1. Advance to the conference semifinals
The Blazers had a 2017-18 regular season they could be proud of. However, the team frankly fell flat once the playoffs came around. Despite having the home-court advantage, the opposing New Orleans Pelicans quickly dispatched Portland in a four-game sweep.
Losses like that are hard to swallow for fans and players alike. However, they’re also the type of losses that can be learned from, building player character and team culture. Therefore, the Portland Trail Blazers should enter the 2018-19 campaign with a more resilient nature and the goal of redeeming themselves for their previous postseason.
The Blazers have made the playoffs in each of the last five seasons. However, they last reached the second round in 2016, when they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 4-2. The Clippers jumped out to a 2-0 series lead, but injuries to Blake Griffin and Chris Paul ended up turning the tables. Portland capitalized and won the next four games.
Fifty wins is a worthy goal that Portland should seek to accomplish this season. However, the true sign of growth for this franchise in the Damian Lillard era will be rather or not they can get past whoever their first round opponent is during the 2019 NBA Playoffs.