With the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline just ending, the Trail Blazers have traded more than half of their team. Some of the players traded were Robert Covington, Norman Powell, Larry Nance Jr, and surprisingly to some, 9-year veteran CJ McCollum. Portland’s plan was to “rebuild around Lillard.” Most players had a short and sweet goodbye. Some made a little tribute post, or just a flat-out thank you. Except for CJ, he wrote a long, heartfelt tribute. Not a goodbye since he said he will forever be a part of Oregon. He got drafted here, got married, started a business, and had his firstborn here. To McCollum, Portland is home. 

What does this mean for Portland? Well, this means that they are basically starting from scratch. With Jusuf Nurkic as their only solid playing center, I couldn’t tell you who they’re going to use if he gets hurt potentially. They’ve also waived off their other center, Cody Zeller, who was out for what seems like the season with a fractured knee cap. Other than that Portland may be able to build an entire brick wall with what they have. Since Damian Lillard has been out for a few weeks due to a recurrent abdominal injury, Anfernee Simons has been Lillard’s backup in a way. A few games after Simons had been put in as a starter while Damian was out, he dropped 43 points playing 48 minutes in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. After this game, eyes were definitely on him. After being drafted in 2018 to the Blazers, his rookie years were a little unseen. While he was on the bench he would drop maybe 6-12 points, somewhere between there, but now he’s in the 20 to 30 range. When you let him take action, he takes action. With how some of these guys are playing, Portland may just be in better shape for Damian’s return than some people think. 

As we’ve seen Portland almost completely restart their roster, it may be for the best. Seeing new faces is always a fun experience, yet losing old souls can hurt. I mean imagine if Portland actually lost Damian Lillard. If you think they’re called the “No-Name Blazers” now, think about it if Damian was gone. This calls for a fresh start in Portland. A new lineup for Lillard to work with and grow. However, also a new family to welcome in Rip City. Portland has one of the loudest NBA arenas. Fans on their feet yelling, always in the game. Everyone is welcome in Rip City. Some of the newbies have even commented on it and they haven’t even played a game as a Trail Blazer yet. Never forget when Norman Powell debuted at the Moda after they traded him for Trent Jr. Moda was loud, chanting his name. He said it was something he had never experienced before, just gives you chills. Making it to the playoffs with a brand new team, people you haven’t played with. You’re not used to their playing style, but you work with it, and when you do, the fans are always there to back you. 

So what will be the outcome of these decisions and trades? Some ask the question every day and along the road. All us supporters can say is just to sit and let it play out. These decisions were made for a reason so maybe it’s for the better. What will Rip City do with the new roster? That’s for you to find out. It’ll get even better when Damian is back to his healthy self. Just stay patient Portland.