The 2025-26 NBA season is here, and the Portland Trail Blazers are set to tip off their campaign against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Moda Center. This season marks a significant point in the Blazers’ rebuilding process, with several changes and developments occurring over the summer. For fans who last tuned in back in April, a lot has changed. This article will serve as a comprehensive preview of the upcoming season, covering new additions to the roster, key departures, player growth, potential challenges, and season goals.
From a new center in Yang Hansen to the return of Damian Lillard (though not on the court), the Blazers have been busy. We’ll delve into how these changes might impact the team’s performance and dynamics. We’ll also explore the growth of players like Shaedon Sharpe and the questions surrounding Jerami Grant’s role. With a revamped style of play emphasizing defense, speed, and frequent shooting, the Blazers are aiming for a more energetic and disruptive approach. Finally, we’ll discuss the team’s goals for the season, including a potential spot in the Play-In Tournament.
A Fancy New Center
The Blazers made waves in June by drafting Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick, after trading down from the 11th spot. At 7’1 and 20 years old, Hansen has already shown glimpses of his potential and a captivating charisma. Hansen’s exceptional court vision for a player of his size stands out. He demonstrates creativity and eagerness in his passing, coupled with surprising quickness for his height when transitioning up and down the court. Some scouts see shades of a less polished Nikola Jokic in Hansen’s game, envisioning him as a potentially potent offensive weapon if he can refine his three-point shooting and post footwork.
However, Hansen’s game is not without its flaws. Defensively, he tends to accumulate fouls quickly and struggles with rebounding. He also faces challenges when defending on the perimeter, often appearing overwhelmed. Despite these areas needing improvement, Hansen’s exciting style of play and resilient attitude make him an endearing prospect for Blazers fans to watch.
Goodbyes and Hellos
The Blazers underwent significant roster changes during the summer. The team bought out center Deandre Ayton, who subsequently joined the Los Angeles Lakers. In another notable move, Anfernee Simons was traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Jrue Holiday.
These transactions resulted in the departure of two of Portland’s top four scorers. Jrue Holiday is expected to bolster the team’s defense and playmaking abilities, which are much-needed at the guard positions. However, at 35 years old, questions remain about his ability to maintain high energy and speed for extended minutes, and his scoring output has declined from his peak years.
In a surprising turn of events, the Blazers also signed Damian Lillard using their mid-level cap exception after he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks to accommodate Myles Turner. Lillard is currently recovering from an injury and is not expected to play this season. However, his presence on the bench during his rehabilitation will undoubtedly bring a morale boost to the team.
Growth Curves
Guard Shaedon Sharpe has been a focal point during training camp and preseason, showcasing increased confidence in his shot and more aggressive moves. His pull-up jumper at the foul line has become a reliable perimeter move, drawing defenders and opening opportunities to drive to the rim. Sharpe’s promising signs suggest he could emerge as an offensive star, leading the Blazers to extend his rookie contract for four more years.
Scoot Henderson, who is a year behind Sharpe in his development, faces the challenge of proving himself. Unfortunately, a hamstring tear in late summer will sideline him for the first month or two of the season. This injury is a setback, not only affecting the team’s depth but also hindering Henderson’s progress and confidence-building.
Center Donovan Clingan has displayed remarkable comfort during the preseason, establishing himself as the rebounding and shot-blocking presence the Blazers anticipated when they drafted him two seasons ago. While he still needs to improve his perimeter defense, his teammates have shown better coverage, raising hopes for a more seamless defensive performance this year.
W(h)ither Jerami Grant?
Veteran forward Jerami Grant’s role remains a significant question mark. He needs to rebound from a disappointing season where his offensive output declined, and his defense was lacking. As one of the team’s highest-paid players, alongside Holiday, Grant’s integration and restored confidence could greatly benefit the team. However, his path to achieving this remains unclear. Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija are challenging his spot in the starting lineup, and his offensive inconsistency threatens to limit his playing time. The future role of one of Portland’s key players is uncertain.
Style Shift
With a revamped lineup and a focus on player development, the Blazers are adopting a new style of play characterized by hard defense, fast breaks, and frequent shooting. The team intends to press full court, disrupt passing lanes, and capitalize on turnovers and rebounds. This high-energy approach contrasts with the more deliberate offense and defense seen when Simons, Grant, and Ayton were the core players. The Blazers aim to replicate the energy and hustle that Toumani Camara displayed last season across the entire team.
Injuries and Depth
The faster-paced and defensively aggressive style of play will inevitably take a toll on the players’ bodies, making injuries a constant concern. In addition to Henderson’s injury, veterans Matisse Thybulle and Robert Williams III have also missed preseason games due to health issues. The Blazers need to maintain a deep rotation to sustain their energy throughout the game. Players like Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert will need to step up at various points in the season. The team’s mid-to-deep bench is largely unproven, raising concerns about their ability to maintain competitiveness if injuries pile up.
Other Questions
Despite the new additions and renewed focus, several questions remain for the Blazers this year:
- Can they shoot three-pointers well enough to compete with teams focused on the long ball?
- Can they force more turnovers than they commit?
- Will they be able to secure enough rebounds, especially with smaller lineups and centers who are still developing?
- Will their new defense compensate for potential offensive shortcomings?
- Can they consistently stop opposing teams?
Addressing these questions will be crucial for the team to ensure that the changes they’ve made result in genuine progress, rather than just superficial improvements.
Season Goals
The primary goal for the Portland Trail Blazers this season is to secure as many wins as possible. After several years of prioritizing player development and draft positioning, victories have become more critical. A successful season would see the Blazers participating in the Play-In Tournament next April. While making the Play-In Tournament would signify progress, it’s important to recognize that it only guarantees a chance to compete for a playoff spot and does not necessarily indicate true contention.
Improving upon their 36-win total from last year would be a positive step, and achieving a final record starting with a “4” would be considered an outstanding accomplishment. Although the bar is set modestly, the team will be striving to reach it through hard work and a relentless approach.
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