DamianLillard

Preseason question: Dame is back—both on the court, after a season lost to a torn Achilles, and in Portland, after a vacation in Milwaukee. While he was away, the Trail Blazers built the kind of team he always wanted—full of wings and defenders. Only, the role he assumed he’d be stepping into this season is suddenly crowded. An offseason trade for Ja Morant gives Portland a starting backcourt that would crush in NBA 2K but creates all sorts of fit questions in real life. How will the Blazers build a credible defense with two small guards? How will they split on-ball duties between Ja and Dame and Deni Avdija? What does this mean for Scoot Henderson, the former no. 3 pick? Lillard’s shooting is a godsend for a team that took a lot of 3s but made precious few, but his biggest asset may be the emotional IQ to navigate a potentially messy situation.