/5/-10/11/15

                                                  (Credit Andy Melton: Click here for source) 

Here is my Daily Dunks page for October 5, 2015 through October 11, 2015. Throughout the week this page will be updated with news from across the NBA until a new  Daily Dunks page is created for the following week.

Monday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The 76ers have a lot of injuries (Click here for details).

#2. The Hawks' co-owner made more money by exposing Danny Ferry's comments about Luol Deng (Click here for details).

#3. Thabo Sefolosha's trial regarding his confrontation with the NYPD is underway (Click here for details).

#4. Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will undergo shoulder surgery and be out 6 months (Click here for details).

#5. The Rockets plan to bring Alessandro Gentile over in 2016 (Click here for details).

#6. Nets forward Andrea Bargnani's MRI on his hamstring came back negative (Click here for details).

Monday's NBA preseason scores: 

Warriors 95 Raptors 87. Kings 109 Trail Blazers 105 (OT). Fenerbahçe Ülker 101 Nets 96.

Tuesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Lakers have some injuries (Click here for details).

#2. Click here for an update on Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao

#3. DeMarcus Cousins hopes to enter the MVP race (Click here for details).

#4. Doc Rivers admits the Clippers may blow up their roster after this season (Click here for details).

#5. Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer urged Danny Ferry to resign (Click here for details).

#6. The Pistons are interested in trading for Markieff Morris (Click here for details).

#7. Nets swingman Markel Brown is done for the preseason (Click here for details).

#8. Click here for an injury update on Knicks guard Aaron Afflalo

Tuesday's WNBA Finals results: 

Lynx 77 Fever 71: Final.  Sylvia Fowles led the Lynx with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Best-of-five series is tied 1-1.

Tuesday's NBA preseason scores: 

Celtics 124 Olimpia Milano 91. Wizards 129 76ers 95. Pacers 115 Pistons 112. Bulls 105 Bucks 95.
Grizzlies 92 Rockets 89. Nuggets 96 Mavericks 86.

Wednesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Raptors don't have high expectations for Anthony Bennett (Click here for details).

#2. Kevin Love will practice with the Cavaliers on Saturday (Click here for details).

#3. Mark Cuban suggests the NBA has a supplemental draft for undrafted free agents (Click here for details).

#4. Craig Sager has been cleared from cancer according to his son (Click here for details).

#5. Former Rutgers star Kadeem Jack has joined the Pacers for training camp (Click here for details).

#6. Matt Barnes reportedly attacked Derek Fisher for dating his ex-wife (Click here for details).

#7. Jazz forward Trevor Booker punched Lakers center Roy Hibbert and got ejected (Click here for details).

#8. The Suns waived guard Deonte Burton (Click here for details).

#9. Jimmy Butler doesn't like Derrick Rose's work ethic according to a rumor (Click here for details).

#10. Zach LaVine is the Timberwolves' starting shooting guard (Click here for details).

#11. The Grizzlies signed center Alex Stepehson and waived center Michael Holyfield (Click here for details).

#12. The Bucks waived forward Jon Horford and guard Charlie Westbrook (Click here for details).

#13. The Pistons waived forward Eric Griffin (Click here for details).

#14. Pelicans center Omer Asik is out 3 weeks with a right calf stain (Click here for details).

Wednesday's NBA preseason scores: 

Knicks 100 Paschoalotto Beru 81. Thunder 122 Timberwolves 99. Hawks 98 Cavaliers 96. Magic 100 Heat 97. Rockets 109 Mavericks 82. Suns 102 Kings 98.

Thursday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. LeBron James is investing in a new franchise called "Blaze" (Click here for details).

#2. If you want to here Matt Barnes' version of what happened between him and Derek Fisher, click here.

#3. No criminal charges will be filed against Matt Barnes (Click here for details).

#4. Jimmy Butler says all is well between him and Derrick Rose (Click here for details).

#5. Derrick Rose will rejoin the Bulls on Monday (Click here for details).

#6. 76ers guard Scottie Wilbiken hit the game winning three against the Cavaliers (Click here to watch)

#7. The Cavaliers signed guard Dionte Christmas to their preseason roster (Click here for details).

#8. Rockets center Dwight Howard says he played through a torn MCL and torn meniscus in the playoffs (Click here for details).

#9. Jazz forward Trevor Booker has been suspended 1 game in the regular season for his altercation with Roy Hibbert (Click here for details).

Thursday's NBA preseason scores: 

Celtics 111 Real Madrid 96. Trail Blazers 118 Warriors 101. 76ers 115 Cavaliers 114. Pacers 97 Magic 92. Nets 93 Pistons 83. Nuggets 112 Bulls 94. Raptors 105 Lakers 97. Kings 95 Spurs 92.

Friday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard is day-to-day after re-aggravating a left ankle sprain (Click here for details).

#2. Former NBA and UCLA player Dave Meyers has passed away (Click here for details).

#3. The Pelicans have signed center Jerome Jordan (Click here for details).

#4. Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love is unsure about an opening night return (Click here for details).

#5. Power forward Greg Smith failed his physical with the Pelicans. He will not join the team (Click here for details).

#6. Dwayne Wade is teaching Heat rookie Justise Winslow post moves (Click here for details).

#7. Former NBA All-Star and champion Bill Bridges has passed away (Click here for details).

#8. Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha has been found not guilty of resisting arrest (Click here for details).

#9. Tony Parker wants to play six more seasons with the Spurs (Click here for details).

#10. 76ers owner Josh Harris says he gives head coach Brett Brown an 'A' for the job he has done (Click here for details).

#11. The NBA and the NBAPA are setting up a cardiac screening for retired players (Click here for details).

#12. The Trail Blazers named C.J. McCollum their backup point guard (Click here for details).

#13. Click here to read Thabo Sefolosha's statement on his vindication.

Friday's WNBA Finals results: 

Lynx 80 Fever 77: Final. Lynx lead series 2-1. Click here to watch Maya Moore's game winner.

Friday's NBA preseason scores: 

Thunder 111 Fenerbahçe Ülker 81. Suns 101 Jazz 85. Hawks 103 Pelicans 93. Knicks 115 Wizards 104.

Saturday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Doc Rivers corrects himself and says the Warriors weren't "lucky" to win the NBA Finals (Click here for details).

#2. LeBron James says he doesn't ride motorcycles (Click here for details).

#3. Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas wants to be in a Space Jam 2 (Click here for details).

#4. Thabo Sefolosha could make his preseason debut with the Hawks on Wednesday (Click here for details).

#5. The Raptors have unveiled a new court design (Click here for details).

#6. Wizards point guard John Wall says he wants to be the number one point guard in the NBA (Click here for details).

#7. The Cavaliers won't waive guard Joe Harris (Click here for details).

#8. The Cavaliers expect Kevin Love to play on October 15 (Click here for details).

Saturday's NBA Preseason Scores: 

76ers 97 Nets 95. Bulls 114 Timberwolves 105. Pistons 117 Bucks 88. Kings 94 Trail Blazers 90.

Sunday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Rockets guard James Harden is day-to-day with a right knee contusion (Click here for details).

#2. The Hawks waived power forward Arsalan Kazemi and point guard Edgar Sosa (Click here for details).

#3. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is out indefinitely following a rare spinal fluid leak occurrence during his firs back operation (Click here for details).

#4. An assault lawsuit  against Scottie Pippen has been dropped (Click here for details).

#5. Clippers point guard suffered a fractured left index finger. He shouldn't be out long (Click here for details).

#6. Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is out  for the remainder of the preseason due to a sprained right ankle (Click here for details).

#7. The Nuggets exercised their 2016-17 options for Jusuf Nurkic and Gary Harris (Click here for details).

#8. Hip-hop artist Rich Homie Quan will perform on opening night in Atlanta (Click here for details).

Sunday's NBA preseason final scores: 

Hornets 106 Clippers 94. Magic 123 Rockets 119. Lakers 126 Maccabi Haifa 83. Wizards 134 Bauru Pashoalotto 100.

WNBA Finals update: 

The Fever forced a Game 5, defeating the Lynx 75-69.


---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news