PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland Trail Blazers unveiled a fresh look at their annual media day at the Moda Center on Monday, signaling a strong push for success this season.

With contract extensions for General Manager Joe Cronin and Head Coach Chauncey Billups at the end of last season, along with the offseason acquisitions of Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and draft pick Yang Hansen, the team is poised to compete at a higher level.

“Somebody like Jrue being added to the roster, then you add myself back to the roster, I think it puts the team right in that space where you see a lot of the better teams in the league,” said Lillard, Trail Blazers guard. “A lot of young talent, they have depth. And you know, with some vets in there with experience that can get it done.”

Billups expressed confidence in the team’s young players.

“I think our young guys are really hungry, I really do,” Billups said. “And they felt what a little bit of what winning feels like last season, and it’s fueled their offseason workouts, their commitment and dedication.”

Despite the setback of Scoot Henderson’s absence for four to eight weeks due to a left hamstring tear, the team remains optimistic.

“He’s a really big creator for us,” said forward Deni Avdija. “And I think him being out for a little bit is going to, everybody would need to step their game up a little bit.”

Henderson himself remains positive, saying, “Obviously, you know, it’s a little mindset back, but things like this, you come back stronger than ever.”

The Blazers ended last season with a 33-49 record, ranking 12th in the Western Conference. Their defensive identity, emphasized during the offseason, is expected to be a key factor in their success. “I think defensively, we’re going to be really, really good,” Holiday. “Very athletic, be able to switch at times, do different type of things that can throw some teams off.”

Hansen, the 16th overall pick, is anticipated to play a significant role in the team’s defensive strategy.

“His ability to think on the fly is like, it’s different,” said center Robert Williams III.

The Blazers are set to begin their preseason on Oct. 8 against the Golden State Warriors.