Trail Blazers Player Grades: Preseason Opener

B. After a shaky start, Portland’s leader got on the right track and finished with a team high 16 points. For only being on the court for 23 minutes, it is tough to complain about his stat line (especially in a win). Terry Stotts tried several different backcourt combinations next to Lillard, with Shabazz Napier being the most surprising. As always, his leadership was on full display. It is no secret that Evan Turner struggles from beyond the arc, but an enthusiastic Lillard encouraged the newcomer to continue shooting throughout the night.<p class=. PG. Trail Blazers. DAMIAN LILLARD

B. Much like Lillard, the start of the game wasn’t pretty for McCollum. His fourteen attempts from the field led the team, but he only connected on five of them. This isn’t a cause for concern, as the second year starter is capable of heating up in an instant. Getting a high volume of shots up in several different lineup combinations is a clear sign that McCollum’s role inside the offense is still growing at a rapid rate.. SG. Trail Blazers. C.J. MCCOLLUM

MAURICE HARKLESS. A. Harkless got the nod at the starting small forward spot in the first preseason game, which shouldn’t come as a surprise after last season’s final chapter. While his ten points and 2-4 shooting performance from deep was impressive, his work on the defensive end is likely what will secure his spot in the starting rotation. His size to speed ratio is at an elite level (even by NBA terms), and he put it to good use against the Jazz. Harkless was able to record three steals and a block against the visiting side.. SF. Trail Blazers

C. It wasn’t a pretty shooting performance from Aminu to open the preseason. Hopefully his 0-5 mark from beyond the arc was an aberration, and not a sign of things to come. Aminu’s continued growth as a shooter is imperative for Portland’s hopes of maintaining floor spacing on the offensive end. On the plus side, he did look confident with the ball in his hands. That sign of confidence could result in Stotts being able to roll out a lineup that has five capable ball handlers, which would mean that the Trail Blazers could be very dangerous in transition in the coming year.. PF. Trail Blazers. AL-FAROUQ AMINU

Trail Blazers. MASON PLUMLEE. B+. It certainly appears that Plumlee is on his way to a massive payday, and he showed why with his versatility against the Jazz. Despite playing the fewest amount of minutes of all the starters (17 minutes), he managed to impact nearly every part of the game. His ability to create turnovers on the defensive end could immediately boost the unit’s effectiveness, thus helping Portland take another step to becoming a serious contender. Plumlee didn’t show off his new jump shot against the Jazz though, so everyone will have to wait for Friday’s contest against the Suns to see it.. C

ALLEN CRABBE. A+. Crabbe began his campaign to silence the critics of his massive payday by putting up a solid night on the offensive end. His effectiveness was off the charts, and he showed that he is capable of scoring in multiple ways. One concern surrounding his game was his ability to create looks for his teammates, but his four assist performance is a big step in the right direction. Another big leap in production could be in the cards for Crabbe if this keeps up.. SG. Trail Blazers

C. Turner’s biggest moment of the game came at the expense of a broken possession, as he barely beat the shot clock with his only three point make of the night. It is clear that Portland hasn’t found the best lineup to surround him with, and the experimenting will likely continue throughout the preseason. Stay calm, Turner’s versatility will be worth his salary in the long run.. SF. Trail Blazers. EVAN TURNER