Damian Lillard is the Blazers' new franchise player
By Enrique Austria
With the departures of guard Wesley Matthews, forwards LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum, and center Robin Lopez, the Blazers now have to construct a team focused around Lillard. They acquired Noah Vonleh, Gerald Henderson and Mason Plumlee, but these players are not enough to fill the void left by the loss of Matthews, Batum, Lopez and Aldridge.
Last season, the Blazers claimed the Northwest Division Title with a record of 51-31 -- a feat that will be difficult to replicate. The roster overhaul is a process that will require some patience, as it is not a circumstance that will yield immediate positive results. This is a situation that may very well be turbulent at first. It will take some time for the players to gel, adjust and build chemistry.