A week ago, the Portland Trail Blazers took a memorable loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. A defeat of 45 points (89-134) at the end of which Chauncey Billups made his players understand that they were damn losers if they managed to get to sleep that same evening. Since then, his group has reacted. Three matches and three consecutive victories, including two against the Minnesota Timberwolves before beating the Atlanta Hawks (114-110) on Sunday evening.
Three small meetings that can fuel a lot of enthusiasm on the side in Oregon. Because the first lines of the project are taking shape. A sketch of a very interesting future team seen during this past week. With a (young) man at the center of it all: Shaedon Sharpe. The Canadian winger is coming off two top performances with 33 points scored against the Wolves then 32 against the Hawks. With the added bonus of his team's last 11 pawns and the game winner on Sunday.
Sharpe, 21, is finally healthy and showing the extent of his offensive talent. That of a potential All-Star in the not-so-distant future. Long, hyper athletic, mega aerial, solid on his feet, good at mid-distance with his fluid mechanics and a well-established core, he is capable of creating his own shot from any place on the pitch. There is Paul George. Maybe not on the same scale – PG was an MVP candidate in his best years – but certainly with similarities in profile.
The most important thing for a team in reconstruction is precisely to find this alpha scorer around which to build the rest. Shaedon Sharpe seems cut out for this. Without doubt more thanAnfernee Simonswhose ability to score is undeniable but whose creation can sometimes be lacking for a fullback. It is not easy to associate it with Scoot Hendersonsecond choice in the 2023 draft and another centerpiece of Portland's hard core.
The leader is struggling to find his address and he is rather irregular but he remains a very dynamic player capable of forming an intriguing and very athletic duo with Sharpe. Speed, relaxation and passing quality make Victor Wembanyama's former rival an excellent transition and semi-transition player. He should quickly be able to shine on pick-and-roll.
Because the Blazers have found the ideal partner for their two young stars. The giant Donovan Clingan. The rookie got off to a bad start but since then he has stood out as a starter in the absence of Deandre Ayton. Its size (2.18 m) makes it a very important circle protector. For example, he blocked 8 shots against the Timberwolves of Rudy Gobertnot going far from the triple-double. He is the ideal pivot to defend in “drop” while asserting himself as a control tower in the racket.
Toumani Camara is a “3 and D” that fits well with this group. Simons, Ayton, Robert Williams et Deni Avdija are all veterans who could be traded and bring back other assets. Knowing that the Blazers will still be in the race to draw high in the next draft. A Cooper Flagg or a Ace Bailey would give even more weight to this project which is taking shape and makes you want to take a look at Portland.
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