Trail Blazers fans have been eagerly anticipating a boost in shooting prowess, and the front office finally delivered at the trade deadline by snagging sharpshooter Vit Krejci from the Atlanta Hawks.
In the early stages of their rebuild, Portland wasn't in a hurry to address this glaring issue, as it helped improve their draft position. But this season, the urgency was palpable.
The Blazers were widely seen as potential buyers at the deadline, with shooting as their primary target. Incoming owner Tom Dundon, set to take over in 2026, adds another layer of motivation.
The front office is keen to make a compelling case to stay, especially if their young roster can break a four-year playoff drought. Even without Dundon's influence, adding shooting now makes more sense than ever.
Vit Krejci could be the Blazers' secret weapon for a playoff push
The season hasn't gone as smoothly as planned due to injuries, but the Blazers are still eyeing the playoffs. Despite early setbacks, they sit ninth in the competitive Western Conference with a 27-29 record.
As their roster gets healthier, Portland is trending positively compared to their rivals. Golden State lost Jimmy Butler for the season with a torn ACL, and the Clippers opted for a retooling phase, parting ways with James Harden and Ivica Zubac.
While Krejci's addition might not have been the blockbuster move some expected, it's a savvy strategic decision that could be the key to Portland's postseason hopes. The Western Conference leaves little room for error, and Krejci's reliable floor spacing transforms the Blazers' offense. Although he's hit just 32.4% of his three-point attempts in a limited six-game stint, his presence alone creates valuable spacing for a team lacking in that area-at least until Damian Lillard returns next season.
Portland entered the All-Star break on a high note, going 4-2 since Krejci's arrival. Their offense is now averaging 126.8 points per game during that stretch, a significant 12-point bump from their season average. While other factors have contributed, it’s clear that adding one of the league’s top shooters has paid off.
Krejci may not have been the specific name on fans' wish lists, but his impact highlights why shooting has been a long-desired upgrade. With Portland's young core poised for a playoff push, the timing couldn't be better in a Western Conference suddenly ripe for the taking.