Western Conference Power Rankings after week 1 of free agency
By Austin McGee
14. Portland Trail Blazers
Draft Picks: Donovan Clingan
Offseason Acquisitions: Deni Advija
Departures: Malcolm Brogdon
Despite losing the most games in the Western Conference a season ago, the Portland Trail Blazers see a one-spot increase in these power rankings. The Blazers are one of the youngest teams in the association and will only get better as time goes on.
Portland dealt their oldest player, Malcolm Brogdon (31), for a young player on the rise, Deni Advija (23). Advija is an extremely versatile player who will likely start at small forward for the up-and-coming Portland squad. While he may be taking over for fellow youngster Shaedon Sharpe, it's possible the Blazers could trade starting shooting guard Anfernee Simons this offseason.
Although the Blazers' defense wasn't on par with other bottom-feeders, the Portland front office drafted defensive stalwart Donovan Clingan with the seventh overall pick. Clingman might not start right away, due to the logjam at center, but he's the ideal defensive anchor a la Rudy Gobert.
The most important part of the Trail Blazers' progression is Scoot Henderson's development. It's no secret Henderson's rookie season was brutal. However, the former third-overall pick was tasked with taking over for a franchise that had just parted ways with one of the best players in franchise history.