SportsEthos 2026 Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide

Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide 2025: Portland Trail Blazers Team Preview

By Mike Passador Published August 28, 2025 Updated August 25, 2026 2 min read

How’d We Get Here?

Very quietly, the Blazers looked borderline competent to close out last season. Sure, they faced mostly tanking teams, but they went 13-14 after the All-Star break and put up a semi-surge to get in shouting distance of the Play-In. That’s all faint praise but given how the season started for Portland, it’s notable progress — at least enough to give Chauncey Billups a two-year contract extension. The Blazers bought out Deandre Ayton to clear up a frontcourt logjam but kept things somewhat messy in the backcourt by swapping out Anfernee Simons (and his impending contract conversation) for Jrue Holiday, who should provide real leadership and defense for a young team. Between Holiday’s arrival and legitimate improvement from Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan as last season progressed, there’s talent on the roster, to say nothing of the Scoot Henderson breakout we’re still waiting for. The Blazers aren’t title contenders but the postseason should be the expectation.

Oh, and they also brought Damian Lillard back. He won’t play this season but it’s a nice narrative and the fanbase could certainly use a win.

Offseason Moves

Arrivals: Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Blake Wesley
Rookie Arrivals: Yang Hansen (No. 16), Caleb Love (UDFA 2W)
Departures: Deandre Ayton, Anfernee Simons, Jabari Walker, Dalano Banton, Bryce McGowens, Justin Minaya
Retained: None

Depth Chart and Minutes Per Game


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About the Author

SportsEthos Contributor

Mike Passador

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Mike graduated from Boston University's Dual Degree Program with a BA in Economics and a BS in Business with Concentrations in Marketing and Operations Management. He is a faithful supporter of Toronto sports and the Detroit Lions and is always ready to be let down. Tweet to him @Mike_Pandador, but if you badmouth Jose Calderon you might get blocked.

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