Because the Portland Path Blazers embark on a brand new NBA season, few contemplate them true title contenders. The franchise is present process an actual rebuild after spending a number of years in mediocrity.
The staff completed final yr with a 21-61 report this season and noticed them land in final place within the Western Convention standings. However going into this season, all Portland can ask is for the staff to be a bit extra aggressive.
The entrance workplace needs to see who will probably be used as a franchise piece sooner or later. It is all about progress and improvement for the Path Blazers this season, except you ask star heart Deandre Ayton.
Through the Path Blazers media day, Ayton pushed again on this story a bit. He made it clear that Portland was certainly making an attempt to win this season.
“I do not take shedding frivolously in any respect. Our purpose is to win the video games, win collectively and win the precise approach. Not every little thing goes to look good, however I do know for certain that our staff goes to show the tables heads, and competing is one thing we will do each evening.”
Ayton appears to be taking a extra management method this yr and it confirmed throughout his opening press convention. The previous No. 1 general decide is about to enter his second season with the Path Blazers and he clearly wasn’t a fan of the dangerous yr the staff put collectively.
The large man averaged 16.7 factors, 11.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per sport final yr. He has solely performed in 55 video games for Portland, the bottom whole for him for the reason that 2019-20 season.
Alongside Ayton, Portland has some good gamers to work with. Level guard Scoot Henderson will look to take his sport to the subsequent degree, guard Shaedon Sharpe will look to grow to be the very best participant on this group and rookie heart Donovan Clingan will look to make his mark on the league.
Portland needs to be extra aggressive, however that in all probability will not imply a profitable season.
Though Portland has some younger, robust items to work with, the staff will, in all probability, be on the backside of the convention once more. It can take them just a few years to actually compete for a playoff spot, however surprises occur yearly.
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