3 Pivotal takeaways from the Portland Trail Blazers preseason

3. The Trail Blazers’ rotation will be fluid

The Blazers’ rotation appears mostly set after the preseason, but competitions for two spots may not be resolved.

Matisse Thybulle has the inside track to starting at the small forward position after securing the spot last season and starting two of three preseason games. However, Sharpe presents a smaller, more offensively oriented alternative to Thybulle if the starting unit’s spacing needs help.

Competition for the backup power forward position could remain open at the beginning of the regular season. Sophomore Jabari Walker got the first crack at backup four minutes in the preseason, but newcomer Toumani Camara impressed Blazers fans with a combination of defense and shooting in his limited minutes.

Even as a rookie, Camara demonstrated impressive awareness as a help defender, executing rotations on the back line for contests and blocks. His athleticism and shooting potential make him an ideal complement to Portland’s young guards, priming him to compete for minutes at the backup three or four.

The fluidity of closing lineups will be a development to track. Although Portland’s starting lineup appears set, its closing lineup could change on a game-to-game basis. Aside from veteran leadership, Brogdon offers competent point guard play that could factor into closing lineups if Billups wants a steady hand next to Henderson or more floor spacing than Thybulle offers.

Robert Williams III presents another intriguing option for closing lineups. Compared to
Ayton, Williams III, consistently a favorite of advanced stats, offers a more dominant defensive skill set. Ayton has taken on bigger offensive roles than Williams, but the former Celtics’ capacity as a lob threat makes him a viable two-way threat for the Blazers to utilize in clutch time.

The need to cover up for the defensive weaknesses of Henderson, Sharpe and Simons on the perimeter may lead to more playing time for Williams in fourth quarters.

Questions about fit and rotation will receive their initial answers when the Blazers match up against the LA Clippers on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. PT.