The Trail Blazers’ Reality Check Amid Their Postseason Pursuit

The Blazers want to reach the postseason. They are on course to be in the Play-In Tournament, but it will be an uphill battle. Teams have done well to scout the Blazers, as seen by how they fare better now. This is the Blazers’ reality check, because they need to make adjustments to get victories.

General manager Joe Cronin still has some work to do with the roster. At the same time, acting head coach Tiago Splitter must also make adjustments. This should not be a roster construction issue alone because they have talented players. It is up to Splitter and his staff to maximize everyone.

Splitter’s Coaching Might Not Be The Answer

Splitter knows that turnovers have been a major issue for Portland. They cannot get into their offensive sets properly because they throw the ball away. Considering the Blazers are already half a season in, they are still suffering these constant issues.

Splitter must make adjustments because he is the man responsible for that. Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday can help solve that problem. The rest of the team must also hold themselves accountable.

Of course, Splitter’s coaching plays a factor there, but the players are less engaged than before. They have to commit to their potential because the players are talented. However, they are not getting the most out of themselves.

If this persists, Splitter might never shed his acting head coach role. He has done relatively well stepping in for Chauncey Billups, but they keep losing. The Blazers have had many winnable games slip away from their fingers, which should be on Splitter.

Cronin Still Has Work To Do With The Roster Construction

Cronin also has a lot of work to do. The Blazers have a huge issue with their perimeter shooting. Getting Vit Krejci at the deadline was an inspired choice, but they require so much more. Jerami Grant and the rest of the Blazers are decent shooters, but they lack big-time threats.

Portland will be much better if Cronin steps up his roster construction. Savvy trades could work out and help the Blazers improve. He has to be more proactive because they lack perimeter shooting, playmaking, and many more traits.

Trading for Avdija and Toumani Camara was excellent. However, they need more moves that can push the Blazers forward. They have a talented roster already, and Lillard will eventually return. With the Blazers’ reality check, they could have the promising future they want.