On the eve of Portland Trail Blazers Media Day, one question is likely still festering on the minds of Rip City fans:
Who should make up the Blazers starting five this season?
Unfortunately, we’re already adding asterisks to this question after Portland third-year guard Scoot Henderson suffered a torn hamstring this week that will keep him out for 4-8 weeks at least. That injury may add more clarity to this question for opening night, but mystery still shrouds the guard rotation pecking order when everybody is healthy.
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For the intents of this community discussion question, feel free to broadcast versions of your ideal starting five with and without Scoot as an option. The way this writer sees it, three spots appear to be locked in heading into training camp and opening night. Those spots are occupied by center Donovan Clingan and forwards/wings Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara.
That leaves two spots up for grabs between four primary candidates: Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant.
Will Portland head coach Chauncey Billups prioritize Portland’s young lottery-pick guards with the hope that they play into their grand potential? Or will he lean on the know-how and defense of the two veterans to set the tone for games? Maybe he’ll fill those two spots with a mix of both options.
That rotation crunch appears to be at the heart of today’s community discussion question. What do you think, Blazer’s Edge community? Let us know your ideal starting five in the comments below!