The Portland Trail Blazers need to make some major moves to save their season and try to regain status as a contender to maximize Damian Lillard‘s shrinking prime window. Before they can make any trades, though, they need to find a new general manager to fill the bigheaded hole left by Neil Olshey.
Rest assured Blazers fans, because I have a solution for both issues in the form of a three-step plan to right the ship that doubles as an application for the GM job opening.
I’m open to responses, constructive criticism, etc. Feel free to let me know if I would have the fans’ backing for the job below.
A three-trade plan to revitalize the Portland Trail Blazers
The issues plaguing the Trail Blazers this season are the same ones that restricted the team under Terry Stotts — they just look a little different this time around.
Turns out, Portland’s roster is equally as inept running an “at-the-level” coverage as they were running a drop coverage. Their offense still relies too heavily on the brilliance of Dame and CJ McCollum. The lack of size and athleticism keeps the team limited on defense and in transition.
This season, though, a combination of different issues have created a sense of apathy and skepticism among the team. Whether it be injuries, the consistent beatings they’ve taken on the road, or the front office distractions, this team has looked like they don’t care to compete lately.
The Trail Blazers have lost their last two games — both at home — by a combined 61 points. Sure, they were missing Damian Lillard, Nassir Little, and Anfernee Simons for the majority of both contests, but it’s not like the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics are exactly world-beaters this year.
This team obviously needs a change, if for nothing else than an infusion of new blood and energy. But my three-step plan will also create a deep, defensively sound, long, and athletic supporting cast that will maximize Dame for the rest of the season and moving forward.