In the month of July, long before much of the NBA world had adjusted its sights to the upcoming 2022-23 season, Portland Trail Blazers big Trendon Watford was busy setting the groundwork and gaining momentum ahead of his sophomore season.
Taking full advantage of the opportunity to help lead the Blazers to a championship — well, a Summer League championship, but still! — Watford put the best of his distinctive, adaptable skillset on display, earning the championship game’s Most Valuable Player for his efforts. In the process, the 22-year-old offered a brief glimpse of what Year Two would look like.