Golden State Warriors: 5 Teams That Could Be Like Them In 2013-14
By Joe Moore
Portland Trail Blazers
Last season, the talented Blazers core were held back by a bench completely devoid of productive players. The Blazers’ starting lineup scored 107 points per 100 possessions and allowed 108, according to 82games.com. Late season apathy created a downtick in their efficiency differential, but this starting group was clearly competitive against other teams’ talented lineups.
Apr 14, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
However, the team completely fell apart with rookie point guard Damian Lillard off the court, with a net rating 9.1 points per 100 possessions worse without Lillard than with. The most used lineup not featuring Lillard, anchored by the venerable Nolan Smith, managed a meager 0.76 points per 100 possessions.
The Blazers clearly recognized their need (not a difficult task) and this offseason addressed it, adding rookies C.J. McCollum, a promising combo-guard, and Allen Crabbe, as well as Thomas Robinson and Dorrell Wright. Given the likely improvements of the incumbent young Blazers Meyers Leonard, Victor Claver and Will Barton, the bench should be much improved going into next season.
The Trail Blazers also addressed another perceived need, acquiring a decent center, Robin Lopez, to pair alongside LaMarcus Aldridge in the frontcourt. Aldridge has been effective as a center, however, he apparently expressed the desire to at power forward. Adding Lopez should benefit a Blazers defense that allowed 109.2 points per 100 possession, 26th in the NBA. To be clear, Lopez himself is not a very good defensive player. However, J.J. Hickson, the player he will replace in the frontcourt, is among the worst in the league, a vast drop from Lopez’ functionality.