3 adjustments the Trail Blazers need to make to close out the season

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 09: Damian Lillard #0 looks on alongside head coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers prior to beginning the second half against the Miami Heat during their game at Moda Center on February 09, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

1. Ease Jusuf Nurkic back into the rotation

Long has the return of Jusuf Nurkic been hailed as the Trail Blazers’ saving grace. Any missteps, faults or misfortune were cast aside with a handwave and the sentiment that “Everything will be fine when the Bosnian Beast returns.” But what if everything ends up being not so fine after all?

It’s officially been 331 days since Nurkic has last played an officiated game of basketball. Most of the time was spent immobile and out of action. It’s highly unlikely Nurkic recaptures last season’s level of performance right out of the gate — possibly not even until he’s had a full summer to return to full form.

Fortunately, the emergence of Hassan Whiteside as still-much-better-than-advertized affords Portland the opportunity to take things slow with Nurkic at first. Risking re-injury by rushing him back to the front lines is without a doubt the most foolish thing the Blazers could do at this stage. Regardless, Nurkic playing up to even just 75 percent of his capability is a significant upgrade over incumbent backup center Caleb Swanigan.

When fully healthy, a frontcourt rotation of Nurkic, Whiteside, Carmelo Anthony, and Zach Collins has the potential to be the best in all of basketball. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves and waste the opportunity to see that lineup in action.