3 Ways the post-Damian Lillard Trail Blazers must build a new identity

2. The Blazers will need to play at a faster tempo

A more athletic roster composition offers the Blazers a chance to push the pace more than they did during the Lillard years.

Lillard’s pick-and-roll acumen consistently landed the Blazers in the upper echelon of NBA offenses throughout his tenure. Compensating for the departure of his shooting and half-court creation means that Portland should look to generate easy offense in transition.

Although Henderson presently lacks the deep-range shooting to match Lillard’s level of efficiency in the half court, his speed and vision should increase opportunities for the Blazers to generate early offense against scrambling defenses.

According to NBA.com, Portland’s transition plays were the fifth-lowest of any team’s overall possessions last season. If head coach Chauncey Billups’ message for his team to “get the ball past half court” in three or four seconds is any indication, the Blazers’ offense should revolve more around transition play.

With Henderson on the court last season, the G League Ignite played at a pace of 102.17 possessions per 48 minutes, a few ticks higher than the Blazers’ 99.78 possessions per 48 minutes with Lillard on the floor.

Without Lillard’s level of shooting, the importance of putting pressure on the rim heightens for this year’s Blazers squad. While Lillard used the threat of his shot to set up his driving game, Henderson’s offensive arsenal emanates from his driving ability.

Playing at a faster tempo is one way the team can maximize the value of Henderson’s driving ability, an adjustment that should also help fellow guards Simons and Sharpe as the trio looks to establish an identity.