Now what? - Portland Trail Blazers | Basketball initiates
Now what? – Portland Trail Blazers | Basketball initiates
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The Portland Trail Blazers’ search for a new head coach has not started smoothly. Less than 24 hours after Damian Lillard made it known Jason kidd was his first preference to replace Terry Stotts, Kidd withdrew his name from the race.
According to Shams Charania of Athleticism, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Chauncey Billups, San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon, University of South Carolina and United States coach Dawn Staley, Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D ‘ Antoni and Spurs executive Brent Barry are among Portland’s top contenders.
It is essential that throughout this process, the Trail Blazers respect Lillard’s views. That doesn’t mean they have to hire one of the top picks in their franchise, but if what he has to say doesn’t hold the right weight, it could end the relationship. According to an NBA reporter Sean highkin, Billups, who has a good relationship with Lillard, is Olshey’s preferred candidate.
Speaking of Olshey, in an attempt to deflect the blame, he took an unnecessary tee shot at Stotts in his exit interview after the Trail Blazers were knocked out by an exhausted Denver Nuggets team in six games.
Neil Olshey: “That first round loss was not off the list.”
– Sean Highkin (@highkin) June 7, 2021
He also said he doesn’t expect many changes to the Trail Blazers roster.
“For anyone (potential coaches) to move forward in the process, they’ll have to prove that they can do it (improve defensively) without a ton of roster changes.” -Olshey
– Danny Marang (@DannyMarang) June 7, 2021
To say the least, it’s in bad taste for Olshey to show potential head coach candidates that they shouldn’t expect him to support them if things turn sour. On top of that and the uncertainty over whether Lillard will ask to be traded this summer, those interviewing for the post shouldn’t anticipate many roster changes despite Portland leaving in the first round, which marked the fourth time. that this was happening over the past five years.
It is also possible that the list turnover rate is low but high. To that end, it might be time for Portland to break through their powerful Lillard and CJ McCollum backcourt. The latter can still play at a high level, as evidenced by his average of 23.1 points, 4.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds and just 1.4 turnovers per game in the regular season. He went on to produce 20.7 points, six rebounds and 4.3 dimes per game in the six-game series against the Nuggets.
However, the Trail Blazers struggled to overcome their lack of balance between their offensive skills and defensive deficiencies. McCollum will be 30 in September, and while there might not be a drop in his performance, it’s hard to believe that now is when Portland will start enjoying more playoff success, especially if Olshey is telling the truth about the minimal changes to the list.
Trading McCollum for someone who can help make the squad more dynamic while flanking Lillard as the squad’s second-best player could result in longer stints in the playoffs. Two names that come to mind are Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram. The former is struggling again in the playoffs, which could prompt Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey to replenish the roster around Joel Embiid. The Sixers’ top two players remain an awkward fit without a more reliable closer. However, Simmons is a three-time All-Star, he was recently named to the All-Defensive First Team for the second time in his career, and he’s an elite floor general when he pushes the tempo. Simmons could also form a powerful pick-and-roll partnership with Lillard, including when he turns to one of his most trusted scoring methods in the half-court, simulating the transfer, then rushing to the rim. .
As for Ingram, an All-Star in 2020, this season he averaged 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while converting 38.1% of the 6.1 shots he took. he’s attempted beyond the arc, reflecting his growth as a three-point shooter. He’s far from a stuck defenseman, but at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan he’s more versatile on that side than McCollum.
The other decision the Trail Blazers have to make is much easier; whether to re-sign Norman Powell. Former Toronto Raptor quickly acclimated to his new team after Portland acquired it at the trade deadline in exchange for a Gary Trent-centric package. Powell averaged 17 points per game in 27 regular season games with the Trail Blazers and maintained that production through the playoffs. Chances are he won’t exercise his $ 11.6 million player option. During his exit interview, Olshey reiterated the franchise’s desire for a new deal with Powell, saying they “traded in Norman Powell hoping he would be a part of the future.”
As the Trail Blazers work to make sure one of the sport’s most loyal athletes doesn’t decide it’s time for him to take his talents elsewhere, it starts with hiring the right coach- chief. As far as their list goes, the challenge is figuring out how to add improvements while being handcuffed. Portland doesn’t have a first-round pick this year due to the trade to get Robert Covington. They also lack ceiling space and players who hold great value in the trading market. Separating from McCollum is a choice that could backfire; it is also possible that Lillard will voice his opposition to such a decision, in which case the return should be better than expected to bring this decision to fruition. Otherwise, the path to improving the Trail Blazers is to make the tough choice to swap a fan favorite in the hopes that becoming a more balanced team translates into more playoff success.
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