With Blake coming in, do we still know Jack?

I really like the Trail Blazers' signing of Steve Blake. Trouble is, I really like Jarrett Jack, too. So what's the problem, you say? The problem is that with Blake back in town, it probably means that Jack won't be. The Oregonian's John Canzano sees it that way, too. Blake will probably be the starter, leaving backup minutes for Jack and Sergio Rodriguez, but remember, many in the organization think that Brandon Roy is the Blazers' point guard of the future.

Of course, the Blazers are saying all the right things, denying trade rumors that Jack is indeed headed out of town. But it just doesn't make sense to keep all those point guards - there just isn't enough room. With Blake freshly inked, rookie of the year Roy, and Rodriguez (the Blazers previously had many offers for him, but refused them all) not going anywhere, I just don't see any other alternative.

All of this aside, another puzzling part of this off-season is the Blazers' attempt to re-sign Travis Outlaw. He did show some improvement last year, especially in his jump shot, but I still don't understand their affinity for a guy on whom they spent the #23 pick in 2003 who has shown little improvement since. With the addition of James Jones at small forward, I think the Blazers would be better served to get a contract done with Ime Udoka and let his solid play come off the bench.

All that being said, things are definitely looking up for your Portland Trail Blazers, and when Steve Francis' contract comes off the books prior to the 2009-10 season, in addition to Raef LaFrentz, Jones, and Blake, the team will have tons of room under the cap with which to sign a monster free agent or two.

Whoa, daddy.