The Blazers’ Injury Crisis Has Ruined A Promising Season

This left Deni Avdija to take up the main ball-handler and playmaker role. He has done a decent job, as he is averaging a career-best 6.2 assists per game. Despite the promising statistics, the offense looks predictable and downright inefficient.

A fresh head coach like Tiago Splitter needs a point guard to lead his offense. Ahead of the season, Henderson and Holiday would have been competing for the starting spot. Portland also signed Blake Wesley to serve as a backup, but he is also out injured.

Avdija is playing well and getting hefty numbers, but that is not enough to propel the Blazers to wins they should get against weaker teams. Portland should be performing much better, but they can’t do so without a true floor general.

The Blazers’ Injury Crisis Goes Beyond the Guards

Portland’s guards are not the only players who have sustained injuries. In the past few games, Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and even Yang Hansen were all sidelined. Portland’s center depth was impressive, but they are lacking options now, like their point guards.

Against the Pelicans, Splitter opted for a unique lineup with Kris Murray as a small-ball five. Murray is certainly a hard-working player, especially with his rebounding. However, he is not a true center like Clingan, Williams, or even Yang.

Duop Reath is active, but he is not the optimal player a team would start at center. Reath is better as a stretch five, and he is, unfortunately, a mediocre defender. He can make a difference with his shooting, but he’s not a reliable choice for heavy minutes.

Apart from the bigs, Matisse Thybulle’s thumb injury was also a big issue. He and Wesley were the lockdown defenders off the bench. Losing them has led to the Blazers losing a bit of their identity. This has left Toumani Camara as the long defensive stopper, which has led to him struggling offensively.

A Silver Lining for Splitter’s System Amid the Losses

The Blazers might be struggling with dealing with their recent losses. However, some players have been developing in the meantime. Caleb Love looks to be an explosive scorer when he gets his rhythm.

Sidy Cissoko has been a fantastic option recently, showing his heart in almost every play. He is a solid defender, which could lead to a bigger role in the long run.

Despite all of Portland’s struggles, there is always potential. Shaedon Sharpe has continued to have some decent performances, and he looks primed to join Avdija as a breakout star. He still has dreadful percentages from three-point range, but he is still improving.

Moving forward, the Blazers must get healthy. It is up to the training staff behind the scenes to set the team up well. The Blazers’ injury crisis has been a nightmare for the team and their fans, but they can still redeem themselves.