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The Portland Trail Blazers moved Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics for a package that included Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, and draft picks. Aside from Brogdon and Williams, the Blazers acquired a 2024 first-round pick and a 2029 first-round pick (unprotected).
The Portland Trail Blazers wanted to move Jrue Holiday as soon as possible after he joined the team as part of the trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Holiday will now have another shot at the title in Boston.
For their part, the Portland Trail Blazers continue their rebuild after parting ways with their leader. They have created a roster that could challenge for a playoff spot should they remain healthy. Portland has kept its young core while adding two capable big men in Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams.
With that in mind, here is their updated depth chart after the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics:
Can the Portland Trail Blazers become a playoff contender with their updated roster?
Damian Lillard decided to leave the Portland Trail Blazers because he and the franchise were not on the same page in terms of fighting for the championship. Lillard was in win-now mode, while the organization wanted to invest in its young core and rebuild after landing Scoot Henderson in the draft.
With Lillard now in Milwaukee alongside two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, he has a chance to contend for the title.
Portland, on the other hand, has a young and talented roster that could fight for a spot in the playoffs and a return to the postseason after a couple of years.
Their backcourt line is quite strong, with Brogdon as an elite off-the-bench player and Anfernee Simons coming off a great year, where he averaged 21.1 ppg, on 37.7% shooting from beyond the arc.
Matisse Thybulle is a versatile player who can offer extra help with his two-way play, while Scoot Henderson will have a key role in his rookie season.
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant will have a leading role after the departure of Damian Lillard, and coach Chauncey Billups expects him to lead the way for this young Portland roster.
What will also be crucial for the team's success is how their big-man duo will perform. Ayton is strong offensively, but his defensive game can certainly be improved. For his part, Robert Williams is an elite defender, especially above the rim, but his offense looks limited.
In theory, they complement each other, and if they stay healthy, they can create a dynamic duo on both ends. The key for the Portland Trail Blazers is for the entire roster to stay healthy and build chemistry as soon as possible. If this happens, they have the talent to contend for a playoff spot.
Portland opens its regular season campaign with a road game vs. the LA Clippers on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Guess the Lakers players!
