Blazers Battling Through Injuries, Eyeing Backcourt Reinforcements - and Maybe Even a Blockbuster Reunion
The Portland Trail Blazers have had every reason to fold this season - but they haven’t. Despite a laundry list of injuries and a Western Conference that’s as deep and unforgiving as ever, Portland has managed to hang around the top ten. That’s no small feat considering the names they’ve been missing.
Jrue Holiday has been sidelined for a significant stretch, and Damian Lillard - whose unexpected return to Rip City shocked just about everyone - may not see the floor at all this season as he recovers from a torn Achilles. That’s left Portland thin in the backcourt, forcing the coaching staff to get creative.
Shaedon Sharpe, naturally a two-guard with explosive athleticism and a scorer’s mindset, has been asked to moonlight at point guard. Meanwhile, Deni Avdija - fresh off being named an All-Star - has taken on more playmaking responsibilities as a point forward. It’s been a patchwork approach, but it’s kept the Blazers afloat.
Now, there’s a glimmer of good news on the horizon. Head coach Tiago Splitter revealed that Scoot Henderson is nearing his season debut.
Henderson, the third-year guard and former lottery pick, has had a tough time staying healthy and adjusting to the NBA’s pace. But his return would be a welcome boost to a backcourt that’s been stretched thin.
That said, expectations should be kept in check. Henderson still has plenty to prove.
His flashes of talent are undeniable - the speed, the burst, the ability to get downhill - but consistency has eluded him so far in his young career. Portland will be hoping he can settle into a rhythm and provide the kind of spark that made him a top prospect.
And while the Blazers are navigating the present, there’s a wild card looming on the horizon - one that could dramatically reshape their future.
According to recent reports, Portland has expressed interest in reuniting Damian Lillard with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Yes, you read that right. Dame and Giannis, together again - but this time in Portland.
It’s a bold idea, and the Blazers know it’s a long shot. Convincing Giannis to commit long-term to the Pacific Northwest would be a monumental task.
But the interest is real. Portland has reportedly made it known to Milwaukee that they’d like to explore the possibility of acquiring the two-time MVP.
Now, would it work better the second time around? That’s the million-dollar question.
Their pairing in Milwaukee didn’t live up to the hype, but context matters. Portland’s current roster - even with the injuries - arguably has more upside than what the Bucks surrounded Giannis with during their run.
A deeper, more versatile supporting cast could change the equation.
For now, the focus stays on getting healthy and staying competitive in the West. But if the Blazers can manage that - and if the front office is serious about chasing stars - we might not have seen the last of Dame and Giannis sharing the floor. Only this time, it could be under the bright lights of Moda Center.