NBA training camp for the 2026-27 season has finally begun for all 30 teams. Media Day has come and gone as each team prepares for the upcoming preseason.
There are plenty of teams receiving attention as the preseason begins. There are championship contenders like the San Antonio Spurs, rebuilding teams like the Washington Wizards, and middle-of-the-pack teams like the Phoenix Suns.
Perhaps the Portland Trail Blazers are the most intriguing non-contender entering the new season. It is not often that a middle-of-the-pack team creates this much intrigue, but the Blazers fit that description.
The 2026-27 Portland Trail Blazers are not like a typical middle-of-the-pack NBA team. They fit the mold of a wild card better than several teams entering the new season.
Portland has the potential to make a major leap in the Western Conference standings. However, the team could also take a step backward after a daring offseason.
The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off a 42-win season. It was their first winning season since the 2020-21 campaign.
It was also the first time the Blazers reached the playoffs since 2021. Their playoff run was short-lived, despite winning their Play-In game in an upset against the Phoenix Suns.
Portland eventually lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. San Antonio went on to become the Western Conference champions.
Although the playoff series exposed some growing pains, Portland learned plenty from the experience. The Blazers now know they have a potential top scoring option in All-Star Deni Avdija.
Avdija made an All-Star leap last season and could become an even better player this year. Portland also has a young center with plenty of potential in Donovan Clingan.
The Blazers have plenty of upside throughout their young core. Young guard Scoot Henderson also showed signs of improvement and development offensively.
Toumani Camara’s defensive improvement was another bright spot. His development gives Portland another young player who can contribute on both ends of the court.
The new season will also see the return of the former face of the Trail Blazers franchise, Damian Lillard. Lillard missed all of last season while recovering from a torn Achilles injury.
The injury occurred during the 2025 playoffs. Lillard will now suit up for the Blazers for the first time since the 2022-23 season.
Lillard spent 11 years representing Portland before requesting a trade. He then spent two seasons playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now, Lillard has an opportunity to bounce back after missing an entire season. His return could also provide valuable experience to a young Portland team.
The Blazers will hope Lillard can help them reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. His leadership could also become important as Portland continues developing its young core.
The Blazers also acquired former multi-time All-Star guard Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 offseason. Morant has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career.
Portland gives Morant an opportunity to revive his career. His role with the team remains one of the biggest questions entering the season.
It remains unclear whether Morant will start or come off the bench. The Blazers could potentially feature a backcourt consisting of Lillard and Morant.
Jrue Holiday could also become a potential starting option. His defensive ability could give Portland another experienced option in the backcourt.
The combination of Lillard, Morant, and Holiday gives the Blazers several different options. Their backcourt rotation could become one of the most interesting parts of the team.
Portland will also enter the new season with a new head coach. Tiago Splitter is out, while Micah Nori takes over the head coaching role.
This will be Nori’s first opportunity to serve as an NBA head coach. He previously worked as a lead assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2021 through 2026.
Nori lacks head coaching experience, but he enters the season with a clean slate. His ability to manage Portland’s young players and veteran additions will be important.
Nori could lead the Blazers back into the playoffs. He could also expose some of the weaknesses that remain within the roster.
Either outcome could make Portland one of the more interesting teams to follow throughout the season.
So, who is the most intriguing non-contender entering the new NBA season? The Portland Trail Blazers have a strong case based on their roster, coaching situation, and offseason moves.
Can the Blazers take another step forward and build on last season? They have several young players who could continue developing while experienced veterans return to the roster.
The biggest question is whether all of those pieces can come together. Portland has enough talent to become a legitimate playoff threat, but there are also plenty of uncertainties.
The NBA also gains significant viewership through its League Pass service. Teams that do not receive consistent national attention can still attract plenty of viewers through the platform.
The Blazers could be one of the most intriguing teams to watch on League Pass this season. Their combination of young talent, veteran experience, new coaching, and uncertainty makes them a legitimate wild card.
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