Ahead of the second half of the season, a lot of people were excited about the Blazers\u2019 postseason chase<\/a>.\u00a0 Unfortunately, they still have plenty of massive problems amid their struggles. The Blazers were on the wrong end of a 54-point blowout<\/a> on Friday against the Denver Nuggets.<\/p>\n Even though the Blazers have had a promising season, this will be a tough result to stomach. Considering they are a healthy team apart from Sharpe, this was an embarrassing loss to experience.<\/p>\n The Blazers\u2019 Reality Check Should Have Long-Term Effects<\/p>\n For the past few seasons, the Blazers have gradually improved on their roster. They managed to recover after Damian Lillard<\/a>\u2018s exit with some savvy trades. Unfortunately, they have not found the right formula just yet. Lillard has returned, but he will only start playing in the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n In the meantime, the Blazers already have a promising roster. Led by an All-Star like Avdija, the Blazers could be much better than what they are<\/a>. Unfortunately, they seem to struggle amid the roster\u2019s potential.<\/p>\n Nuggets said: pic.twitter.com\/9igJbhbpu5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Danny Marang (@DannyMarang) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The Blazers want to reach the postseason. They are on course to be in the Play-In Tournament, but it will be an uphill battle. Teams have done well to scout the Blazers, as seen by how they fare better now. This is the Blazers\u2019 reality check, because they need to make adjustments to get victories.<\/p>\n General manager Joe Cronin still has some work to do with the roster. At the same time, acting head coach Tiago Splitter must also make adjustments. This should not be a roster construction issue alone because they have talented players. It is up to Splitter and his staff to maximize everyone.<\/p>\n Splitter\u2019s Coaching Might Not Be The Answer Splitter knows that turnovers have been a major issue<\/a> for Portland. They cannot get into their offensive sets properly because they throw the ball away. Considering the Blazers are already half a season in, they are still suffering these constant issues.<\/p>\n Splitter must make adjustments because he is the man responsible for that. Scoot Henderson<\/a> and Jrue Holiday<\/a> can help solve that problem. The rest of the team must also hold themselves accountable.<\/p>\n Of course, Splitter\u2019s coaching plays a factor there, but the players are less engaged than before. They have to commit to their potential because the players are talented. However, they are not getting the most out of themselves.<\/p>\n If this persists, Splitter might never shed his acting head coach role. He has done relatively well stepping in for Chauncey Billups, but they keep losing. The Blazers have had many winnable games slip away from their fingers, which should be on Splitter.<\/p>\n Cronin Still Has Work To Do With The Roster Construction<\/p>\n Cronin also has a lot of work to do. The Blazers have a huge issue with their perimeter shooting. Getting Vit Krejci<\/a> at the deadline was an inspired choice, but they require so much more. Jerami Grant<\/a> and the rest of the Blazers are decent shooters, but they lack big-time threats.<\/p>\n Portland will be much better if Cronin steps up his roster construction. Savvy trades could work out and help the Blazers improve. He has to be more proactive because they lack perimeter shooting, playmaking, and many more traits.<\/p>\n Trading for Avdija and Toumani Camara<\/a> was excellent. However, they need more moves that can push the Blazers forward. They have a talented roster already, and Lillard will eventually return. With the Blazers\u2019 reality check, they could have the promising future<\/a> they want.<\/p>\n \u00a9 Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Nov 19, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter listens to questions from the media before the game between Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images<\/p>\n