Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: One reason every team can be optimistic

By Ian Levy

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 3: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on December 3, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 3: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on December 3, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 14: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a free throw against the Toronto Raptors on December 14, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 14: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a free throw against the Toronto Raptors on December 14, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

11. team. 34. . 17-13. Previous: 11th. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers may never reach the promised land. Last season’s squad looked like it had as good as shot as any but they withered in the playoffs under the defensive pressure of the New Orleans Pelicans. This year’s squad has already faded a bit from their early peak and, despite the intriguing development of Zach Collins, they don’t appear to have a way to significantly raise their ceiling.

The good news is that they won’t have to go it alone. Damian Lillard has developed into one of the league’s premier leaders, a player who takes his responsibility as face of the franchise incredibly seriously. He appears to be on the Portland-for-life track, heading for that special corner in the Hall-of-Fame reserved for players who spend their entire careers with one team. Even if this is as good as gets (and who knows, crazy things happen) the Blazers are enjoying a golden era with a golden player that very few franchises ever get to enjoy.

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