The Blazers had a disappointing 2011-2012 season, but that is in the past as new head coach Terry Stotts looks to put the team on the winning track. All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum return alongside rookie Weber State guard Damian Lillard and University of Illinois rookie center Meyers Leonard. They also signed veteran point guard Ronnie Price and received Sasha Pavlovic and draft picks in a three-team trade.
The team is definitely in a rebuilding ear, but still have enough talent to makes things difficult for their opponents in the Western Conference. Lillard is a potential Rookie of The Year candidate and will one day be the focal point of this young squad. The Blazer's other rookie Leonard will be given time to develop on the bench. Hopefully, he will work out better than the Blazer's last draft pick at the position the recently released Greg Oden.
The youth movement on the team means that they should be able to out run some of the older teams in the West and compete with the speedy and athletic Oklahoma City Thunder. Well maybe in the future at some point they will compete with them.
LaMarcus Aldridge was a first-time All-Star player last season and will look to remain consistent and become the team's undisputed leader. Last season he averaged 21.7 points per game and eight rebounds. If he can stay healthy this season he should be an All-Star again and according to NBA 2K13 he does make the All-Star team.
According to NBA 2K13, the Blazers will fail to make the playoffs, but rookie guard Damian Lillard will have a great rookie campaign and will come in behind only Anthony Davis in the rookie of the year voting. The problem for the Blazers will be scoring as they end the season ranked 24th in points per game with 98.3. Their defense is also bad and allows 103.1 points per game.
Here is how the game simulates the Trail Blazers' season:
Regular Season Record: 32-50 eleventh in the Western Conference
Top scorers: SF Nicolas Batum 14.5 PPG, PG Damian Lillard 15.4 PPG, PF LaMarcus Aldridge 20.7 PPG
Leading rebounders: SF Nicolas Batum 5.7 RPG, C J.J. Hickson 9.1 RPG, PF LaMarcus Aldridge 9.6 RPG
Assist Leader: SF Nicolas Batum 3.7 APG, PG Molan Smith 3.9 APG, PG Damain Lillard 6.0 APG
Playoff Opponents:
Round 1: Did not qualify
Round 2: Did not qualify
Conference Finals: Did not qualify
NBA Finals: Did not qualify
Check out our other NBA 2K13 team previews:
Miami Heat
Oklahoma City Thunder
San Antonio Spurs
Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Lakers
Philadelphia 76ers
New York Knicks
Brooklyn Nets
Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Portland Trail Blazers
Cleveland Cavaliers
