The Portland Trail Blazers sent a lottery-protected first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls as part of the multi-team trade that landed them Larry Nance Jr. in 2021. Portland's playoff chances are becoming increasingly likely by the day, forcing fans to seriously consider a reality in which their team isn't on the clock this summer.
As a result, this playoff push has left the fanbase divided. Some are eager to see their team end a four-year playoff drought, prioritizing the playoff experience for their young core. Others believe that Portland needs to continue adding to its young core, with the strong 2026 draft class being a prime opportunity to do so.
The good news is, the Blazers' rebuild is in good shape regardless of which path they take. The pursuit of the playoffs alone will also give them valuable experience in a playoff-like setting, serving as a trial run before Damian Lillard returns to the mix.
Blazers have a realistic shot at the postseason
Portland has already clinched a spot in the Play-In Tournament and is guaranteed to play at least one home game. They steered clear of the tenth seed as they hold the tiebreaker over the Golden State Warriors.
Thanks to a 7-3 record over the last 10 games, largely due to a weakened schedule and players returning from injury, Portland suddenly finds itself just half a game back of the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth seed. They also have another matchup against the Clippers scheduled for April 10 at the Moda Center, which could ultimately determine whether they are the eight- or nine-seed heading into the Play-In Tournament.
It's also encouraging that Shaedon Sharpe has been upgraded to doubtful for their upcoming contest against San Antonio, suggesting they could get a much-needed offensive boost in time for the tournament. Portland is trending upwards at the right time, and it wouldn't be surprising if they were to sneak into a final playoff spot.
It wouldn't be ideal timing given how talented this draft class is, but the Blazers' young core has also proven they are too good to be in the tier of tanking teams this season.
It's a win-win scenario. Either their building blocks, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, and Toumani Camara, play a key role in leading them to the postseason, or Portland gets a chance to add another piece in the draft. Blazers fans and the front office better start getting used to the idea of the former coming to fruition, given how things are looking in the Western Conference. It's starting to look closer to a toss-up than initially expected.