THE Portland Trail Blazers are still in a transition phase, seeking to build a new identity in a post-Damian Lillard world. Scoot Henderson It wasn’t exactly the jackpot of the 2023 NBA Draft, but the organization is ready to make the most of the situation. There have been much worse outcomes after all, and Chauncey Billups has plenty of talent to build a competitive team.
Portland may not be able to make the NBA Playoffs this season, but it looks like they’re on the verge of taking a step forward as a franchise sooner rather than later. Henderson seeks second opinion after a tough year for beginners. These ten bold predictions coming true would go a long way in convincing Chauncey Billups and the young Trail Blazers locker room they are on the right track.
Scoot Henderson wins MIP votes
Henderson’s rookie season didn’t go as expected, leading fans and analysts to question his immediate impact. Despite those setbacks, there are several reasons to remain optimistic about his future and that of the team. He shot 81.9 percent of his free throws and 32.5 percent of his three-pointers as a 19-year-old in the NBA, which is impressive. The Trail Blazers can use that and Henderson’s pressure efforts this season to see what fits around the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Bold prediction: Henderson has a more average line in traditional stats this season, gaining some momentum as an NBA MIP candidate.
Shaedon Sharpe averaged 15.9 points per game last season. With Scoot, Sharpe will make more shots this season. Just one more shot per half allows the 21-year-old Canadian to reach the 20-point-per-game threshold, making him an elite offensive option.
Bold prediction: Sharpe will take a big step forward in his development, becoming a primary scoring option for the Trail Blazers. Expect him to average over 20 points per game, displaying a scoring versatility that scares many Western Conference contenders.
Ayton’s presence in the paint, combined with his improved offensive skills, will make him a dominant force in the Western Conference. Rudy Gobert has been hurt by his inability to close out games in the Olympics and the NBA. Anthony Davis is going to have another tough year trying to keep LeBron James healthy. A series of injuries is helping Ayton slide into one of the final spots.
Bold prediction: Deandre Ayton is going to take his game to new heights, earning his first All-Star Game selection. Hey, it’s bold and the big man needs to somehow reshape the narrative of his career. Averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds per game will be hard to ignore.
Anfernee Simons is sold for spare parts
Simons has become a secondary piece of Portland’s championship-winning core, even though he was the team’s leading scorer last season. The 25-year-old has all the makings of a solid playoff player, but he hasn’t quite put all the pieces together yet.
He averaged 22.6 points and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 43 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. Simons also has two years and $53.6 million remaining on his current contract, making him very attractive to suitors facing pressure under the new CBA.
Bold prediction: Simons is being traded for spare parts at the trade deadline after a seemingly larger deal was taken off the table.
Jerami Grant leads the team in scoring
Jerami Grant will become the Blazers’ leading scorer and will play a larger offensive role with Simons gone. His ability to score at all levels will be crucial to Portland’s success this season, but it’s the easy passes and lobs that will help Portland score more points per game. Grant’s hard work in the low end and ability to hit some outside shots should keep Sharpe and Henderson off the pressure.
Bold prediction: Grant had several 30-plus point games before the All-Star break.
Deni Avdija becomes a key playmaker
Newly signed Deni Avdija will flourish with the Trail Blazers, becoming a key playmaker as a secondary point guard. The 23-year-old’s versatility and basketball IQ will be instrumental in Portland’s offensive schemes moving forward. It’s easy to see Avdija improving on his 14.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game averages from last season after leaving the Washington Wizards.
Bold prediction: Avdija set a career high in assists, but he’s not particularly close, with more than five per game.
Rookie Donovan Clingan will quickly establish himself as a defensive anchor for the Blazers behind Ayton and Grant. His indispensable blocking and rebounding abilities will provide a solid foundation for Portland, which will pave the way for some NBA Rookie of the Year speculation. It will be tough to retain more offensively focused first-year players, but Clingan will still earn votes for the All-Rookie First Team.
Bold prediction: Clingan leads Portland in total blocks at the end of the season, whether Ayton is still on the team or not.
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Matisse Thybulle becomes a first-round pick
Matisse Thybulle continues to play well but gets sidelined once things get really interesting. The Boston Celtics drafted Thybulle in 2019 only to have the rookie landed on the Philadelphia 76ers. Portland picked up the two-time NBA All-Defense Second Teamer in a four-team deal this summer. It’s not too bold to expect more of the same while he’s sitting on an expiring $11 million contract. Even Team Australia chained him this summer.
Bold prediction: Thybulle is being traded to a team with a positive record at the trade deadline for a first-round pick or trade option and prospects.
Portland finishes with decent defense
Under head coach Chauncey Billups, the Blazers will transform into a respectable defensive opponent. Henderson and Sharpe can’t do any worse individually and should improve with more reps. With Ayton, Avdija, Clingan, Matisse Thybulle and Robert Williams III as the backbones, Portland should provide a bit more resistance next season.
Bold prediction: Portland will finish the season with a top 12 defensive rating.
Chauncey Billups Says Goodbye
Chauncey Billups will be remembered for his exceptional coaching, guiding the Blazers through a tough season and maximizing the potential of his young roster. His efforts may not be enough to win NBA Coach of the Year, but there will be considerable progress to report at the end of the season. There won’t be many other wins, though. Portland needs its next two draft picks to fall in the lottery.
Bold prediction: Billups put the Trail Blazers on track for a better win total, but will not return to the team next season.
