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Start the Countdown for the New Blazers’ Starting Five

By Spencer Gordon

Jan 31, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) throws up a shot over Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) at the end of the third quarter of the game at the Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 115-98. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) throws up a shot over Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) at the end of the third quarter of the game at the Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 115-98. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Blazers look to have a strong starting five just in time for a playoff push

Before Mason Plumlee was traded, the Blazers we’re playing with a little bit more swagger. They had tweaked the starting lineup to include Evan Turner and Noah Vonleh to go along with the staple of Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Plumlee. The new look was working, as the Blazers’ bench had a three headed monster of their own full of starting experience. Maurice Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu and Allen Crabbe gave opposing second units headaches. It looked for a second as if they had turned a new leaf.

Then like a one-two punch, Turner breaks his hand and Plumlee is gone for a Bosnian.

Feb 23, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and center Jusuf Nurkic (27) walk into the locker room past fans during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. The Trail Blazers won 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and center Jusuf Nurkic (27) walk into the locker room past fans during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. The Trail Blazers won 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Jusuf Nurkic is still learning, but he seems to be excited about playing in Portland. Not only has he had two terrific opening games for the Blazers, but his fundamentals and legitimate interior offense has earned praise among the Portland media.

Turner looks to get back on the court in mid-March as his hand continues to heal. Although he had a rocky start, the ex-Celtic has found a niche here in Portland. He’s a secondary ball handler/play maker that relieves some pressure from our guards.

Must Read: Blazers' Easy Schedule Signals Playoff Push

Needless to say, it won’t be until late March, possibly April, which we see the full potential of the new look Blazers.  Tuner won’t be pushed back into the starting lineup until he gets a few games under his belt.

Jan 29, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) drives to the hoop against Golden State Warriors center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the second half at the Moda Center. The Warriors won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) drives to the hoop against Golden State Warriors center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the second half at the Moda Center. The Warriors won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Now the argument to tank or compete will go on until the end of the season. But if the Blazers are in playoff contention to play the Warriors in the first round, maybe a good spanking from a championship contender would put the fight back into this group of guys for next year. It’s what has been the key missing element of this year’s team from last years, and we need that fight back to succeed.

The starting lineup, once fully healthy, looks to be Lillard, McCollum, Turner, Nurkic and most likely Aminu for his defense and rebounding. If Harkless would ramp up his play to the playoff levels of last year, then the starting spot’s all his.

With Turner’s ability to turn our guards into spot up shooters, and Nurkic’s large frame grabbing offensive boards and setting hard screens… This lineup could make for an exciting playoff push.

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