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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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Golden State Warriors (now with the Trail Blazers) center Festus Ezeli (31). Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors (now with the Trail Blazers) center Festus Ezeli (31). Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Stay Healthy

This is a sore spot for most fans, as they were robbed of a potential dynasty in the last decade. Health is probably the biggest ingredient for a title contender, which means that the Trail Blazers must break from their tortured past.

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The first step will be keeping their backcourt healthy, and that has to start with reducing their regular season workload. The addition of Shabazz Napier is a step in the right direction, as finding a true reserve point guard is imperative for Lillard’s long-term health. The Trail Blazers will need their star guard at his best in the postseason, which means they have to find a way to rest him during the season.

Keeping their role players healthy is just as necessary. Festus Ezeli is already off to a somewhat rocky start, as his recent knee injection doesn’t paint a pretty picture. Having multiple options is key for title contenders, and that starts with keeping their players relatively healthy.

Next: A Little Luck