Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers’ run through the bubble was impressive. Losing key role players and early season injuries got them off to a rough start. When the bubble restarted they were at full strength and Damian Lillard activated his NBA Jam cheat code, which meant he could not miss a shot.
The Blazers would fall short in the first round to the eventual champion Lakers, but no one felt their season was a bust. The thing they needed to improve was their depth, so if injuries happen you will have other players who can step in. In the offseason, they added 3-and-D player Robert Covington, to go along with Zach Collins, Carmelo Anthony, and Rodney Hood.
They were able to get another forward that can play both positions when they signed athletic swingman Derrick Jones Jr. They also got more depth at the center position by bringing back Enes Kanter and signing Harry Giles to back up Jusuf Nurkic. The Blazers have relied heavily on Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum over the last few years, but they are bringing in great pieces to play with them that can help them get back to the Western Conference Finals.
Grade: B