The first quarter of the Trail Blazers’ season has oscillated between despair and hope. Injuries, cumbersome integration of new players and a daunting schedule have turned Portland’s title aspirations into a battle for a seat at the postseason table.
Saddled with a 9-14 record through 23 games, here are the six things that have defined the first quarter of the 2019-20 season for the Blazers.
Zach’s Absence
Regardless of Jusuf Nurkic’s long recovery and a roster full of fresh faces, the Blazers’ target for the 2019-20 season was focused on a title.