3 Missing ingredients to the Portland Trail Blazers' rebuild

3. Blazers must establish roles and playing time for young core

The easiest missing ingredient to add is also tied to the other two. By moving off high-paid veterans like Grant and Malcolm Brogdon, the Blazers can improve their financial flexibility while providing increased opportunities for their young core; this would also worsen their record, increasing their odds of a better draft pick and finding a potential star via the draft. 

This ingredient applies to young players such as Jabari Walker and promising rookie Toumani Camara, who are buried on the depth chart behind Grant. But it especially applies to Henderson and Sharpe. Despite Henderson having the starting point guard role, he needs the keys to the team as a No. 3 overall pick should. Young players need roster consistency to help them adjust to the NBA’s level of play; uncertainty about their role adds unnecessary complexity to their transition. 

While making Henderson and Sharpe the focal pieces of the offense may lead to struggles and inefficient play due to increased volume, the Blazers are likely to miss the playoffs regardless. Giving them lead offensive roles allows them to gain valuable experience. Potentially securing a coveted prospect like Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft in the process is an added bonus.