'Proving the doubters wrong' seems to be a common theme among this year's young Trail Blazers squad.
Whether it's Damian Lillard's drive to lead the franchise following the departure his four fellow starters from last season's 51-win season or CJ McCollum showing he's ready for starter's minutes, it's apparent that this season will be a proving ground for the majority of the Portland roster.
But perhaps no player has more to prove in 2015-16 than rookie forward Cliff Alexander. Before his freshman season at the University of Kansas, the Chicago born and bred forward was highly touted as a projected lottery pick.