Damian Lillard is returning to an unrecognizable Trail Blazers lineup

Introducing Damian Lillard’s new and improved cast of teammates.

Portland’s vision for its retooling was clear — surround Lillard with athletic, defensively versatile players while establishing a young core to establish multiple timelines. Walking the line between these two priorities is a positionless treasure in Josh Hart, a 27-year-old wing with terrific instincts and a versatile skill set. He can fit in with just about any lineup, excelling away from the ball while showing a capacity for an increase role through 13 games as a Trail Blazer.

Hart averaged a tick under 20 points along with 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32 minutes per game with Portland. Balancing mobility and deceptive strength at 6-foot-5, Hart can absorb contact and move his feet in unison, making dribbles and drives difficult for his matchup. He’s also an underrated playmaker and outstanding rebounder, particularly for his build and position. Hart earned an A- grade or better in defensive rebounding, playmaking, finishing, and defensive role versatility last season, per Basketball Index.

Keeping in line with versatile role players who possess the talent to assume larger roles, the Trail Blazers traded a first-round pick and several seconds to Detroit in exchange for Jerami Grant. A 6-foot-8 forward who can guard all three frontcourt positions and switch onto the perimeter, Grant adds a defensive depth that Portland sorely lacked in the past.

Grant signed with Detroit to prove that he’s a dependable scoring option after years of being relegated to a 3-and-D assignment. He is likely to fall somewhere in between his past and present roles as a tertiary scoring option who thrives off the ball. Whether he’s screening, cutting, spotting up, or competing on the glass, Grant has what it takes to be a leading offensive component to this group while adding defensive grit that’s hard to come by.

Three more veteran players are expected to fill vital minutes off the bench, spearheaded by a champion guard and world-class defender, Gary Payton II. Making a return to the Pacific Northwest, ‘The Mitten’ shares his father’s tenacity when guarding the fiercest of matchups. BBall Index gave Payton an A for his on-ball perimeter defense, which is highlighted by quick hands, physical competitiveness, and undeniable hustle. The others are Justise Winslow, a once coveted prospect finding his way, and Drew  Eubanks, a Portland native and OSU basketball legend who made strides offensively with more opportunities.

Last, but certainly not least, are the youngsters. No. 7 pick Shaedon Sharpe didn’t play in his freshman season at Kentucky, forcing scouts and analysts to rely on high school footage through the draft process. A high-flyer and devastating shot creator who showcased dazzling ball-handling and deep 3-point range, Sharpe has true superstar potential—though expectations should be tempered in a bench role to begin his career.

Acquired in last year’s trade with the LA Clippers, two-guard Keon Johnson shot terribly as a rookie but earned valuable minutes through 22 games in Rip City last season. And while he isn’t likely to fill minutes, Parisian center Ismael Kamagate is a highly-regarded international center who was a lost-cost, high-reward selection in the draft.