Overview
- Portland is leaning into a defense-first identity after acquiring Jrue Holiday, who enters camp as the presumed starter at point guard.
- Team insiders expect second-year center Donovan Clingan to start and contend for the biggest leap on the roster after an impressive offseason.
- Shaedon Sharpe enters the final year of his rookie deal and must defend his starting shooting-guard spot before restricted free agency next summer.
- Jerami Grant begins a $32 million season with an unsettled role as Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara solidify forward minutes.
- Rookie center Yang Hansen will be given immediate opportunities, with GM Joe Cronin saying his ceiling is very high.