Portland Trail Blazers: As the preseason begins, what to expect for the season
Free Agency
The most important thing the Blazers had to do was re-sign Norman Powell. Olshey got it done. They also needed to get players that could assist Powell, Lillard, and McCollum. Under Billups, Powell will have a more significant role on the team. A function that will consist of him taking a lot more shots. About his new role, Powell had this to say, “I feel really part of the team, part of the organization. Starting to feel natural and normal to me. Getting into a routine, knowing exactly where I should be.”
The Blazers were able to pick up some bench players who could benefit the team down the road. Ben McLemore played just 53 games out of the shortened 72 games. He played for the injury-ridden Lakers last year. Cody Zeller was also a bench player whose talents will be greatly needed behind Jusuf Nurkic. Another bench player, Tony Snell, was also obtained by the Blazers. These players can prove valuable in Chauncey’s rotation.
I expect the Blazers will have a great season with the moves they made. Will this make the Blazers a better team in the postseason? Time will tell. That will depend on the new coach and his defensive plans. Monday, the Blazers will host the Golden State Warriors in their first preseason game.