By the numbers, the Portland Trail Blazers just completed one of the rottenest seasons in franchise history. Their .329 winning percentage tied them for the fourth-worst performance since they entered the NBA in 1970. Plenty of asterisks color the record, however. Franchise superstar Damian Lillard sat out most of the season. Plenty of Portland players grew during their chase for the NBA lottery. The Blazers will return a veteran lineup, bolstered by a high draft pick, players acquired in trades, or both. Rebounding into a better performance is a strong possibility.
On the other hand, rising to prominence again in the Western Conference might not be so easy.