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Blazers: 7 Reasons for the 2015-16 Season

By Spencer Gordon

Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 136-111. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 136-111. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Terry Stotts

Again, like Olshey, Terry Stotts has a daunting uphill climb beginning with last years’ off season. Just filling four starter roles is tough, but having to do so with brand new players could’ve been a nightmare.

But what Stotts has been able to orchestrate this season has been extraordinary. Besides the patented Stotts three point threat, he’s adjusted his game plan with fast breaks and dribble penetrations to compliment the youth and energy of the team. He has instilled the importance of chemistry with a team that’s less than a year old, and most importantly, he battled back from a tough start to the season to now clinching a playoff spot.

You have to be a Stotts fan if you are a Blazer fan. Nobody in their right mind thought he would find success after the implosion of last year. Sure he had proven success with an isolation based LaMarcus Aldridge offense, but now his creativity and intelligence has been spotlighted with his team first mentality under Lillard. He’s a swiss army knife that has earned his job for years to come.

There is no way Portland makes the playoffs without Terry Stotts’ creativity and leadership.

Next: Number Two