Grading the 2019 NBA offseason for all 30 franchises

Portland Trail Blazers

Having qualified for the Western Conference Finals last season, the Portland Trail Blazers likely assumed that with the Golden State Warriors out of the picture, they were in prime position to leap into the NBA Finals.

It’s why they were active in reshuffling some of their depth to better serve the duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, both of whom were given lucrative extensions that signaled a level of faith from the organization.

That supporting cast, or lack thereof, has always been the Achilles heel for the Blazers. They have arguably the best backcourt in the league. Only now, those alongside them fit far better than the previous regime ever did.

Out went non-shooters like Evan Turner, Al Farouq-Aminu and Mo Harkless while in came the re-signed Rodney Hood and notable 3-and-D veteran Kent Bazemore. A seven-year veteran, Bazemore admittedly struggled last year with his second-worst 3-point percentage.

A greater purpose could help him get back to the 39.4 percent he shot in 2017-18.

In trading Harkless along with Meyers Leonard, Portland brought in Hassan Whiteside from Miami, a terrific fill-in for the injured Jusuf Nurkic who will also be of great use of the pine once the Bosnian big-man returns.

Despite having worn out his stay in Miami, not many players possess the physical gifts Whiteside does, aspects a pursuit of a championship could help bring out.

Nassir Little was considered a steal with the 25th overall pick. The former UNC alumn brings size at 6’6”, 220 pounds with athleticism to the forward spot, although his 3.3 points per game over Summer League shows there’s still work to be done.

Mario Hezonja is a playmaking forward while Anthony Tolliver is a reliable stretch-4. What was once Portland’s weakness has become its strength, which could be all that’s needed to help push the Blazers into the NBA Finals.

Grade: B+