Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard
Damian Lillard(0) during the final seconds against the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers
Last Year’s Outcome: 51-31, L, First Round
Best-Case Scenario: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: Damian Lillard is now the complete face of the Trail Blazers. With LaMarcus Aldridge’s exodus to the Spurs, Lillard (armed with a new large contract) aims to lead the Blazers back to prominence. To reciprocate the last few season’s win totals will be a major challenge. As the only remaining member of last year’s starting line-up, he must elevate his game.
The Blazers did a great job of rebuilding on the fly with additions like Mason Plumlee, Noah Vonleh, Moe Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu, Gerald Henderson and Ed Davis. The young Blazers best-case would be to fight an claw into the playoffs in the gauntlet of the Western Conference. If the new talent meshes well and develops early then Lillard and Company could be the eighth seed in the West.
Worst-Case Scenario: 25-Win Season
Why: Chances are Portland shows the biggest decline of any team this season. With a young but unproven core, the Blazers seem destined to miss the playoffs. Damian Lillard was locked up by the Blazers but if he fails to lead this group by his excellent play, it could be a rough year in Rip City. It is always dangerous to hinge all of your hopes on a young roster and the worst-case is a top spot in the lottery.
What Will Probably Happen: 33-Win Season
Why: Despite the great job the Blazers brass did of rebuilding on the fly, the Blazers are set up for a major fallout. Retaining Lillard for the long haul is a win; but with an extremely young and unproven roster the Blazers stand little chance of making the Western Conference playoffs.
There is a flicker of hope of course, especially if Lillard elevates his game to a perennial all-star level. For now, Blazers fans should be looking hard at the top prospects in next year’s lottery.
Next: Sacramento Kings