7 Things Trail Blazers can take away from 2023 NBA Finals

Blazers takeaway No. 6: Heat’s improbable run a reason to go all-in with Lillard

Miami barely made it to the playoffs after struggling in the play-in tournament, losing its first game to the Atlanta Hawks, 116-105.

If anything, the Heat’s improbable run is another reason for the Blazers to try to contend for a championship next season with Lillard. Said Philadelphia 76ers’ President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, “If you’ve got even a five percent chance to win the title, and that group includes a very small number of teams every year, you’ve gotta be focused all on winning the title.”

The point is that you never know what will happen in the NBA playoffs as far as upsets, matchup problems, and injuries. Because of this, teams need to put themselves in the best position to succeed each year. They never know when their opportunity to make a deep playoff run will arise, and they need to assemble a competitive roster each year that is ready to take advantage of their opportunities.

While trading for a co-star to pair with Lillard likely wouldn’t make the Blazers an instant favorite to win the NBA Finals, neither the Nuggets nor the Heat were favorites. This year’s finals is a prime example of why it makes sense for a team like the Trail Blazers to trade their No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft for a co-star in an attempt to contend for a championship during Lillard’s prime.