Trail Blazers can get more out of Norman Powell and Larry Nance Jr.

Anytime the Portland Trail Blazers seem like they’ve figured it out, a road game comes along and reminds the fans just how much of an enigma this team is. Head Coach Chauncey Billups hasn’t been shy about making adjustments night-to-night or even mid-game. His rotations have clearly gotten better as the rookie play caller continues to tack on wins under his belt.

Billups has even suggested that a change among the starting lineup could be possible if the poor effort and inconsistencies continue.

So far though, aside from missed games due to injury for Damian Lillard and Norman Powell, the starters have remained the same for each game — although Billups has been open to riding the hot hand when it comes to the closing minutes in tightly contested games.

The Portland Trail Blazers can get more out of Norman Powell and Larry Nance Jr., and they desperately need it

Larry Nance Jr. and Norman Powell are two recent additions to Rip City who have quickly become fan favorites. Powell for his relentless slashing and hard-nosed perimeter defense, especially since he’s regularly asked to guard opponents several inches taller than him on a nightly basis. Nance for his versatility as a one-on-one stopper and free safety and his ability to make plays on the roll and out of the high post.

Despite the obvious impact the two veterans have, it’s not rare to read a box score and find low numbers for either of them. It’s almost never for a lack of effort, but rather, usually a void of opportunities.

The Blazers desperately need to make some adjustments and perhaps simply switching up their minutes and shot allocations can bring them over the hump.