The Portland Trail Blazers are committed to nurturing their young guard talent while also considering offers for guard Malcolm Brogdon, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Even though the team’s intention is to retain center Robert Williams, Brogdon might find himself on a different roster before the new season starts. This strategic move aligns with the Blazers’ youth-focused backcourt that includes Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and third-overall draft pick Scoot Henderson.
Via Wojnarowski said, “Portland plans to keep Robert Williams to pair with Deandre Ayton, sources say, but there has certainly been interest in veteran Malcolm Brogdon and expect teams will be calling on him. Blazers are committed to young guards.”
The Trail Blazers are committed to their young guard rotation and plan to trade Malcolm Brogdon elsewhere, per @wojespn.
Multiple contending teams will show interest in acquiring Brogdon. pic.twitter.com/8VMB1Hfmp0
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 1, 2023
The Trail Blazers have recently made major roster changes. The three-team blockbuster deal involving Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks brought in Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogdon, along with 2024 and 2029 first-round picks from the Boston Celtics. The Blazers now have an upgraded center lineup with the likes of Williams and Deandre Ayton who was previously acquired from the Phoenix Suns.
Will new centers significantly upgrade the Trail Blazers’ frontcourt?
The recent trades have immensely bolstered the Blazers’ frontcourt, positioning them with possibly the best center duo in the league with Ayton and Williams. Last season’s challenges which are mainly the often injured Jusuf Nurkic and other players under 6-foot-9 have now been solved with the addition of Ayton and Williams. Ayton’s versatile skill set, which includes mid-range shooting and solid pick-and-roll play while Williams’ as a backup provides strong rim protection and rebounding capabilities.
Ayton, standing tall at 7 feet 1 inch and weighing 250 pounds, adds significant size and agility to the Blazers’ roster. Williams, although a little shorter, brings in athleticism and strong defensive skills. Both under 25 and secured for three more seasons, their inclusion promises a solid and young core for Portland’s frontcourt.
Projected Portland Trail Blazers 2023-24 starting lineup
> Scoot Henderson
> Anfernee Simmons
> Shaedon Sharpe
> Jerami Grant/ Timelord
> Deandre AytonThe future is bright 😤 pic.twitter.com/2UJJSdDNax
— ScootMuse (@Sc00tMuse) October 1, 2023
General Manager Joe Cronin’s strategic acquisitions hint at a promising era for the Blazers, highlighted by a mix of youth and skillful veterans. This balanced approach ensures development for young players like Henderson, Sharpe, and Simons and also maintains competitive gameplay.
If the Blazers will not retain Brogdon the possible starting five for the new season we can expect is to be Scoot Henderson (point guard), Anfernee Simons (shooting guard), Shaedon Sharpe (small forward), Jerami Grant (power forward), and Deandre Ayton (center).