The Portland Trail Blazers are hoping to be much more competitive next season, even if the team isn’t expected to win many games. This season, Portland is banking on growth, as it has a pool of young talent to work with.
Portland, which plays in a very loaded Western Conference, is likely to finish near the bottom of the standings. Most other teams are expected to improve significantly, which leaves the Trail Blazers as the team most likely to finish last.
The new NBA 2K video game is set to release on September 6 so Trail Blazers fans can create their own rebuild for the team. Overall, Portland was given a team rating of 80, which is one of the worst in the game.
However, they were ranked ahead of seven other teams. The Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors were all ranked lower than Portland.
Also, the folks at 2K who rated the Trail Blazers players weren’t very kind about the rating scale. But when you don’t expect a team like the Trail Blazers to perform well, that tends to happen.
Center Deandre Ayton was the highest-rated member of the Trail Blazers, with an 83. Guard Anfernee Simons earned an 81.
Portland had four other players rated in the 80 range. Forward Jerami Grant was rated 82, center Robert Williams III was rated 810, forward Deni Avdija was rated 80 and guard Shaedon Sharpe was rated 80.
Other notable players such as Scoot Henderson, Duop Reath, Matisse Thybulle and Toumani Camara all received scores between 75 and 79. Henderson scored a 78, Camara a 76, Reath a 75 and Thybulle also a 75.
Rookie center Donovan Clingan was given a low rating of 73. It was one of the most unexpected scores of this team.
Overall, the ratings weren’t the worst for the Trail Blazers. This team will be relying on a ton of young, inexperienced talent to get through the season.
Portland has also been involved in trade talks for players like Grant, Ayton and Simons. If any of them are traded, the Trail Blazers will likely see their stock drop, depending on who they get in return.
It could be another long year in Portland, but one that will help build lasting success for the future.
