Trailblazers Shoot Out the Sun in Damian Lillard’s Homecoming.

One of the most interesting teams in the NBA the last couple of years has been the Portland Trailblazers. Joe Cronin has quietly gone about this business accumulating talent through the draft like Clingan, Henderson, and Sharpe and pairing it with professionals like Deni, Dame, Jrue, and Rob.  Add in Micah Nori, a first-time head coach on a one-year deal; Ja Morant a falling star seeking to regain its spot in the sky, and Captain Planet may have accumulated the right Planeteers to save the franchise.

Exploring the Trailblazers roster relieves a commonality amongst the names.  All of these guys have something to prove. Can Dame ride the wind to a successful Third Act? Will Ja take come down to earth and take advantage of a second chance? Can Deni's fire stay lit after last year's breakout season? Will Scoot step up and get showered with money? Can Nori and Suchi assemble the cast and earn a contract extension? 

The first quarter of last night's opener left no doubt what the driving forces are.  The Blazers stunned the Suns with a 21-0 run to start the game.  Clingan got it started with the first of the Trailblazers 19 threes on the night, but it was the extra effort that led to the first-round knockout punch.  Ja Morant was all over the court winning extra possessions by crashing the offensive glass and hitting the hardwood defensively.  Maybe it is okay for my kid to rep his shoes this season: time will tell. 

From an outsiders perspective, Ja’s play indicates that the Trailblazers may have one of the strongest locker rooms in the NBA.  Every player has something to prove individually, but it will require a collective effort by all in order for those goals to be accomplished.  Ja won't rehab his image unless he assimilates to the team. Dame won't get the story book ending he wants unless Deni and Ja play at an All-Star level.  Scott won't get paid unless Jrue and Rob take charge of the second unit.  Portland won't win unless they understand that while they all may be fighting for different reasons, they are fighting the same fight.  Joe Cronin genuinely has all the incentives aligned with team success.  

Micah awarded Lillard a pair of boxing gloves after last night's TKO of the Suns.  A fitting choice for a group that is fighting for each other.  Maybe the rings will come later?