Now that the playoffs are upon us, Sports Illustrated's Britt Robson has put out his yearly regular season grades for each team. The teams with the best grades are Chicago (A+), Oklahoma City (A), San Antonio (A), Memphis (A) and Portland (A-). The teams with the lowest grades are Utah (D+), Minnesota (D-), and the lowly Detroit Pistons (F).His take on the Blazers:
The Blazers remain remarkably competitive, persistent and resourceful in the face of adversity. Coach Nate McMillan compensated for center Greg Oden's season-long absence and guard Brandon Roy's long break and current part-time status by mixing and matching personnel. Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has had a career year by concentrating his scoring in the low post, where Oden was meant to be. Free-agent signee Wesley Matthews has expanded his role as a versatile, above-average wing defender in Roy's stead. Meanwhile, for the second straight year, the front office picked up an invaluable rotation player at the trade deadline, with forward Gerald Wallace following last season's addition of center Marcus Camby. The result is a roster brimming with diverse talent, making Portland a dangerous playoff foe.
