Looking Ahead Into the Portland Trail Blazers Season

Portland Trail Blazers 2016-17 record: 41-41 (8 in Western Conference)

Additions: Zach Collins (Draft, Draft pick trade), Caleb Swanigan (Draft), C.J. Wilcox (Free Agency: Two way contract), Archie Goodwin (Free Agency), Isaiah Briscoe (Free Agency), Anthony Morrow (Free Agency)

Subtractions: Tim Quarterman (Trade), Allan Crabbe (Trade), Andrew Nicholson (Waived)

Over the past couple of seasons, the Trail Blazers established themselves as the Dark Horse of the West. Never fancied for a playoff spot yet punching above their weight. That in no part is down to their starting back court. Can they still fight for a playoff spot this season?

Trail Blazers’ New Faces

The Trail Blazers have stayed with mostly the same roster. They gave up their #15 and #20 Draft picks for the #10 pick of Sacramento. Zach Collins was selected. An impressive centre at Gonzaga, he helped the team reach the 2017 NCAA division I basketball championship game. He had his best game in the semi-finals. If anything, he can already perform at the big games. Caleb Swanigan is an impressive selection made by the team. The very accomplished collegiate player has been a stand out from high school. He holds several college basketball records as well. A double-double machine, he impressed immensely in the 2017 Summer League with an average of 16.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists a game. He certainly is a bright prospect.

Archie Goodwin and Anthony Morrow are their major free agent signings. Both have NBA experience off the bench. They would be ideal rotation for the backcourt of Lillard and McCollum. If they can elevate their game a bit more with sufficient minutes, 15-20 points between them off the bench is likely. This can help relieve substantial pressure off the starting guards.

The Bad

Until Swanigan and Collins can develop to the required level the Trail Blazers are short of scoring talent on the front court. Unfortunately, Nurkic is still out injured. He only played 20 games last season with Portland. What he showed sheer talent. A man averaging 2 blocks, 3 assists, 15 points, 10 rebounds a game will end up playing a major role.

The team are still going to be dark horses for a playoff sport. The west is super competitive. It will once again fall onto the shoulder of Lillard and McCollum to lead, or else Portland will not see post season action.

Verdict

Trail Blazers failed to make a significant splash in free agency. They unsuccessfully tried to recruit Carmelo Anthony. Though they got rid of Allan Crabbe’s expensive contract to Brooklyn. They enter the season, once again as the Dark-horse of the Western Conference. Their dynamic backcourt duo are one of the best and can propel them. Nurkic, when he returns and if he remains healthy can be a key factor in getting the team to the playoffs.

This time, the Trail Blazers have potentially talented big men. This was missing since Aldridge left the team. If they remain consistent, a challenge for the 8 or 7 seed is on the cards.