Coach Chauncey Billups joined the Portland Trail Blazers back in 2021, and four years later, the team has yet to reach the NBA Playoffs.
There is hope, though, because one can feel that this team is up to something. A lot of positives happened in the past year, and fans are expecting more.
The Turnaround
There is a saying that goes, “It’s not about how you start but about how you finish.” This Portland team was the perfect example of that phrase. They only won 13 times in their first 41 games but turned it around and won 23 of their last 41.
Deni’s the Menace
Deni Avdija went through the inevitable trials of any player joining a new team, and management was impressed at how he handled it. Scoring around 11 points per game in the beginning of the season and around 25 points per game near the end, Avdija now has to be part of Portland’s long-term plans.
Shaedon Sharpe in April: 28.8 pts, 7.2 reb, 4.8 ast, 1.6 stl, +10
Deni Avdija in April: 31.7 pts, 13.7 reb, 7.0 ast, 1.3 stl, +6.7
Toumani Camara in April: 14.3 pts, 5.2 reb, 2.5 ast, 1.0 stl, +4.8
The Trio of the Future in Portland. pic.twitter.com/Eh58aUNYDC
— Heritage Hoops (@HHjournalism) June 8, 2025
Clinging to Donovan
The team may have found a player who can be the perfect sub in case DeAndre Ayton heads to the bench. Meet Donovan Clingan, whose 1.6 blocks per game was good enough for the No. 1 rank among rookies. The 7-footer even had eight blocks in one game, plus a bunch of three-block efforts.
The Stretch
From Jan. 19 to Feb. 6, the Trail Blazers played 11 games and won 10 of them. What stood out was the fact that three of those wins came when they were on the second night of a back-to-back. Their only loss was against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were the best of the West anyway.
Looking Sharpe
Shaedon Sharpe has become a popular source of points, and if he keeps this up, he will be an important piece of the rebuilding process. He just celebrated his 22nd birthday and is young enough to keep around. Over his final 10 games, he averaged around 25 points per game.
SHAEDON MF SHARPE MY GOODNESS. 🤯🤯🤯🤯
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 27, 2025
Main Image Credit: Trail Blazers face the Denver Nuggets on March 21, 2025. Coral Scoles-Coburn / Trail Blazers
