In terms of basketball performance, the Portland Trail Blazers had one of their better years in 2025-26, finishing 42-40. They went on to be the 7th seed, but the San Antonio Spurs took them down in five games. Despite having a good season, Portland’s organization was a complete mess last season. Just two games into the season, head coach Chauncey Billups was fired after being indicted in a federal gambling case. Tiago Splitter stepped into the head coaching role. Splitter was forced to adapt and use the system Billups had in place rather than changing it.
In March 2026, Tom Dundon assumed full responsibility as the owner of the Trail Blazers. Many people around the league have been confused by Dundon’s management style. The new owner’s first move was laying off 70 front-office and business-side employees. Around this time, he also decided not to extend late check-outs at hotels for staff members. While this seems trivial, the consequences here outweigh the positives. The Blazers’ medical staff were then forced to treat players in the lobby rather than in a traditional space.
Portland’s two-way players were not allowed to suit up or attend playoff games due to the decisions made by Dundon. These moves made by the Trail Blazers slowly damaged their reputation, and they turned into a laughingstock in the NBA.
Even though these moves are extremely controversial, Dundon stands by these decisions. He believes a smaller staff creates more accountability, but fans speculate this could make the franchise more hostile than necessary. Despite leading the Blazers to their first playoff appearance in five years, Dundon decided to lowball Tiago Splitter by not giving him a typical contract for an NBA coach.
He was ready to offer Splitter a $1.5 million contract, which is a usual contract for an assistant. Splitter would ultimately turn the contract down. Dundon would stay true to his management style by hiring Micah Nori to a one-year guaranteed contract to be the head coach. This shows that the Blazers do not value coaching.
However, there are reasons for hope that the Trail Blazers have the pieces to be even better in 2026-27.
Ja Morant Gives Portland a New Star
4 Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
In the face of a chaotic management style, the Trail Blazers have a promising team that can compete with the top teams of the West. Joe Cronin, the General Manager, made a big splash this offseason with the addition of Ja Morant.
Even though Morant has been in the media for questionable behavior and injuries, there is still a lot to like about this acquisition. In the 2022-23 season, Morant led the Grizzlies to the second seed in a monster Western Conference. That season, he played in 61 games where he averaged 26.2 ppg, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. Morant was also an All-Star, finishing 12th in MVP voting.
The past two years have not been the best for the now-Portland guard. Morant is one of the most electric players in the league with his explosive playstyle. He does an excellent job of using his speed to push the tempo of the game. By using his speed, he is able to get into the paint, where he has easy opportunities to score or drop it off to his teammates for easy baskets.
If Morant can stay healthy this year and return to All-Star form, he could be the missing piece to Portland becoming a contender in the West.
Portland’s Young Core Could Take Another Step
4Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) high fives teammates during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Even though it might seem as if Portland is trying to become more of a contender, there are some young players who can be key pieces to the team. Portland has its center of the future in Donovan Clingan. Last season, the big man averaged a double-double. Clingan does a great job of using his size, and he is an elite rim protector. He averaged 1.7 blocks per game and was fifth in the league in blocks. This gives the Blazers a great defensive foundation inside. Each year he has been in the league, his three-point shot has continued to improve.
In his rookie season, Clingan shot just 28.6% from there. However, in his sophomore season, Clingan improved his three-point shot. Last season, Clingan shot the ball at a 34% clip from three. The progression is there for Clingan to be a key contributor to this squad.
Along with Clingan, Avdija had a breakout season in 2025-26, where he earned his first All-Star appearance while averaging 24 ppg.
Avdija was Portland’s number one scoring option. The Trail Blazers’ star player is great at being a key facilitator and playmaker on the offensive side of the court. He averaged 6.7 assists last year. Avdija is at his best when he uses his strength and his quick first step, where he is able to get downhill and score the ball. Avdija excels at finishing through contact and getting to the line.
Damian Lillard Brings Veteran Leadership
4 Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Portland welcomes back a familiar face in Damian Lillard, who was sidelined for the year with an Achilles injury. In 2024-25, Lillard averaged 24.9 ppg, shooting 37.6% from three while also earning an All-Star appearance.
People are drawn to his game mainly because of his ability to hit extremely clutch shots from the logo. The veteran guard will give the Blazers much-needed scoring and an elite shooter who will be an excellent leader for the team.
Micah Nori Faces a Major Challenge
4 Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Micah Nori is betting on himself this season by accepting the one-year guaranteed contract to be the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. Even though people are questioning Nori’s decision, there are actually positives for him. Nori inherits a talented team who have the chance to make noise this season.
Unlike the previous coach, Nori has the freedom to implement his own system as opposed to using someone else’s. This will allow Nori to show the league how he can be an asset as a coach. Nori has a handful of years of experience as an assistant in the NBA, most notably with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His experience working with elite players and championship-caliber teams will give him an advantage as he transitions to being a head coach. The main priority for Nori will be figuring out how Morant, Avdija, Lillard, and the rest of the young core can play together. With many of these players being ball-dominant guys, it will be crucial for Nori and his staff to establish roles in order to create a balanced offense. After an offseason filled with coaching changes and organizational uncertainty, Nori has the chance to build a strong foundation of stability for the Blazers.