Early NBA Power Rankings For 2013-14
By Chris Philip
Jan. 6, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum during game against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 102-77. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
#21. Portland Trail Blazers
2012-2013: 33-49
Head Coach: Terry Stotts
Signed: LaMarcus Aldridge, Will Barton, Nicolas Batum, Victor Claver, Joel Freeland, Terrel Harris, Meyers Leonard, Damian Lillard, Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews, C.J. McCollum, Thomas Robinson, Earl Watson, Dorrell Wright
Rationale: The Blazers were in the mix for the eighth seed around the All-Star break, but they collapsed down the stretch, which enabled them to acquire C.J. McCollum. Next season, the Blazers will trot out an actual center and an actual bench, but there are too many good teams ahead of them to make real noise. Will LaMarcus Aldridge be content to cash out his prime on a lottery team?