The Portland Trail Blazers became arguably the top feel-good story of this past offseason when they signed former franchise icon Damian Lillard to a three-year deal. Lillard, who tore his Achilles tendon earlier this year, was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks which paved the way for this reunion.

The 35-year-old guard is not expected to suit up this season, though his presence looms large over this young team. The Blazers will enter the new campaign with no expectations and have several young players who will be out to prove that they have a place in this franchise’s rebuild.

WHAT’S NEW?

Aside from Lillard, Portland also acquired another high-character veteran guard in Jrue Holiday who is expected to begin the season as the team’s starting point guard.

The Blazers also drafted Yang Hansen from China with the 16th pick of last June’s NBA Draft and he quickly became a fan favorite during the NBA Summer League. The 7’1 center has an all-around skillset and a fantastic feel for the game. He will initially be competing for minutes with incoming sophomore Donovan Clingan, though given Yang’s multi-faceted game, it is not farfetched to believe that they can eventually form a nouveau twin towers in Portland.

BIGGEST QUESTIONS

One of the reasons why the Blazers were willing to move on from Lillard back in 2023 was because they drafted another point guard, Scoot Henderson, with the third overall pick in that year’s NBA draft. However, Henderson has been quite underwhelming to say the least over his first two seasons in the league, averaging 13.3 points on 40.1% field goal shooting, 3.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.7 turnovers across 128 career games so far.

Now, Henderson, who is still only 21 years old, gets a chance to learn from two of the best possible mentors at his position in the returning Lillard along with Holiday. Henderson has all of the physical tools necessary to succeed in the NBA and it would be a shame if he is unable to maximize the presence of these two veterans.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Now entering his fourth season, many are expecting Shaedon Sharpe to take a major leap in this upcoming campaign. He has the potential to become an elite scorer in the NBA and flashed this potential last year as he averaged 21.2 points per game after the All-Star break.

The 6’6 Sharpe was a standout at Portland’s training camp and has the potential to become this team’s leading scorer following the departure of Anfernee Simons who led them in points per game last season.

Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara are two other key players to look out for on this promising Blazers team as well.

If this trio of Sharpe, Avdija, and Camara can further build on their strong showings last year, then Portland might just have the tools in place to give Lillard one last shot at a deep playoff run when he returns from injury. 

REASON FOR OPTIMISM/CONCERN

This team has many promising prospects, though a clear cut best player among this group has yet to emerge. Lillard can fill this void in the meantime, but if this team is to build a perennial contender once more, then one of their young players must step up and emerge as their next leader.