Promising signs from Lillard, Wes Matthews, Nicolas Batum and second-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge provided hope. A lack of big man depth meant the undersized JJ Hickson manned the middle. Most used unit: Damian Lillard, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge, JJ Hickson (2,172 possessions)Ī new era dawned in Portland, however the franchise still wasn’t quite ready to contend. Playoff success: Missed playoffs, league’s 10th worst record The tank also led to this summer’s selection of Sterling “Scoot” Henderson. Alas, the injury bug visited key rotations players and with the necessary trading of Josh Hart at the deadline, the Blazers again turned to the tank after the All Star break, allowing Shaedon Sharpe to enjoy some shine. Jerami Grant arrived in Portland and instantly exceeded all expectations, playing a large part in the Blazers’ hot start. Most used unit: Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Josh Hart, Jerami Grant, Jusuf Nurkic (1,105 possessions) Playoff success: Missed playoffs, league’s fifth worst record There was the controversial exit of then President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey in December 2021, which made way for Joe Cronin to trade away CJ McCollum, Powell, Nance Jr and Robert Covington at the deadline. The remaining 53 games were just as ordinary with the team looking disinterested and divided. Unfortunately, Lillard’s worsening abdomen injury restricted him to 29 lackluster games. and re-signing of Norman Powell suggested the Blazers would try to again mix it with the Western Conference elite. The offseason addition of Larry Nance Jr. The 2021-22 campaign was forgettable for both Lillard and the franchise. Most used unit: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Robert Covington, Jusuf Nurkic (576 possessions) Playoff success: Missed playoffs, league’s sixth worst record To rank the Blazers’ annual performance, we highlight the record, any playoff success and the most common starting unit. The Blazers have enjoyed varying levels of success over the past 11 years, from high lottery to the Western Conference Finals. Ranking Portland’s success during Lillard’s tenure Today is also his 33rd birthday today, so many happy returns.īelow we’ve ranked the past 11 seasons, judging both the team’s performance and Lillard’s own individual campaigns. It’s time to reflect on Lillard’s Oregon tenure and the seasons the made us smile more than others. Damian Lillard has likely played his last minutes as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
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