Portland’s 2025-26 outlook centers on a sharpened defensive identity, a three-man guard rotation, and learning what Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe can become with Jrue Holiday’s versatile impact. NBA.com’s John Schuhmann slots the Blazers at No. 11 in the West, a nod to depth across the conference even as the team juggles the absence of Damian Lillard’s upcoming return from injury. The mix of Holiday’s defense and playmaking with Henderson and Sharpe’s ceiling gives Portland a path toward a late-season push, potentially into the play-in mix if the youth take meaningful strides while Donavan Clingan anchors the paint.

Defensive progress anchors the optimism: the Blazers ranked third in points allowed per 100 possessions over their last 41 games, and their paint defense improved dramatically with Clingan on the floor. The franchise also benefits from subtracting some defensive liabilities in the lineup, while the guard trio provides length and switchability. The West’s depth makes No. 11 a fragile perch, but a leap from Henderson and Sharpe paired with Holiday’s leadership could unlock a competitive window as Dame Lillard recovers and Portland redefines its core.

Robert Williams III remains a tantalizing defensive force for Portland, but a pair of injury-riddled seasons has Blazers fans weighing the risk of keeping him on the books as he nears free agency. With Deandre Ayton out of the picture and a crowded center rotation featuring Donovan Clingan, Yang Hansen, Duop Reath, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija, Williams’ floor time is far from guaranteed. A healthy Williams could still be a cornerstone, but 40 games would be a meaningful baseline to unlock trade value or an extension in a tight, youth-heavy lineup.

In Portland’s world, Williams’ rim protection, reach and feel for help defense matter most when he’s on the floor. Offensively, he finishes efficiently at the rim and can pass out of traffic, but durability is the dividing line between a high-impact role and a luxury add. The Blazers face a fork in the road at the February deadline: maximize Williams as a trade chip if he stays healthy, or recalibrate the frontcourt around their budding bigs if health falters.

In a stunning turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks secured the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, surprising many with their selection of Duke superstar Cooper Flagg. This choice not only brings excitement to the Mavs' fanbase but also offers a fresh start following the tumultuous Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade earlier this year. Teammates are rallying around Flagg, particularly center Dereck Lively II, who is taking on a leadership role despite being relatively new to the league himself.

Lively, who previously earned accolades as a member of the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, has expressed his commitment to helping Flagg adapt to professional basketball. His mentorship is viewed as crucial for Flagg's development, especially as the Mavericks aim for a brighter future under Coach Jason Kidd. Lively's emphasis on community and genuine connection with fans is also evident, showcasing the Mavericks' commitment to being role models both on and off the court.