The Portland Trail Blazers made some amazing moves in the last year to improve on last year’s conference finalist. Who could have thought that the Blazers could convince Cleveland to allow lean, mean jumping-machine Shawn Kemp to return the Northwest? Or steal all-around good guy Rod Strickland? Portland is not a team to rest on its laurels and a source inside the organization has leaked that GM is in secret negotiations for two highly sought after superstars, Derrick Coleman and Isiah Rider.

The whole operation is very hush, hush because Coleman and Rider are playing critical roles in the playoffs this year. This looks to be the year that Coleman puts the Hornets on his back and leads them to a playoff victory. But we all know that Coleman despretely wants to win and would welcome the chance to play for Portland. And Blazers fans, think of what a good influence Coleman will be on Wallace. Does anyone work harder in practice? And Coleman is just the type of player who will sacrifice personal statistics for the good of the team. He will be a perfect fit for the Blazers.

Every since the Steve Smith deal, Portland fans have been waiting for the return on Isiah Rider. Unfortunately, it will happen in the playoffs before the Blazers can reacquire Rider. Rider’s consistency has been missed in the two years since his absence. So has his positive clubhouse presence and his leadership by example. He is a crucial component of the Lakers’ team and they will be severely hindered by his absence next year.

These moves should be just as successful as the Kemp and Strickland acquisitions. Kemp has been really valuable this season. Where would the Blazers be without his 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds? His large size forced Dale Davis and Wallace to hustle in practice. As Kemp’s weight increase some sceptics thought that this would hinder Kemp’s game. But it certainly has not. Now Kemp has a power game to go with his fluid spin moves and acrobatic leaps.

Their latest move has also paid great dividends. Having a talented third-string point guard is critical for the playoffs. And Strickland was just the character the Blazers needed to solve their chemistry issues. Look at the wonderful job he did in Washington teaching all their young players. A vocal leader and hard worker, players like Strickland are indispensible parts of any team. It is always good to have players that will play through pain and stay out of trouble. That’s how you run a classy organization.

And the Blazers clearer feel that they are a classy organization. That’s why they are starting to improve next year’s team before the playoffs even finsih.