The NBA is back, and so are new expectations for Portland. At least, that’s what fans, like myself are hoping for. It’s tough to believe there will be much difference in the 2024-25 season than any other during the Chauncey Billups era, but that’s why we’re all here, right? To believe our false fantasies will come true. But if there’s anything to look forward to, it’s the chemistry that Donovan Clingan, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe can build as this franchise's *hopeful* future.
As a Portlander whose earliest memories of Blazer fandom include sobbing after a playoff loss to the Lakers at age 4, I’m qualified to provide my passionate opinions about this team. I’ve been here for Dame playoff winners and the laziest PG to ever grace this team—Raymond Felton. There are so many memories around this team, and it’s built a sports foundation that will drive my future children insane.
My goal is to provide a diehard fan’s perspective. If you’re looking for in-depth stats, then you should look elsewhere. We’re here for vibes and honest feelings. Are we gonna call for Chauncey’s head, get pissed at ownership, and put every player on the team through the wringer? Heck yeah. I will try putting my feelings to the keyboard and give you a Three-Goggled Perspective on the 2024-25 season.
Enough about me. Let’s dive into the presumed expectations of this year’s team and MY expectations as the team moves forward. As the season progresses, I will most likely add some categories and things to highlight. But first, let’s examine the team movements before the season.
Offseason Moves
Although we were disappointed to drop to the 7th pick in the draft this summer, we caught a break with every other team, seemingly not wanting the back-to-back UCONN National Champion Center, Donovan Clingan. He’s an absolute monster on the boards and can body most every big. Maybe he’ll get some pointers from Duop on how to knock down the three-ball to slightly stretch the floor. He, combined with the trade for Deni Avdija, made draft night not the most eventful but resulted in a net-positive rating. Avdija brings up the floor for this team (something that’s sadly not too difficult) and provides some necessary defense and playmaking. His time in Washington allowed him to score, so we’ll gladly take some of that load off Scoot, Anfernee Simons, and Jerami Grant.
The presumed expectation of this team is bottom dweller, once again. And as much as that’s a bummer to know for any team that holds your heart, it’s what’s best for the franchise. OKC has created a model that if you suck and accumulate enough draft picks, some of them will have to pan out. That, plus the comradery of growing together, will HOPEFULLY create a positive atmosphere for this team as they build towards something. What is that something? That is, remarkably, TBD.
Game 1 – vs. Golden State 10/23 (140-104 L)
Welp, we’re off and cooking. And by cooking, we got roasted by Chef Curry and Co. Not only that, but there was also a stat correction, so the 35-point loss became a 36-point loss – something we love to see. Considering this was the first chance to see a starting roster competitive game, it went about as expected. Jerami is clearly our best and most polished player. Ayton had minimal moments of dominating. Clingan looked like a rookie. And Scoot lost his rec-specs but kept his tunnel vision. There wasn’t much to be excited about during this game other than watching Draymond get his first tech of the season and seeing Deni suit up in Blazer threads. We got to see Chauncey not start Scoot (which I don’t hate) and see a lot of youth in the blowout loss.
Game 2 – vs. New Orleans 10/25 (105-103 L)
We’re back in the Moda Center (RIP Rose Garden) and lost a heartbreaker to the Pelicans. There is a lot to be optimistic about, considering we were leading up until the 4th quarter. But, as expected, we couldn’t close it out. The last few seasons of the NBA have gained the narrative of runs and 3-point shooting. This means you aren’t ever out of a game until the final minutes. Sadly, the Blazers haven’t been on the right side of these runs, resulting in wins. Although there weren’t many games where we held a significant lead late into the 4th quarter, we did squander a lot of late leads last season. And tonight was no different. Yes, there was some excellent playmaking, and Jerami was hitting from everywhere. We lost the rebound battle when it mattered late and turned the ball over 19 times too many. Brandon Ingram hit a nice mid-range jumper to beat us, but we had a chance to win and put up a terrible shot at the buzzer. The lone bright spot had nothing to do with the team but with a dude sporting a BRoy jersey who hit a half-court shot to win a car during halftime.
Game 3 – vs. New Orleans 10/27 (125-103 W)
We’re back, baby (for at least one game). This is the Blazers team that’s fun to watch. All five starters scored double digits, and a handful of others filled up the stat sheet. We’re continuing to see Chauncey not start Scoot, which I believe is a positive for the team. Toumani Camara somehow has become the best asset out of the 2023 draft, which we acquired during the Phoenix/Ayton trade. I hope he continues to blossom as a rangy wing willing to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league. There is still a lot of chemistry to be built within this team, especially when Shaedon and Matisse return from injury. However, seeing them close out a game within their grasp two nights previous is remarkable resilience. I think Chauncey is still a big ole question mark as a coach for this team, but this season is truly his “make or break” on his tenure as a head coach. If he can turn certain losses into close losses, that would be considerably better than we saw last year.
Record: 1-2
Next Week’s Games: 10/28 @ Sacramento, 10/30 @ LA Clippers, 11/1 vs. Oklahoma City, 11/2 @ Phoenix