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Trail Blazers: Top Five Things For Title Contention

By Steven Dewald

Apr 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) hugs guard CJ McCollum (3) after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) hugs guard CJ McCollum (3) after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Portland Trail Blazers president Chris McGowan (left), owner Paul Allen (center) and general manager Neil Olshey (right). Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers president Chris McGowan (left), owner Paul Allen (center) and general manager Neil Olshey (right). Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Picks

The Trail Blazers haven’t had a first round rookie enter the season with them for two straight years, but that is all about to change over the coming summers. Neil Olshey (Trail Blazers GM) will have three first round selections at his disposal over the next two drafts. They shouldn’t be lottery picks (unless something goes horribly wrong), but the picks will still carry significant value.

Olshey has done a solid job on draft day since coming to Portland. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are the back-bone of the Trail Blazers, and both were selected in the lottery under the current regime. Allen Crabbe and Will Barton highlight the other end of the spectrum, as they were selected in the early portion of the second round. If Portland is going to add to their depth, they will need to find talented players in the same range as Crabbe and Barton.

Connecting on their draft picks will have added pressure over the next four/five seasons. The Trail Blazers have very little cap flexibility, so the draft will likely be their only legit shot at bringing in quality talent.

With Olshey at the helm, Portland appears to be in good hands. Finding solid reserve options or a potential breakthrough player will be crucial moving forward. It is also possible that the Trail Blazers add a few more picks to their arsenal, as Paul Allen isn’t afraid to dish out some cash for draft considerations.

Next: Meyers Leonard Becomes an X-Factor