The Portland Trail Blazers' offseason moves have left many fans scratching their heads, especially when it comes to their shooting woes. Despite General Manager Joe Cronin's promise to address the team's lack of shooting, the current roster still falls short in this crucial area.
The Shooting Conundrum
One of the key issues highlighted by Cronin himself is the team's inability to shoot the ball effectively. The Blazers ranked among the league's worst in three-point shooting last season, with a mere 34.3% success rate from beyond the arc. This deficiency was further exacerbated by their struggles from the corner, where they managed an abysmal 33.8% accuracy.
A Troubling Trade
The trade for Ja Morant, while intriguing, fails to address the shooting problem. Morant, despite his talents, has never been a consistent three-point shooter, with his best season seeing him hit only 34.4% of his attempts. Meanwhile, the Blazers lost their best rotation shooter, Jerami Grant, who left for the Memphis Grizzlies. Grant's departure leaves a significant gap in the team's shooting capabilities.
Defensive Concerns
The need for shooting is further emphasized by the team's defensive liabilities. With players like Lillard, Morant, and Shaedon Sharpe already on the roster, the Blazers cannot afford to bring in shooters who lack defensive prowess. Head Coach Micah Nori's emphasis on defense means any new additions must be able to contribute on both ends of the court.
A Summer of Missed Opportunities
The offseason has seen the Blazers bring in Ja Morant, who is a career 31.1% three-point shooter, and lose Jerami Grant, a much more reliable long-range threat. The recent signings of Branden Carlsen and Micah Potter do little to improve the team's shooting, with Potter's 40% three-point shooting with the Pacers last season being a potential concern if he sees significant minutes.
Potential Solutions
There are still opportunities for the Blazers to address their shooting needs. Trading for Trey Murphy III, as suggested previously, could be a smart move. Murphy fits the bill as a forward who can shoot and defend. Other potential targets include PJ Washington of the Mavericks, Jabari Smith Jr. of the Rockets, and Michael Porter Jr. of the Nets, each bringing a unique set of skills that could benefit the Blazers.
A Frustrating Lack of Action
What's concerning is that the Blazers' front office, despite acknowledging the shooting issue, has yet to take significant steps to rectify it. While Damian Lillard will undoubtedly improve the team's spacing and three-point percentage, it won't be enough to reach acceptable levels, as Cronin himself has stated. The offseason is not over, but the current roster leaves much to be desired, and fans are right to be frustrated with the lack of progress.
Conclusion
The Blazers' offseason moves have been a mixed bag, and the shooting issue remains a glaring concern. With the right trades and signings, the team can still salvage their roster and build a competitive squad. However, time is ticking, and opening night is drawing nearer. The Blazers must act swiftly to ensure they can maximize the potential of their talented players.
