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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

By Simon Smith

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 30: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the national anthem before the game against the LA Clippers on January 30, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 30: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the national anthem before the game against the LA Clippers on January 30, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Blazers miss the postseason for the first time since 2013

Once again this season, as expected, the Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath.

Such was the parity last season, that just three wins separated the teams ranked No. 3 through No. 9 in the standings. Furthermore, this group of teams doesn’t include the Los Angeles Lakers, widely expected to make an enormous leap in the win column. Also, many of the teams ranked slightly below the Blazers last are also expected to improve.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, with Paul George having re-signed and more familiar with his surroundings, should take a step forward. With a full bill of health, the Utah Jazz will likely take their play to another level. Then there’s the San Antonio Spurs, who despite losing Kawhi Leonard, will enjoy a season free of the distractions that hovered over the team last season.

So with just eight spots to fill, there’s bound to be at least a couple of teams unlucky to miss out.

One underrated storyline entering the season is the absence of backup Ed Davis. An eight-year veteran, Davis was an extremely popular member of the Blazers, and had the third-best net rating on the team. Furthermore, in the 11 games in which Davis played at least 24 minutes, the Blazers posted an 8-3 record.

When news broke that Davis had signed in the offseason with the Brooklyn Nets, both Lillard and McCollum reacted immediately on Twitter:

Shortly after the Davis announcement, Blazers general manager Neil Olshey stated the following:

Considering these words, it’s easier to understand why the Blazers set about signing free agents Seth Curry and Nik Stauskas this offseason. However, as the Rip City Project pointed out:

Essentially, the Blazers are sacrificing a valued teammate and inside presence for some additional firepower on the perimeter. Granted, only time tell if these moves are a success.

Next. NBA trade rumors - 10 potential Jimmy Butler landing spots. dark

However, given the lack of overall talent outside of their dynamic starting backcourt (one of which we already predicted will be traded), the Blazers are bound to be up against it as it pertains to a return to the postseason.

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