Trail Blazers Must Win in Playoffs to Call Season Successful

With the No. 3 seed securely in hand, theTrail Blazerstip off their 2018NBA Playoffscampaign against theNew Orleans Pelicanson Saturday. But don’t let their position fool you. Despite ranking among the West’s high seeds, this Portland team must put on a show to prove its mettle.

AsKevin Pelton asserts in ESPN’s playoff primer, winning a series wouldn’t be anything new for the Trail Blazers in the Lillard-McCollum era, and their level of postseason success can both alter and justify Portland’s future.

Per Pelton, centerJusuf Nurkichas the most to prove:

Although Nurkic’s offense hasn’t carried over on a consistent basis this season, his ability to protect the rim has anchored Portland’s defense. With restricted free agency looming, Nurkic can solidify his value by avoiding foul trouble and making good decisions with the ball on offense.

Nurkic played just 17 minutes in the 2017 NBA Playoffs, returning from a fibular fracture for one first-round game against theWarriors. He has the opportunity to showcase his defensive complement toDamian LillardandCJ McCollumon the national stage. All-Star forwardAnthony Daviswill test him, but New Orleans cannot be the only measure for success.

To justify the luxury-tax bill that re-signing Nurkic and backup center Ed Davis would likely require, Portland could use a couple wins in a matchup with one of the West’s powers.

Should the Trail Blazers win their first-round series, they will face the winner of the Warriors-Spurs series in the second round. Golden State swept the Trail Blazers in the playoffs last season, winning by a dizzying average of 18 points.

In order to call this postseason—and overall roster makeup entering Lillard’s prime—a success, Portland has to come out firing on all cylinders, beating the team they should and challenging the team they shouldn’t, depending on your perspective.

Head coachTerry Stottshas gotten more out of this roster than most expected from the early stages of what was supposed to be a rebuild. Somehow, and against the odds, Portland is positioned to reclaim their spot as a fringe contender or fall back to mediocrity. Wins and losses in the coming weeks will chart the franchise course for years to come.