Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin made surprising, yet calculated moves this offseason. Trading Anfernee Simons was the one decision that felt inevitable as Portland needed to clear the path for Scoot Henderson, who had an encouraging second season.
Portland will now rely on Henderson as one of its primary playmakers this upcoming season, giving him an opportunity for a breakout season and the Blazers a chance to evaluate him in an increased role. But the question remains, who is behind Henderson at point guard?
Bobby Marks of ESPN noted in his offseason preview that one of the Blazers' needs to address was finding a "reserve veteran lead guard who can mentor Henderson."
After adding two aging star guards, Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, Portland got the mentorship aspect down. But I wouldn't necessarily call Holiday a lead guard, especially at this point in his career.
Lack of playmakers could derail Blazers' playoff hopes
Last year in Boston, Holiday averaged just 3.9 assists per game with a 15.9 usage rate. He can't be relied on as a playmaker to the extent that Anfernee Simons was for Portland. Deni Avdija will help fill some of that void with his point forward skillset. But even accounting for that, the Blazers will be hurting for ballhandlers and playmakers in 2025-26.
Portland's lack of playmaking was already an issue last season. They ranked 29th in turnover rate, with 16 percent of their possessions resulting in a turnover. They were also a bottom-five three-point shooting team for the second consecutive season. They aren't maximizing possessions or optimizing the ones they do have -- an offensive recipe for disaster.
Some of this could eventually be resolved with Lillard's return and the continued development of their young core. But Lillard is 35 years old, coming off a brutal injury, and the harsh reality is that anything Portland gets from him should be considered a bonus rather than the inevitable solution to this current problem.
Also, Dame isn't expected to return for the 2025-26 season. The Blazers have aspirations to end their four-year playoff drought as soon as this upcoming season, with Cronin saying, "It's winning time." But, for as elite as Portland's defense is, they unfortunately won't be serious threats out west until they become better offensively.
That starts with their backcourt play. Portland has a lot of defensive-minded pieces in its frontcourt. Although Toumani Camara is continually improving his on-ball creation, he and Donovan Clingan rely on being set up by teammates on offense at this point in their careers. Portland needs more players to help generate as many easy looks as possible, and they lack in that department.
That's why it was surprising they signed Blake Wesley to the final spot on their 15-man roster. He has the tools to become a pesky perimeter defender and bolster Portland's identity. But the Blazers don't need any more defense -- they need offense. They need a lead guard behind Henderson.