NBA Power Rankings: Are The LA Clippers, OKC Thunder For Real?

20 of 31
Nov 20, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after scoring a three point shot against the Los Angeles Clippers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after scoring a three point shot against the Los Angeles Clippers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

In an early-season road trip, the Portland Trail Blazers passed with flying colors – well, maybe not that high. But, they passed. Don’t get me wrong, the loss to the Phoenix Suns was disappointing. However, they did recover to beat the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies.

The thing with the Blazers is that I’m not sure if they’re necessarily good enough to be a “thing” in the Western Conference. I mean, they’re awfully fun to watch. I’ll give them that. And Damian Lillard is insane.

Problem is, beyond Lillard, this team doesn’t necessarily much more in appealing assets. C.J. McCollum is nice, but this team still hasn’t discovered who their third option is going to be this season. And Evan Turner has been an utter disappointment.