The Trail Blazers were aggressive about seeking out roster upgrades this offseason, trading for Robert Covington and Enes Kanter while signing Derrick Jones in free agency and bringing back Rodney Hood on a new deal.
According to Jason Quick of The Athletic, a push from Damian Lillard provided president of basketball operations Neil Olshey with some extra motivation as he completed those transactions. Lillard said he’s been “transparent” with Olshey about wanting the team to make roster moves that give the Trail Blazers a “real shot” at winning a title.
“That’s just what I’ve been communicating to him: ‘Come on man, let’s really make a run for it. Let’s go for it,'” the Trail Blazers’ star point guard said. “Let’s not be the organization that says, ‘Oh, we’ve made the playoffs this many years in a row. We’ve got a good culture, we’ve got this …’ Let’s put ourselves out there and try to do whatever we can do to give ourselves a real shot. Let’s try to bring the glory back to Portland.”
Covington and Jones will likely open the regular season as the Trail Blazers’ starting forwards, head coach Terry Stotts said on Tuesday, per Casey Holdahl of Blazers.com. That would mean Carmelo Anthony coming off the bench, which is something the team discussed with him before he re-signed.
Here’s more from around the Northwest:
- Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic, who is coming off of wrist surgery, said on Tuesday that he’s “really happy” with where he’s at in his recovery process, though he admitted he’s not sure whether or not he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune has the details.
- The Clippers, Lakers, Spurs, Sixers, and Bucks were among the teams that had interest in JaMychal Green in free agency, per Mike Singer of The Denver Post, but the veteran forward ultimately chose the Nuggets. Green cited the Nuggets’ unselfish play, young talent, and tenacity in explaining his decision. “Blowing a 3-1 lead, they just fought,” Green said, referring to Denver’s Western Conference Semifinals win over his Clippers. “It just showed you the type of heart they had.”
- The Nuggets experienced more roster turnover than usual this fall. Now, facing an unorthodox training camp and preseason schedule, head coach Michael Malone says it’ll be a challenge to get everyone integrated and comfortable before the regular season begins. “Continuity has been one of our greatest strengths for the last few years, and this is probably the first time in my five going on six years we’ve had this much of a turnover,” Malone said, according to Kendra Andrews of The Athletic. “So that will be the biggest challenge.”
I feel bad for damon I’m sorry but blazers are not coming close to a title anytime soon and he is just growing older. Wiser but gets harder to chase the ball around
It’s still a markedly better roster, though. Might be enough to advance them another level, at least. And you never know what will happen with injuries.
Better to go for it than be resigned to continued mediocrity imo.
Last time they had a roster this deep, they made the Western Conference Finals. That’s making it to the final 4 teams (which i think constitutes “close to a title”), and that was with Nurkic out.
He’s a legend I wouldn’t be suprised if he managed to get a ring for the Blazers. Crazier things have happened.
I dont see it not enough firepower. When enes kanter is ur off season upgrade you r a long way from the top if you wanna rock and roll
They got Covington. They also have Nurkic back for the whole year. Last season they had Whiteside because he’s injured. Their D should be greatly improved this season. I’m not sure they going to do it this year or at all but I wouldn’t be suprised if Lillard got them one in next few years. I don’t think anyone saw Toronto coming when they got theirs.
Covington nurkic even kanter none of these guys are bad but they’re not the elite stars u need for a title. Raptors had kawaii on offense and defense. Pollard is a game changer for sure but he cannot do it alone. You dint have to agree with me, just my opinion, take it or leave it, but I’ll eat my hat if blazers won a title in the next 5 years
The Raptors did it two years ago with (at the time) one star in Kawhi, an all star in Lowry, and a supporting cast full of talent in Siakam, OG, FVV, etc. Teams can win without a ton of stars. I think the Blazers should be looking to add one more shooter though.
Right, but everyone has been ready to hand out rings to the Clips, Bucks and Rockets… because they have those “elite stars to win the title.” Didn’t work out so well. Not disagreeing that Portland may not be on that Laker level, or even Denver… but look at the roster with a real eye. If healthy, Portland is crazy deep. And Lillard has earned not to be doubted, especially if he doesn’t have to take it all on his back.
Team chemistry is underrated
Even though I respect and think McCollum is a good player, the Trail Blazers need to trade him in a deal for a second star. I don’t see him and Lillard wining a championship as the one two punch .
Lillard, CJ, Covington, Melo, Collins
Derrick Jones jr, Trent, Nurkic, Hood, Little, Simons, Giles
Portland should be much improved, barring health
With Collins missing the start of the season, Giles might make sense as a starter, so Nurkic gets used to what should be his role off the bench behind Collins once he comes back.
no need to start DJJ and Covington together, when they can go to those lineups for their runs, and you arguably want at least one of them on the floor for you in general
…they need someone, preferably at the guard position, that can guard guards defensively
Blazers would need another GSW non-season and a LAL injury to LBJ or AD to have a shot at a title. That’s just the reality. GSW losing Klay is the pathway for a LAL repeat.