Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers – Starting Over
The Portland Trail Blazers are, in all likelihood, the only Western Conference playoff team from last season who will not reach the same stature this season. Over the past couple of seasons the Blazers have been one of the better teams in all of the NBA. They struck fear in their opponents despite not having a superstar talent among their ranks, granted Damian Lillard is quickly emerging as a potential superstar and LaMarcus Aldridge is bordering on the level of superstardom.
Now, the Blazers appear to be a shell of their former selves. The only remaining starter from last season is Damian Lillard. To much media fair, Aldridge joined the San Antonio Spurs in the offseason. Wesl Matthews left to replace Monta Ellis’ point production with the Dallas Mavericks. Robin Lopez became the new big man in the Big Apple with the Knicks. Nicholas Batum was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Today, the Blazers look a lot younger and less experienced. They have a number of high-cieling big men that certainly could lead to bright future: Meyers Leonard, Mason Plumlee, Cliff Alexander, Ed Davis, and Noah Vonleh. The backcourt features quite a bit of potential as well in the form of Mo Harkless, C.J. McCollum, Phil Pressey, Pat Connaughton, and Tim Frazier.
Rounding out the roster are a number of savvy vets who may or may not finish out the season with Rip City. Gerald Henderson is certainly someone a playoff contender might look to add for crucial bench production as the season nears the trade deadline.
Al-Farouq Aminu is the kind of defender a team might look to add as stopper of opposing forwards, and Chris Kaman is far from his prime, however he can still be a valuable offense and rebounding presence in the post as teams try to fortify their bench rotations.
Next: Warriors: How About a Repeat?