NBA Trade Rumors: Is it time for Portland to rebuild and trade Damian Lillard?

 

As the 2022-2023 NBA season draws to a close, the Portland Trail Blazers find themselves in a precarious position. Despite having one of the league's best players in Damian Lillard, the team has struggled to put together a consistent supporting cast and has failed to make significant progress in the playoffs in recent years. With the trade deadline approaching, many fans and analysts are wondering whether the Blazers should start tanking for a high draft pick in the 2023 draft, with French prospect Victor Wembanyama being a potential target.

The argument for tanking is clear: the Blazers' current roster is not good enough to compete for a championship, and they have limited resources to acquire new talent. Tanking would allow them to accumulate draft assets and potentially land a game-changing prospect like Wembanyama, who is projected to be a top pick in 2023.

However, tanking is not without risks. It could lead to a losing culture within the organization and could also alienate Lillard, who has expressed frustration with the team's lack of success. Additionally, there is no guarantee that tanking will result in a high draft pick or a successful rebuild. The NBA draft is notoriously unpredictable, and many top prospects fail to live up to expectations.

Another option for the Blazers is to pursue a more traditional rebuild, focusing on acquiring young talent through the draft and trades while also maintaining a competitive roster. This approach would require patience and a long-term vision, but it could ultimately lead to sustained success and a brighter future for the franchise.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to tank or rebuild will depend on the Blazers' goals for the future and their assessment of the current roster. If they believe that they can still compete for a championship with some strategic additions, they may opt for a more traditional rebuild. However, if they feel that significant changes are necessary to build a championship-caliber team, tanking may be the best option.

Regardless of the approach they choose, the Blazers will need to make some tough decisions in the coming months. With Lillard's future with the team uncertain and the current roster struggling to find its footing, the Blazers must be willing to make bold moves to set themselves up for long-term success.