Portland must bridge the gap from playoff hopeful to true contender by targeting versatile playmakers and self-creators who can revitalize a stagnant offense around Damian Lillard.
The Portland Trail Blazers have already proven they have a playoff-caliber roster, but the next step is building a contending roster. Luckily for Portland, this group isn’t far from it.
But it does beg the question of what the Trail Blazers need to add this offseason from an archetype, positional need and skill set standpoint to get there.
Obviously, there are a number of star players who could become trade avenues this summer. But the bigger picture is that it’s important to really look at this roster construction and what this team should be searching for beyond just names. It’s more about what that player can provide.
When looking at the teams still having success in the playoffs, what really stands out is the need for athleticism, versatility and offensive punch. And that offensive piece hits close to home for Portland because that was the biggest weak spot last season.
The Blazers’ defense was hit and miss at times, but largely good enough. It was the offense that really struggled. When looking at key scoring metrics for Portland, there just wasn’t enough playmaking and self-creation.
Deni Avdija was phenomenal in his breakout All-Star season, but beyond him, there wasn’t enough creation for others. The Blazers have a good number of play finishers, but the play initiators and table setters just weren’t there consistently enough.
That’s why the offense struggled at times. That’s why the shooting numbers weren’t as good as they could’ve been, because players weren’t always being put in position to get clean looks and knock them down.
That should be the key this offseason.
Whether it’s a point guard, wing or big, the key skill set Portland should be chasing is self-creation. When it comes down to the clutch, who can go get a bucket? Who can draw attention and gravity, bend the defense and create opportunities for everyone else around them?
That’s the key here.
Defense still matters, too. Any player the Blazers bring in ideally needs to hold their own on that end, if not be a plus defender. But when looking at what this team needs most to take the next step, it really is the offense that Portland should be thinking about.
Damian Lillard should help, but at his age and with the injury he’s coming off of, that can’t be the sole offensive change to lean on.