Over two years ago, in late March, as the Trailblazers’ disappointing season wound down, Meyers Leonard scored 22 points in an NBA game. “Finally!” came the cry from Portland fans. “It took him a while, but he’s going to be a beast next year, I can feel it!”.
They weren’t too sad about being totally and absolutely wrong, presumably, since Portland has been successful in spite of pretty much wasting a pick on Meyers. But still. I even said in the description for my highlights of that performance “Perhaps Leonard isn’t a bust after all!” Ah, the naivety and optimism of youth.
Which brings us to tonight. Meyers has finally eclipsed the total that he set so long ago, in similar circumstances, in relief of LaMarcus Aldridge. He has shown enough in this game and a few others this season that I think I’ll repeat what I said before.
Perhaps Leonard isn’t a bust after all!