The Portland Trail Blazers will head into the 2026-27 season with an overabundance of intrigue. Former stars Damian Lillard and Ja Morant will attempt to reestablish themselves as league icons. Young players like Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan will look to advance their careers, the former two in important contract seasons. Forward Sidy Cissoko is slated for more playing time in a revamped lineup. Veteran guard Jrue Holiday is often overlooked but seldom fails to leave his mark.
Top this all off with a first-year head coach in Micah Nori and you have a chemistry experiment that would leave Mr. Wizard drooling.
In light of that reality, we’re going to ask an important question today. Who will have a true breakout season for the Trail Blazers this year? Any of the above—returning veterans or young players—could qualify. About the only guy who wouldn’t is Deni Avdija, who ascended unparalleled heights last year. (Unless you forecast Deni to score 30 per game. Then go for it!)
Share your predictions and reasoning in the comments section below as we await a pair of games tonight, the Trail Blazers Summer League squad vs. the Denver Nuggets at 7:00 PM, Pacific and the Portland Fire in WNBA action against the Washington Mystics at 4:00 PM, Pacific.
