Portland Trail Blazers: The Aftermath of 66

The 2011 and 2020 Portland Trail Blazers teams connect because both experienced shortened, difficult seasons. Unlike the 2011 team, the 2020 squad can change its destiny.

The 2011-12 season for the Portland Trail Blazers was turbulent.

Star player Brandon Roy announced his retirement before the season began. The teams released injury-plagued first overall pick Greg Oden after only playing 82 games over five seasons. Head Coach Nate McMillan was fired after seven years in Rip City.

The Blazers went 28-38 and missed the playoffs.

Nine years ago on Jul. 1, 2011, the NBA had its fourth lockout of its history that lasted 161 days, ending on Dec. 8, 2011. The season started on Christmas Day and all teams played 66 games instead of the usual 82.

A turbulent, shortened NBA season. Sound familiar?

This season’s Blazers had several injuries, suffered defensively and shifted the roster so much they could not settle into a solid rotation.

Like the 2011 Blazers, they also played 66 games but went 29-37 before the season ended because of the coronavirus.

Unlike the 2011 Blazers, the 2020 team has a chance to redeem their dismal season after the league returns on July 30. Important players Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins are returning to the lineup. For the most part, they should be worry free and ready to compete.

Well, almost.

In an interview with TIME magazine Tuesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said completing the season isn’t a guarantee because of the recent surge in coronavirus cases. 16 NBA players have already tested positive.

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard told newspaper The Oregonian this week that he is not confident NBA players will follow the NBA bubble restrictions. He added he hopes everyone is not put at risk or in a dangerous position.

The Blazers are already in somewhat of a dangerous position with the fifth-most difficult schedule of the 22 teams in Orlando. The eight teams they will play are all currently in playoff positions.

Despite the challenging schedule, Lillard told NBA Insider Shams Charania on Tuesday he planned to extend his stay in Orlando and help his team make the playoffs.

The 2011-12 Blazers needed that type of confidence. After their 66 games, nothing special happened.

2020 Blazers—what will happen after your 66?