Editor’s note: This is the ninth of Sam Amico’s look at all 30 NBA teams heading into the 2013-14 season.
Meet the Trail Blazers
When things are going pretty well, it’s not a bad idea to stick with what seems like it will someday really work.
That seems to be the Portland Trail Blazers’ philosophy.
Yes, the Blazers missed the playoffs last season. But you could argue they were one of the two or three teams that did so, yet didn’t really need to make any major movements.
All they needed to do was keep LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard in place (which always doesn’t seem so easy with Aldridge), bring back strong supporting members such as Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews (especially Batum), and make another run.
After all, as the Blazers proved last season, they are RIGHT THERE.
But for coach Terry Stotts and the Blazers, the issue was never the starters. Instead, it was the utter lack of scoring off the bench. It was, in a word, embarrassing.
So now the question becomes whether it’s any better this year.
The answer is ... well, maybe.
If not, you can’t blame the front office. The Blazers certainly did their part, landing what they hope to be help without going overboard.
Among the possibilities: veteran guard Mo Williams, former lottery pick and forward Thomas Robinson, and latest lottery pick and guard C.J. McCollum.
On the down side, Williams (30) isn’t getting any younger and Robinson looked mostly overmatched during his rookie season. Worse, in the first week of practice, McCollum suffered the same broken foot that forced him to miss most last year as a senior in college.
Still, Aldridge and Lillard are the main faces, with Batum as one of the league’s best third options. All will be a year older, all will have had a year playing together.
Sometimes, that familiarity is the recipe that makes the most sense.
Coach: Terry Stotts (sixth season, 148-217)
Last season: 33-49, did not make playoffs.
Projected starters: C Robin Lopez; PF LaMarcus Aldridge; SF Nicolas Batum; SG Wesley Matthews; PG Damian Lillard.
Key reserves: PF Thomas Robinson; G C.J. McCollum (r-injured); C Meyers Leonard; G Mo Williams; SF Dorell Wright; SG Allen Crabbe (r); PG Earl Watson; SF Victor Claver.
New faces: Lopez, Robinson, McCollum, Williams, Crabbe, Watson Wright.
Outlook: Along with the problems in reserve (see above), the Blazers were a little soft last season. The energetic Lopez should help in that area, but it won’t be enough. Basically, everyone needs to step it up when it comes to the Dirty Jobs Dept. If the Blazers can do that, the playoffs may follow.
Prediction: 42-40.
FOX Sports: Trail Blazers home.
Twitter: @SamAmicoFSO
