Changing of the guard

Does the Lillard-McCollum duo pose a legitimate threat?

As most Portlanders expected, it’s been a tough start to the season for the Trail Blazers. After dropping Wednesday’s away game, a 108-103 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets, the Blazers currently sit at 4-9 with seven straight losses, ranking 13th in the Western Conference and last in the Northwest Division. So, what’s the difference between last year’s playoff team and the current losing squad?

During the offseason, Portland turned over four of its starting five players. Incumbent superstar forward LaMarcus Aldridge bolted for San Antonio, signing a lesser deal to be a Spur, while leaving a sour taste in the mouths of Blazer fans. Following suit, shooting guard Wesley Matthews hooked on with the Dallas Mavericks, forward Nicolas Batum was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, and center Robin Lopez is now a member of the New York Knicks. This leaves All-Star point guard Damian Lillard to lead a completely different team, one missing both the talent level and consistency that afforded it two consecutive winning seasons.

With Aldridge’s departure, Lillard had no choice but to step up his role on the court and in the locker room. He has embraced this new role,  as evidenced by his elite play this season. Ranking fifth in the NBA, through Monday’s games, he’s averaging 25.1 points, 7.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, shooting 43 percent from the floor, and 81.5 percent from the line. He wasn’t performing like this with a better supporting cast last year, so what has changed? One thing for sure is that he’s very effective from the corner. He can pull up for the three or get his way to the rim and finish, something he’s struggled with in the past.

A question many have wondered was whether or not the Blazers would be able to find that a complementary offensive presence to Lillard. And based off of the first 12 games, C.J. McCollum is that guy.

After his breakout performance in last year’s playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, he’s proven himself as an elite scorer that can create shots, and is very aggressive behind the arc. With Matthews out of the picture, McCollum has the opportunity to start every game and put his skills on display. He’s averaging 21.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, making him a possible nominee for the Most Improved Player award. Without Aldridge’s presence in the post, he and Lillard will be relied on most to run the offense. He’s effective off the dribble, and can easily drive down the lane. This then would allow Lillard to play fewer minutes and would help improve the Blazer bench.

The key with McCollum is consistency and health, as he’s had a very hot start to the season. And now that he has a defined role that fits his style, the Blazers hope he can he sustain this high level of play for the remainder of the season.

Advocate Staff