Trail Blazers Likely to Move Forward with Current Core

Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 8:38 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Following the departure of superstar guard Damian Lillard years ago, the Trail Blazers headed in an entirely new direction. They'd tried for years to summit the

Portland Trail Blazers Set to Build Around Emerging Young Core

The Portland Trail Blazers appear poised to embrace a youth-driven rebuild, signaling a commitment to their current core of promising talents rather than pursuing major overhauls through trades or free agency. According to recent insights from NBA insiders, the organization is leaning toward nurturing its crop of high-upside players, including international prospect Yang Hansen, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and recent draft pick Donovan Clingan. This approach marks a shift from the Damian Lillard era, focusing instead on long-term development and organic growth as the team navigates the post-Lillard landscape.

At the heart of this strategy is the belief that patience will pay off with a group of players who possess complementary skills and star potential. The Blazers, who finished the 2023-24 season with a disappointing 21-61 record, have been stockpiling young assets in recent years. General Manager Joe Cronin has emphasized building through the draft and targeted acquisitions, avoiding the temptation to chase immediate contention in a loaded Western Conference. This philosophy was evident in their selections during the 2024 NBA Draft, where they secured Clingan with the No. 7 overall pick, adding a defensive anchor to their frontcourt.

Donovan Clingan, the 7-foot-2 center out of UConn, brings rim protection and rebounding prowess that could solidify Portland's interior defense. During his college career, Clingan was instrumental in leading the Huskies to back-to-back national championships, showcasing his ability to alter shots and control the paint. Analysts project him as a potential successor to the likes of Rudy Gobert, with his size and instincts making him a deterrent against opposing bigs. For the Blazers, who struggled with defensive efficiency last season, Clingan's addition addresses a glaring need. Head Coach Chauncey Billups has already expressed excitement about integrating Clingan into the rotation, potentially pairing him with veterans like Deandre Ayton to create a formidable frontcourt tandem while allowing the rookie to develop without overwhelming pressure.

Complementing Clingan is Scoot Henderson, the explosive guard selected third overall in the 2023 draft. Henderson's rookie season was a mixed bag, marked by flashes of brilliance amid injuries and adjustment challenges. Averaging around 14 points and five assists per game when healthy, he demonstrated elite athleticism and playmaking ability that could make him the engine of Portland's offense. His burst off the dribble and court vision evoke comparisons to a young Russell Westbrook, though Henderson has been working on refining his decision-making and outside shooting. The Blazers' front office views him as a cornerstone, expecting him to take a significant leap in his sophomore year under Billups' guidance. With Lillard now in Milwaukee, Henderson has the opportunity to step into a primary ball-handling role, potentially accelerating his growth into an All-Star caliber player.

Shaedon Sharpe, another key piece of the puzzle, adds scoring dynamism and athletic flair to the backcourt. Drafted seventh overall in 2022, Sharpe sat out his entire rookie season due to injury but exploded onto the scene in 2023-24 with averages of 16 points per game on efficient shooting. His highlight-reel dunks and improving perimeter game make him a versatile wing who can space the floor and create off the bounce. Sharpe's development has been a bright spot for Portland, and insiders believe he could emerge as a 20-plus point scorer with continued refinement. Pairing him with Henderson creates an intriguing guard duo capable of high-octane offense, though both will need to improve defensively to elevate the team's overall competitiveness.

Intriguingly, the Blazers are also eyeing international talent like Yang Hansen to bolster their roster. The 7-foot-1 Chinese center, who has been generating buzz in scouting circles, possesses a unique blend of size, skill, and mobility. Playing for the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association, Hansen has averaged impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks, drawing comparisons to a young Kristaps Porzingis due to his shooting range and defensive versatility. While not yet draft-eligible or officially linked to Portland via trade rumors, sources indicate the Blazers' interest in him as a potential future addition, perhaps through the 2025 draft or an international signing. His inclusion in discussions about the "current core" suggests the team is thinking ahead, envisioning a frontcourt rotation featuring Clingan and Hansen that could dominate both ends of the floor.

This youth movement isn't without risks. The Western Conference is stacked with powerhouse teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Lakers, all of whom are in win-now modes. Portland's young core will face growing pains, including chemistry issues and the need for veteran leadership. The team has retained some experienced players, such as Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons, who could serve as mentors or trade chips if the rebuild stalls. Grant, in particular, provides defensive tenacity and scoring on the wing, while Simons' sharpshooting adds offensive firepower. However, rumors persist that the Blazers might explore trades involving these vets to acquire more draft capital or complementary pieces that fit the timeline of their young stars.

Looking ahead, the 2024-25 season will be pivotal for evaluating this core's viability. If Henderson and Sharpe can form a potent backcourt partnership, and Clingan anchors the defense as hoped, Portland could surprise with a playoff push in the coming years. Adding a talent like Hansen could further enhance their international appeal and depth. Billups, a former NBA champion, has stressed the importance of culture and resilience, drawing from his own experiences to instill a winning mentality in the locker room.

Critics argue that the Blazers' patient approach might prolong their lottery-bound status, especially if key players underperform or injuries persist. Yet, optimism abounds within the organization, with executives pointing to successful rebuilds like those of the Thunder and Orlando Magic as blueprints. By committing to Sharpe, Henderson, Clingan, and potentially Hansen, Portland is betting on internal growth over splashy moves, aiming to construct a sustainable contender from the ground up.

In summary, the Trail Blazers' decision to move forward with this current core reflects a calculated gamble on youth and potential. As the NBA landscape evolves, Portland's strategy could either propel them back into relevance or necessitate further adjustments. For now, the focus remains on development, with the hope that this group evolves into the next great Blazers era. (Word count: 928)

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Trail Blazers Likely to Move Forward with Current Core

Portland Trail Blazers Set to Build Around Emerging Young Core