On defense, the Trail Blazers press more often than anybody in the league. On offense, they play faster than anybody outside of Miami and attack the rim like crazy. This is their identity, and it makes them an annoying team to play when they’re anywhere near full strength. During Portland’s 5-3 start, the team beat the fully healthy Nuggets and dealt the Thunder what is still their only loss. Even though the Blazers have lost seven of their last nine games, they should be encouraged by the first quarter of the season overall.
In particular, they should be over the moon about the development of Avdija, who has been as aggressive a downhill driver as anybody in the NBA and is on track to make his first All-Star Game and win Most Improved Player. They should also be thrilled with how Jrue Holiday played before he strained his calf, which has sidelined him since Nov. 14. It’s not awesome that they rank No. 27 in halfcourt offense, per Cleaning The Glass, but ideally that will improve when Holiday returns and Scoot Henderson makes his season debut. The Holiday injury, along with injuries to Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley, have set them back on the other end, too.