Portland Trail Blazers: Complete 2018 offseason grades

Overall

In a vacuum, the moves the Blazers made this offseason were fairly solid. They picked up a high-ceiling prospect in the draft, filled their need for more perimeter scoring and managed to bring back their most important free agent.

However, all of that is overshadowed because the players they let go (Davis, Napier, Connaughton) were all so well-liked. Also, when the other teams in your conference sign LeBron James and DeMarcus Cousins and trade for DeMar DeRozan, your moves look minuscule in comparison.

None of Portland’s free agency moves pushed the team into a higher tier of contention. Therefore, they will once again be scrapping it out for a postseason berth. This year, though, the field is even tougher, with teams such as the Denver Nuggets and both Los Angeles franchises (Lakers and Clippers) entering the fray with improved lineups.

Chemistry and cohesion will be the key to Portland keeping its head above water this year. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will have to once again play at a high level, the returning players will have to become more consistent and the new arrivals need to pick up the game plan as quickly as possible. Losing any ground in the West during this year could prove detrimental to a team’s playoff chances.

Final Grade: B-