Portland Trail Blazers Training Camp Preview
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
With the Western Conference projected to be weaker this season, Portland has a chance to flex its muscle, and show it could be a top 3 team in the conference.
No one had this team making the playoffs last season after they lost Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Robin Lopez the previous off-season. Portland made the playoffs last season and they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in 6 games. The Clippers had injuries to Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, which opened the door for Portland and give them credit for taking advantage of it.
They faced Golden State in the second-round, and challenged the Golden State Warriors despite the series only lasting 5 games. This team's future looks very bright.
Damian Lillard is a tremendous leader and this team played excellent team ball last year. Terry Stotts is an excellent Head Coach for this team.
Projected Starting Lineup: (C) Mason Plumlee, (PF) Al-Farouq Aminu, (SF) Evan Turner, (SG) C.J. McCollum, (PG) Damian Lillard.
Key Bench Players: (G) Allen Crabbe, (F) Ed Davis, (C) Meyers Leonard, and (PG) Shabazz Napier.
The Portland Trail Blazers will open the season on October 25th when they host the Utah Jazz.
