Portland’s been asleep for a minute, but this offseason? It’s starting to feel like a real wake-up call. Drafting Yang Hansen showed guts. Reuniting Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard? That’s a love letter to the past with eyes on the future. The Blazers aren’t just shuffling pieces—they’re building something meaningful. Jrue’s already hyped, especially after his convo with Dame. Chemistry like that doesn’t wait till October. It’s contagious. The vibes are good, the moves are bold, and for once, the direction feels clear. Don’t call it a rebuild. Call it the comeback tour—because Rip City might finally be back.

Dame and Jrue aren’t strangers on the court—they’ve shared more history than people remember. From fierce playoff battles to All-Star nods, these two have seen it all. Jrue once locked Dame up in a brutal 2018 sweep, but time heals. Now, they’re teammates, not rivals. That past only adds fuel to the fire. With mutual respect and shared goals, they’re ready to flip the script—together this time. It’s all vibes between the veterans.

“When he got released, I texted him a little emoji,” said Holiday. “Maybe it was kind of like, you know, what’s up? Because obviously Dame loves Portland, and he’s been here for years. And I know his family and stuff is here. But to be able to play with him on the same team is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. And even before I left New Orleans, that was something that I’ve always wanted to do. So, being able to do it back here—especially with a team that Dame has really put on his back for a long time—is really cool.”

Bringing back Jrue Holiday alongside Dame screamed ambition. Toss in some savvy role-player pickups and you’ve got a squad with real potential. They’re not banking on miracles, just chemistry and grit. It’s early, sure—but don’t be surprised if they crash the playoff party from the outside looking in.

Jrue Holiday as the locker room mentor? Absolutely

Holiday’s no stranger to pressure, and Portland’s betting big on that experience. With Dame still recovering, Holiday’s stepping into a massive role. He’s got the resume—championship pedigree, defensive grit, and the leadership you’d kill for in a rebuild. The Blazers need someone to anchor both ends, and Holiday fits that bill perfectly. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective. And make no mistake—he knows what’s at stake. Challenge accepted? He sure thinks so.

“Sure. I think I really just like basketball,” said Holiday. “It doesn’t really matter the age. I know when I was younger and first coming in, I had vets, but I try not to look at them as vets—more just kind of like study everything around me. And even though I’m at this age now, I feel like I still try to do the same thing. Even though guys might be younger and I might not like the same type of music, we might not be into the same thing. But I also feel like that’s what makes us a team—finding commonality and being able to mesh over that, and then kind of translate it to the court.”

Portland’s cooking something serious, and it’s not just smoke. Deni Avdija brings size and savvy. Jrue Holiday? Steady as ever. Yang Hansen’s a wildcard with promise, while Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe inject electricity and edge. Add in Toumani Camara’s hustle, and you’ve got a squad with serious upside. And when Dame finally clocks back in? Rip City’s gonna need a fire extinguisher. The league better come prepared. Grab your popcorn.