The Trail Blazers have now lost five straight games, after a pair of duds over the weekend vs. the Grizzlies. The recent string of losses were by a combined nine points, which would indicate close games up for grabs.
But watching many of the players’ body language near the end of games indicate a lost team as the season concludes. Many fans blame head coach Terry Stotts for the recent downfall, and his inability to coach defense schemes (Portland has recorded one of the worst defenses in league history, this season.) But let’s put that concept aside and ask about the roster construction.
Does the starting lineup right now give Rip City a realistic title chance in the coming years?
“It’s not just about the top end of the roster,” says Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. “It’s about all the other pieces and that’s where Portland’s entire roster needs a lot of change in the coming year or two in order to maximize Dame (Damian Lillard).”
Another popular fan edict is to trade CJ McCollum and acquire an all-star forward to better compliment Damian Lillard’s high volume scoring.
This would assume Portland can resign Norman Powell. O’Connor isn’t quite sure it’s that simple. “I’m not necessarily sure there’s a deal out there to make (for CJ),” he said.
“I do look at CJ, if I’m another team, I think about what could he be in a situation without Dame? I think you could see him produce at an even higher level.”
Check out Kevin’s full interview with Dirt and Sprague in the player above.
