The Portland Trail Blazers are set to kick off their regular season at home on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors. This means that in recent weeks, the final preseason NBA power rankings have begun to emerge from various national media outlets, much like the cool autumn breeze.
Spoiler alert: The Blazers found themselves positioned near the bottom of these rankings.
In addition to their anticipated low rankings, the analyses accompanying these lists offered insights into the Blazers’ situation. Most of this commentary focused on aspirations for Cooper Flagg, the potential development of important young players, possible veteran trades, and a forecast of numerous losses.
To simplify matters, we have gathered the Blazers’ rankings and some of the related analyses in one location. This will provide an overview of the national perception of the Blazers as they enter the 2024-25 season.
(Last week, we covered The Athletic’s John Hollinger’s predictions for Portland’s regular season. If you missed it, here’s the link.)
Yahoo Sports: Consider the Under on 21.5 Wins
In Dan Devine’s regular-season preview of the Blazers on Yahoo Sports, published on Thursday, did not include overall league rankings. However, he anticipated that the Blazers would rank among the worst teams in the NBA, predicting they would secure fewer than 21.5 wins during the regular season.
Hope is a perennial theme in the preseason — which, in this scenario, implies that the Blazers will not only be underperforming but also have the opportunity to trade away their veterans, allowing them to accumulate losses in the later games of the season. I’ll go with the under; it wouldn’t surprise me if this year’s team challenges the 1971-72 squad for the title of worst in franchise history.
Devine’s analysis offered more than just a grim outlook on win totals. It probed deeper with a central question that will shape Portland’s season: “Is there a true cornerstone here?” He provided thoughts on players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe in relation to this inquiry, as well as outlining a best-case scenario for Portland’s season:
Ayton, Grant, Avdija, and Simons establish a degree of stability in the first half of the season, allowing for the evaluation of Sharpe, Henderson, Clingan, and the other emerging talents. Some players exhibit genuine signs of growth and potential — the kind that fosters confidence that these individuals can form the foundation for the future. With this renewed optimism, Cronin might be able to trade several veterans — most notably either Ayton or Robert Williams III — to alleviate Portland’s positional redundancy, setting the stage for Clingan and the guards to navigate their development while paving the way for yet another high lottery pick to strengthen the roster.
I prioritized Devine’s piece for a specific reason. If you’re in search of additional Blazers content this Sunday—after perusing columns by Dave Deckard and Adrian Bernecich—this article is the one to explore from this collection.
The Ringer: No. 28
For the power rankings at The Ringer, Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre of “The Group Chat” podcast placed Portland at No. 28 in an episode released on Sept. 26. The segment discussing the Blazers begins at the 40:02 mark and concludes at 1:00:12. Verrier noted that while the Blazers possess some promising young talent on their roster, they remain a year or two away from genuinely competing.
The primary concern for this team right now isn’t necessarily about the players they possess; rather, it’s their youth. There’s potential here that I can somewhat recognize, but I believe they will need to gain experience, whether it be through this season or the next, to reach the starting point where some of these 20- and 21-year-olds are capable of competing at a high level.
NBA.com: No. 15 in the West
John Schuhmann from NBA.com categorized his power rankings by conference. By the end of September, he positioned the Blazers at the bottom of the Western Conference, while highlighting that Portland’s young guards might offer a significant upside.
However, they do have a duo of guards—Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe—who could experience substantial growth over the next nine months. Given his rookie struggles, Henderson can only improve, as he ranked last in effective field goal percentage among 174 players with 500 shot attempts, and had the second-worst on-court NetRtg among 222 players who averaged at least 20 minutes per game. While it might be surprising if this marks a fourth consecutive season in the bottom three of the Western Conference, notable advancements from the young guards would enhance the long-term outlook considerably.
Fox Sports: Bottom Tier – “Cooper Flagg Watch”
In his power rankings divided into six tiers, Fox Sports NBA writer Yaron Weitzman placed the Blazers in the final tier, which includes teams with the highest chances to secure the 2025 Draft talent, Cooper Flagg. This tier was positioned just below another labeled “Yawn.”
Portland has a roster filled with talented players, but they are all quite raw and inexperienced. At some point, the Blazers must transition toward winning games. Nevertheless, that shift is likely still a year away.
CBS Sports: No. 27
Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports released his power rankings at the start of October, placing the Blazers at No. 27. Echoing sentiments from other sources in this roundup, Ward-Henninger acknowledged the promising young talent in Portland, though he indicated that it won’t yield significant victories just yet.
As a note, his projected starting lineup
is incorrect. It missed mentioning Deni Avdija and was composed prior to Sharpe’s injury and Toumani Camara’s impressive preseason performance, creating uncertainty about whether Henderson will start on opening night. Nevertheless, the essence of Ward-Henninger’s argument still holds true.
Portland boasts several talented young players — the challenge lies in getting them all on the court simultaneously. While they might not reach high levels of success, a starting lineup featuring Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant, and Deandre Ayton should at least provide some competitive matchups each night. Rookie Donovan Clingan is expected to adapt quickly, and if Robert Williams III can contribute in any capacity, Chauncey Billups will have the opportunity to create some matchup difficulties with his lineup choices.
when you consider all factors, the preseason outlook suggests another tough season for Portland. Esteemed readers of Blazer’s Edge, do the analysts have it correct, or could Portland exceed expectations this season?
Preseason Power Rankings Show Portland Trail Blazers in a Tough Spot Ahead of 2024-25 Season
The Current State of the Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers find themselves navigating a challenging landscape as they gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season. With a mixture of young talent and seasoned veterans, the team sits in the middle of a critical rebuilding phase. Preseason power rankings indicate that the Blazers are facing significant hurdles that could impact their playoff aspirations.
Preseason Power Rankings Overview
As the new season approaches, analysts and fans alike are scrutinizing the power rankings. Here’s how the Trail Blazers are faring in various preseason evaluations:
| Source | Ranking | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | 24th | Concerns about defensive consistency and bench depth. |
| Bleacher Report | 22nd | Potential for young players to step up but uncertainty remains. |
| NBA.com | 23rd | Inexperience could hinder competitiveness in a tough Western Conference. |
Key Factors Contributing to the Rankings
Several factors are influencing the Portland Trail Blazers’ preseason power ranking position:
1. Roster Changes
- Departure of Key Players: The Blazers have seen notable players leave, impacting team chemistry.
- Injury Concerns: Players returning from injuries may not perform at full capacity initially.
- Draft Picks: New recruits bring hope but also uncertainty regarding their immediate impact.
2. Coaching Adjustments
With a fresh coaching staff, the Trail Blazers are implementing new strategies that may take time to bear fruit. Analysts are cautious about these changes as they adapt to new systems and philosophies.
3. Strength of the Western Conference
The Western Conference remains notoriously competitive. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns pose significant challenges, making it tough for the Blazers to carve out a playoff spot.
Benefits of the Blazers’ Current Strategy
Despite the challenging outlook, there are potential benefits to the current situation:
1. Development of Young Talent
Investing in young players can lead to long-term success. By giving them significant playing time now, the Blazers are setting the foundation for future competitiveness.
2. Flexibility for Future Moves
With an evolving roster, the Trail Blazers may have the flexibility to make key trades or acquisitions during the season, positioning themselves for a stronger future.
3. Fan Support and Community Engagement
The Trail Blazers have a passionate fanbase that provides unwavering support. Engaging with the community can build morale and foster a positive atmosphere around the franchise.
Case Studies: Teams in Similar Situations
Looking at other NBA franchises that have faced similar challenges can provide insights for the Blazers:
1. Memphis Grizzlies
After a transitional period that saw the departure of star players, the Grizzlies focused on building around young talent like Ja Morant. Their commitment to youth ultimately led to playoff success.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder embraced their rebuilding phase by stockpiling draft picks and developing young players, showcasing that patience can yield positive results in the long run.
First-Hand Experiences: Players’ Perspectives
Getting insights from players can shed light on the internal dynamics of the Trail Blazers:
Damian Lillard’s Leadership
Though Lillard has been central to the team’s identity, his leadership will be crucial in mentoring the younger roster. His comments on fostering a competitive spirit among the team highlight his commitment to the organization:
“It’s about building a culture here. We’re not just playing for today; we’re building for the future.”
Emerging Stars
Players like Shaden Sharpe and Scoot Henderson express enthusiasm about their roles, emphasizing a willingness to learn and grow, which is vital for the team’s progress:
“I’m ready to step up and contribute. We’ve got a lot of talent, and I believe we can surprise people.”
Practical Tips for Fans and Followers
As fans of the Portland Trail Blazers, here are some practical tips to enhance your experience during the 2024-25 season:
- Stay Updated: Follow team news through official channels and reputable sports websites to keep informed about player performances and coaching decisions.
- Engage on Social Media: Join online communities and follow players and coaches on social media to get a behind-the-scenes look at the team dynamic.
- Attend Games: Show your support by attending home games, as fan attendance can boost team morale and performance.
- Participate in Discussions: Engage in forums and discussions to share opinions and insights with fellow fans.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Improvement
While the Portland Trail Blazers find themselves in a tough spot in the preseason power rankings, it’s essential to recognize that the journey towards success often involves challenges. The focus on developing young talent, coaching adjustments, and strategic flexibility can pave the way for future achievements. By engaging with the community and fostering a positive atmosphere, the Blazers can create a strong foundation for the seasons to come.
