August 31, 2026 • 6:02 AM EDT
Updated 7 days ago
If you followed the Northwest Division last year, you know the Trail Blazers weren’t supposed to be the Warriors’ main headache. But Portland had Golden State’s number, dropping 139 points on them in opening week and winning multiple matchups before the Dubs finally got one back. For a team that wasn’t on anyone’s radar, Portland kept showing up, spoiling nights and shaking up the Western Conference standings.
Now, with the next NBA season looming, Portland looks more dangerous than ever. They snapped their playoff drought by clawing into the No. 7 seed, taking down the Suns in the play-in. Then they threw down the gauntlet: trading Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, and cash to Memphis for Ja Morant. That’s the kind of aggressive move that turns heads in any division, especially when you’re adding a former All-Star to a roster already set to get Damian Lillard back at full strength.
Morant’s trade value may have dipped due to recent injuries, but if he’s anywhere close to his old form, he boosts a loaded Portland backcourt. With Scoot Henderson rising and Jrue Holiday’s toughness, this squad suddenly goes four deep at guard. That’s a headache for any opponent, even if it sets up some rotation crunch. But the lesson in today’s NBA: you don’t pass up talent, you figure out how to make it work.
According to Yahoo Sports, ESPN rates Portland’s depth highly, noting seven players projected as at least slightly positive contributors — fourth most in the NBA. That matters over a long season, especially with Lillard and Morant’s injury histories. The one thing the Blazers may lack for deep playoff runs is a truly top-tier, healthy star. But if Lillard or Morant recapture peak form, that could completely change the equation.
There was good housekeeping too: bringing Robert Williams III back on a new three-year deal. That gives Portland a real safety net behind Donovan Clingan and shows they’re dead serious about defensive depth. The real gut punch, though, is losing Shaedon Sharpe to a meniscus tear, keeping a 20-point scorer out until March at the earliest. There are very few teams with the luxury of bringing a player like Sharpe off the bench — last year he averaged nearly 22 points as a starter but dropped off in bench minutes. That’s a loss you feel, no matter how deep you run at guard.
- Blazers land Ja Morant in a blockbuster trade, shaking up the backcourt
- Damian Lillard returns from injury, aiming to reclaim elite form
- Shaedon Sharpe suffers meniscus tear, out until at least March
- Robert Williams III signs a new three-year deal, enhancing frontcourt depth
- Team has seven rotation players projecting as positive contributors according to ESPN
So what’s the verdict? I’ve got Portland penciled in for around 45 wins, high in the playoff mix and annoyingly tough for would-be Western contenders. If you’re betting futures, you’re not getting them at a long shot anymore. But this isn’t just a top-heavy gamble. Even with Sharpe’s injury, they’ve got the depth to weather a few mishaps. And unlike last year, they’re not flying under the radar — everyone’s noticed now.
If you’re a Warriors fan hoping for revenge, you’ll see plenty of Portland this season. Just don’t expect it to be easy, however those Blazer guard lineups shake out.
How the Blazers Upgraded their Roster
New Additions and Smart Moves
- Ja Morant brings star potential if healthy
- Damian Lillard’s return could lift offensive ceiling
- Robert Williams III backs up the rookie center
- Scoot Henderson looks to break out
- Jrue Holiday adds experience and defensive grit
Key Takeaways for Bettors
- Portland’s guard depth is now a clear weapon
- Ja Morant’s role and health will decide the team’s ceiling
- Losing Shaedon Sharpe is a real ding early, but his return boosts their stretch run
- Robert Williams III gives them crucial defense and insurance for injuries
- This is no longer a fringe team; expect playoff-level competitiveness
- With so many starters missing games recently, pay attention to injury reports before betting night-to-night
- Portland projects as a solid 45-win squad, meaning their win total odds could be value if sportsbooks are slow to adjust
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