After losing 80 percent of their starting roster from last year this offseason, the Portland Trail Blazers have gone from perennial playoff contenders to pretenders, and thus, their likely rebuilding phase will be starting early with the Las Vegas Summer League.
Although the team retained star point guard Damian Lillard with a five-year, $120 million maximum deal, the Blazers lost LaMarcus Aldridge to the San Antonio Spurs after he signed a four-year, $80 million deal. Not only that, Wes Matthews chose to go to the Dallas Mavericks on a four-year, $57 million deal, Robin Lopez to the New York Knicks with a four-year, $54 million deal, and Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets via trade, which brought back Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh. One thing fans know heading into this season is that Blazers tickets will be more readily available than in years’ past.
The Blazers’ summer league roster is lengthy due to the fact they’re trying to find some depth, especially since their bench has been their clear weakest link in recent years. The players most likely to lock up roster spots are Portland’s first-round selection from 2011 Meyers Leonard, Vonleh, 2015 draft pick Pat Connaughton, Andrew Dawkins and Allen Crabbe. Other roster hopefuls include NBA veteran Keith Bogans and undrafted free agent guard Kenny Chery out of Baylor. Portland is desperate for help pretty much everywhere outside of point guard, especially in the frontcourt.
Diehards can see the development of the team for themselves by using Hipmunk.com for flights to and from Las Vegas to watch summer league action. Watch multiple games by extending the stay by booking hotels in Las Vegas through Hipmunk as well.
The Las Vegas Summer League includes 24 teams (with a D-League Selects team) and begins July 10, lasting through July 20. Portland’s schedule includes a July 11 contest against the Boston Celtics, a July 12 date with the Dallas Mavericks, and a game two days later opposite the San Antonio Spurs. All three games are being played at COX Pavilion.
Currently, the Blazers’ starting five consist of Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Henderson, Leonard and Chris Kaman. The Blazers made back-to-back playoff appearances the last two seasons, winning more than 50 games each season. That run also includes an impressive division title in 2014-15. It’ll be the club’s fourth season under head coach Terry Stotts.
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