NBA: 3 Western Conference teams that will regress in 2021-22

Deandre Ayton (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Deandre Ayton (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports) /

Portland Trail Blazers

It should come as no surprise to see the Portland Trail Blazers on this list. This is a team that is coming off a peculiar offseason in which they still haven’t made any major upgrades to the roster, despite the rumored pressure of Damian Lillard.

Nevertheless, there are many other teams in the West that could be trending up as the Blazers continue to trend in the opposite direction. For example, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors all finished below the Blazers in the standings. It would be highly surprising if both of those teams weren’t better than Portland this season.

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As long as Lillard is on the Blazers’ roster, this will continue to be a team that will be dangerous in the West. However, I still don’t understand Portland’s approach this offseason and it could ultimately result in this team taking a big step back this season.