Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Portland Trail Blazers entered last NBA season with the expectation of simply growing as a group for the future. But by the end of the year, there were real expectations on the Trail Blazers entering the offseason. 

Portland performed much stronger than anyone would have expected them to, and they were finally eliminated from playoff contention in the final week of the season. The growth of the young core was impressive, and had coach Chauncey Billups had the guys looking strong throughout the second half of the season.

However, this offseason has been a little bit lackluster for the Trail Blazers, and the team hasn’t done much. Portland did bring back franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard, but the guard isn’t going to be playing next year due to injury.

If anything, Lillard could act as a mentor for some of the younger players on the team, and he could be a player-coach type. Having him back in the building should bring some extra energy to this Trail Blazers franchise, and it could be a solid move once he gets back on the floor.

Portland also traded for veteran Jrue Holiday, who could help this team, especially with Lillard out. But there have been reports that Holiday doesn’t want to be with the Trail Blazers, and this could cause some issues down the line. 

Due to the success that the team saw last year, many have been looking at the Trail Blazers to reach the playoffs this coming year. But I’m here to tell you that it could be much tougher than some believe.

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Trail Blazers Fall Short of Postseason

While the Trail Blazers will enter the 2025-26 NBA season as one of the sleeper teams in the Western Conference, their bid to make the playoffs will fall short. Unfortunately for Portland, there are far too many good teams in the West, and it will cause them to be left on the outside looking in.

The Trail Blazers are going to need young guard Scott Henderson to take another step forward this season, which is really hit or miss. Henderson was better in year two of his career, but there were also multiple moments last year that had people wondering if he would ever hit his ceiling.

Henderson is a key to this team, and having Lillard around could help things. But for Portland to be putting so much emphasis on his shoulders, it could backfire throughout the year.

Deni Avdija showed some real growth last season, and he will also be a key for this team. But the big question is whether he can continue his success or just be a one-year wonder?

Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, and Toumani Camara round out the young core, giving this team some legit talent to work with. But will it be enough to reach the postseason?

Portland has built itself back up a little bit, and the front office should be very happy with how things have gone for them recently. But this team is still at least another year away from really getting back to real contention in this loaded Western Conference.