The Portland Trail Blazers were expected to bring in several non-guaranteed players as they increase competition for Micah Potter to make the final roster. The first move came in the form of NBA champion Jeremy Sochan, who recently agreed to a one-year deal with the Blazers, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Saturday.
Portland could simply keep Potter and Sochan as the final players to round out its 15-man roster, which would make sense given their complementary playstyles and need for forward depth. They also signed Boston Celtics guard John Tonje to a two-way deal, filling the final spot on their two-way signings.
Here is the updated roster that is finally coming into fruition entering August:
Updated Trail Blazers depth chart after Jeremy Sochan signing
PG: Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson
SG: Damian Lillard, Shaedon Sharpe
SF: Toumani Camara, Vit Krejci, Sidy Cissoko
PF: Deni Avdija, Micah Potter*, Jeremy Sochan*
C: Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, Branden Carlson, Yang Hansen
Two-way players: Jayson Kent, Chris Youngblood, John Tonje
*: Non-guaranteed contracts
Say what you will about the lopsidedness of this depth chart, as Portland essentially has four point guards and four centers. At least they have a few versatile weapons in Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija, all of whom are capable of playing multiple positions to give new head coach Micah Nori more flexibility.
Concerns about fit are valid, particularly given the Blazers' shooting woes as they look to space the floor for the downhill game of both Deni Avdija and now Ja Morant. But one thing is apparent from this list of 18 players: the amount of talent up and down the roster.
Blazers finally have the talent Damian Lillard needed all those years
From a pure talent standpoint, it's arguably the best roster Damian Lillard has ever had in Portland.
Still, it also just goes to show how Lillard is now a luxury rather than a necessity on this roster. Portland shouldn't be relying on a 35 year old lillard coming off an Achilles injury to that extent anyway, but it's a promising sign for their playoff chances if Nori can figure out how to get the most out of this roster.
They have arguably the best defensive anchor duo in the league with Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III. Two of the best perimeter defenders in Toumani Camara and Jrue Holiday. The upside that comes with the relative unknowns of whether Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe will reach their potential. Not to mention, the versatility on the wings between Camara and Avdija makes this entire formula work, proving why they are the two true building blocks on this roster. And now that Dame is set to return for 2026-27, we're starting to see the vision as Cronin finally rounds out this roster.
It remains to be seen whether Potter or Sochan will ultimately make the 15-man roster, or if Portland will take another direction as they continue bringing in other non-guaranteed players. But as currently constructed, it's hard not to look at the amount of talent on this roster and not be excited for Lillard.
It may take some more time for this vision to all come together to the point where Portland can contend in the Western Conference, but it's clear the Blazers' roster keeps getting better each season. Eventually, it's going to get to a point where Lillard has a chance at his first ring.
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