After much speculation, Damian Lillard effectively shut down all trade scenarios when he met with the Trail Blazers earlier this week. So, despite keeping the 3rd overall pick and drafting Scoot Henderson, the Blazers are seemingly set to keep Dame and attempt another title run in the West.
For now, the Blazers are still a long way off from being a threat but now that Lillard is staying there are no excuses for the team not to get better. Speaking on NBA Today this Tuesday, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins challenged Dame and the Blazers to do something bold and send a statement to the league.
“There were two teams that put the world on notice last season, and one of them was the Sacramento Kings. When I look at the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s not a big leap — they’re on the same level as the Sacramento Kings when you look at them from a talent basis. Anfernee Simons, Grant is they re-sign him, those guys are studs and when the big three of the Blazers were healthy, they were a problem early in the season. Yes, add some veterans to the bench, but I’m challenging Chauncey Billups and Damian Lillard to gather the troops and go out there and do what the Kings and Heat did… put the world on notice.”
.@kendrickperkins is challenging the Blazers to "put the world on notice." pic.twitter.com/1hp1j1hxrY
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 27, 2023
The Blazers started last season 10-4 before early-season injuries derailed their progress. While Portland was able to hang around in the play-in range for most of the season, they were a non-factor by the end with their efforts being fully dedicated to securing a top draft pick.
Obviously, if Portland wants to compete, they will need to do more than add Scoot Henderson off the bench, but they still have a core that can do something special if circumstances work out in their favor.
Trail Blazers Could Pursue Defensive-Minded Veteran
While their potential moves are admittedly limited, the Blazers may consider chasing a guy like Draymond Green this summer if they can work out how to add him to the roster.
“Here’s one solution that is known to be a dream scenario from Lillard’s vantage point: Re-sign forward Jerami Grant and add four-time All-Star/four-time champion Draymond Green in free agency,” reported Sam Amick.
Only time will tell how this offseason plays out for Portland, but they desperately need a win here or things could get ugly fast. With such a young and inexperienced roster around Dame, one has to think there are more moves coming but you just never know what to expect when it comes to this franchise.
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