Controlled demolition of the Blazers

[GreenBear]

After an abysmal showing in the Western Conference finals against the eventual CSL Champion Kings, it was abundantly clear that some significant changes were needed for the Blazers’ roster. If the series were close, you could make the argument for running it back with the team’s key players and just making some changes on the fringes. But losing in 5 games - including 2 blowout losses on the road by 18+ and a loss at home, the decision was already made for the Blazers’ front office.

There was a brief period where the front office considered going nuclear on the roster, but in the end, cooler heads prevailed after looking at the whole picture. The Blazers had a mostly successful regular season with a 58-24 record, good enough for 3rd best in the CSL. They also cruised in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs, going a combined 8-1.

All things considered, the decision was made for a controlled, calculated demolition versus the nuclear option. So the front office went to work, putting nearly the entire roster on the block to see what options presented themselves.

Players EXITING

Who cares?:
- G Ryan Arcidiacono: Didn’t play a single minute for the Blazers
- G Lonnie Walker: Has some defensive talent, but couldn’t crack the lineup
- F Lauri Markkanen: Old and barely played

Good riddance!:
- G/F Dzanan Musa: Definitely has talent. Can defend, rebound, playmake and score a bit. He was brought in to be a swiss-army knife type. He’s had some success on other teams, and I expect him to have success in Philly. But to say he struggled in Portland is being kind. His TOs were out of control and he was a big reason the Blazers hit a rough patch down the stretch of the regular season. He was completely unplayable at PG and only became somewhat useable in a reserved front-court role (which was not needed).

Will be missed:
- W Trey Murphy III: GB’s first draft pick as a member of the Blazers organization. A flamethrower from deep that could go on a heater at any time. Very consistent, as evidenced by shooting over 40% from deep for 3 years running, on a very high volume. Also a big boost in the TO department. He knew how to force turnovers, and he rarely turned the ball over himself.
- C Onyeka Okongwu: Nothing illustrates the point that anyone can be traded more than saying goodbye to the longest tenured Blazer in Okongwu. He defines what it means to be an interior defender. Offensively, he’s purely a role player, but he’s an opportunistic one. He’s among the very best in their entire league when it comes to offensive rebounding and put-backs. Okongwu’s legendary performance in the 2032 playoffs will not be forgotten: 13.0 points (on 60.7 TS%), 11.3 rebounds, 3.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals. As everyone else on the Blazers struggled with the injury bug, Okongwu stepped up to the challenge and lead the team to the CSL Finals.

Players ENTERING
Wait and see:
- C Ariel Hukporti: the Blazers’ 1st round pick this year. He’s a relatively polished player who might be able to contribute early, but let’s see how his TC goes.
- PG Ross Williams: the Blazers’ 2nd round pick this year. He’s also a relatively polished player, but like Hukporti, let’s see how his TC goes.

Depth Additions:
- W Shaqquan Aaron: A 3&D player that specializes in defense. Aaron is a known commodity that played good, tough minutes for the reigning Eastern Conference champ 76ers last year. There is a lot of faith that he can step into the lineup at any point and help the Blazers succeed.
- W Aaron Wiggins: Similar skill set to Shaq Aaron.

Developmental piece:
- W/F Jarace Walker: The 9th overall pick a season ago with OKC, and the returning piece in the Okongwu trade, big things are expected from Walker in the near future. He might need another season or so of development before seeing big minutes, but his time is coming. He has a ton of versatility, which the Blazers covet. He can shoot, handle, rebound, and defend at a high level. Also very disciplined and a high IQ.

Immediate impact:
- W/F Ziaire Williams: Ziaire is the returning piece in the Murphy trade, and is locked-up on a new 5-year contract. Another player that offers a ton of versatility with his size, shooting, rebounding, shot blocking and overall defense. Z Will can play up and down the lineup and fit in anywhere and everywhere. Yes, I know I have a type, and I’m okay with it. I know what I like.

_________________________________________________________
We’ve made a number of sizeable changes, notable sending out long-tenured Blazers Murphy and Okongwu, and bringing in extremely versatile Wing/Forward types Ziaire and J Walker. Along with Dalen Terry and GG Jackson, the Blazers have a stable of young 2-way studs that can seamlessly play all over the court. This should allow us to be very creative with lineups, and (hopefully) create mismatches when possible.

That being said, are we done looking at trades? Absolutely not. The Blazers are still very open for business and welcome all the trade talks. We’re open to talking picks, depth pieces, day 30 trades, etc.
Hit up our trade block for more details.

[blackice]

This is an extremely interesting look at a team in a unique situation. Your core is very young, and your ability to get the most out of every single asset has left you flush with a roster that could win it all next season. A contending situation is usually tied into veterans like Grant Williams, who has been spectacular, but it is at the fringes where this team shines. Jarace Walker is now expected to make his presence known on both ends. The immense pressure that this team can put on other bigs is a trend that will continue and Ziaire Williams has to continue to be able and spread the floor and do all the little things that make a team go. Great team.

[KW]

after having our last two playoff runs snuffed out by this Blazers team, i was rooting for an uncontrolled demolition

[cb4raptorscb4]

Not having Okongwu on the Blazers is definitely a different look. That said, when you have Koumadjie it helps!

I was after Z Williams for years with Dylan, but could never land him. Always saw him as someone who could be a Dozier-lite.

I was also a big fan of Walker via scouting in the draft... had him in my top 5 as I loved his versatility.

Real interesting roster here with great size.

[hardenwithnod]

Yeah this roster had a nice retool. Lots of versatile shooters once again. I think Zhaire will get unblocked even more here offensively. Walker should grow into a fun versatile player as well.

[Stockton12]

onyeka had a career year shooting wise last year but he stats were down but that should rise now hes with the jazz . walker was a good get and zhaire will be interesting for you

[bt]

I missed this but I think how it played out was a bit off where you guys are. One of the matchups I was hoping to avoid as there is a great mix of inside and outside game in Portland and will be interesting to see how the new faces mesh together.

Was a bit of a Walker fan so keen to see how he develops here and Williams definitely has his fans, just needed a good chance and he should have it here.

[mgtr81]

Some interesting changes there. Jarace Walker is a very good addition, the kind of small forward I like. Nembhard, Williams and Carter can be a solid backcourt rotation and if Hukporti can improve his game understanding looks like a solid center.