LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
The 2011 and 2020 Portland Trail Blazers teams connect because both experienced shortened, difficult seasons. Unlike the 2011 team, the 2020 squad can change its destiny.
The 2011-12 season for the Portland Trail Blazers was turbulent.
Star player Brandon Roy announced his retirement before the season began. The teams released injury-plagued first overall pick Greg Oden after only playing 82 games over five seasons. Head Coach Nate McMillan was fired after seven years in Rip City.
The Blazers went 28-38 and missed the playoffs.