Portland Trail Blazers: The Road To Attrition and Redemption
Blazers Decision Time
Portland made its first major decision at the NBA trade deadline when they moved McCollum to the Pelicans. Simons made huge strides, and the Blazers needed to make room for him. But did they trade the right player?
Dame will be 32 next year and hasn’t played an entire season in two years (and that season was shortened and finished in a bubble.) There’s a possibility that he’s reaching the nagging injuries to an undersized guard part of his career.
Also, McCollum is a better fit next to Simons. The young guard is at his best as the primary creator, initiating the offense and deciding to drive or kick. McCollum could space the floor, act as a secondary ball-handler, and essentially play the roles he’s played alongside Dame for years.
The Simons/Lillard fit is a little more awkward. At this point, though, it is what it is, and Blazers fans can only hope for the best.
Right now, Portland’s roster consists of one aging superstar, a possibly ascending second star, and a group of quality role players. How the offseason goes will ultimately decide if this group can contend or if bigger changes are coming.
While the trades of McCollum, Norman Powell, Robert Covington, and company didn’t bring back a ton of talent, they did clear cap space. The free fall also allowed Portland to retain their first round pick. Silver linings.
The newest @LAClippers Norman Powell (26 PTS) & Robert Covington connect to cut in to the lead!
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— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2022