At the tail end of a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, the Portland Trail Blazers are struggling to establish an identity. They’re not distinct among their NBA peers. Their direction is undefined, their steps seemingly headed along multiple, divergent angles. Transitions in the front office, on the bench, and on the court have cascaded into a tidal wave of ambiguity and head-scratching, leaving analysts and experts stumped when it comes to Portland’s priorities and endgame.
Like the gradually-boiling frog, Trail Blazers fans have learned to live with increasing uncertainty, a condition seemingly exacerbated rather than resolved with every move and press conference.