The Portland Trail Blazers are almost ready to embark on their 2026-27 regular season campaign. In anticipation, NBA.com has published the official season preview, written by longtime NBA writer Steve Aschburner.
The preview hits the usual beats: too many guards on the roster, huge production on the offensive glass, wondering if Deni Avdija can repeat last year’s All-Star production. The most interesting part of the piece covers the breakout player, who isn’t a player at all. Instead Aschburner tabs,
and praises, new Trail Blazers Head Coach Micah Nori for the honor:
Normally you’d expect to find a player here. But Nori, Portland’s new head coach, is in a great position to exceed expectations in his first opportunity in the lead role after being an assistant coach in the NBA since 2009, most recently with Minnesota.
Nori brings to Portland a strong offensive reputation and an ability to shrug off adversity, two attributes that should serve him well. If he can wring more useful life out of franchise legend Lillard, revive Morant’s dynamic skills, cover for both defensively, get Avdija to adjust to all those guards and guide the team back to the postseason, he’ll have achieved his breakout.
What’s your call? Do you think Nori is the best bet to “break out” or are you on the bandwagon for Scoot Henderson or another member of the organization? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
