Portland’s future is a bit muddy due to the contrasts within their roster. Many expect the Blazers’ rebuild to go well because of their promising players. However, the Trail Blazers could be in trouble if they keep winning games in the 2024-25 season.
The Trail Blazers Could Be in Trouble Amidst Surprising Success
The Portland Trail Blazers came into the 2024-25 season as a team expecting to develop their players. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are the foundation for the Blazers’ rebuild. Portland has relied more on their veterans during their current four-game winning streak. This could mean trouble for the Trail Blazers because the youngsters have been insignificant players of late.
Sharpe moving to the bench shocked many Portland fans. They understood it was because of his lackluster defense, but that could demoralize a budding star. The same happened to Henderson because head coach Chauncey Billups favored Anfernee Simons. Portland’s future is Scoot and Shaedon, so recent decisions have left the fans in a bizarre impasse.
Sharpe has looked so out of rhythm since going to the bench. That move by Chauncey did nothing for him but make him lose confidence and a rhythm
— 🅵🅾🆁🆃🅷🅴🅵🅰🅽🆂 🎙 (@503Blazerfans) January 25, 2025
Development vs Letting Trade Assets Shine
There is a conflict within the Blazers, and that is either helping the young players develop or making thecveterans shine. The older players must showcase their talent, especially those on the trade block. This goes for Simons, Jerami Grant, and Robert Williams III. Due to their rising trade value, these performances have been promising for the Blazers’ rebuild.
Unfortunately, it has left a sour taste in some fans’ mouths because they want to see Henderson and Shsrpe shine. After Scoot’s breakout stretch of averaging 25.3 points and 7.8 assists across four games, he hasn’t received starter minutes. The same goes for the relegated to the bench Sharpe, the Blazers’ second-best scorer this season at 17.5 points per game.
Patience is probably what the front office wants to see from the fans. That patience is wearing thin though, especially when the veterans are still with the team. That does not mean the Blazers fans hate the players, they are just getting in the way of Portland’s future. Time is of the essence for Blazers GM Joe Cronin to make trades.
The Trail Blazers Could Be In Trouble for the 2025 NBA Draft
Aside from the lack of development opportunities for youngsters, Portland might also lose ground in the 2025 NBA Draft. With a generational prospect like Cooper Flagg, Portland’s future could massively improve if they could pick him. Unfortunately, their lottery odds get slimmer and slimmer with each win they get.
Tanking might be unpopular, but a team could get a superstar from it. Getting a shot at selecting a player like Victor Wembanyama or Cade Cunningham worked for their respective NBA teams. The Blazers could find their next superstar if they get Flagg or even Dylan Harper ot Ace Bailey.
After selecting Henderson, Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan, the Blazers’ future is bright. However, they might not have the true superstar of a contending team. Flagg, Harper, or Bailey could have that quality, and getting them should be a priority. The Blazers could struggle if they don’t get one of them, but they could go deeper into the draft by continuing to win.
I really have no idea what the Blazers are going to do if (when) we land a pick in the 7-10 range
— kevin ❄️ (@KY_PDX) January 25, 2025
The Blazers Community is in a Weird Situation with the Team
It is natural for sports fans to support their team to get the win. Sports normally work like that, but tanking in the NBA has its benefits. Fans want to root for the team, but the greater good lies in Portland’s future. The team must develop the young players while trading away reliable and loyal veterans.
Simons and Grant have been stable for the team for a few years, so parting ways with them is tough. They have ingrained themselves into the city and its culture but won’t be part of the long-term plans anymore. With Henderson, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija ready to take the mantle, the Blazers’ rebuild is in good shape.
It is up to Joe Cronin and his front office to make the big decisions. The trade deadline will be significant for the Trail Blazers because they must commit to a direction. Operating on two timelines is not optimal anymore, considering Damian Lillard left in 2023.
Committing to the future with Henderson, Sharpe, Clingan, Camara, and Avdija is the way to go. It has been a fun four-game winning streak nevertheless. Portland’s fans still have plenty to be excited about, especially with the youngsters’ flashes of brilliance.
