The Portland Trail Blazers are heading into the 2025-26 season with high expectations. They were superb in the second half of last season, as Chauncey Billups’ system was working. Now, the Blazers’ starting lineup is a hot topic, including Jerami Grant’s spot on the team.

Billups Wants Fiery Competition for the Blazers’ Starting Lineup

The Portland Trail Blazers already have an exciting team ahead of next season. The rock-solid core includes players like Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Shaedon Sharpe. These three names have earned starting spots in Chauncey Billups’ system.

However, Billups has admitted that there will be competition for starting spots. It is normal for the Blazers to have players competing for these roles, but that could pose some issues.

Grant’s Spot on the Blazers is Still Questionable

Over the past few seasons, Jerami Grant has been a polarizing player for the Trail Blazers. He is a talented forward on both ends of the floor, but he has regressed quite significantly.

With Avdija and Camara’s rise, it is normal for a player like Grant to move to the bench. Unfortunately for the Blazers, he has a massive contract. He signed a five-year $130 million deal in 2023, which means he has three more years left on it.

Grant himself believes he deserves to be in the Blazers’ starting lineup, but it will ultimately be Billups’ decision.

Jerami Grant on potentially coming off the bench: “I don’t really expect that.”

— Sean Highkin (@highkin) September 29, 2025

Keeping Grant on the bench would not be an effective way to build a team. However, Avdija and Camara are playing better than him, so Billups could choose them over the veteran.

Feb 15, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups talks to forward Jerami Grant (9) and center Duop Reath (26) during a break in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY SportsFeb 15, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups talks to forward Jerami Grant (9) and center Duop Reath (26) during a break in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Billups Needs Fire From The Blazers’ Starting Lineup

With the 2025-26 season a few weeks away, Portland still does not have a set starting lineup. Most people know the projected one, which includes Jrue Holiday, Sharpe, Avdija, Camara, and Donovan Clingan. That is not the confirmed lineup because Billups expects his players to compete for the spot.

Sharpe’s spot is probably the most in jeopardy because Grant is waiting in the wings. Camara can easily slot in at shooting guard, which gives the Blazers a massive starting lineup. Holiday is a 6’4″ point guard, while the rest of the group will be at least 6’8″.

Holiday himself was not a surefire starter until Scoot Henderson’s injury. Apart from Grant’s spot, the point guard spot was going to be a race between the veteran and the youngster. Unfortunately for Portland, Holiday is now the de facto starter because of Henderson’s hamstring injury.

Clingan is probably the player with the most secure spot in the rotation. Deandre Ayton has left the team, and Robert Williams III continues to deal with injuries. That is a promising development for the Blazers, considering Clingan dealt with his conditioning issues.

The primary center backups for next season will be Duop Reath and promising rookie Yang Hansen.

The Likely Starting Lineup for the 2025-26 Season

With Billups’ system, the likely starting lineup will be Holiday, Sharpe, Camara, Avdija, and Clingan. It is the right balance between the Blazers’ signature defense and a promising offense.

The Trail Blazers’ projected starting lineup:

Jrue Holiday
Shaedon Sharpe
Toumani Camara
Deni Avdija
Donovan Clingan pic.twitter.com/HPpYZfZRVR

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 29, 2025

Holiday will conduct the offense as the leader, as he maximizes the scoring firepower between Sharpe and Avdija. With the trio of Holiday, Camara, and Clingan, the team has a strong defensive core.

Grant will want to compete for his spot. Considering he is a Billups favorite, he has a strong chance of making it. However, it would be a disservice to Sharpe’s development if he stays on the bench. Sharpe is also in a contract year, so he will want to play as a starter on the Blazers.

Moving forward, this is an exciting season for the Trail Blazers. Billups’ team will face many challenges, but he can respond with a lineup that maximizes its depth. If they can do that, the Blazers have a thrilling campaign ahead.

© Soobum Im-Imagn Images