Portland Trail Blazers: 5 keys to winning season opener vs. Phoenix Suns

5. Connaughton has to step up

Pat Connaughton had the chance this summer to pursue the opportunity to play professional baseball, but he ultimately decided to stick around and continue to take his chances with professional basketball.

That risk surprisingly paid off.

Portland Trail Blazers insider Jason Quick of NBC Sports Northwest reported back in August that the Blazers had decided to pick up Connaughton’s non guaranteed $1.4 million option, thereby securing his services for what is now his third year in the NBA.

While he didn’t look particularly strong in NBA Summer League, Connaughton was able to find a rhythm during training camp, averaging 8.1 points, 2.3 assists and 1.6 rebounds per game in six preseason contests. In addition, he shot the ball incredibly well, going 17-of-35 (48.6 percent) from the field and 7-of-18 (38.9 percent) from behind the arc.

I’ve always been rather critical of Connaughton, and I questioned whether Portland’s decision to extend his contract was the right one. If he’s able to replicate his preseason success starting in McCollum’s absence, I’d consider that ample validation that the Blazers were right to hold on to him.