The Portland Trail Blazers are only seven games into the 2025-26 season, but there are already some big storylines. While Tiago Splitter’s system is doing well defensively, the Blazers’ offense is chugging along. This is most evident with Shaedon Sharpe’s struggles to score at an efficient clip.
The Trail Blazers’ Offense Rears Its Ugly Head Yet Again
Seven games into the 2025-26 season, the Portland Trail Blazers’ philosophy is easier to understand. Most people know they want to establish a defensive identity, which they have successfully done. However, the Blazers’ offense is also a liability for the team.
This was a well-documented issue ahead of the season. They lacked a superstar player who could take charge and lead the offense. Unfortunately, Damian Lillard’s return still meant he would miss the 2025-26 season.
Scoot Henderson is the heir to his throne, but a torn hamstring ruined his season before it started. While he will return sometime soon, he missed out on valuable games to start the year. This has led to questionable performances on offense, like the 123-115 loss to the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers.
Sharpe’s Struggles are Hard to Stomach for Blazers Fans
After a promising two-game stretch against the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz, Sharpe is back to his struggles. Most Blazers fans were excited for Sharpe’s 2025-26 campaign, especially since he signed a lucrative contract.
He has limitless potential as an offensive player, but it has been a disappointing start to the year. During his rookie season in 2022-23, he proved to be an efficient shooter. Now that he is in his fourth year, his splits have plummeted.
Over the past few games, Sharpe has been nursing a sore calf. That might be the root of his issues, as he seems to be rushing his jump shots. At the same time, he tends to settle for step-back three-pointers that are not in the offensive flow.
SHAE + 1 pic.twitter.com/KzU5sFBO4u
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 4, 2025
Sharpe is at his best when he is driving and using his elite athleticism for dunks, layups, and mid-range shots. However, interim head coach Tiago Splitter doesn’t like mid-range jumpers, as he told Jerami Grant to stop shooting them.
Within the flow of Splitter’s system, Sharpe must be more proactive. In some rotations, he is the go-to guy, so he should emulate Deni Avdija with his drives into the paint. Shaedon is shooting 95.2% from the free-throw line, which should convince him to keep driving.
Splitter’s System Should Learn to Ride the Hot Hand
Portland’s short rotations are negatively affecting the Blazers’ offense. When players only get a few minutes, they can’t get their rhythm. Sharpe is a good case study because Splitter subs him out five minutes into the game.
Grant benefits from that as the super sixth man, but it leaves Sharpe in limbo. Splitter would also benefit from leaning on the hot hand more. Shaedon can score consecutive buckets, but the substitutions throw him off his rhythm.
Shaedon Sharpe ‘24-25 finishing pic.twitter.com/b9eUPQjS1o
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) May 17, 2025
It is understandable if there is a rotation with set minutes, but Portland can benefit from relying on the stars. If Holiday is on fire, playing him more is understandable. The same goes for any other player in the rotation because they are making an impact.
The mixed rotation works for keeping players fresh for defensive purposes. However, basketball is a two-way sport that requires more firepower on offense.
The Trail Blazers’ Rotations Must Improve
No one is doubting Portland’s defensive approach. They are one of the peskiest teams in the league with their constant pressure on ball-handlers. However, they should also improve with the team’s offense.
During the game against the Lakers, Splitter rolled out a five-man lineup of Caleb Love, Avdija, Sidy Cissoko, Kris Murray, and Robert Williams III. They have decent depth, but they lack offensive firepower beyond Avdija.
There lies the issue with Spitter’s rotation with his players. Portland should always have two reliable offensive players on the floor. They must maximize combinations between Holiday, Avdija, Grant, and Sharpe.
Apart from the rotation, Splitter and his coaching staff must be more creative with their offensive sets. This team desperately needs more off-ball movement and screens. Toumani Camara does that well, but the offense must flow better to be more threatening like their defense.
© Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
