Portland Trail Blazers starting lineup: Ranking their projected starting 5

By Dalton Sell | Dec 17, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 09: Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers talks with Damian Lillard #0 and CJ McCollum #3 during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 4 – Robert Covington – Power forward

Another robust addition to the Portland Trail Blazers’ defensive retooling this offseason, Robert Covington is the surefire starter at the power forward position. The Blazers gave up a hefty price to acquire the swingman from the Houston Rockets, having coughed up two first-round draft picks and Trevor Ariza.

Over his seven years in the league, Covington has built up a reputation as one of the best 3-and-D players in the association. Although his 3-point shooting is streaky, having shot 33.5 percent last season, the swingman’s defensive skill set is elite, and the Blazers needed a player of his caliber. Portland ranked 27th in defensive rating last season, and although Covington does not fix their defensive issues entirely, he undoubtedly helps on that end.

Related Story. Trail Blazers: 3 goals for Jusuf Nurkic. light

No. 3 – Jusuf Nurkic – Center

As he battled his way back from injury, Jusuf Nurkic played in just eight regular season games during the 2019-20 season. Having averaged 31.6 minutes, Nurkic averaged 17.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks, the big man proved that he could still play at a high-level at the center position.

Now, the team is expecting big things from the Bosnian center with this reshaped roster. In fact, teammate Enes Kanter believes that Nurkic could earn All-Star honors this season. If a fully healthy Nurkic can pick up where he left off last season, those aspirations might not be too far off, but only time will tell.

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