Wildcats

For a franchise that spent the past year recalibrating its identity, the Portland Trail Blazers are no longer asking what they might become. They are showing it, night after night, in the Western Conference standings, on the court, and within the locker room.
Portland is above .500 again, and they are firmly in the thick of the playoff race in the West, in a conference that offers no grace period. And most importantly, they are doing it with a roster that blends urgency with youth &ndash; a mix that is intentional in the construction rather than accidental. This isn&rsquo;t a rebuild stalling into mediocrity. It&rsquo;s a team taking a leap, one that looks impressive and with progress.
<h3>A gamble rooted in belief</h3>
It started with a bold, emotional decision that set the tone for everything that followed.
When the Trail Blazers signed franchise icon Damian Lillard after he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, Portland wasn&rsquo;t interested in nostalgia for nostalgia&rsquo;s sake. They wanted culture, accountability, and a statement. Someone who could remind a young roster what standards look like when winning matters.
Then came the win-now move that truly clarified direction: trading Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday. It was a risk, no doubt. Simons represented youth, upside and scoring punch for their core. But Holiday represented something Portland had been missing &ndash; a champion, a defensive tone-setter, and a voice that commands respect without raising it.
Together, Lillard and Holiday have given the Blazers something invaluable: their credibility and winning mindset, not just externally, but also internally. Team practices matter more, close games feel different, and mistakes become lessons instead of habits.
Holiday, in particular, has been vital: organizing the floor, calming possessions late, and serving as a constant presence in the locker room. For a young team learning how to win, that influence cannot be overstated.
<h3>Deni Avdija&rsquo;s arrival as a star</h3>
Yet as important as the veterans have been, this season belongs to Deni Avdija.
Avdija hasn&rsquo;t just improved, he has transformed and blossomed into a full-blown star. Avidja has made the leap, and it&rsquo;s reshaped everything about Portland&rsquo;s ceiling. He has been the Blazers&rsquo; best player this season, and it has been clearly the case.
A jumbo playmaking forward with relentless downhill pressure, Avdija attacks the rim with purpose. He currently leads the league in free throw attempts, a reflection of both his aggression and his physicality. He&rsquo;s constantly seeking contact, forcing defenses to react, bend, and eventually break.
Avdija can create his own shot and he scores at all three levels. He handles, passes, defends multiple positions, and dictates tempo for the team. Whether initiating offense or finishing possessions, he plays with a confidence that suggests this isn&rsquo;t a fluke &mdash; it&rsquo;s a new baseline for his play today moving forward.
With the league&rsquo;s new All-Star format pitting USA vs. World, Avdija&rsquo;s emergence couldn&rsquo;t be more timely. An All-Star berth feels not only possible, but deserved. Avdija should be named to Team World and he has built a compelling case.
More than numbers, he has become Portland&rsquo;s engine &ndash; the player teammates feed off, the one who sets the tone when games tighten.
<h3>Sharpe&rsquo;s next step, Camara&rsquo;s havoc, Clingan&rsquo;s anchor</h3>
While Avdija has led the charge, he hasn&rsquo;t done it alone.
Shaedon Sharpe is beginning to find consistency, slowly stepping into the responsibility of being a No. 1 option. His talent has never been in question ever since from the start. The explosiveness, shot-making, and athletic ceiling are undeniable. What Sharpe is learning now is assertiveness &ndash; understanding when to take over, when to impose his will.
If he puts it all together, Sharpe remains the player most capable of becoming Portland&rsquo;s best long-term star. This season has been about learning how to be that guy, not just flashing it.
Toumani Camara continues to be exactly what Portland needs on the wing: disruptive, versatile, and fearless defensively. He routinely takes on the opponent&rsquo;s best perimeter scorer and holds his ground in switches against bigger players. His defensive havoc allows the Blazers to be aggressive without losing structure.
Inside, Donovan Clingan has emerged as the defensive anchor. He inhales rebounds, sets punishing screens, and finishes efficiently around the rim with soft touch on lobs. His occasional willingness to stretch the floor hints at future growth, but even now, his impact is clear &ndash; he alters shots, blocks attempts, and stabilizes the paint.
<h3>Unexpected contributors, steady veterans</h3>
Every good season has its subplots, and for Portland, Caleb Love has become one of the best. As an undrafted rookie, Love has provided scoring punch off the bench, knocking down threes, creating offense for others, and putting pressure on the rim. He plays without fear &ndash; a trait that fits perfectly with this team&rsquo;s evolving identity.
Sidy Cissoko has also had his moments, injecting energy whenever he checks in, whether starting or coming off the bench. His activity level changes games in small but meaningful ways.
And when the moment calls for experience, Portland still has it. Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III, and Matisse Thybulle remain reliable options &ndash; veterans who understand playoff-level basketball and can be deployed when stability is needed.
But perhaps the most striking part of Portland&rsquo;s rise is who hasn&rsquo;t been on the floor.
Scoot Henderson, the franchise&rsquo;s prized young guard, has yet to play this season due to a lingering hamstring injury. He was supposed to be central to this transition &ndash; a symbol of the future.
Instead, Portland has surged without him.
That&rsquo;s not an indictment of Scoot. If anything, it underscores how far ahead of schedule the Blazers might be. Avdija&rsquo;s leap, the veterans&rsquo; influence, and the collective buy-in have accelerated the timeline. When Scoot does return, he won&rsquo;t be asked to save a franchise &ndash; he&rsquo;ll be joining one that already believes in itself.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
For the first time since the prime years of Damian Lillard, this version of the Blazers feels different because the urgency is real. The talent is emerging, the leadership is present, and the results are starting to match the vision.
Portland is playing better basketball and they are unraveling their identity &ndash; a team that competes and believes in themselves.

The Blazers are playing .500 basketball this season, fueled by Deni Avdija’s All-Star leap and a young core learning how to win.

From reset to resurgence: The Portland Trail Blazers are putting it together

The Trail Blazers have taken another major step in their rebuild by extending two of their most promising young players. According to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania, the Blazers agreed to a four-year, $90 million extension with guard Shaedon Sharpe and a four-year, $82 million deal with forward Toumani Camara on Sunday.
Sharpe, 22, was the No. 7 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and averaged a career-high 18.5 points last season. Camara, 25, who was drafted No. 52 in 2023, earned All-Defensive second-team honours and averaged 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds last season.
By locking them up through the 2029-30 season, Portland now have their most promising players on the team for a considerable amount of seasons with one of the most valued contracts in the league.
ANALYSIS: With Sharpe and Camara signed, the Blazers&rsquo; young nucleus now features:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sharpe (guard, scoring/athleticism)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Camara (forward, defensive-two-way potential)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Deni Avdija, a do-it-all forward with also a good value contract</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Donovan Clingan, a high-upside big man</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scoot Henderson, a former No. 3 pick with potential</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hansen Yang, a rookie from China with unique skills and global appeal</li>
</ul>
Both extensions are reportedly below what some expected market benchmarks would demand, giving Portland salary-cap flexibility for additional moves. With deals running four years, the window allows time for development and growth rather than immediate &ldquo;win-now&rdquo; pressure.
With a defensive stalwart (Camara) and an athletic scorer (Sharpe), the Blazers are shaping a two-way identity around youth, athleticism and versatility, and while the financial commitments are moderate, the success of the strategy hinges on Sharpe stepping into a lead-scorer role and Camara continuing his upward trajectory on both ends of the floor. This wave of extensions marks a clear moment: the Portland Trail Blazers are no longer merely acquiring talent &ndash;&nbsp; they&rsquo;re locking in their young core and betting their next phase around it.

The Trail Blazers have taken another major step in their rebuild by extending Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara.

Blazers continue building future, tie up Sharpe & Camara to 4-year deals

Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers&rsquo; longtime franchise icon, is officially heading home. The nine-time All-Star has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract to re-sign with Portland, ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania reports.&nbsp;
The deal includes a player option for 2027&ndash;28 and a full no-trade clause, underscoring Lillard&rsquo;s control and commitment to finish his career where it began.
Portland will serve as a recovery platform for Lillard, who is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season while rehabbing a torn Achilles sustained during the playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite his injury, Lillard chose the Trail Blazers over other contenders &ndash; including Boston, Golden State, and the Lakers &ndash; citing family reasons and a sentimental return to "Rip City".
This move reunites Lillard with a roster that now includes fellow veteran Jrue Holiday and emerging talents such as Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III, and Deni Avdija. Portland also holds multiple draft assets, including an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and two Bucks pick swaps, providing flexibility to support Lillard&rsquo;s return.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS:&nbsp; This homecoming narrative is surreal for Lillard as he returns as the franchise&rsquo;s all-time leading scorer (19,376 points) and seven-time All-NBA selection, reigniting hope for fans and restoring the city&rsquo;s emotional bond. This strategic positioning also allows a player option and a no-trade clause to give Lillard autonomy while allowing Portland to recalibrate based on roster progress through 2026-27. 
However, there will be some kind of development dilemma brewing even as Lillard offers veteran leadership. His return poses challenges for rising guards like Scoot Henderson, creating a balance between mentorship and developmental opportunities. 
Portland&rsquo;s decision to bring back Lillard signals a blend of heart and strategic intent. He&rsquo;ll spend the upcoming season rehabbing and building chemistry, but when he returns, he&rsquo;ll lead a young core and experienced vets in a storybook chapter dedicated to "Dame Time."

Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers’ longtime franchise icon, is officially heading home.

Dame Time returns: Lillard signs 3-year deal to rejoin Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired veteran guard Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks, sources told ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Holiday, a two-time NBA champion and six‑time All‑Defensive Team honoree, averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists last season with Boston, while shooting a career‑high 42.9% from deep. At 35, he returns to a Blazers team seeking veteran leadership and defensive stability on the guard and wing spots.
Portland had originally traded Holiday in the blockbuster Damian Lillard deal of 2023, sending him straight to Boston. Now he&rsquo;s back, part of a push to mentor the Blazers&rsquo; younger core, particularly young guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, to try and elevate their competitiveness in the Western Conference.
Simons, 26, brings offensive firepower to Boston, where he&rsquo;ll slot into a 3‑point‑heavy rotation. He averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists over 32 minutes per game last season. Boston also received two future second‑round picks as part of the deal.
According to ESPN&rsquo;s Bobby Marks, the move shaves approximately $40 million in luxury‑tax burden from Boston&rsquo;s books and moves them roughly $18 M below the second apron, enhancing their financial flexibility.
ANALYSIS: Portland expects Holiday to fortify its defense and locker‑room culture &ndash; as the team eyes a return to playoff contention, his r&eacute;sum&eacute; and veteran presence could prove instrumental. His presence could prove to be vital for Henderson and Sharpe&rsquo;s development as they work their way to be stars in the league. Holiday can teach both young guys the defensive acumen and the championship pedigree needed to succeed in the NBA.
For Boston, acquiring Simons means a little bit of cap relief as they float around the second apron of the luxury tax. The 6-foot-5 Simons is also perfect for their system with his three-point shooting and rim pressure both essential elements of their offensive attack.
This move marks a strategic shift for both franchises: Portland prioritizes veteran leadership and defensive toughness, while Boston levers flexibility and younger talent to navigate an evolving roster landscape. Overall, this looks like to be a win-win trade for both teams as they both got what they wanted and addressed a specific need.

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired veteran guard Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons.

Celtics trade Jrue Holiday to the Blazers for Anfernee Simons

The Portland Trail Blazers have been on an impressive run, winning six consecutive games and ten of their last eleven. This surge has propelled them into contention for a play-in spot, showcasing their potential against formidable opponents. Their success has been a combination of offensive efficiency, defensive tenacity, and standout performances from key players.
During this hot streak, Portland has secured victories against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings. According to Kirk Goldsberry&rsquo;s efficiency landscape, the Blazers are #3 in net rating and #1 defensively. Offensively, they have been firing on all cylinders, with Anfernee Simons leading the charge. In a recent win over the Kings, Simons dropped 30 points, proving his ability to stretch the floor and attack the basket. Their defensive efforts have also played a crucial role, exemplified by a dominant 112-89 victory over the Pacers where they held Indiana to just 89 points. This newfound defensive resilience has been a cornerstone of their recent success.
Several players have stepped up during this run, each playing a crucial role in keeping the Blazers competitive. Simons, averaging 18.2 points per game this season, has been a consistent scoring threat, using his quick release and aggressive drives to keep defenses on their heels. Shaedon Sharpe has provided an additional spark, averaging 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, using his athleticism and shot-making ability to keep opponents guessing. Scoot Henderson, despite being the youngest among the three guards, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in a recent game against the Magic where he recorded 23 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Deni Avdija has also emerged as a valuable asset, scoring a season-high 30 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a statement win over the Bucks. Though not always in the spotlight, Toumani Camara has been invaluable for his defensive energy and hustle plays, helping to solidify Portland&rsquo;s defensive identity.
Despite their recent success, the Blazers must soon confront significant decisions regarding their future. While they are currently competing for a play-in spot, their long-term direction remains unclear. One of the biggest questions revolves around the roles of Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, two young forwards who have shown promise. Avdija, at 6-foot-9, has demonstrated versatility on both ends of the floor, excelling as a ball handler, facilitator, and multi-positional defender. His recent offensive outburst against the Bucks highlighted his potential as a future building block for the team. Camara, known for his defensive prowess, brings energy and intensity every time he steps on the floor. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the boards has been crucial in tight games, making him an integral part of Portland&rsquo;s plans.
While Avdija and Camara appear to be key building blocks, the futures of Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant remain uncertain. Ayton, acquired to strengthen the frontcourt, has had standout performances, including a 25-point, 20-rebound game against the Suns. His presence in the paint provides stability, but the Blazers must determine whether he fits into their long-term vision with recently drafted rookie center Donovan Clingan in the lineup. Grant, a reliable two-way forward, brings valuable experience and scoring ability. However, with the emergence of their younger wings Avdija and Camara, the team may consider moving him for assets that better align with their rebuilding efforts. The decision on whether to retain or trade these veterans will significantly shape the franchise&rsquo;s future.
But perhaps the most pressing dilemma Portland faces is the backcourt logjam between Simons, Sharpe, and Henderson. Each player brings a unique skill set, but with limited opportunities to develop three high-usage guards simultaneously, the Blazers may ultimately need to choose two of the three to lead their backcourt into the future. Simons has already proven himself as a dynamic scorer with elite shooting ability, making him a valuable offensive weapon. Sharpe, with his impressive athleticism and scoring instincts, has shown flashes of being a future superstar. Henderson, despite some early growing pains, has displayed promising playmaking and scoring potential, hinting at the possibility of becoming the team&rsquo;s primary floor general.
The Blazers might soon rethink their decisions and pick what&rsquo;s best for the three of them, letting go of one for proven pieces that will fit the team and letting him shine somewhere else, but that remains to be seen at this point. For now, the Blazers are rocking with this group and see what they can do towards the end of the season.
The Blazers&rsquo; recent success is a testament to their young talent and cohesive play, but as they navigate the remainder of the season, these tough decisions loom large. Balancing immediate success with long-term development will be crucial in determining the franchise&rsquo;s trajectory. Whether they fully commit to a rebuild, make strategic trades, or double down on their current core, the choices they make in the coming months will define their future in the NBA.

The Portland Trail Blazers have been on an impressive run, but tough decisions loom large within the franchise.

The Trail Blazers are rolling, but they should make a choice for their future

With the 2024-25 NBA season just days away, the Western Conference is locked, loaded, and ready for battle. The offseason drama has settled, rosters are finalized, and every team is gearing up for what promises to be a fierce and competitive race. From reigning contenders to rising underdogs, the West is stacked with talent and ambition. Let&rsquo;s break down the top 15 teams in the West as we head into this thrilling new season&mdash;no frills, just what you need to know.
<ol>
<li> Minnesota Timberwolves The Timberwolves are turning a new page after trading away longtime cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo and are now fully embracing Anthony Edwards as the franchise cornerstone. The T-Wolves&rsquo; mix of young talent and veteran leadership gives them a balanced roster around Edwards. Rudy Gobert remains a defensive anchor as a 4-time DPOY, Edwards is primed for a superstar leap, and if the supporting cast, including Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, steps up, the Wolves could be ready to take the top spot in the West.</li>
<li> Oklahoma City Thunder The Thunder&rsquo;s rebuild is no longer a long-term project; they&rsquo;re ready to compete now. However, due to Isaiah Hartenstein&rsquo;s injury to start the season, we&rsquo;re placing the Thunder at no.2 for now. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is already an All-NBA guard and arguably a top 5 player in the league. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams figure out to be the dynamic inside-out duo around SGA. Add in Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, the two new acquisitions this offseason with their capable role players Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe, this young core is as versatile as it is exciting. OKC&rsquo;s depth and versatility on both ends of the floor could propel them into serious title contention.</li>
<li> Phoenix Suns The Suns have loaded up for a title run, and with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal leading the charge, Phoenix has one of the most dangerous offensive trios in the league. They have added their most significant hole which is the PG spot with a solid pick up in Tyus Jones, and they have one of the best offensive coaches in the league in Mike Budenholzer. The Suns&rsquo; questions lie in their depth and health, but if they can manage those concerns, they&rsquo;re built for a championship push. Their offensive firepower is unmatched, and if they click, the Suns will be a team no one wants to face.</li>
<li> Memphis Grizzlies Memphis has weathered their offseason storms and enters the season with a gritty identity intact. Ja Morant is back after his injury and suspension last year and he will now play with last season&rsquo;s addition Marcus Smart. Together with the continued growth of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies are primed to be competitive and come back from their prime two seasons ago where they won 50+ games. Memphis&rsquo; defensive dominance paired with offensive firepower ensures they can be one of the top teams in the West with a deep bench with solid role players.</li>
<li> Denver Nuggets After falling short to Minnesota in 7 games last playoffs, the Nuggets will enter the season with their core mostly intact. Nikola Jokić remains the most dominant center and the best player in the game. With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. healthy, the Nuggets are poised for another deep run. But perhaps their biggest loss this season was losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to free agency and that might be a hit so they&rsquo;re currently ranked at no.5 to start the year. It could be a lot to ask for young players like Christian Braun or Julian Strawther to fill the void left by KCP, so it will be interesting to see how Denver handles his loss this season.</li>
<li> Dallas Mavericks Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving experiment is back after a successful season last year, where Dallas entered the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 &ndash; when they won the title. The two stars can mesh to create one of the league&rsquo;s most potent offenses and with the continued internal development of young players like Dereck Lively, the Mavs can build on that Finals appearance. With newcomer Klay Thompson set to provide historic spacing for their dynamic duo, Dallas has the talent to climb the standings and challenge the top teams in the West.</li>
<li> New Orleans Pelicans The Pelicans&rsquo; fate will always hinge on Zion Williamson&rsquo;s health. When Zion plays, New Orleans is a force to be reckoned with. Now paired with newly-acquired point guard Dejounte Murray, they have a balanced attack capable of competing with any team in the conference with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum still on the fold. If Zion stays on the floor, the Pelicans could find themselves rising up the ranks, but his availability remains the biggest X-factor.</li>
<li> Golden State Warriors The Warriors are clinging to their championship window with Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level. The addition of capable veterans in Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and DeAnthony Melton gives them depth and personnel that can play in their offense to surround the core of Curry and Draymond Green for their foundation. Health and age are concerns, but if their veterans stay intact, Golden State can&rsquo;t be counted out.</li>
<li> Sacramento Kings The Kings struggled a bit last season after making their long-awaited playoff return two seasons ago, and they&rsquo;re looking to build on that momentum. They have signed DeMar DeRozan and he should bring a new wrinkle to their motion and three-hunting offense. DeRozan&rsquo;s mid range ability should be a welcome addition to Sacramento&rsquo;s offense. De&rsquo;Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis still lead an explosive offense, but defense remains a question mark. Sacramento&rsquo;s high-flying, fast-paced style makes them a regular-season juggernaut, but they&rsquo;ll need to tighten up defensively if they want to make a deep playoff run.</li>
<li> Los Angeles Lakers The Lakers are counting on LeBron James and Anthony Davis staying healthy for a full season. With the front office standing pat on making moves this offseason, the Lakers&rsquo; success will hinge on their superstar duo. If LeBron and AD can avoid injury, Los Angeles will be a formidable playoff team, but health is always a looming concern with this group.</li>
<li> Houston Rockets The Rockets added veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to guide their young core last season and this season could be the time for them to step up. They finished strong last year behind defensive minded coach Ime Udoka and the result could be a team that surprises many. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have star potential, and younger players Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson add even more excitement. The Rockets also drafted Reed Sheppard with the 3rd pick and Houston is hoping to lay the foundation for success and could push for a Play-In spot this season.</li>
<li> San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama enters his second season, and the Spurs are fully embracing their rebuild around the budding star. While Wembanyama showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, San Antonio is still in the development phase. But with the addition of Chris Paul, the Spurs now have a capable PG to feed Wemby and the other guys, possibly unlocking a new level to their games. With their young core, the Spurs may not be a playoff team yet, but their future looks incredibly bright with Wembanyama leading the way.</li>
<li> Los Angeles Clippers The Clippers&rsquo; fortunes rest on the health of Kawhi Leonard&mdash;again. After losing Paul George for nothing, Leonard is left to fend LA off by himself in their new arena at Intuit Dome. Gone are the days when LA has the talent to compete with anyone as they&rsquo;re just but a shell of themselves. Leading the way for the injured Leonard will be a 34-year-old James Harden and that might be too much to ask of the aging superstar. However, if Kawhi can return healthy and he can avoid the injury bug, the Clippers will be in the playoff mix, but that&rsquo;s a big &ldquo;if&rdquo; for this squad.</li>
<li> Portland Trail Blazers With Damian Lillard long gone, the Blazers will fully commit another season to their rebuild. Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe form a promising young core, but Portland will likely spend this season focusing on player development. While they won&rsquo;t be in playoff contention, the Blazers are positioning themselves well for the future, with an eye on growth and improvement.</li>
<li> Utah Jazz The Jazz are continuing their rebuild, with Lauri Markkanen emerging as a cornerstone player. While they have some intriguing young pieces like Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George, Utah isn&rsquo;t ready to compete just yet. This season will be about development and finding which young players can be part of their long-term plans. The Jazz may not win many games this year, but they&rsquo;re building toward a brighter future.</li>
</ol>

Let’s break down the top 15 teams in the West as we head into this thrilling new season.

2024-2025 NBA Western Conference Power Rankings: A race at the top to start the year

Soon, the world will know about the East Asia Super League.
The rapidly growing league across East Asia is set to have its biggest event yet: the EASL Final Four happening March 8-10 in Cebu, Philippines.
Dubbed the "Champions League" of East Asian basketball, the EASL combines the best clubs from the top leagues in East Asia with elite production value. The teams in the Final Four are Korea&rsquo;s Seoul SK Knights and Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters, Taiwan&rsquo;s New Taipei Kings, and Japan&rsquo;s Chiba Jets. The Red Boosters come in as the defending champions following their win over their Korean neighbors, SK Knights, in last year&rsquo;s inaugural championship in Japan.&nbsp;
EASL&rsquo;s vision is to become one of the world&rsquo;s top professional basketball leagues. At the same time, EASL aims to elevate the sport of basketball across the East Asia region.&nbsp;
But what makes the league different is the style of play and the brand of basketball each team employs. While leagues like the NBA lean on athleticism, teams in the EASL use a lot of running and transition as well as relying on spacing.
&ldquo;Our play style is fast, and pretty open court. We use dynamic guards a lot and rely on spacing,&rdquo; New Taipei Kings&rsquo; Joseph Lin told BasketballNews in the opening press conference of the league&rsquo;s Final Four tournament. 
The 6-foot-1 Lin, the brother of former NBA player and champion Jeremy Lin, will attempt to bring the title to Taiwan as they go up against the Chiba Jets in the semifinals.
Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters&rsquo; Filipino import Rhenz Abando echoed the younger Lin&rsquo;s sentiments as he came home to play in front of Filipino fans in Cebu: &ldquo;[Our play style] is also the same with Taipei, we are also fast and have a lot of ball movement and spacing.&rdquo;
Going up against Abando and the Red Boosters are the SK Knights in a rematch of last year&rsquo;s finals matchup. Star player Oh Jae Hyun reflects the opinions of the basketball played in the EASL.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Our team&rsquo;s main strength is fast-paced basketball, which requires rebounding and pressing the defense so we can force turnovers and push it on the other side,&rdquo; Hyun added.
Aside from Lin, a number former NBA players have played in the EASL including <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/east-asia-super-league-inside-a-basketball-startup-with-a-unique-vision">Lance Stephenson (Liaoning Flying Leopards), Shabazz Muhammad (Shenzhen Leopards), KJ McDaniels (TNT KaTropa), Jared Sullinger (Shenzhen Aviators), Jameel Warney (Seoul SK Knights) and Domantas Motiejunas (Shandong Golden Stars).</a> Austin Daye, a 2014 NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, is a teammate to Lin on New Taipei.
With the league&rsquo;s Final Four event aiming to have massive success in the Philippines, EASL CEO Henry Kerins is optimistic that the EASL will grow even more and increase the number of teams soon.
&ldquo;Our ambition is to expand from eight teams to 16 teams and that will include new geographies and new clubs,&rdquo; Kerins shared. &ldquo;Obviously, there&rsquo;s a huge amount of development and expansion for us to do and that&rsquo;s where the top basketball talent is right now &ndash; Asia.&rdquo;
Kerins further noted that this is only the start for EASL as it looks to increase its global market and viewership in the coming months and years.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Our focus right now is developing and expanding that and deepening both our penetration on the media partnerships. This is the beginning, and in 2025 you&rsquo;re going to see a much more mature and aggressive strategy for expanding that," Kerins said. "We will be expanding our presence and that will lead to more clubs participating &ndash; so hold for that in terms of our announcements but that&rsquo;s our vision and plan going forward.&rdquo;

Soon, the world will know about the East Asia Super League, which is about to hold its Final Four in the Philippines.

East Asia Super League set to have its biggest event yet in Cebu

Today, the NBA announced the 28 players who have earned spots to compete in the 2024 Panini Rising Stars, which will take place on Friday, Feb. 16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis as part of NBA All-Star 2024. The annual showcase of premier young talent, featuring a mini-tournament with four teams and three games, will air live at 9 p.m. ET on TNT.
The player pool consists of 11 NBA rookies, 10 second-year NBA players and seven NBA G League players. The 21 NBA players, selected by NBA assistant coaches, will be drafted onto three seven-player teams. The seven NBA G League players, selected by the league office, will comprise the fourth team.
Six-time NBA All-Star and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Pau Gasol will return as one of the four honorary head coaches after leading his team to the Rising Stars championship last year. Joining Gasol as honorary head coaches are Indiana Fever legend and 10-time WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings and former Indiana Pacers standouts Jalen Rose and Detlef Schrempf.
Catchings, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, led the Fever to the 2012 WNBA championship. Rose helped the Pacers reach the 2000 NBA Finals and was the Kia NBA Most Improved Player that season. Schrempf, a three-time NBA All-Star, won back-to-back Kia NBA Sixth Man Awards with the Pacers in the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Gasol (Team Pau), Catchings (Team Tamika) and Rose (Team Jalen) will select their teams through the Rising Stars Draft, which will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. ET and stream live on the NBA App.&nbsp; Schrempf (Team Detlef) will coach the team of NBA G League players.
All three games in Panini Rising Stars will be played to a Final Target Score, meaning each game will end with a made basket or a made free throw instead of with the clock running out. The semifinal games will be played to a Final Target Score of 40. The championship game will be played to a Final Target Score of 25.
Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal (Game 1), and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal (Game 2). The winner of Game 1 will meet the winner of Game 2 in the championship (Game 3).&nbsp; The semifinal matchups will be announced at a later date.
In selecting the NBA players for Panini Rising Stars, each NBA team submitted one ballot per coaching staff. Each coaching staff selected four frontcourt players, four guards and two additional players at either position, in order of preference, for the rookie ballot and the sophomore ballot. Coaches were not permitted to vote for any player on their team.
The NBA participants for Panini Rising Stars were determined by the total points each player received from the ballots. Points were awarded based on where a player was ranked on each ballot. The player pool includes one more rookie than sophomore based on total points received.
Assistant coaches from the NBA All-Star Game coaching staffs will join the honorary head coaches in coaching the Panini Rising Stars teams. The NBA All-Star Game coaching staffs for both the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference have yet to be determined.&nbsp;
Tickets for Panini Rising Stars are available at NBAEvents.com and through the NBA Events App, which can be downloaded in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nba-events/id1488976283" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nba-events/id1488976283&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706738146537000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KdgVz_lJtn5rLaTz7eq7b">Apple Store</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greencopper.nbaallstar&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US&amp;pli=1" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id%3Dcom.greencopper.nbaallstar%26hl%3Den_US%26gl%3DUS%26pli%3D1&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706738146537000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-CV5jwdxEhFcuZ8BRrarV">Google Play Store</a>.
Below is the player pool for the 2024 Panini Rising Stars.
<table style="width: 719px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="607">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 704.431px;" colspan="3">
PANINI RISING STARS: NBA PLAYERS
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 358.75px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
NBA Rookies
</td>
<td style="width: 324.604px; text-align: center;">
NBA Sophomores
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 362.625px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Bilal Coulibaly (Guard | Washington Wizards)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.271px; text-align: center;">
Paolo Banchero (Frontcourt | Orlando Magic)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.59px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Keyonte George (Guard | Utah Jazz)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.701px; text-align: center;">
Dyson Daniels (Guard | New Orleans Pelicans)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.826px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Jordan Hawkins (Guard | New Orleans Pelicans)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.812px; text-align: center;">
Jalen Duren (Frontcourt | Detroit Pistons)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.875px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Scoot Henderson (Guard | Portland Trail Blazers)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.847px; text-align: center;">
Jaden Ivey (Guard | Detroit Pistons)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.889px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Chet Holmgren (Frontcourt | Oklahoma City Thunder)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.854px; text-align: center;">
Walker Kessler (Frontcourt | Utah Jazz)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.889px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Frontcourt | Miami Heat)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.861px; text-align: center;">
Bennedict Mathurin (Guard | Indiana Pacers)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.889px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Dereck Lively II (Frontcourt | Dallas Mavericks)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.861px; text-align: center;">
Keegan Murray (Frontcourt | Sacramento Kings)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.889px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Brandon Miller (Frontcourt | Charlotte Hornets)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.861px; text-align: center;">
Shaedon Sharpe (Guard | Portland Trail Blazers)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.889px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Brandin Podziemski (Guard | Golden State Warriors)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.861px; text-align: center;">
Jabari Smith Jr. (Frontcourt | Houston Rockets)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.889px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Cason Wallace (Guard | Oklahoma City Thunder)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.861px; text-align: center;">
Jalen Williams (Frontcourt | Oklahoma City Thunder)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 363.889px; text-align: center;" colspan="2">
Victor Wembanyama (Frontcourt | San Antonio Spurs)
</td>
<td style="width: 326.861px; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table style="height: 454px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="438">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 54px;">
<td style="width: 423.431px; height: 54px;">
PANINI RISING STARS: NBA G LEAGUE PLAYERS
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 54px;">
<td style="width: 423.431px; height: 54px;">
Izan Almansa (Frontcourt | G League Ignite)
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 54px;">
<td style="width: 423.431px; height: 54px;">
Matas Buzelis (Frontcourt | G League Ignite)
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 54px;">
<td style="width: 423.431px; height: 54px;">
Ron Holland (Frontcourt | G League Ignite)
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 54px;">
<td style="width: 423.431px; height: 54px;">
Mac McClung (Guard | Osceola Magic)
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 54px;">
<td style="width: 423.431px; height: 54px;">
Tyler Smith (Frontcourt | G League Ignite)
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 54px;">
<td style="width: 423.431px; height: 54px;">
Oscar Tshiebwe (Frontcourt | Indiana Mad Ants)*
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 54px;">
<td style="width: 423.431px; height: 54px;">
Alondes Williams (Guard | Sioux Falls Skyforce)
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
*Two-Way Player

The NBA announced the 28 players who have earned spots to compete in the 2024 Panini Rising Stars.

NBA announces 2024 Rising Stars participants

Pascal Siakam made his Indiana Pacers debut on Friday night, but the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled the party by beating Indy, 118-115, at the Moda Center.
The Blazers, who currently have the second-worst record in the Western Conference, captured a rare win behind big performances from veterans Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon.&nbsp;
Grant finished with 37 points on 14-of-28 from the field, while Brogdon filled the stat sheet with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.&nbsp;
Grant and Brogdon carried the offensive load for Portland, who were without young stars Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe in the game. Then, in the second half, the Blazers lost 2023 No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson after he suffered a nasal contusion. Henderson had 10 points at halftime.
The 29-year-old Siakam, who was traded to Indiana from the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points on 65% shooting from the field. Siakam's Pacers debut coincided with Tyrese Haliburton's return from a hamstring injury, and the two are starting the process of developing chemistry and learning to play together.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bw_GeDODo1A?si=QUOelSucTSsxaQV2" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Haliburton, who played for the first time since Jan. 2, racked up 21 points and 17 assists with 0 turnovers. This marked his sixth career 20+ point, 15+ assist game with no turnovers &mdash; the most in NBA history.
Indiana's stars played well, as Myles Turner also contributed 29 points and 12 rebounds with 6 triples, including one to cut the lead down to 3 points. However, the Pacers just could not get it done at the end with their comeback being a little too late.
The Pacers are now 24-18 (tied for the sixth-best record in the East) and will head to Phoenix to face the Suns and try to get their first win of the Siakam era.

Pascal Siakam made his Indiana Pacers debut on Friday night, but the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled the party by beating Indy, 118-115.

Blazers spoil Siakam's debut, Haliburton's return with win over Pacers

Victor Wembanyama had 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 blocks to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 118-105 win over the Portland Trail Blazers and rookie rival Scoot Henderson.&nbsp;
The No. 1 overall pick in this year&rsquo;s draft had this impressive statline in just 25 minutes, becoming just the second rookie since David Robinson in 1990 to record the same numbers.
This was Wemby and Scoot&rsquo;s first meeting since their memorable matchup in the Metropolitans 92 vs. NBA G League Ignite series last October in Las Vegas, where Wembanyama and Henderson scored 37 points and 28 points, respectively, with the latter taking the victory.&nbsp;
The Spurs secured their fifth win of the season, while Henderson scored a career-high 25 points in a rare start without Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, as the Blazers dropped to 8-22. Both teams are currently last in the Western Conference.
Nuggets 142, Grizzlies 105
With Ja Morant out due to illness, the Denver Nuggets pounced on the Memphis Grizzlies early and got a 142-105 win.&nbsp;
Nikola Jokic had a triple-double (26 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists) in a literal perfect game, going 11-of-11 from the field, 1-of-1 from three, and 3-of-3 from the charity stripe.&nbsp;
This was the first night of a back-to-back for the Grizz, and they expect Morant to be back tomorrow when they play the Los Angeles Clippers.&nbsp;
Heat 114, Warriors 102
The Golden State Warriors had seven players score in double figures, but they fell to the visiting Miami Heat, 102-114.&nbsp;
Stephen Curry struggled in 31 minutes, scoring only 13 points on 20% shooting.&nbsp;
With Jimmy Butler out, Tyler Herro led the charge for the Heat with 26 points. Jaime Jaquez Jr. continued his strong showing as a rookie, registering 17 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.
Bam Adebayo added 17 and 11 for Miami, who moved past the Orlando Magic for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 19-12 record.&nbsp;
Lakers 133, Hornets 112
Point LeBron James was on point today, handing out 11 assists while scoring 17 efficient points (7-of-11 from the field) in just 24 minutes as the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to an easy win over the Charlotte Hornets, who were without star point guard LaMelo Ball for the 14th-straight game.
Anthony Davis contributed 26 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks for the now 17-15 Lakers squad.&nbsp;

Victor Wembanyama had 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 blocks in the Spurs' win over Scoot Henderson and the Blazers.

Victor Wembanyama fills stat sheet in win vs. Blazers, Scoot Henderson

We&rsquo;re two weeks into the 2023-24 NBA season, which is far too early for overarching declarations, but not too early for a statistical deep dive into some numbers that jumped out at us. Put on your wetsuits.
52&nbsp;
Portland Trail Blazers sophomore Shaedon Sharpe has been assisted on 52% of his made baskets this season, down considerably from the 67% he was assisted on last season. That number dropping, combined with Sharpe&rsquo;s points per game rising (20.1 PPG, up from 9.9 last season), allows us to infer a few things.&nbsp;
First, it shows that Sharpe&rsquo;s role has increased significantly, which we expected. With Damian Lillard gone and Anfernee Simons sidelined for a few months with an injury, Sharpe was the obvious next man up regarding shot attempts. And the 20-year-old isn't afraid to put up shots, as he's attempting over 15 per game.&nbsp;
Secondly, it shows that Sharpe is getting his own buckets. His self-creation ability is one of the main reasons he was the No. 7 overall pick in last year's draft &ndash; despite not playing any college ball &ndash; and he&rsquo;s starting to turn that creation potential into a real skill on a nightly basis.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Shaedon Sharpe&rsquo;s 26-point second half: <a href="https://t.co/lyhXlJzCcg">pic.twitter.com/lyhXlJzCcg</a>
&mdash; Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UsherNBA/status/1719899721110577389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
36.9&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s how many minutes Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis is playing per game thus far, which would be a career-high. While that number will surely come down as the season progresses &ndash; we don&rsquo;t think Darvin Ham wants to run AD into the ground during the regular season &ndash; it&rsquo;s a good sign nonetheless that he can play that many minutes a night.
Davis is making the most of his minutes too. He is leading the league in blocks per game (3.3) and has shot the ball extremely well from three-point range (42.9%). Maybe more importantly, he&rsquo;s shooting just one three-pointer a game! That&rsquo;s a great number!&nbsp;
100.7&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s the league-leading defensive rating of the Minnesota Timberwolves. This would be the best DRTG in the NBA since the 2015-16 San Antonio Spurs, who finished the season with a simply outrageous 98.2 DRTG.&nbsp;
Is Minnesota the best defensive team in almost a decade? Probably not, but they do have the potential to be elite defensively, and they are showing that through two weeks. Rudy Gobert is blocking 2.4 shots per game &ndash; much closer to his career average (2.1) than last season, when he was down to 1.4 blocks per game.&nbsp;
Surrounding Gobert is Kyle Anderson (who is still being a pest, while averaging 1.9 steals + blocks per game), a healthy Jaden McDaniels (who solidifies any defense), a 36-year-old Mike Conley (who has lost a step but still provides intelligent play on both ends), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (who is blocking shots like a madman, with a 2.7 block percentage) and budding (budded?) superstar Anthony Edwards (who is as bought in defensively as he ever has been).&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Anthony Edwards is a two-way force - hard closeout + block on defense - tough PnR euro + finish through contact on offense <a href="https://t.co/G3zZJNVJKf">pic.twitter.com/G3zZJNVJKf</a>
&mdash; Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) <a href="https://twitter.com/WolvesClips/status/1720972196477120711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
50&nbsp;
That is Tyrese Haliburton&rsquo;s AST% right now. Seriously. If a player on the Indiana Pacers makes a shot, there&rsquo;s a coin flip chance that Haliburton assisted it. Sustainable? Maybe not. But I am confident in calling Haliburton a top-three facilitator in the league, and he could absolutely get to No. 1 on that list if his game continues to ascend at the pace it has in his first few seasons.
Haliburton has flash in his game, of course:&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Haliburton with the no-look pass🙈<a href="https://t.co/daZesj2sml">pic.twitter.com/daZesj2sml</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1719136140861813166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
But like all the great distributors, some of his best passes don&rsquo;t even end up as assists &ndash; like this cross-court dime against Charlotte last Saturday:&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
This is a great cross court pass from Haliburton and swing to Buddy. Pay attention to Charlotte's defense Melo sprints over to Brown but no one else tries to make a run at Hield until after he's making the catch. <a href="https://t.co/A0msdX9Cih">pic.twitter.com/A0msdX9Cih</a>
&mdash; Mo Dakhil (@MoDakhil_NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoDakhil_NBA/status/1721252256899846227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
10.3 and 13.8&nbsp;
The first number is how many assists Chris Paul records for every turnover he commits. Paul&rsquo;s facilitation is still elite, and the Golden State Warriors' second unit is benefitting mightily because of it. Point God lives on.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Here come the Dubs 👀 <a href="https://t.co/oPW29CMIgg">pic.twitter.com/oPW29CMIgg</a>
&mdash; Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSWarriors/status/1721331455669014769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
The second number, however, is Paul&rsquo;s three-point percentage this season. Paul is struggling to score regularly right now.&nbsp;
Dario Saric has been a nice surprise for Golden State off the bench, Jonathan Kuminga is scoring nearly 13 points per game and Gary Payton II is shooting the ball well too. Everyone plays better when Paul is distributing at an elite level like this.
81.0
That&rsquo;s Mark Williams&rsquo; field goal percentage through six games. The Charlotte Hornets' second-year big man is looking like the big rim presence the franchise has desperately needed in recent years. 
Williams was solid in a starting role down the stretch of last season &ndash; and he appears to have refined pretty much every aspect of his game in year two.&nbsp;
As a prospect, Williams was widely perceived as a defensive force with minimal offensive ability. But seemingly every game, Williams gets more comfortable on the offensive end, showcased by a career-high 27 points on November 4.

Quinn Everts dives into some interesting numbers that jumped out from the first two weeks of the 2023-24 NBA season.

Picking Cherries: 7 NBA statistics that stand out so far this season

After months of scrolling through countless Damian Lillard trade rumors, the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/bucks-shock-nba-world-by-acquiring-damian-lillard-in-blockbuster-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news finally broke</a> on Wednesday afternoon that the Portland Trail Blazers' long-time franchise cornerstone was headed to the Milwaukee Bucks. In one of the more surprising blockbuster trades in recent memory, the seven-time All-Star guard will pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo to form one of the best duos in the league.&nbsp;
Now, the new big fish in the trade market is none other than the player Lillard was dealt for: Jrue Holiday. The Blazers' return featured Holiday, former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns second-rounder Toumani Camara, an unprotected Bucks 2029 first-rounder, and 2028 and 2030 first-round pick swaps from Milwaukee. The circumstances of Lillard&rsquo;s trade request and his desire to be dealt specifically to the Miami Heat dampened his trade value, but the Blazers were able to come away with a &ldquo;palatable&rdquo; return.
 However, Holiday is unlikely to stay in Portland for long as he does not fit their rebuilding timeline around core players Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1707100851880259810" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN&rsquo;s Bobby Marks</a> graded Portland&rsquo;s trade return as &ldquo;incomplete&rdquo; pending the potential assets the team receives for Holiday when they flip him.
Many contending teams are reportedly rushing to the phones to make moves in reaction to the Lillard blockbuster, with several expressing serious interest in Holiday. These possible suitors include the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers and Heat. Teams must factor in Holiday's potential free agency next summer and the possibility of signing him to a long-term extension, which he becomes eligible for on Feb. 22. Perhaps the Blazers will have some urgency to deal Holiday prior to Media Day on Oct. 2 in order to avoid questions and logistics about bringing him in for training camp.&nbsp;
For any team over the luxury-tax apron ($171,294,000) to trade for Holiday, they need to trade away at least $33,175,536 (90% of Holiday&rsquo;s 2023-24 salary) in salaries in order to legally execute a trade. The rest of the league will only need to send out $27,646,280 (75% of Holiday&rsquo;s 2023-24 salary) in order to make a deal.&nbsp;
Another important CBA note with any Holiday trade is that his $36,861,707 salary cannot be aggregated with other contracts for two months. While Holiday is still eligible to be immediately rerouted elsewhere, he cannot be traded with other players. For example, just a few months back, Chris Paul was traded to the Washington Wizards and then quickly rerouted in a separate deal to Golden State. Because Paul was the only salary going back to the Warriors, he was legally allowed to be traded. This must be taken into consideration when proposing potential trade ideas.
With Holiday potentially on the move in the coming days, let&rsquo;s take a look at some potential deals for the 33-year-old.
Realistic Trade Destinations
BOSTON CELTICS
Celtics receive: Jrue Holiday
Trail Blazers receive: Malcolm Brogdon, Al Horford, Dalano Banton (salary guarantee increased to $1,009,853 to satisfy trade rules), 2024 GSW top-4 protected first-round pick, 2025 BOS first-round pick, 2026 BOS first-round pick swap, 2024 CHI/DAL/NO (most favorable) second-round pick, 2026 MIN/NO/NYK/POR (most favorable) second-round pick
By trading away Marcus Smart this summer, the Celtics lost the key cog to their juggernaut defense. Despite not having a Defensive Player of the Year award, Holiday would probably serve as an upgrade to Smart on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor, helping the Celtics compete against the new-look Bucks in the East. If they wish to enter the Holiday sweepstakes, they would need to trade Malcolm Brogdon ($22,500,000), whom they were close to dealing to the Clippers in July. Along with Brogdon, they would have to sacrifice either Al Horford ($10,000,000) or Robert Williams III ($11,571,429) to make the salaries work. They have all of their own draft picks to trade as well as the Golden State Warriors' pick in 2024, which they got from the Smart trade.
MIAMI HEAT
Heat receive: Jrue Holiday
Trail Blazers receive: Kyle Lowry, Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, 2027 MIA first-round pick, 2029 MIA top-14 protected first-round pick, 2028 MIA first-round pick swap, 2024 MIA top-50 protected second-round pick, 2026 LAL second-round pick, 2027 HOU/IND/MIA/OKC/SA (least favorable) second-round pick
Missing out once again in their pursuit of a star third option to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Miami could use an upgrade like Holiday to their seemingly incomplete roster. Holiday would provide a must-needed scoring punch and would fit seamlessly in Miami&rsquo;s hard-working culture. While their Lillard trade package was highlighted by Tyler Herro, they likely wouldn&rsquo;t use him in any trade for Holiday. Their salary going out in a deal would come from Kyle Lowry&rsquo;s expiring salary ($29,682,540) and some combination of younger players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. ($3,510,533), Nikola Jovic ($2,352,000) and Haywood Highsmith ($1,902,137). While they are somewhat restricted in terms of draft assets, they can offer up to three first-round picks if they amend their 2025 first-round pick they owe the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have three second-rounders to offer as well.&nbsp;
NEW YORK KNICKS
Knicks receive: Jrue Holiday
Trail Blazers receive: RJ Barrett, Reggie Bullock, Khem Birch, 2024 DAL top-10 protected first-round pick, 2024 DET top-18 protected first-round pick, 2024 WAS top-12 protected first-round pick
Spurs receive: Evan Fournier, 2026 MEM top-42 protected second-round pick, 2027 NO/POR (less favorable) second-round pick
The Knicks may be holding out for when the next superstar &ndash; i.e. Joel Embiid, Donovan Mitchell or Giannis Antetokounmpo (although maybe not anymore?) &ndash; asks for a trade. While New York may be focused on further down the line, acquiring a player like Holiday could allow them to boost their roster right now without giving up enough capital to harm their future superstar pursuits. A Knicks trade that would not harm their trove of draft assets would have to send out RJ Barrett ($23,883,929), who potentially fits Portland&rsquo;s rebuilding timeline. Jrue could line up as the team&rsquo;s starting shooting guard alongside Jalen Brunson, while Josh Hart would play more minutes at small forward to mitigate the loss of Barrett. Evan Fournier&rsquo;s large salary ($18,857,143) would also have to be in any deal for the Knicks to take in Holiday. Portland wouldn&rsquo;t want to acquire both Fournier and Barrett as that would push them over the luxury tax, therefore they would likely route Fournier to another team (like San Antonio).
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Clippers receive: Jrue Holiday
Trail Blazers receive: Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, Amir Coffey, Jason Preston (salary fully guaranteed), 2028 LAC first-round pick, 2030 LAC first-round pick, 2029 LAC first-round pick swap
The Clippers may have been given an olive branch with a player like Jrue Holiday becoming available, as he's an impact player at a price they can afford. It also provides an alternative for the Clippers to land a third star while avoiding the potential drama/issues that could come with acquiring a player like James Harden. The Clippers have a lot of high-salary veterans they could use to get to Holiday&rsquo;s number like Norman Powell ($18,000,000), Marcus Morris Sr. ($17,116,279), Nicolas Batum ($11,710,818) and Robert Covington ($11,692,308). They would probably like to keep Terance Mann, who they seem to not want to include in a potential Harden trade, although his $10,576,923 could be useful. Portland could view their unprotected picks in 2028 and 2030 as some of the best draft assets they could receive due to their aging stars and lack of postseason success.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
76ers receive: Jrue Holiday
Clippers receive: James Harden, 2024 NYK second-round pick, 2029 PHI second-round pick, 2030 PHI second-round pick
Trail Blazers receive: Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, Amir Coffey, Jason Preston (salary fully guaranteed to satisfy trade rules), 2028 LAC first-round pick, 2029 PHI first-round pick, 2029 LAC first-round pick swap
Amidst the James Harden debacle, Daryl Morey has remained steadfast in getting a formidable return if they choose to trade the disgruntled All-Star. A reunion with Jrue Holiday, who played in Philadelphia from 2009 to 2013, certainly should get Morey and the Sixers' attention. Holiday would certainly upgrade their defense while being a good support and influence on Tyrese Maxey. The Trail Blazers would have little interest in taking a direct package from Philadelphia, which would almost certainly be headlined by Harden ($35,640,000). Harden's desired destination, the Clippers, should still be interested in acquiring him, but may be more interested in trading for Holiday directly. Portland would likely get a similar package to what they would receive if they traded directly with the Clippers, potentially leaving Philadelphia out to dry. The Sixers would have to incentivize the Clippers by trading some draft capital to take Harden instead of Holiday.
Honorable Mentions
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Warriors are a logical Holiday destination in terms of fit and trade assets. A trade package would have to send the newly acquired Chris Paul back to Portland or a third team along with a young player like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody or Brandin Podziemski, plus a draft pick. Given that coach Steve Kerr has talked all summer about bringing Paul into the fold, it would be pretty surprising if the team pivoted from the future Hall-of-Famer just before training camp. If the Warriors do choose to jump in the Holiday waters, they could quickly move to the front of the line.&nbsp;
TORONTO RAPTORS
Toronto was considered the favorite to acquire Lillard at one point, with a package that was likely headlined by OG Anunoby and draft assets. In order to acquire Holiday, they would need to use a similar package, albeit with less draft capital involved. It seems as though the Raptors were being coy about potentially dealing Anunoby for Lillard, according to <a href="https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/options-for-raptors-with-damian-lillard-trade-dream-done" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun</a>. If Masai Ujiri was unwilling to include Anunoby in trade discussions before, it&rsquo;s unlikely he will do so for a player like Holiday.&nbsp;
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Holiday would be a near perfect fit alongside Anthony Edwards in the Wolves' backcourt and would greatly improve their defense. However, Minnesota simply doesn&rsquo;t have the right salaries or draft assets to realistically get to Holiday&rsquo;s number unless they are willing to part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns. Even if Tim Connelly was willing to deal Towns for Holiday, the trade may not be what Portland is looking for with the 2015 No. 1 overall pick&rsquo;s five-year supermax extension beginning next season. The idea of paying supermax money to Towns will likely be a turn off for Blazers GM Joe Cronin.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Orlando is probably the most fun dark-horse destination for Jrue. While Markelle Fultz has been a suitable lead guard when healthy, Holiday would bring a championship-level veteran presence that could be useful for Orlando&rsquo;s young squad. The question with the Magic is whether they would actually pursue a deal that would accelerate their timeline with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, as well as whether they would part with draft capital that they could potentially use down the line in future trades.

With the Blazers looking to flip Jrue Holiday, Blake Stern breaks down several teams that make sense as a trade suitor.

NBA trade rumors: Examining potential destinations for Jrue Holiday

Damian Lillard has finally been traded, and he's heading to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Portland Trail Blazers sent Lillard to Milwaukee as part of a three-team trade with the Phoenix Suns, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38505763/sources-blazers-trading-damian-lillard-bucks-3-team-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.&nbsp;
The Blazers will receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee's 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030. The Suns will receive Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
Lillard and his camp made it clear that he wanted to be traded to the Miami Heat, but the Blazers weren't interested in Miami's offer. This trade still sends Lillard to a contender, and he gets to play with a fellow superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lillard and Antetokounmpo have previously talked about wanting to team up. Last year, GQ asked Lillard which one player he'd want to team up with in pursuit of an NBA championship.
&ldquo;I would pick Giannis," Lillard <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWNskoGPrpc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">responded</a>. "Just the dominance, somebody that&rsquo;s going to get to the rim. He&rsquo;s a good playmaker, a good defender, disruptive. And the way he plays complements the way I play. I would bring something to the table that complements what he does and vice versa. Seamless [fit]."
A few months ago, Antetokounmpo was asked the same question and he also chose Lillard. Now, the pair will form one of the best one-two punches in the NBA.
Recently, Antetokounmpo had <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/will-giannis-antetokounmpo-sign-extension-with-bucks-i-dont-know" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made some comments about his future with the Bucks being up in the air</a> and how he wasn't content with simply winning one championship in Milwaukee. Perhaps he was trying to get the Bucks' front office to budge and make this blockbuster acquisition? Now, it certainly seems as if he'll remain in Milwaukee for the considerable future, especially since Lillard has three guaranteed years (plus a player option in 2026-27) remaining on his current contract with the Bucks.
Now, with Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Malik Beasley and Co., the Bucks have to be considered a favorite to win the Eastern Conference.
For Portland, this trade gives them another young cornerstone in Deandre Ayton to put alongside Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. They will reportedly try to flip Jrue Holiday (a favorite of NBA executives) for additional assets. Now, the franchise can move on from the Lillard saga and focus on their rebuild rather than having this situation drag into the season.
Last season, Lillard had arguably the best year of his career, averaging 32.2 points, 7.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 threes, while shooting 46.3% from the field, 37.1% from three-point range and 91.4% from the free-throw line. He is a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection and a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

Damian Lillard has finally been traded, and he's heading to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bucks acquire Damian Lillard in shocking trade with Blazers, Suns

One of the most underrated honors in all of basketball is the NBA&rsquo;s Most Improved Player award. 
The league is full of young, developing talents, so being selected as the player who made the biggest strides is an incredible accomplishment. This award can also be a testament to getting your career back on the right track, as was the case with last year's recipient Lauri Markkanen. Many people were ready to give up on Markkanen becoming a star-caliber player, but a change of scenery allowed him to emerge as an All-Star and post career-highs across the board with the Utah Jazz. 
The race for this year's Most Improved Player award will be very interesting, as the last few drafts featured a plethora of talent. Here are my top-five candidates for the Most Improved Player award entering the 2023-24 NBA season:
1. Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets
Mikal Bridges' play became one of the most fascinating storylines during the second half of last season. Bridges was known as an elite second or third option, but he stepped up as the Brooklyn Nets' No. 1 scorer after they acquired him from the Phoenix Suns as part of the Kevin Durant blockbuster trade. Whenever a team is trading one of the best players of all-time, it's difficult to get equal value in return. However, this deal ended up being a win-win. As soon as Bridges was traded to Brooklyn, he made an immediate impact on both ends. The Nets were projected to fall in the standings and miss the playoffs. However, Bridges had something to say about that. 
In 27 games with Brooklyn, Bridges averaged 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.5 threes and a steal, while shooting 47.5% from the field, 37.6% from three and 89.4% from the free-throw line. These are elite numbers. On the season, Bridges played 83 games and averaged 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists. These are still great numbers, but it's clear that he took his game another level during the small sample size we saw of him in Brooklyn. If he can produce at that level over a full season and continue to thrive as the Nets' first option, he will, without a doubt, win the Most Improved Player award. <a href="https://www.vegasinsider.com/nba/odds/most-improved/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars and BetMGM</a> currently have Bridges as the favorite to win the award.
2. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
One of the most underrated candidates for this award is the young Turkish star Alperen Sengun. In just two seasons, Sengun has become one of the better offensive centers in the league. The Houston Rockets big man was very productive in 28.9 minutes per game, and he could take a massive leap this season. He finished last year averaging 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists, which is already very solid for a young center. However, his per-36 averages were 18.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals &ndash; fantastic numbers for a second-year player. 
With his minutes likely increasing and Sengun continuing to develop, he could be in for a huge season. The Rockets are looking to climb up the Western Conference standings after adding Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks this summer, and Sengun could play a major role in their turnaround. Sengun has the fourth-best odds in the Most Improved Player race <a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nba?tab=player-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on FanDuel</a>.
3. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Despite entering last season as a role player for the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves has become a household name among NBA fans. Prior to his game being on display with Team USA as they compete for the World Cup, Reaves put on a show in the postseason for the Lakers. During the regular season, Reaves averaged 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 threes on 52.9/39.8/86.4 shooting splits. 
Then, in the playoffs, Reaves made a huge leap and averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 threes on 46.4/44.3/89.5 shooting splits. He displayed abilities that were far beyond those of a role player, and he will prove to be a very important piece for this Lakers team next season. Reaves&rsquo; success didn&rsquo;t go unnoticed, as the Lakers signed him to a four-year, $53 million contract this offseason. Reaves has the fourth-best Most Improved Player odds <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/42648?category=awards&amp;subcategory=most-improved-player" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on DraftKings</a>.&nbsp;
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/arr.png" alt="" width="731" height="442" />
4. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
It&rsquo;s pretty rare to see a player win the Most Improved Player award in their second season. In fact, it has only happened seven times in NBA history, and the last sophomore to win the award was Monta Ellis back in 2007. That said, if any of this year's sophomores can do it, it&rsquo;s Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe. With all of the drama surrounding Damian Lillard's trade request this summer, the Blazers aren&rsquo;t exactly in the best position heading into next season. But Sharpe might be able to thrive in this environment, especially if the Blazers' impending rebuild leads to significantly more playing time. 
Sharpe played just 22 minutes per game last season, and his per-36 numbers were impressive for a rookie: 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 threes and 1.9 assists. Sharpe should absolutely play 30 minutes per game next season, and he will have an opportunity to join the 20 points-per-game club. He could make a leap similar to what we saw from Tyrese Maxey in his second season. Sophomores have a tough time winning this award, especially if they were drafted very high, since drastic improvements are expected in their second season. Sharpe was the No. 7 overall pick in last year's draft, so he'll need to really turn heads in order to win this award.
5. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
While Cade Cunningham has the second-best odds to win the Most Improved Player award <a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nba?tab=player-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on FanDuel</a>, he is a very hard player to evaluate in this context. Cunningham has already played elite basketball in his young NBA career, but he appeared in just 12 games last season, leaving us with a very small sample size to analyze. The Detroit Pistons have certainly made improvements to their roster, but it remains to be seen whether they'll help Cunningham's stats (since he'll be surrounded by more weapons to distribute to) or hurt them (since they'll take away some of his touches). 
That said, he will likely be an elite scorer regardless of his supporting cast. Having him listed this low isn&rsquo;t a slight; he'll very likely emerge as a star next season. It&rsquo;s just hard to imagine him showing more improvement than other players on this list, partially because he's already looked so good at times. It's also worth noting that just one No. 1 overall pick has won the Most Improved Player award in NBA history: Pervis Ellison in 1992. Cunningham&rsquo;s biggest concern in terms of improvement this season should be games played. 
Honorable Mention: Josh Giddey, Scottie Barnes, Paolo Banchero, Tyrese Maxey, Jordan Poole

Hunter Simpson shares his top-five candidates for the Most Improved Player award entering the 2023-24 NBA season.

5 NBA players to watch in the 2023-24 Most Improved Player race

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) &mdash; The Portland Trail Blazers selected point guard Scoot Henderson of the NBA G League with the third overall pick in the&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-draft-2023-wembanyama-updates-00f52206057df4b872898010243d3bd8">NBA draft</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night.
The pick touched off speculation that Henderson could be packaged in a trade if Portland pursues a high-profile veteran to join All-Star guard Damian Lillard.
Or, should Lillard ask for a trade, Henderson could be part of a rebuild. Or the Blazers could play them both.
Blazers general manager Joe Cronin was clear: The Trail Blazers want Lillard to stay in Portland, and they want to build a winning team around him.
&ldquo;I would say that my goal is to keep both of them,&rdquo; Cronin said. &ldquo;I would love to see Dame retire a Trail Blazer. I have zero desire to trade him. I really hopes this works out here. And I think you can tell how excited I am about Scoot Henderson. He has a chance to be a special player in this league.&rdquo;
After the San Antonio Spurs took French teenager&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-draft-2023-wembanyama-b3449d1a5f7a7de5906bb1979ffb2a26">Victor Wembanyama</a>&nbsp;with the top pick and the Charlotte Hornets took forward&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-draft-charlotte-hornets-brandon-miller-fed3fed1d8c6f194247980a560965a73">Brandon Miller</a>&nbsp;out of Alabama, Henderson fell to the Blazers with No. 3.
Henderson scouted himself as &ldquo;somebody that&rsquo;s going to come in and attack the basket every single time, put pressure on the defense and play both sides of the floor. And a winner.&rdquo;
Henderson, a 6-foot-2 teenager from Georgia who has been compared to Russell Westbrook, spent two years with the G League Ignite.&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-curry-scoot-henderson-nba-draft-20cc165a9d8516ad940cc519a5494072">He has also connected with Golden State guard Stephen Curry,</a>&nbsp;who offered Henderson support and resources.
Last season with Ignite, Henderson averaged 17.6 points and a team-high 6.5 assists. He also brings defense &mdash; something the Blazers have sorely needed. He graduated from high school in Marietta, Georgia, early to become the youngest player ever in the G League.
Henderson, 19, wore a black suit coat bedazzled with rhinestones for the draft.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m young but I&rsquo;ve got a mature mindset, and that&rsquo;s to come in and work and make a real impact, not just on the basketball side but in the community,&rdquo; he said.
Henderson&rsquo;s full name is Sterling Jewell Henderson. He earned the nickname Scoot when he was a toddler and used to scoot around on the floor. He&rsquo;s from a basketball family, too. Younger sister Crystal &ldquo;Moochie&rdquo; Henderson is headed to Georgia State.
With the 23rd pick Thursday night, the Blazers selected forward Kris Murray, twin brother of Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray. Kris Murray averaged 20.2 points last season as a junior at Iowa.
Portland also added&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-draft-france-wembanyama-coulibaly-34f6f1d6d21da7a4dc7d19374249dc5b">French guard Rayan Rupert</a>&nbsp;with the 43rd selection.
The Blazers missed the playoffs this season for the second straight year, finishing 33-49 and in 13th in the Western Conference. That was despite the best efforts of Lillard, who averaged a career-high 32.2 points a game, third-best in the league. But in the end, Portland was plagued by inopportune injuries and inconsistent play.
The season wasn&rsquo;t without some high points &mdash;&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-rockets-portland-trail-blazers-nba-sports-damian-lillard-1e1a83642e942d51d91ee014b5b7947c">namely Lillard&rsquo;s 71-point game.</a>&nbsp;He set the franchise and career record in a late February game against the Houston Rockets. He also finished the game with 13 3-pointers.
Should Portland decide to play Henderson with Lillard, Anfernee Simons&rsquo; role in the backcourt could be uncertain. Simons started 62 games last season, averaging 21.1 points and 4.1 assists.
The team also has rookie Shaedon Sharpe, the seventh overall pick in the 2022 draft. He averaged 9.8 points but wowed fans with highlight-reel dunks, showing his potential at the end of the season when many of the starters were shut down.
Cronin suggested the team isn&rsquo;t done.
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s other stuff to do here. I feel like we&rsquo;ve done a good job of putting ourselves in a good position to make these moves and start to get aggressive and push our chips in,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve got good picks, we&rsquo;ve got good players, we&rsquo;ve got a lot of talent in this building. And we&rsquo;ve just got to fine tune it and get it balanced and ready to go.&rdquo;

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Scoot Henderson of the NBA G League with the third overall pick in the NBA draft on Thursday night.

Blazers hold onto No. 3 pick and select Scoot Henderson

The NBA announced the All-Rookie teams on Monday afternoon.
The All-Rookie First Team consists of Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray and Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin.
Banchero, who won the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year award, was the lone unanimous First-Team selection.
The All-Rookie Second Team features Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey, Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. and San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan.
The following players also received votes: Andrew Nembhard (Pacers), Shaedon Sharpe (Blazers), AJ Griffin (Hawks), Christian Braun (Nuggets), Jaylin Willams (Thunder), Jaden Hardy (Mavericks), Malaki Branham (Spurs), Dyson Daniels (Pelicans), Mark Williams (Hornets) and MarJon Beauchamp (Bucks).
Here are the complete results:
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/rook1.png" alt="" width="648" height="667" />
On Tuesday, the NBA will announce the All-Defensive Teams. On Wednesday, the league will announce the All-NBA Teams. And on Thursday, they'll announce the Teammate of the Year award.

The NBA announced the All-Rookie teams on Monday afternoon.

Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams headline NBA All-Rookie Teams

Oklahoma City Thunder guard-forward Jalen Williams and Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero have been named the NBA's Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in March and April.
Williams averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists over that span, while helping the Thunder make the Play-In Tournament.
Banchero averaged 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists over that span, while strengthening his case for the Rookie of the Year award.
Other nominees for this award were Jaden Hardy (DAL), Keegan Murray (SAC), Shaedon Sharpe (POR), Jabari Smith Jr (HOU), Jaden Ivey (DET), Bennedict Mathurin (IND) and Andrew Nembhard (IND).

Jalen Williams and Paolo Banchero have been named the NBA's Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month.

Jalen Williams, Paolo Banchero named NBA's Rookies of the Month

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) &mdash; The Golden State Warriors set an NBA record by scoring 55 points in the first quarter on their way to a 157-101 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers in their regular-season finale on Sunday to secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve played really well the last couple of weeks,&rdquo; Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. &ldquo;I think we&rsquo;ve won eight of 10. Today guys were locked in right from the beginning. Guys knew what was at stake and controlled the game from the opening tap so hopefully that carries over to next week.&rdquo;
Klay Thompson, who scored 20 points, became the third player in NBA history to hit at least 300 3-pointers in a single season.
&ldquo;I pulled Klay aside two minutes before the game and said, &lsquo;Just let it happen,&rsquo;&rdquo; Kerr said. &ldquo;He said &rsquo;no problem Coach&rdquo; and then he made five 3s in the first five minutes. That&rsquo;s Klay.&rdquo;
Teammate Stephen Curry, who did it four times, and James Harden are the other two players.
Thompson also had the most 3-pointers by a player this season, getting to 301 by making six in Sunday&rsquo;s finale.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s cool to lead the league in 3s made,&rdquo; Thompson said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s something I&rsquo;ve never done before. It&rsquo;s a testament to my hard work over the last few years, some dark times that have turned into some beautiful moments.&rdquo;
Curry led the Warriors with 26 points and hit five three-pointers to go along with five rebounds. Moses Moody added 25 points off the bench, while Jordan Poole had 21 points and four rebounds for Golden State (44-38).
Skylar Mays led Portland (33-49) with 21 points along with 11 assists. Shaedon Sharpe had 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and Jeenathan Williams added 17 points in the Blazers&rsquo; final game of the season with regular starters Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Jusuf Nurkic and Jerami Grant all sidelined.
Golden State led 55-27 after the first quarter and 84-53 at the half.
TIP-INS
Warriors: The Warriors will face the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Trail Blazers: Before the game, Portland re-signed guard Skylar Mays for the rest of the season after his 10-day contract expired. &hellip; They also signed center Chance Comanche, who had previously played for the Stockton Kings of the G League. &hellip; Guard Shaquille Harrison&rsquo;s 10-day contract with the Blazers expired Saturday, and he signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
UP NEXT
Warriors: Clinched the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the Sacramento Kings in the first round.
Trail Blazers: Finished the season with the fifth-worst record in the NBA and a 10.5% chance at winning the No. 1 overall pick at the May 16 draft lottery in Chicago.

The Warriors set an NBA record by scoring 55 points in the first quarter on their way to a 157-101 rout of the Blazers on Sunday.

Warriors set NBA record with 55-point 1st quarter in rout

LOS ANGELES (AP) &mdash; Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points, Norman Powell added 23 and the Los Angeles Clippers solidified their hopes of avoiding the play-in game with a 136-125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.
Russell Westbrook had 20 points for the Clippers, who have won four of their last six and hold the fifth spot in the Western Conference.
Wins by LA and Minnesota on Saturday ensured the Clippers can finish no lower than seventh. Their best hope of avoiding the play-in game though is beating Phoenix on Sunday in what could be a preview of a first-round series.
While the Suns are expected to sit most of their starters, which they also did Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, coach Tyronn Lue said he will play everyone that he can.
&ldquo;I hope they sit all five guys. I&rsquo;ll take it however I can get it,&rdquo; Lue said. &ldquo;My main focus is doing what we have to do to get into the playoffs. It doesn&rsquo;t matter what seed.&rdquo;
The Clippers need a win in the final regular-season game to avoid landing in the play-in for the second straight season. They were the eighth seed last season and lost to Minnesota and New Orleans to miss the playoffs.
&ldquo;We have to win. That&rsquo;s the focus,&rdquo; Leonard said.
The Clippers would be assured of a top six seed if the Timberwolves beat the Pelicans on Sunday afternoon. A win would wrap up the fifth seed while a loss and Golden State win would drop them to sixth.
However, if the Pelicans win, the Clippers could fall into the seventh spot and host the play-in game on Tuesday with a loss. The only way they would avoid it in that scenario is if Portland beat Golden State and the Lakers defeated Utah.
&ldquo;The parity in the West is incredible this year. I&rsquo;ve seen some tough races, but this may be the toughest I&rsquo;ve seen. Just all the way down to today and tomorrow, guys need to win. It&rsquo;s some tough situations,&rdquo; Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. &ldquo;I hate that we are not participating in it, but there&rsquo;s been a lot of learning experiences this year because of that.&rdquo;
Kevin Knox II had 30 points, Shaedon Sharpe 26 and Trendon Watford 24 for the Trail Blazers, who have dropped three straight and eight of their last nine.
&ldquo;We played against a very desperate team. they are fighting and clawing for every win and they need it,&rdquo; Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. &ldquo;Our group came out and got it going. They made some adjustments in the second half when they needed to.&rdquo;
Portland led 70-64 at halftime before the Clippers went on a 14-2 run early in the third quarter to gain control.
The Trail Blazers rallied to get within 86-85 on a 3-pointer by Knox before the Clippers put it away for good with a 23-7 spurt.
Leonard had 13 points in the third quarter as the Clippers were 15 of 24 from the field, including eight 3-pointers.
&ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t a great first half because we didn&rsquo;t play the right way. That&rsquo;s why they came out and played like they did in the third quarter,&rdquo; Lue said.
Los Angeles&rsquo; largest lead was 19 in the fourth quarter.
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: In the first half, Sharpe had 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting; while Watford added 18 while going 7 of 9. ... Shaquille Harrison had a career-high 11 assists.
Clippers: Ivica Zubac had 14 points and 10 rebounds for his 27th double-double, which is new career high in a season.
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Host Golden State Sunday in the season finale.
Clippers: Travel to Phoenix Sunday in what could be a first-round preview.

Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points, and the Clippers improved their odds of avoiding the play-in with a 136-125 win over the Blazers.

Clippers beat Blazers to bolster hopes of avoiding play-in

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) &mdash; Desmond Bane scored 30 points and keyed a fourth-quarter rally, Ja Morant added 23 points and nine assists and the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 119-109 on Tuesday night.
Luke Kennard added 20 for Memphis, converting 6 of 10 3-pointers.
Skylar Mays, who signed a 10-day contract with Portland last weekend, led the Trail Blazers with 24 points and seven assists. Shaedon Sharpe added 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jabari Walker finished with 16 points.
Portland held the lead with nine minutes left, but Bane connected on a trio of 3-pointers over a four-minute stretch midway through the fourth. That was part of a 22-2 Memphis run to put away the feisty Trail Blazers.
&ldquo;We tied it up, and we went on a nice run,&rdquo; Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said of the fourth quarter when Memphis outscored Portland 23-14. &ldquo;Des (Bane) helped spark that.&rdquo;
As it has in recent games, Portland played without key pieces, such as leading scorers Damian Lillard (32.2 points a game), Anfernee Simons (21.1 points) and Jerami Grant (20.5 points), along with top rebounder Jusuf Nurkic (9.1 boards per game).
That left a number of reserves to carry the Trail Blazers, who are out of the playoff hunt. But Portland coach Chauncey Billups praised his team for their fortitude in a hostile environment.&nbsp;
Memphis not only won its 50th game of the year, but finished the season 35-6 at home, clinching the best home slate in the league.
&ldquo;I thought we definitely played hard,&rdquo; said Walker, who was 6 of 11 from the field, including a trio of 3-pointers. &ldquo;We were in it the whole game, and that speaks volumes to all the guys, how competitive we are and how much heart we have.&rdquo;
The Trail Blazers chipped away at a 19-point Memphis lead in the first half when the Grizzlies became lackadaisical with the ball. That, and a much more focused Portland defense, led to Memphis holding a slim 66-62 lead at the break.
&ldquo;We just went to old habits,&rdquo; Morant said of the lackluster play in the game&rsquo;s middle stages. &ldquo;Just no energy. That was pretty much it. We weren&rsquo;t taking them lightly at all. We&rsquo;d seen what they&rsquo;ve done the last couple of games.&rdquo;
At the start of the third quarter, Portland&rsquo;s intensity continued, and the Trail Blazers not only pulled even, but took the lead. They were still tied until Bane and the Grizzlies pulled away with the late burst.
&ldquo;For us to be able to stay together and come back and get a win was big-time,&rdquo; Morant said.
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: Portland was one of the few visiting teams to defeat the Grizzlies this season, winning 122-112 on Feb. 1. ... Portland already had eight players listed as &ldquo;out&rdquo; with the early injury reports. By the time Billups got to the podium for his pregame comments, three more previously listed as questionable were not available. That left nine Trail Blazers in uniform. ... Jeenathan Williams, the rookie out of Buffalo signed by Portland on Saturday, started his first game and finished with four points.
Grizzlies: F Dillon Brooks took the night off with right hip soreness. Kennard started in Brooks&rsquo; spot. ... The win snapped a four-game losing streak to Portland at FedExForum.
KENNARD ACCURACY
Kennard started the game hitting all four of his 3-pointers before finishing 6 of 10 from outside the arc. He has made better than 50% of his 3-pointers since joining the Grizzlies in a trade deadline deal in February. Morant told Kennard to keep shooting when he is on that kind of streak. &ldquo;Whatever shot he likes, we love,&rdquo; Morant said.
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Play Thursday at San Antonio against the Spurs.
Grizzlies: Play the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Desmond Bane scored 30 points and keyed a fourth-quarter rally, Ja Morant added 23 points and 9 assists.