The Portland Trail Blazers are fully embracing a rebuilding phase after trading away franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks before last season. They finished with the worst record in the Western Conference at 21-61 and are expected to endure another tough season as they focus on developing their young core. The team is stocked with potential future stars and valuable trade assets, but it will take time to mold this roster into a contender.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Scoot Henderson
Reserves: Dalano Banton, Devonte Graham, Shaedon Sharpe (Out)
Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had a difficult rookie season, averaging 14.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 38.5% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range.
His shooting struggles and rookie growing pains were evident, but Henderson’s potential is undeniable. As the Blazers’ new franchise point guard, he will continue to develop his playmaking and leadership abilities as he takes the reins of the team. Henderson’s progression will be key to Portland’s future success.
Shaedon Sharpe, who showed tremendous promise before getting injured last season, is expected to be a key piece for the Blazers in the future. He averaged 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 40.8% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. However, Sharpe will start the season sidelined due to injury.
Dalano Banton and Devonte Graham provide solid depth at the point guard position. Both players are capable playmakers who will compete for backup minutes behind Henderson.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Anfernee Simons
Reserves: Matisse Thybulle, Rayan Rupert, Taze Moore
Anfernee Simons is coming off his best season to date, despite missing 36 games due to injury. Simons averaged 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 43.0% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. He has emerged as one of the best young scorers in the league and will be a key offensive weapon for Portland moving forward. If he can stay healthy, Simons will continue to be the focal point of the Blazers’ offense alongside Henderson.
Matisse Thybulle provides elite perimeter defense off the bench, while Rayan Rupert and Taze Moore add depth and will compete for playing time as they develop.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Deni Avdija
Reserves: Toumani Camara, Kris Murray, Bryce McGowens
Deni Avdija was a key addition to the Blazers, averaging 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last season while shooting an efficient 50.6% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. His ability to do a little bit of everything—scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defending—makes him an important piece for the Blazers’ rebuilding process. Avdija will be given plenty of opportunities to grow in this young roster and could develop into a solid all-around forward.
Toumani Camara, Kris Murray, and Bryce McGowens provide depth at the small forward position. Murray, a rookie with high potential, will be someone to watch as he develops over the course of the season.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Jerami Grant
Reserves: Jabari Walker, Duop Reath, Justin Minaya
Jerami Grant is arguably the best player on the Blazers, coming off a season in which he averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and 30.2% from three-point range. Grant signed a major contract extension with the Blazers, with four years and nearly $122 million remaining. Given the rebuilding situation in Portland, Grant is a potential trade candidate as a high-quality forward that contending teams could covet. If he stays, he’ll be a veteran leader and offensive contributor for this young team.
Jabari Walker and Duop Reath will provide depth behind Grant. Walker, in particular, has shown promise as a versatile forward with the ability to stretch the floor.
Center (C)
Starter: Deandre Ayton
Reserves: Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III
Deandre Ayton was brought in last season and is expected to anchor the paint for the Blazers. Ayton averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds while shooting 57.0% from the field. His presence in the middle provides Portland with a solid offensive and defensive option, though he’ll need to develop more consistency and aggression on both ends of the floor. Ayton has the potential to become one of the best centers in the league, but much will depend on his mindset and how he fits into the team’s system.
Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, will back up Ayton and could see significant minutes as he develops. Robert Williams III is another key addition, though his ability to stay healthy will be crucial as he’s battled numerous injuries over the years. When healthy, Williams is an elite shot-blocker and rim protector.
The Portland Trail Blazers are still in the early stages of their rebuild, and they will likely endure another season filled with growing pains and losses as they focus on developing their young talent. Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons form an exciting backcourt duo, and both have the potential to become stars in the league. Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant will provide veteran presence and stability, while Deandre Ayton looks to establish himself as a cornerstone in the middle.
The Blazers also have intriguing young talent in Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, and Kris Murray, giving them hope for the future. However, this season will be about building chemistry, improving defensively, and getting the most out of their young core. Portland also holds valuable trade assets in Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III, both of whom could be moved to acquire more draft picks or young talent as the team continues to rebuild.
While they are unlikely to make the playoffs, the Blazers have set themselves up for long-term success by prioritizing the development of their young players and stockpiling future assets. If they can stay patient and continue to add pieces through the draft, Portland’s future looks bright.
Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:
2024-25 Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Brooklyn Nets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Charlotte Hornets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Chicago Bulls Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Denver Nuggets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Detroit Pistons Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Golden State Warriors Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Houston Rockets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Indiana Pacers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Memphis Grizzlies Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Minnesota Timberwolves Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 New Orleans Pelicans Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 New York Knicks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Orlando Magic Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Philadelphia 76ers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Phoenix Suns Projected Starting Lineup
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
