Trailblazers fan ready for rebuild

Many Bay Area sports fanatics are proud to support local professional teams such as the streaky Golden State Warriors or resilient San Francisco 49ers. These teams generate an exceptional amount of pride in our community, and viewers closely follow the careers of long-time superstars such as Warriors guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, as a Portland Trailblazers fan, I differ from the typical Bay Area sports fan, but likewise love the sensational connection of watching the game. 

There wasn’t a particular memory I can pinpoint to supporting the relatively niche, small-market franchise in Oregon. During a span of eight years, my interests shifted from LeBron James to Kevin Durant, and various other players that symbolized the hard work and perseverance of the game. The Trailblazers, fittingly, represent a value I admire: the determination to work with what you have. 

Nevertheless, it has been frustrating to watch my favorite NBA team slowly fracture with lingering injuries and inevitable trades all within the past season. 

CJ Mccollum, Norman Powell and Robert Convington — three reliable guards — were all traded within a week in early February. The team’s megastar player, Damian Lillard, has been recovering from an abdominal surgery that has sidelined him for nearly two months. In the talent-laden Western Conference, the chances of success are more remote than ever. As a pragmatic fan, I regrettably accept that our championship window has closed. Here are my three steps to fast-track a rebuild: 

 

Trade Damian Lillard for first-round picks in the offseason

The Trailblazers are in the midst of an inevitable transition between an era of previous successes and future prospects. Lillard, a 31-year-old point guard whose offensive prowess has given defensive coaches nightmares before matchups, is still a highly coveted trade asset. 

Lillard elevated the Trailblazers to a Western Conference Finals matchup in 2019 and nine consecutive playoff appearances. His talent is undisputed, and his complete offensive package is appealing to teams who seek to elevate their championship chances.

So far, the Trailblazers’ management and Lillard mutually agree they don’t want to part ways. I respect Lillard’s loyalty and commitment to the franchise for a decade, a rarity in today’s NBA. But, trading him to a competitive atmosphere would help him achieve his ultimate goal: a championship. 

While it’s Lillard’s choice to play the rest of the season, interim general manager Joe Cronin should attempt to maximize his value in the offseason. Teams on the cusp of championship contention such as the Miami Heat and New York Knicks would gladly trade for this superstar for multiple first-round picks to boost ticket sales and excitement within their own fanbase. 

And, these first-round picks we receive in return can be assets for future trades or players that will suit up for the Trailblazers in coming drafts. 

 

Prioritize the development of Afrenee Simons

The loss of Lillard and Mccollum — two reliable scorers — on the court has given critical minutes to rising franchise star and guard Afrenee Simons. According to Basketball Reference, Simons has averaged 17.3 points per game among double teams and constant pressure from opponents, including a magnificent 38-point performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 5. 

He represents a rare positive for a generally disappointing season; his sudden transformation into the No. 1 offensive option should be exciting for fans. They have seen that he could be the next Damian Lillard. The coaches and staff should continue supporting the rising star, and surround him with enough talent to turn around the franchise. 

 

Tank. Tank. Tank. 

The Trailblazers are on pace to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2013 as the 11th seed in a highly competitive Western conference. While they traded a first round pick to the Chicago Bulls in a 2021 trade, the Trailblazers will retain its draft rights because the pick will fall within the first 14 slots of the draft (it’s “lottery-protected”). The team should fully accept their season is over and shift their eyes toward accumulating 2022 draft prospects. 

While the Trailblazers are a long way away from a championship, the values of resilience and determination remain in the locker room and culture. There is no doubt as a fan these upcoming years will be grueling and painful to watch, but the possibilities are endless for my team.