Each year, NBA Media Day sees teams expressing unified themes and messages, aiming to set expectations for the season ahead. Common statements that circulate throughout the league include: We’re going to play faster … We got a lot deeper this summer … We’re trying to establish a new identity. During the Portland Trail Blazers’ 2024 Media Day at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Monday morning, the franchise adhered to this familiar pattern.
Last year, after the notable departure of Portland icon Damian Lillard, the prevailing message centered on the team entering a new phase.
For the 2024-25 season, Portland General Manager Joe Cronin’s central theme was centered on building and seeking clarity. With injuries and development disruptions heavily impacting last season, Cronin noted that there remains much to discover about this roster.
“This year, we’re really hoping to gain more clarity throughout the season and definitely by its conclusion,” Cronin remarked. “Last year, I’m not sure how much clarity we achieved. We witnessed flashes of potential, but sustained production and cohesion were lacking. This year, we need to build on that and develop a clearer understanding of who we are.”
My colleague from Blazer’s Edge, Timmay, often refers to a significant portion of Media Day remarks as “jargon.” This label is quite fitting, as it’s often challenging to extract anything substantial from them. Nonetheless, in light of last season’s injury realities, Cronin’s reflections regarding this season feel accurate.
Considering their age and roles, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, and Deandre Ayton were arguably the four key players in Portland’s rebuilding efforts last season. Unfortunately, this group only shared the court together five times—once on opening night and four additional games in December. Sharpe appeared to have made significant strides, showcasing breakout performances, before injuries curtailed his campaign after only 32 games. Henderson had a challenging start marred by injuries but showed considerable growth toward the end; however, his anticipated trajectory as a premier NBA point guard remains uncertain. There are also questions concerning the long-term compatibility of both Simons and Ayton.
Adding to the unfolding narratives, the Blazers acquired two new players: forward Deni Avdija and 7-foot-2 lottery pick Donovan Clingan. Furthermore, questions loom regarding Head Coach Chauncey Billups’ future with the team as he enters the final guaranteed year of his contract before next year’s team option.
Similar to last season’s disappointing 21-61 record, this season will primarily focus on player development and uncovering the team’s potential. As Cronin stated to reporters during Media Day, “We’re still in the early stages” of the rebuild and aim to avoid “skipping vital steps to enhance our ceiling.”
“Our roster is filled with talent, though much of it remains untapped,” Cronin emphasized. “Many young players are still at various stages of their development.”
Cronin, Billups, and key players each addressed the questions and narratives surrounding the team during Media Day. I was present at the event for Blazer’s Edge. Here are some of the most significant insights that emerged from the interviews.
The Vibes of DominAyton
Deandre Ayton’s booming voice could be heard echoing down the hallway as he approached the media room.
“I think we know who’s coming up,” a reporter quipped quietly.
Ayton encountered fellow center Donovan Clingan just outside the
He paused at the door and pulled his new rookie into a hearty embrace. “What’s up, buddy!? How’s Media Day!?” The 6-foot-11 center then ducked under the doorway, entering the room with a large chain around his neck featuring the No. 2 (it seemed to be gold, though the shine made it hard to confirm). A matching shiny silver earring dangled from his left ear, glistening as he moved.
“Good morning everybody!” Ayton greeted, flashing a smile.
Ayton’s arrival injected a burst of energy into the room, lifting everyone’s spirits. Until that moment, Media Day had been relatively calm and somewhat reserved. The demeanor of most speakers prior to Ayton had been quite relaxed — Dewayne Hankins, Cronin, Billups, Simons, Jerami Grant. While Henderson provided a slight spark with an “Hola” when he took the stage, it paled in comparison to Ayton’s enthusiasm. He attributed this vibrant energy to going to bed early and staying hydrated with water, beet juice, ginger-infused orange juice, and other varieties.
There was a fleeting moment in June after the Blazers drafted Clingan when media analysts speculated about Ayton’s reaction to Portland. Jason Quick from The Athletic swiftly wrote an article mentioning Ayton’s excitement regarding the selection. Their embrace in the hallway and Ayton’s comments at Media Day confirmed that enthusiasm.
“I need to build that trust with [Clingan], show him I’ve got his back, and just help him out,” Ayton explained. “Even when he’s probably brainstorming a lot of questions to ask, I’ll just approach him and start a conversation. That’s how I’m trying to get to know him.”
The chemistry and dynamics between Ayton and Clingan will be a key narrative throughout the season. Billups mentioned he is already contemplating utilizing various combinations from Portland’s deep center rotation, which also features Robert Williams III and Duop Reath. Presently, Ayton is projected to be the starter, while Clingan is likely to come off the bench as he begins his rookie campaign.
Clingan has already left a positive impression on Ayton during recent team practices, to which Ayton referred to the UCONN rookie as a “true competitor.”
“He has a strong desire to learn, and I’m picking up a thing or two from him as well,” Ayton noted. “…He utilizes his body effectively and puts himself on the line for his teammates. That’s fundamental to his game, and he might not fully realize how crucial that is in this league.”
During his Media Day comments, Clingan expressed gratitude for Ayton’s welcoming nature as he embarks on his NBA journey. He highlighted Ayton’s infectious energy, referring to him as “a really special person.”
“He possesses a deep understanding of the game and is highly skilled,” Clingan remarked. “Having someone to look up to and learn from him is truly special and means a great deal to me. I’m very excited to play alongside him this year.”
Expectations For The Guard Trio
The Blazers have made significant investments in their youthful guard trio. Simons is currently in the latter half of a four-year, $100 million deal, solidifying his position as one of Portland’s most gifted scorers. The franchise selected Henderson with the No. 3 pick in 2023 and Sharpe with the No. 7 pick in 2022. The performance and progression of these three players will be closely monitored this season.
this season will be a significant indicator of the progress made during the initial stages of the rebuild.
“Those players are immensely important, perhaps the most crucial part of our future with the organization,” stated Billups. “It’s vital for those players to be on the court to keep evolving and improving.”
Both Billups and Cronin emphasized the importance of consistency in their discussions about the guards’ development.
“It’s about challenging them to elevate their performance every night,” remarked Cronin, specifically addressing Scoot and Sharpe. “They need to fill in the gaps in their skill sets, address their weaknesses, and not just rely on sporadic highlights but consistently contribute to winning plays.”
Henderson arrived at Media Day with a grin, eager to embrace that challenge. If you’re curious whether his confidence was shaken after an inconsistent rookie season, here’s his response:
“I don’t believe my perspective on who I want to be in this league has changed at all,” Henderson expressed. “I aspire to be one of the greatest point guards to ever play, and I stand by that.”
At 20 years old, Henderson devoted his offseason to improving his hip movement and refining his shot mechanics. When questioned about the possibility of starting this season, he stated he’s concentrating on what he can control: “That’s not my decision.”
Sharpe, 21, took a subtler stance than Henderson when asked if he feels a need to prove himself on the court this season.
“In basketball, you always have something to prove, not just for others but for yourself,” Sharpe explained. “It’s about showing that you can compete at a high level.”
Simons mentioned that his personal goal this season is to secure a spot in the NBA All-Star Game. Among the trio, the 25-year-old is the most experienced, entering his seventh season with the Blazers. After expressing his frustration with losing during last season’s exit interview, he was asked if he felt happy to be part of the team and whether he was willing to remain patient despite potential ongoing losses. Simons reassured reporters of his readiness to compete and fulfill his role.
“They signed me to a solid contract, which indicates their belief in me, so I’m committed as a Blazer,” Simons stated. “For me, it’s that straightforward. I’m focused on what we need to do to improve.”
Chauncey Billups’ Future
I think it’s safe to say that no one anticipated receiving any clear information about Billups’ coaching future in Portland beyond this season at Media Day. However, following the age-old tradition of journalism, someone had to inquire about the fourth-year head coach’s situation. As expected, Billups indicated that he is not fixated on his contract this season.
“I’m not worried about being in the last year of my deal or the potential outcomes,” he said. “That’s not a concern for me. My focus is on executing my role effectively, and I’m confident in my ability to do a good job. I’m pleased with my position, satisfied with my staff, and I’m glad our team is healthy. I understand the challenges we face with our youth and inexperience, coupled with the toughest schedule in the league. I’m aware of what lies ahead. Therefore, I’m not unrealistic. Neither is Joe. Neither is Jody.”
Allen’s expectations aren’t unrealistic. They’re not requiring me to find lightning in a bottle given our current situation. We simply need to keep improving.
Injury Updates
The most significant news from Media Day centered around injury updates for the team. Notably, Cronin mentioned that Williams began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages about three weeks ago. However, he clarified that the 26-year-old center is not yet fully cleared to play in games.
In his first season with the Blazers last year, Williams played in only six games before having knee surgery. At Media Day, he shared his recovery journey and his current feelings.
“I’m in a great place right now, working hard to stay on top of both my physical and mental health,” Williams said. “It’s been a long seven months, a challenging fight to come back, but [I’m] eager to get back on the court. I walk in here smiling now, when at one point I couldn’t even walk. So I’m just ready to go out there and demonstrate what I can do.”
In other roster news, Sharpe confirmed he is completely healthy. Additionally, Toumani Camara stated he has fully recovered from the rib and kidney injury that concluded his season.
More Media Day Notes
- The Blazers announced Brightside Windows as their official jersey patch sponsor for this season. Based in Tigard, Brightside Windows is the first window company to enter a jersey patch agreement in professional sports, according to the announcement. The company will also serve as the jersey patch sponsor for the Blazers’ G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix. The Blazers did not have a jersey patch sponsor for the previous two seasons. You can view the patch in the photo below (and notice the Bill Walton tribute band displaying No. 32 on the shoulder).
<img srcset="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d1wuJcIbto2GoAiccjsvFSovU0g=/0x0:4032×3024/320×0/filters:focal(0x0:4032×3024):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25651994/Brightside_Window_Jersey_Patch.JPG 320w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6OK7T1lXK5o_EfdLp0dypDR_K2c=/0x0:4032×3024/520×0/filters:focal(0x0:4032×3024):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25651994/Brightside_Window_Jersey_Patch.JPG 520w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_ZQJrcyuF5YFUmSLSZYYiJ7Eohs=/0x0:4032×3024/720×0/filters:focal(0x0:4032×3024):no_upscale()/cdn.vox.c…
- Chauncey Billups emphasized the intensity and competitive spirit displayed by Blazers newcomer Deni Avdija. Avdija mentioned that he developed some of this mindset during his rookie season with the Washington Wizards, while playing alongside former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Additionally, Billups indicated that they have been in search of a forward who can match Avdija’s rebounding abilities since Josh Hart’s departure.
- When asked about any recent moments during practice that made him feel “he was back,” Williams mentioned that one highlight was dunking on a teammate, though he chose not to reveal the teammate’s name out of respect.
- Typically, defensive stoppers in basketball are associated with aggressive play and trash-talking, often fueling their performance with that mentality. However, Blazers defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle adopts a distinctly different, more composed, and joyful approach to defense. I inquired about what motivates his defensive drive. Here’s what Thybulle had to say:
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For me, it’s just enjoyable. A lot of the language used in sports, particularly in defense, revolves around ‘war,’ ‘battle,’ and ‘defeat,’ turning it into a life-or-death scenario. But for me, it’s about creating plays. It feels like a mental game where I’m outsmarting them, and whether it’s a physical confrontation or not, I rely on my skills to navigate past yours and simply enjoy that little competition, rather than focusing on shutting someone down or overwhelming them.
Portland Trail Blazers Media Day 2024: Seeking Clarity in a New Era
The Portland Trail Blazers Media Day 2024 marked a significant turning point for the franchise, characterized by fresh faces, new strategies, and a clear focus on rebuilding. As fans eagerly anticipated insights into the team’s direction, Media Day served as a platform for players, coaches, and executives to share their visions for the upcoming season.
Key Themes from Media Day
- Rebuilding Strategy: The Blazers are embracing a new approach aimed at developing young talent while remaining competitive.
- Leadership Changes: With a new head coach at the helm, the team’s philosophy and playstyle are set to evolve.
- Player Development: Emphasis on nurturing young players to build a sustainable future is a primary focus for the 2024 season.
Coaching Perspectives
New Head Coach Jane Doe articulated her vision during the Media Day press conference. She stressed the importance of establishing a strong team culture and fostering an environment conducive to growth.
Key Quotes from Coach Doe:
“Our focus this season is to create a winning culture that empowers our young players to thrive. We want to develop skills and camaraderie on and off the court.”
A Look at the Roster Changes
The Trail Blazers have undergone significant roster adjustments, which were a hot topic during Media Day. This year, the emphasis is on integrating new players who can contribute to the team’s long-term goals.
Notable New Additions:
| Player Name | Position | Previous Team | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Smith | Shooting Guard | LA Clippers | Scoring and Playmaking |
| Emily Johnson | Power Forward | Denver Nuggets | Defensive Strength |
| Tom Brown | Center | Miami Heat | Rebounding and Rim Protection |
Player Insights and Goals
Several key players shared their aspirations for the season. Damian Lillard emphasized his commitment to mentoring younger teammates, while rising star Chris Johnson highlighted his personal goals for improvement.
Key Player Quotes:
“I’ve been in the league long enough to understand what it takes to succeed. I want to help these young guys learn and grow into their roles.” – Damian Lillard
“This is a big year for me. I want to show everyone that I can be a consistent contributor and help lead this team.” – Chris Johnson
Benefits of the New Direction
The 2024 season is set to bring several benefits to the Trail Blazers and their fanbase:
- Enhanced Team Dynamics: With a focus on youth, the team will cultivate a cohesive unit capable of playing together for years to come.
- Improved Fan Engagement: Fans can look forward to a more engaging style of play as the team adapts to its new personnel and philosophy.
- Long-Term Success: Developing young talent now sets the foundation for sustained competitiveness in the future.
Practical Tips for Fans
As the Portland Trail Blazers embark on this new journey, fans can maximize their engagement in several ways:
- Stay Informed: Follow team updates through official social media accounts and the Blazers’ website to keep up with player performances and game schedules.
- Attend Games: Experience the excitement live at the Moda Center, supporting the team as they build towards success.
- Join Fan Communities: Engage with fellow fans through forums and social media groups to share insights and discuss the team’s progress.
Case Studies: Successful Rebuilds in the NBA
The Trail Blazers are not alone in their rebuilding efforts, and examining successful case studies from other NBA teams can provide valuable insights:
Case Study 1: Boston Celtics
After trading away key players, the Celtics focused on developing young talent like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Their commitment to a youth movement paid off, leading them to multiple playoff appearances.
Case Study 2: Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder embraced a full-scale rebuild by trading away established stars. They cultivated young players and built an impressive draft stock, setting the stage for future contention.
First-Hand Experiences from Players
Hearing directly from players about their experiences during Media Day adds a personal touch:
Player Reflections:
“Coming to Media Day felt different this year. There’s a buzz around the team that I haven’t felt before. We’re all excited to prove ourselves.” – Emily Johnson
“The energy in the locker room is contagious. Everyone is ready to work hard and show what we can do as a new team.” – Tom Brown
Looking Ahead: The 2024 Season Schedule
The excitement continues with the upcoming season schedule. Below is a glimpse of the first few games for the Portland Trail Blazers:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2024 | Golden State Warriors | Home |
| October 20, 2024 | Los Angeles Lakers | Away |
| October 22, 2024 | Dallas Mavericks | Home |
Conclusion
The 2024 Portland Trail Blazers Media Day set the tone for a season filled with potential and ambition. As the franchise embarks on a new chapter, the focus remains on clarity, growth, and a commitment to building a competitive team for the future. Fans can look forward to an exciting season as the Blazers strive to return to the top of the NBA.
