The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Pre-Season NBA Power Rankings

By Bret Stuter

July 5, 2016; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Brandon Ingram looks at the championship trophies before being introduced to media at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 5, 2016; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Brandon Ingram looks at the championship trophies before being introduced to media at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard CJ McCollum (3) drives in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard CJ McCollum (3) drives in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Portland Trailblazers

Portland, for all intents and purposes, would improve dramatically if the team could land a true shot-blocking center.  and they hope they have found one in Festus Ezeli.  Why the Portland Trailblazers did not make a serious push for Nerlens Noel is a mystery to me, as they have plenty of firepower to exchange for their missing link.

Instead, they will rest their hopes on a competition between Ezeli and incumbant Mason Plumlee.

While seemingly a minor loss, Gerald Henderson’s signing with the Philadelphia 76ers will erode the team’s defense, as well as force the team to count on returning Allen Crabbe and newly signed Evan Turner.

I don’t believe the Trailblazers’ defense will maintain this year, and that will cause the team to end with a couple more losses this year.

Key Losses: Gerald Henderson
Key Gains:  Festus Ezeli, Evan Turner
Key Statistic: Shooting accuracy
NBA Power Rankings: 17th

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17

Portland Trailblazers (41-41)

Last rank: 12th

The Portland Trailblazers have an excellent back court in the pair of Damian Lillard and C. J. McCollum.  Unfortunately, the team has not yet enjoyed the type of front court that helps carry the team to a championship.

Portland, for all intents and purposes, would improve dramatically if the team could land a true shot-blocking center.  and they hope they have found one in Festus Ezeli.  Why the Portland Trailblazers did not make a serious push for Nerlens Noel is a mystery to me, as they have plenty of firepower to exchange for their missing link.

Instead, they will rest their hopes on a competition between Ezeli and incumbant Mason Plumlee.

While seemingly a minor loss, Gerald Henderson’s signing with the Philadelphia 76ers will erode the team’s defense, as well as force the team to count on returning Allen Crabbe and newly signed Evan Turner.

I don’t believe the Trailblazers’ defense will maintain this year, and that will cause the team to end with a couple more losses this year.

Key Losses: Gerald Henderson
Key Gains:  Festus Ezeli, Evan Turner
Key Statistic: Shooting accuracy
NBA Power Rankings: 17th

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