The Portland Trail Blazers have the sixth-worst record in the league at 12-23. They've played more competitive basketball recently, winning three of their last six games. Part of their improved play can be attributed to Anfernee Simons' hot stretch on the offensive end. But they've also been more polished defensively, offering a refreshing change from their struggles in that department throughout the season.
Blazers showing defensive improvements
Portland has given up an average of 111.3 points in the past three games -- that would put them 13th in the league extrapolated over the season. Instead, the Blazers currently surrender the eighth most points with an average of 116.8. They also have a bottom-five defensive rating of 117.1.
It's somewhat surprising that Portland ranks so poorly on defense. On paper, there are several defensive-minded pieces between Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Matisse Thybulle. But inexperience, injuries, and a lack of playing time haven't allowed them to unlock their defensive ceiling.
Thybulle's eventual return from injury will help address this. The Blazers have yet to have their two-time All-Defensive Team wing available this season after he experienced a setback in his recovery from offseason knee surgery in the form of a Grade 2 right ankle sprain.
Portland also has another All-Defensive Team member who is healthy, and Chauncey Billups is refusing to play: Robert Williams III.
The mystery behind Robert Williams III's lack of playing time
Williams last played in the Blazers' Dec. 30 blowout loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. He hasn't played a single minute in their past three games, with zero appearances on the injury report during that stretch. Instead, it's been nothing but "DNP - coach's decision" next to Williams' name in the box scores.
From a coaching standpoint, it makes little sense for Billups not to play RW3. Sure, Portland's center position is crowded, but Williams is an elite rim protector and lob threat. He could have been the difference-maker in their recent losses to the Lakers and Pistons.
One underlying condition that could be preventing Billups and the Blazers from playing Williams is a looming trade. To be clear, this is more speculative than anything. The last we've heard pertaining to trade rumors surrounding RW3 is that the Blazers aren't in a rush to move him.
But three consecutive healthy scratches make it seem as though a trade could be on the horizon. If that is the case, then it's wise for Portland not to play their injury-prone big man. His trade value is already high as one of the most coveted centers on the market, and the Blazers don't want him getting hurt and tanking the value they've patiently built back up.
If the Blazers don't move Williams by Feb. 6, Billups will need to make a significant change to his rotation.