Portland Trail Blazers: Bold Predictions for the 2024-2025 Season
With a fresh starting lineup and renewed sense of hope, the Trail Blazers are poised to, uhh, well they’re poised to play some games. At least 82 of them. What better time to make big prognostications than heading into opening night where the Blazers host the Warriors at the Moda Center. So let’s do it. Here are some bold predictions for the upcoming season that could redefine the team’s trajectory.
Top 14 Defense* (*Before the All-Star Break)
The Blazers haven’t had an above average defense since the 2017-18 season. It’s been... a while. Last season they were 23rd in defensive rating. The year before that? 28th. And before that? 29th... and before that?
- 2020-2021: 29th
- 2019-2020: 27th
- 2018-2019: 16th
- 2017-2018: 6th (last above-average defense).
You get it.
However, with improved defensive personnel like Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija along with rookie Donovan Clingan, there’s a real chance for a turnaround. These additions not only bolster the team’s defensive capabilities but also allow players like Jerami Grant to play a more comfortable role. While the post-All-Star break remains uncertain (due to near certain shenanigans), the early season promises a more formidable defense.
The first bold prediction: The Blazers will have a Top 14 defense* (*before the All Star Break)
Donovan Clingan’s Rookie Impact
Bold Predicton No. 2: Clingan will make an All-Rookie team and even receive Rookie of the Year votes. While this might not seem bold at first glance. Clingan doesn’t have as clean a path to an All Rookie team as most top picks. Typically, rookie awards are influenced by playing time and counting stats, but Clingan’s productivity in limited minutes could set him apart. With the rookie class wide open, Clingan has the opportunity to shine. The prediction is that he’ll be the first Blazer to make an All-Rookie team since Damian Lillard in the 2012-2013 season.
For more bold predictions and the fourth annual Disappearing Lineup Trick, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
- DeAndre Ayton’s potential increase in three-point attempts
- Predictions for the Blazers’ win-loss record before and after the All-Star break
- The Disappearing Lineup Trick
