The 2024-25 Portland Trail Blazers season was a step forward in their rebuilding process, with a 36-46 record that improved on their 21-61 mark from the previous year. But are they really on the right track?
Let’s talk about The Good and The Bad of Rip City for this season.
The Good
Emergence of Deni Avdija:
Acquired from Washington, Avdija was a revelation, averaging 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.7 threes in 72 games (54 starts). His versatility and two-way play justified the trade cost and made him a core piece.
Toumani Camara’s Breakout:
Camara, in his second year, flourished, averaging career highs with five 20-point games. His three-point shooting improved to 37.5%, and his defensive tenacity drew comparisons to Jerome Kersey, marking him as a valuable core piece for Portland.
Shaedon Sharpe’s Growth:
Sharpe played 72 games, starting 52, and averaged 17.8 points, becoming the team’s leading scorer. His athleticism shone, with a 45.1-inch dunk against Utah ranking as the NBA’s highest tracked leap. Sharpe also excelled in clutch situations, ranking sixth in clutch scoring (3.9 points per game).
Donovan Clingan’s Promising Rookie Season:
The No. 7 pick in 2024, Clingan stepped up as a starter during Ayton’s absence, averaging 7.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks over a six-game stretch. His rim protection and rebounding showed he could anchor the defense long-term.
The Bad
Injury Woes:
Injuries plagued key players, notably Deandre Ayton, who played only 40 games due to a season-ending calf injury, and Donovan Clingan, who missed seven games with a knee injury. Shaedon Sharpe also dealt with a shoulder injury, delaying his season start. Robert Williams III barely played, exacerbating center depth issues. These absences disrupted lineup consistency and limited the team’s potential.
Disappointing Veteran Performances:
Jerami Grant: Expected to be a cornerstone, Grant regressed significantly, averaging 14.4 points on 37.3% shooting in 47 games, down from 21.0 points the prior season. His $160 million contract and declining trade value became a burden.
Deandre Ayton: Ayton’s production dropped to 14.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, with a concerning -6.8 plus/minus per 100 possessions. His $34 million salary and inability to return to his Phoenix Suns form disappointed fans and management.
Historic Losses:
The Blazers suffered embarrassing defeats, including a franchise-record 36-point opening-night loss to Golden State (140-104) and a 42-point home loss to Utah (141-99). These blowouts exposed defensive weaknesses and a lack of readiness against stronger teams.
Lack of Direction and Trade Inactivity:
The front office, led by GM Joe Cronin, did not trade veterans like Grant, Ayton, or Anfernee Simons at the February deadline, despite their declining value and the team’s rebuilding status. This inaction raised concerns about missing opportunities to acquire assets for the future.
Scoot Henderson’s Slow Development:
Scoot Henderson, the 2023 No. 3 pick, showed improvement but failed to meet high expectations. He averaged below top-200 fantasy value and struggled with finishing (47.3% at the rim in 2023-24) and pick-and-roll facilitation, casting doubt on his potential as a franchise cornerstone.
