(Amber Matsumoto/Yahoo Sports Illustration)
The 2024-25 NBA season is upon us! We’re diving into major questions, analyzing best- and worst-case scenarios, and discussing fantasy predictions for all 30 teams. Enjoy!
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
2023-24 Finish
Offseason Moves
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Additions: Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Bryce McGowans
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Subtractions: Malcolm Brogdon, Ibou Badji, Moses Brown, Ashton Hagans
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Complete Roster
The Big Question: Is there really a cornerstone here?
As a supporter of a struggling team in the midst of a rebuild, what you seek is a glimmer of hope. You want something—or ideally someone—to cling to as a beacon for your aspirations of a brighter future; think of Devin Booker with the pre-CP3 Suns, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the early decade Thunder, or Victor Wembanyama on last year’s Spurs.
It’s not surprising that Portland is still searching for that foundational figure, especially just a year after making the monumental choice to part ways with Damian Lillard. After completing a season with the worst record in the West in the first year without Dame—the Blazers’ fourth sub-.500 finish in the last five seasons—this roster still resembles a scattered array of celestial bodies, all in search of a brilliant star to guide them into their rightful trajectory.
The Blazers’ two highest-earning players, forward Jerami Grant and center Deandre Ayton, are experienced contributors, yet neither fits the mold of a central organizing figure. Ayton found his rhythm late in his inaugural season in Oregon, averaging 22.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game post-All-Star break. However, his long-term outlook in Portland became notably murkier following the Blazers’ selection of the 7-foot-2 Clingan with the seventh overall pick in the June 2024 NBA Draft.
Grant, recognized as one of only five players to average 20 points and shoot 40% from beyond the arc in each of the last two seasons, may also be a sought-after player on the trade market—if contenders can devise a way to absorb the remainder of his enormous five-year, $160 million contract without infringing upon the apron rule. On his end, Avdija (who performed admirably last season despite playing largely unnoticed on a struggling Wizards team with little national visibility) occupies a similar niche to Grant—a versatile combo forward capable of addressing various needs on both sides of the court, yet more of a complementary piece rather than a definitive No. 1.
Anfernee Simons possesses the athletic ability, high-volume and high-accuracy 3-point shooting skills, as well as the ability to score off the dribble, which could allow him to evolve into a leading offensive option. (His production per possession over recent seasons actually aligns well with what Lillard achieved at the same age.) However, as a smaller combo guard who leans more towards scoring than playmaking (he’s maintained a solid but not exceptional 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio since stepping into the starting role) and a glaring liability defensively (a variety of advanced defensive metrics marked him as one of the worst defenders in the league last season), he presents a challenging player to build around unless he indisputably ranks as a top-tier offensive talent. (And honestly, even then. Just take a look at the “Hawks, Atlanta.”)
This brings attention to the other two highly ranked young guards for the Blazers: 21-year-old Shaedon Sharpe and 20-year-old Scoot Henderson. Sharpe’s promising start to his sophomore season — averaging nearly 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game with a .550 true shooting percentage through the first 22 games — was interrupted by a core muscle injury, which ultimately necessitated surgery. Expectations for a similarly strong beginning to Year 3 have plunged.already encountered a hurdle: a second tear of the labrum in his left shoulder, which is anticipated to keep him sidelined for at least the initial weeks of the season.
A potential upside to Sharpe’s postponed return is that it opens the door for Henderson, who faced significant challenges after being selected third overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, to establish himself as a genuine cornerstone for the franchise.
For Henderson to achieve this, he will need to drastically improve his shooting after a challenging rookie season, during which he converted a dismal 47.3% of his attempts at the rim (ranked last among 237 players with at least 100 close attempts) and merely 35% on all shots beyond the restricted area. If he cannot finish effectively at the basket or hit enough jump shots to compel defenders to respect his perimeter game, he will find it extremely difficult to be a consistently effective offensive player, regardless of his quickness off the dribble.
Without notable improvements as both a finisher and a pick-and-roll facilitator, it’s challenging to envision Henderson evolving into a pivotal part of Portland’s future strategy. However, if he makes significant progress in one or both areas, he transforms into a far more compelling prospect — one who, alongside Clingan, Sharpe, and whoever general manager Joe Cronin selects in what is likely to be an early pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, could potentially form the backbone of the next successful Blazers team. As of now, though, that day seems quite distant.
Best-case scenario
Ayton, Grant, Avdija, and Simons lay a foundation during the first half of the season that provides a reliable environment for evaluating Sharpe, Henderson, Clingan, and other young talents in Portland. Signs of genuine growth and development emerge among some players — those sparks and glimpses that bolster confidence that these individuals truly can serve as the backbone of what’s ahead. Equipped with this renewed optimism, Cronin successfully trades multiple veterans — particularly one of
Either Ayton or Robert Williams III would help alleviate Portland’s positional redundancy, enabling Clingan and the guards to navigate their growing pains while laying the groundwork for another top lottery pick to enhance and strengthen the young core.
If everything falls apart
If Scoot continues to struggle with his shooting, while Sharpe and Simons find it difficult to contribute without the ball, and they all face challenges on defense—worse, none can remain healthy and available simultaneously—Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups will find it hard to determine which combinations hold potential. The market for Portland’s highest-paid veterans is cool enough that both Grant and Ayton remain with the team, resulting in more victories than desired ahead of the Cooper Flagg draft. The season concludes not with excitement, but rather in a quiet Pacific Northwest drizzle: out of the play-in, away from the top of the draft, positioned in the league’s lower tier, without a clear roadmap to reclaiming prominence.
Fantasy spin
In the realm of fantasy basketball, Portland is one of the least captivating teams. I’ve opted to draft Simons due to his affordable average draft position (ADP) in the seventh round, although one might find him available in the eighth. For Ayton, I prefer to wait a round or two to find a big man who won’t deplete a fifth-round pick.
At some point, Grant is likely to join another team, but for now, he primarily contributes with points and three-pointers—making him an easy fade at his ADP. Avdija is a player I anticipate will outperform his ADP; he’s a sleeper available in the 11th round, equipped with a versatile skill set for fantasy. Henderson is suited for points leagues, but if you can tolerate his inefficiency and turnovers, he could offer a decent source of points and assists toward the end of drafts. — Dan Titus
2024-25 schedule
Hope flourishes in the preseason—implying that the Blazers will be both poor on their own merit and capable of trading away their helpful veterans in time to accumulate losses in the latter half of the schedule. I predict the under; it wouldn’t surprise me if this year’s team competes with the 1971-72 crew for the title of the worst team in franchise history.
More season previews
East: Atlanta Hawks • Boston Celtics • Brooklyn Nets • Charlotte Hornets • Chicago Bulls • Cleveland Cavaliers • Detroit Pistons • Indiana Pacers • Miami Heat • Milwaukee Bucks • New York Knicks • Orlando Magic • Philadelphia 76ers • Toronto Raptors • Washington Wizards
West: Dallas Mavericks • Denver Nuggets • Golden State Warriors • Houston Rockets • Los Angeles Clippers • Los Angeles Lakers • Memphis Grizzlies • Minnesota Timberwolves • New Orleans Pelicans • Oklahoma City Thunder • Phoenix Suns • Portland Trail Blazers • Sacramento Kings • San Antonio Spurs • Utah Jazz
2024-25 NBA Season Preview: Analyzing the Portland Trail Blazers’ Rebuilding Journey
Understanding the Rebuilding Phase
The Portland Trail Blazers are currently in an exciting yet challenging phase of their franchise’s history. As they prepare for the 2024-25 NBA season, the focus is on rebuilding a competitive team that can contend in the Western Conference. This article delves into the key aspects of the Blazers’ rebuilding journey, exploring their roster changes, strategic decisions, and future prospects.
Recent Roster Changes
To fully appreciate the Blazers’ rebuilding efforts, it’s essential to analyze the recent roster changes. Below is a summary of key player movements:
| Player | Position | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dame Lillard | PG | Traded | Franchise cornerstone, significant scoring loss |
| Jerami Grant | SF/PF | Re-signed | Key scorer and defender, essential for growth |
| Shaedon Sharpe | SG | Retained | Young talent with high potential |
| Simons | SG | Retained | Offensive weapon, vital for team scoring |
| Rookie Draft Picks | Various | Acquired | Future potential, immediate integration into the lineup |
Key Players to Watch
The Blazers have several players who will be pivotal to their success in the upcoming season:
- Jerami Grant: With the departure of Lillard, Grant steps into a leadership role, expected to lead both offensively and defensively.
- Anthony Simons: As a dynamic scorer, Simons will need to elevate his game and take on a more significant role in the absence of Lillard.
- Shaedon Sharpe: The young guard shows immense potential and will be crucial for the Blazers’ long-term plans.
- Rookie Contributors: Depending on how well the rookies adapt, they could provide much-needed support and depth to the roster.
Coaching Strategy and Development
Coaching plays an integral role in a rebuilding team’s success. Head Coach Chauncey Billups is focused on developing young talent while instilling a competitive mindset. Some strategies include:
- Player Development: Emphasis on individual skill development to maximize player potential.
- Defensive Schemes: Implementing aggressive defensive strategies to enhance team identity.
- Offensive Flexibility: Utilizing varied offensive sets to adapt to player strengths and weaknesses.
Benefits of the Rebuilding Process
While rebuilding can be a painful process for fans, it carries several benefits:
- Long-term Success: Building a solid foundation can lead to sustained competitiveness.
- Younger Core: Developing young players can lead to innovative play styles and improved team chemistry.
- Financial Flexibility: With key contracts expiring, the team can explore free agency opportunities.
Future Prospects and Draft Capital
The Blazers have accumulated several valuable assets for the future, including draft picks and young talent. This gives them flexibility to make trades or acquire players that fit their new direction.
Upcoming Draft Picks
As of now, the Blazers hold significant draft capital for the next few years:
| Year | Draft Pick Status | Potential Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | First Round | Top-tier talent available |
| 2025 | Multiple Picks | Depth and future stars |
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promising signs, the Blazers face several challenges:
- Competing in the Western Conference: The West is notoriously competitive, with powerhouse teams that make playoff contention difficult.
- Player Development: Ensuring young players develop quickly enough to contribute to the team’s success.
- Fan Expectations: Managing the expectations of fans eager for immediate results after a franchise icon’s departure.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a long-time Blazers fan, witnessing the transition has been a roller coaster of emotions. The excitement of new talent also comes with the uncertainty of performance. However, attending games and seeing the energy in the arena is infectious. The community remains supportive, understanding that this journey is essential for future success.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the Portland Trail Blazers gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, the rebuilding journey is both crucial and promising. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, alongside a strategic coaching approach, the Blazers have the potential to rise again in the NBA landscape. The resilience of the team and its fanbase will be tested, but the future looks bright.
