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Portland Trail Blazers 2015 NBA Season Preview

By Cody Williams

Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after making a 3 point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after making a 3 point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Wesley Matthews (2) and small forward Nicolas Batum (88) talk between plays against the Denver Nuggets in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Wesley Matthews (2) and small forward Nicolas Batum (88) talk between plays against the Denver Nuggets in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest Offseason Move

In a summer where the Trail Blazers’ offseason was defined by the loss of key components of their roster, they managed to at least partially lock up a major part of their future by signing Damian Lillard to a massive extension off of his rookie deal that will lock him up in Portland until the summer of 2021.

Lillard is only entering his fourth year in the league and, despite what he’s already proven, we still don’t know what the point guard’s ceiling is at this level. However, it’s the right move for Portland to lock up a potential superstar to build around as their organization entered a clear transitional period.

Biggest Offseason Mistake

It would be easy to say that the Trail Blazers’ biggest mistake this offseason was not re-signing LaMarcus Aldridge, but that wasn’t in their control. They pursued Aldridge as a free agent, but the big man wanted to play elsewhere this season and beyond; you can’t put the Trail Blazers at fault for that.

That being said, I’m definitely not a fan of the four-year deal that they handed out to Al-Farouq Aminu. Aminu is a solid defensive player and his athleticism can be value. Moreover, it’s not necessarily the money that’s a huge issue with the contract. However, Aminu is the type of player a team should look to add when they need a complimentary piece that could possibly put them over the hump. Considering the turnover with the Trail Blazers this offseason, they’re signing Aminu to be part of their core this season, which seems like a major mistake.

Next: Offensive/Defensive Breakdowns

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