As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, the Portland Trail Blazers are gearing up for a year of change and potential growth. How will the team handle the departure of Damian Lillard? We’ll break down the Blazers playoff chances and season-long props ahead of the season.
Blazers Playoff Chances
Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Blazers have roughly an 8% chance of making the playoffs according to the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Odds to make playoffs: +1100
- Percent to make playoffs: 8%
Blazers Season-Long Props & Futures
- NBA Champion: +50000
- Conference Winner: +25000
- Division Winner: +10000
- Regular season wins: 28.5
Portland 2022-23 Season Recap
The 2022-23 season was a challenging one for the Portland Trail Blazers. The team finished with a 33-49 record, placing them 24th in the league and 4th in the Northwest Division. This marked a significant drop from their 2020-21 season, where they boasted a 42-30 record and made it to the playoffs.
The Blazers’ struggles were largely due to a combination of injuries and inconsistent performances. Damian Lillard, the team’s star player, had a stellar season, averaging 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. However, he only played 58 games, sitting out the final month of the season. Despite Lillard’s impressive numbers, the team’s overall performance was lackluster. They ranked 28th in defensive rating, a significant drop from their 29th ranking in the 2021-22 season.
Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant were the other key contributors for the Blazers. Simons averaged 21.1 points per game, while Grant posted an average of 20.5 points. However, their efforts were not enough to lift the team’s performance.
The Blazers’ season was also marked by a lack of depth in their roster. Jusuf Nurkic, their starting center, struggled with injuries and saw a decline in his on-court performance. The team’s defense was porous, and their offense, despite having three players averaging over 20 points per game, was inconsistent.
The 2022-23 season was a clear indication that changes were needed for the Blazers. The team’s performance was not up to par, and their star player, Lillard, requested a trade in the offseason. This marked the end of an era for the Blazers and set the stage for a significant rebuild in the 2023-24 season.
Offseason Changes and Impact
The Portland Trail Blazers’ offseason was marked by significant changes, the most notable being the departure of their star player, Damian Lillard.
Lillard Traded To Bucks
Lillard’s trade request was fulfilled in a blockbuster three-team deal that sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks. In return, the Blazers received Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick, and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030.
Can Rookie Scoot Henderson Step Up?
The Blazers also made a significant move in the 2023 NBA Draft, selecting point guard Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 overall pick. Henderson, a product of the G League Ignite, is expected to be a key part of the Blazers’ future.
Deandre Ayton Joins The Blazers
The addition of Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, is another significant change for the Blazers. Ayton, a talented 7-footer, provides the Blazers with a young and promising center who could potentially form a formidable partnership with Henderson.
The Blazers also made a significant financial commitment to Jerami Grant, signing him to a five-year, $160 million deal. Grant, who averaged 20.5 points last season, is expected to play a key role in the Blazers’ offense.
Player Spotlight: Scoot Henderson
The Portland Trail Blazers’ future is now firmly in the hands of 19-year-old point guard Scoot Henderson. Selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Henderson is expected to be the new face of the franchise following the departure of Damian Lillard.
Henderson comes to the NBA with a strong pedigree. He spent a season with the G League Ignite, where he showcased his skills against professional competition. This experience has prepared him for the rigors of the NBA and should help him make a smooth transition to the league.
Henderson is an explosive athlete with a knack for scoring. His speed and agility make him a threat in transition, and his ability to attack the rim is reminiscent of some of the league’s top point guards. He also possesses a solid shooting stroke, which will be crucial in stretching defenses and creating space for his teammates.
However, Henderson’s impact won’t be limited to scoring. He has shown promise as a playmaker, demonstrating good court vision and passing ability. His role as the team’s primary ball handler will require him to create opportunities for his teammates, and early indications suggest that he is up to the task.
Defensively, Henderson’s athleticism and quickness will be assets. He has the potential to be a solid perimeter defender, which will be crucial in a league dominated by high-scoring guards. His development on this end of the court will be something to watch throughout the season.
However, it’s important to remember that Henderson is still a rookie. There will be growing pains and adjustments to be made. The NBA is a big step up from the G League, and the pressure of leading a team at such a young age is immense. But if his early performances are any indication, Henderson has the talent and the mindset to rise to the challenge.
Predictions for the 2023-24 Season
The 2023-24 NBA season presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the Portland Trail Blazers. With a young, talented roster and a fresh focus on development, the Blazers are entering a new era of basketball. However, the team’s success will largely depend on how well their new players adapt to the NBA’s pace and physicality, and how effectively they can integrate into head coach Chauncey Billups’ system.
The Blazers’ performance in the preseason games, although not entirely indicative of regular season performance, has shown flashes of potential. Scoot Henderson, despite being a rookie, has shown potential to be a standout player. His speed, agility, and ability to attack the rim make him a threat in transition, and his solid shooting stroke will be crucial in stretching defenses and creating space for his teammates. Deandre Ayton, on the other hand, will need to prove that he can be a consistent performer and a reliable presence in the paint.
Given these factors, it’s reasonable to predict that the Blazers will show signs of improvement in the 2023-24 season, but may not be ready to compete at the highest level just yet.
Rookie of the Year for Scoot?
In terms of specific predictions, expect Henderson to make a strong case for the Rookie of the Year award. His performances in the preseason have been promising, and if he can carry this form into the regular season, he could be one of the standout rookies of the year. Ayton, meanwhile, could potentially average a double-double for the season, given his scoring ability and prowess on the boards.
How Many Games Will Portland Win?
As for the team’s overall record, a realistic prediction would be for the Blazers to win around 35-40 games. This would represent a slight improvement on their 2022-23 record and would be a positive step forward in the team’s rebuilding process. However, it’s important to note that this prediction is contingent on the team staying healthy and the young players continuing to develop and improve.
While the Blazers may not be ready to compete for a championship in the 2023-24 season, the future looks bright for this young, talented team. With a focus on development and a commitment to building for the future, the Blazers are well-positioned to grow and improve in the coming years.