8) Portland Trail Blazers
Avg: 7.4, Hi: 5, Low: 11, Aston: 11
The Portland Trail Blazers were one of the pendulum teams of our individual power rankings. While my partner-in-crime Jared Woodcox and others have them making a postseason play again next spring, I currently have them as the No. 11 squad in the West.
Don’t get me wrong, I dig a lot of what’s going on in PDX. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum comprise what is arguably the most potent offensive backcourt duo in the entire league. Also, the move to acquire Jusuf Nurkic in February was a big one for Portland’s future (and present).
Nevertheless, the Blazers did little to improve themselves this summer after barely getting into the playoffs last season. They’ll also face a conference schedule that is more unforgiving than ever.