Portland Trail Blazers – Setting a rotation for a talented and deep team
Derrick Jones Jr., Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers.
Conclusion
It’s time to put the cards on the table. It’s simple; this team is winning the Northwest Division in 2020-21. Denver and Utah will still be contenders, but both teams lack the depth firepower that the Trail Blazers have. Portland should be able to play its brand and style of basketball for the entire game with little-to-no dropoff thanks to their depth. To compete, Denver and Utah will need big minutes from their starters, along with huge leaps from some of their younger players. I just don’t see it happening this season.
If that prediction wasn’t bold enough, then try this one on for size. The Portland Trail Blazers will finish among the top four of the west. They may even challenge the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers for the top spot. The Lakers have bolstered their roster while adding championship experience. Their bench will be a big area of concern for them. Some of the pieces they now have may not mesh well together.
Not to get too far ahead, but this is probably the best year the Portland Trail Blazers have at winning a title. This team has playoff experience, depth, and a closer. They’ll be able to play big or small without getting out of their comfort zone. Also, aside from a prolonged absence by the backcourt duo, the Blazers are built to withstand injuries.
Along with getting the normal rotations playing time together, Stotts may want to experiment a little. He could play some of the more extreme lineups together. The experience could be beneficial later in the season.
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How do you feel about the Portland Trail Blazers rotation this season? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.