Portland Trail Blazers: Projected 2014 Starting Lineup

Photo Credit: Sam Forencich – Getty Images

Photo Credit: Sam Forencich – Getty Images

The Portland Trail Blazers were a surprise finish last year, ending the regular season fifth in a tough Western Conference. They then went on to defeat the Houston Rockets in six games to advance to the second round of the playoffs. Portland has very nice starting core, but their bench needs to improve if they want to be serious contenders, instead of just a solid team. If everything holds true, the Blazers starting lineup will look like this in the fall:

Point Guard – Damian Lillard:

Damian Lillard, the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year, had a great second season and led Portland to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

He is a great three-point shooter and any coach would design a play for him with the clock winding down, as he proved last season. Time and time again, he nailed the game-winning/tying shot. He is clutch. With the speed and explosiveness to go along with solid handles, he can break defenders down and get to the rim, shoot off the dribble, or pull up from three. He’s a hard player to contain when he’s firing on all cylinders.

Lillard is a very bright spot for the Trail Blazers and they better do their best to hold on to him for as long as possible.

Shooting Guard – Wesley Matthews:

Undrafted out of Marquette, the Utah Jazz gave Wesley Matthews a chance at the NBA. After he had a solid season, the Trail Blazers extended a offer sheet to the restricted free agent. The Jazz chose not to match the offer making him a Trail Blazer. He has made a name for himself since joining Portland.

Proving he can shoot the three, he is a reliable third option on offense, behind Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge. He can spot-up or pull up off the dribble. He is a solid starting guard in the NBA and gets by on defense. He will win the starting job yet again this upcoming season.

Small Forward – Nicolas Batum:

Nicolas Batum is a quality NBA starting small forward. He is a great defender and provides another option from three on the court to space the floor for LaMarcus Aldridge on the inside.

He is a defensive anchor on the wing for a weaker defensive team and as a fourth scorer he is a great option. He doesn’t always need to provide on the offensive end, but he does have the ability to catch fire and have high scoring games. He is an all-around player on offense, averaging 13 points, 7.5 rebounds and five assists per game.

Power Forward – LaMarcus Aldridge:

One of the best offensive power forwards in the NBA, LaMarcus Aldridge can score down low with his solid post game and step out and hit the mid-range jump shot. He’s is the primary scorer for the Trail Blazers and is a solid defender in the post. He is one of the best power forwards in the game.

He is one of the longest tenured Trail Blazers, being leader on and off the court. Hopefully he can avoid getting injured and put up another good season.

Center – Robin Lopez:

Last offseason, the Trail Blazers traded for Robin Lopez to take over the starting job at center, complimenting Aldridge down low. He did a decent job too, starting every game and providing ‘clean-up’ around the basket. He isn’t the best center by any means, but he’s a respectable rebounding option.

He can be a good player in the right environment and he can defend in the paint. He is one of the few reliable defenders on this Portland squad.