3 Signs the Trail Blazers are blatantly tanking the 2024-25 season

Portland's roster age and lack of veterans

Last year, the San Antonio Spurs entered the season as the youngest team in the league, with an average roster age of 23.5. The Blazers were the fourth youngest, with an average of 24.8, and have managed to get even younger heading into this upcoming season.

After picking up Dalano Banton's team option, the Blazers now have all 15 roster spots filled; their average player is only 24 years old. Jerami Grant is the oldest player on the team and the only player 30 years or older on their roster. It's not like their second oldest player, 28-year-old Duop Reath, has a ton of NBA experience, as he's only entering his second season.

For several reasons, trading away 31-year-old veteran and floor general Brogdon for 23-year-old Avdija was the right move for the Blazers. It was the perfect example of how the Blazers are wisely prioritizing their rebuilding timeline.

So many players 25 years or younger will get significant minutes this season, and there will be a lot of growing pains as a result. But that's by design, as they want their young core to develop through valuable experience and playing time while also strategically positioning themselves to have top three odds (14 percent) of landing the No. 1 overall pick.