By nearly all accounts and metrics, the Blazers were an improved team from last year’s squad that made a Finals run. After winning 53 games each of the previous 2 seasons, they cruised to 58 wins and might have cracked 60 had they not rested their key players the last 2 games. Their point margin was way up: +8.3 compared to +5.8 and +5.5 the previous 2 seasons. Offensively, many of their metrics (like shooting and rebounding) were similar, with a modest improvement in TOs. The TOs were still a problem at 14.4 per game, but that is still marked improvement from the previous couple seasons of 15.1 and 15.8. Defensively is where the Blazers saw their biggest gains. Adding Christ Koumadje to the front-court and the emergence of GG Jackson really helped the Blazers beef up on the defensive end. Points allowed, blocks, opponent eFG%, all took sizable jumps.
Not surprisingly, the championship-starved Trailblazer fans were buzzing ahead of the 2034 CSL playoffs. The Blazers wasted little time getting past the on-the rise but inexperienced Utah Jazz, 4-0.
Then things went off the track against the mighty San Antonio Spurs. They lost the 2nd round opener at home to the Spurs, 88-86. They held their own after that but were unable to steal a road game back from the Spurs. Things looked promising in a must-win game 6 on the road, with the Blazers winning the first 3 quarters and building a double-digit lead heading into the final frame. Unfortunately, the Spurs were not to be denied on this night. The Spurs got hot in the 4th and the Blazers fell just short, 110-108. Another 2 point defeat. And just like that, the exciting season that held the promise of more, had come to a very unceremonious end.
Players were devastated after being bested by the Spurs
The sting of disappointment has hung over the city of Portland for a couple weeks now. Portland management has begun sifting through the rubble in an effort to figure out where to go from here. The Blazers do not own any draft picks in the upcoming 2034 draft, so barring a trade to acquire a pick (always a possibility), improvements will have to come via free agency or trading for players. But team sources have indicated the Blazers are looking for a difference maker on the wings or in the back-court.
Core (not going anywhere)
- Okongwu: fresh off a 5-year extension, there are no plans to move OO. He is one of the very best defensive centers in the game, at a time when defensive centers have never been more critical.
- GG Jackson: took a massive leap forward in his sophomore season. He is seen as the 2-way stretch big that the Blazers’ front office has long coveted.
- Dalen Terry: The front office is very high on him after he terrorized the D-League. Would've seen time in the CSL at the end of the year had it not been for an unfortunate injury. Some within the organization think he has a chance to become the go-to scorer this team has long sought.
Probably back (open to talks, but are simply more valued here than elsewhere)
- Fultz: Veteran PG that may get overlooked when it comes to accolades, but he really opens up the offense with his shooting and playmaking, while being a steady defender.
- Jessup: Has quietly taken the crown for best 3-point shooter in the CSL. No one matches his combination of volume and accuracy. Monk may be the goat, but he’s been surpassed.
Up in the air (have come up in discussions already. Love to keep, but gotta give something to get something)
- Koumadje: The Blazers’ lone All-Star and best player last year, especially down the stretch and in the playoffs. Some in the organization would like GG to get more time at the 4, and some see OO as a better-fit with GG.
- Murphy: It’s a luxury having a flame-thrower off the bench like Murphy. He’s gotten better every year and has been especially good in the playoffs: 20 ppg on 75% TS these playoffs and 17 ppg on 60% TS during last year’s finals run.
To be determined
- everyone else. No one else is off-limits in an effort to upgrade the core.
