Pre-Season NBA Power Rankings
By Bret Stuter
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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