The Portland Trail Blazers find themselves in a difficult position after receiving a trade request from their franchise superstar, Damian Lillard. While the departure of a player of Lillard’s caliber would undoubtedly leave a significant void, the Blazers now have an opportunity to rebuild their roster and shape their future.
There’s a list of promising players that the Blazers should consider keeping on that roster for the long term. From the young and rising talents like Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons to the newcomers like Scott Henderson and Kris Murray, there is a wealth of potential waiting to be nurtured within the organization.
Let’s explore why these players should be prioritized in Portland’s plans beyond the era of Damian Lillard.
A budding star: Anfernee Simons
Anfernee Simons had an impressive season with the Trail Blazers in 2022-23, his first as a day-one starter. He played a significant role in the team’s performance throughout the season, often being the second or third-best player on the roster.
Simons’ strengths lie in his offensive game. He is an immensely talented player with the creativity and confidence of a much more experienced player. In 62 games last season, Simons scored a career-high 21.1 points per game while shooting a career-high 44.7 percent from the field and an efficient 37.7 percent from three while taking nearly three more field goal and 3-point attempts per game than the season prior.
Simons has also shown himself to be a bursty scorer, with three 20-point quarters in 2022-23. The six other players able to put together three or more 20-point quarters in ’22-23 were Lillard, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, Joel Embiid, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That’s impressive company to keep.
At 24 years old, Simons can and will get better. He’s spent the first five years of his career learning directly from Lillard and should be able to become an All-Star-caliber offensive weapon.
Portland Trail Blazers young star Anfernee Simons sits down with @Stadium: “Fantasizing being in those moments…I didn't expect this.” On bond with coach Chauncey Billups, learning from Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, utilizing Dame's sidestep, Most Improved Player and more. pic.twitter.com/bsO120dspQ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 22, 2022
Simons can be the primary facilitator of the next Trail Blazers playoff team and should absolutely factor into the team’s future plans.
A future All-Star: Shaedon Sharpe
Shaedon Sharpe’s performance in his debut season with the Trail Blazers has already proven him to be a valuable asset to the team, making him a player they should strongly consider retaining for the long haul. He averaged 9.9 points per game with a 47.2 percent field goal percentage, showing to be a reliable and effective presence on the court.
Sharpe’s value, however, extends beyond just the statistics. In his rookie campaign, he was an exciting player to watch. Fans tuned in to watch Sharpe’s latest masterpiece dunk at a time when the team’s season was tanking. He was even invited to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest last season.
Sharpe’s talent and exciting play style are necessary to the Blazers’ efforts to both build a playoff team and put a watchable product on the court in the meantime.
His positive performance and growth on the court speak volumes about his potential value to the Trail Blazers moving forward. His shooting ability and his strong field goal percentage show he can be a significant contributor to the team’s offense. With his youth and evident skills, Sharpe is a player the Trail Blazers would do well to keep on their roster for the long term.
The obvious newcomers: Scoot Henderson and Kris Murray
With Lillard requesting a trade, the rumors of the Blazers trading Scoot Henderson for a star player quickly came to an end. This makes the Blazers retaining Henderson and fellow first-round pick Kris Murray following the departure of Lillard an obvious part of their plan. Both players are fresh draft picks, poised to bring new dynamism to the team.
Henderson was widely considered to be the second-best player in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was certainly the most explosive athlete in the draft. Alongside Sharpe, the Blazers could have the most athletic backcourt in the NBA long-term.
Scoot is solid offensively and his 6-foot-9 wingspan allows him to be a quality defender who will only get better. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while playing for the G League Ignite last season.
As for Murray, he has the potential to be the three-and-D wing the Blazers desperately need. He averaged 20.2 points and 7.9 rebounds in college at Iowa, and at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, adds much-needed size to the Blazers now and in the future.
Given their potential and the gap left by Lillard, the Blazers could leverage the talents of Henderson and Murray for many years to come. They could be foundational pieces in the team’s restructuring efforts, bringing new energy and skill to the court.
A stud defender: Matisse Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle has emerged as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA, making him a valuable asset for Portland. One of the standout aspects of his game is his ability to generate steals and blocks. This has earned him Second-Team All-Defense honors twice in his five-year career.
Such defensive prowess is essential for a Blazers team that historically has struggled on defense.
Thybulle’s versatility on defense allows him to guard multiple positions effectively. His wingspan and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing players, and his ability to read the game allows him to make crucial interceptions and contest shots without fouling.
This is exactly the kind of player that can help the Blazers move forward and build a more balanced team post-Dame.
Besides his on-court contributions, Thybulle has also expressed a love for the city of Portland. The bond between a player and the city they represent can be a powerful motivator, and having players who are genuinely happy and invested in the team’s community can be invaluable.
This sense of loyalty and connection with the city can translate to an increased dedication on the court, as players often perform at their best when they feel a sense of belonging and support from the fans and the city.
Thybulle’s defensive skills, coupled with his love for Portland, make him an indispensable asset for the Trail Blazers. His presence on the court could be a cornerstone as the Blazers look to build a competitive team in the post-Lillard era.
A forward with much more potential to unlock: Nassir Little
Nassir Little is one of the players Portland should definitely consider retaining after parting ways with Dame. One of the primary reasons for keeping Little is his affordable contract. The 23-year-old forward is set to make a reasonable $28,000,000 over the next four seasons. This financial flexibility could allow the Blazers to make key signings or trades to supplement the roster.
In addition to the financial aspect, Little has shown promise on the court. Though his stats may not be eye-popping, his athleticism and energy make him a valuable asset, especially on the defensive end. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute in transition can be critical for a team looking to establish a new identity post-Lillard.
Nassir has shown flashes of offensive potential. By continuing to develop his shooting and ball handling, he could become a more versatile scoring threat. With more playing time and a bigger role in the offense, it’s possible that Little could make significant strides.
Little’s combination of an affordable contract, high-energy play style, and untapped offensive potential make him a player worth keeping as the Blazers move into a new era.
A veteran presence off the bench: Justise Winslow
Justice Winslow is a player the Blazers should consider keeping for several reasons. Known for his versatility, Winslow has shown his value when on the court as a Blazer. While he’s dealt with injuries over the last few seasons, his play on the court is worth his unreliable availability on a rebuilding team.
His experience in the league and his established skills as a wing player can be an asset to the Blazers’ team structure after trading Lillard.
Winslow is an adaptable player who can fill multiple roles. He can serve as a primary ball handler or play off the ball. On defense, his size and quickness allow him to guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset in today’s switch-heavy NBA. This versatility would allow the Blazers to use him in various lineups and situations, providing the team with strategic flexibility.
Winslow’s contract situation is likely favorable. He will not command a large deal this offseason, which means the Blazers can retain him without putting a significant strain on their salary cap. This financial aspect is crucial for the Blazers.
At 27 years old, Winslow can be the long-term veteran presence this rebuilding Blazers team needs while providing strong minutes off the bench.
Winslow’s versatility, adaptability, and potentially favorable contract make him a valuable asset the Blazers should consider retaining in their post-Lillard era.
Trading away your franchise’s best player ever is tough for everyone involved. The bright side is that the Blazers can now rebuild around their exciting young guards and look toward building a contending team down the road with the help of these seven players.