Portland Trail Blazers 2016 Roster: A Look Back

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey basketball fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the Portland Trail Blazers roster from the 2015-2016 NBA season. This was a pivotal year for the Blazers, marking a significant turning point after some major roster changes. After LaMarcus Aldridge left, not many fans were hyped for the season; however, the team defied expectations and made a surprise playoff run.

The Core Players

The 2016 Portland Trail Blazers team was built around a young and exciting core, led by Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. These guys formed one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league.

  • Damian Lillard: Dame was, without a doubt, the heart and soul of the team. In the 2015-2016 season, Lillard averaged 25.1 points and 6.8 assists per game, showcasing his incredible scoring ability and leadership. His clutch performances and unwavering confidence made him a fan favorite and the undisputed leader of the Blazers. Lillard's ability to create his own shot and his deep shooting range made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Beyond the stats, Lillard's impact on the team's culture was immense. He instilled a sense of belief and determination that resonated throughout the roster.

  • C.J. McCollum: McCollum had a breakout season in 2015-2016, earning the NBA's Most Improved Player award. He averaged 20.8 points per game, demonstrating his smooth offensive game and his ability to score from anywhere on the court. McCollum's development into a reliable second scoring option took a lot of pressure off Lillard and allowed the Blazers' offense to flourish. His mid-range game was particularly effective, and he proved to be a difficult matchup for smaller guards. Off the court, McCollum's intelligence and articulate nature made him a respected voice in the locker room and a fan favorite in Portland.

  • Al-Farouq Aminu: Aminu brought defensive versatility and energy to the Blazers. His ability to guard multiple positions and his willingness to do the dirty work made him an invaluable part of the team. While his offensive numbers weren't eye-popping, Aminu's contributions on the defensive end were crucial to the Blazers' success. His rebounding and ability to disrupt passing lanes were key factors in Portland's defensive schemes. Aminu's athleticism and hustle made him a fan favorite, and his presence on the court always seemed to lift the team's energy.

Supporting Cast

Beyond the stars, the 2016 Blazers roster included a solid group of role players who contributed in various ways.

  • Mason Plumlee: Plumlee was the starting center, providing solid rebounding, passing, and interior defense. His presence in the paint gave the Blazers a reliable anchor on both ends of the floor. Plumlee's passing ability was particularly noteworthy for a center, and he often initiated the Blazers' offense with his outlet passes. His athleticism and willingness to run the floor made him a good fit for Portland's up-tempo style of play. While he wasn't a dominant scorer, Plumlee's contributions in other areas made him a valuable member of the team.

  • Ed Davis: Davis was a key reserve, bringing energy, rebounding, and interior defense off the bench. His hustle and tenacity made him a fan favorite. Davis's rebounding was particularly impressive, and he often provided second-chance opportunities for the Blazers' offense. His defensive presence in the paint helped to solidify Portland's interior defense when he was on the floor. Davis's high energy and positive attitude made him a valuable presence in the locker room.

  • Allen Crabbe: Crabbe provided valuable scoring off the bench, especially from beyond the arc. His shooting ability helped to spread the floor and create space for Lillard and McCollum to operate. Crabbe's offensive game continued to develop throughout the season, and he proved to be a reliable scoring option when called upon. His improvement as a shooter made him a valuable asset for the Blazers' offense.

  • Gerald Henderson: Henderson brought veteran experience and scoring to the Blazers' lineup. His ability to create his own shot and his defensive versatility made him a valuable addition. Henderson's experience in the league helped to steady the team, especially during crucial moments. His ability to score in a variety of ways made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders.

Coaching and Strategy

The Portland Trail Blazers' success in 2016 was also a testament to the coaching staff, led by Terry Stotts. Stotts implemented an offensive system that emphasized spacing, ball movement, and player empowerment, allowing Lillard and McCollum to thrive. His ability to adapt and adjust his strategies throughout the season was crucial to the Blazers' success. Stotts's calm demeanor and his ability to connect with his players fostered a positive and productive team environment. He instilled a sense of confidence in the team, which allowed them to overcome challenges and exceed expectations.

Stotts's offensive philosophy revolved around creating opportunities for Lillard and McCollum to excel. He designed plays that utilized their strengths, such as Lillard's pick-and-roll prowess and McCollum's ability to score in isolation. The spacing and ball movement created by the Blazers' offense made it difficult for defenses to double-team Lillard and McCollum, allowing them to exploit mismatches and create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. Stotts also emphasized the importance of player development, and he worked closely with players like McCollum and Crabbe to help them reach their full potential.

On the defensive end, Stotts implemented a system that focused on containing penetration and forcing opponents into tough shots. The Blazers' defensive schemes often involved switching and trapping, which required the players to be versatile and communicate effectively. Stotts also emphasized the importance of rebounding, and he made it a priority for all players to contribute on the boards. While the Blazers' defense wasn't always the most dominant in the league, it was effective enough to complement their high-powered offense.

Regular Season and Playoffs

The 2015-2016 season saw the Blazers finish with a 44-38 record, securing the fifth seed in the Western Conference. This was a surprise to many, as most analysts had predicted the Blazers to be a lottery team after the departure of LaMarcus Aldridge. However, the team's resilience, coupled with the emergence of Lillard and McCollum, propelled them to a successful regular season. Their ability to win close games and their strong home record were key factors in their playoff positioning.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Blazers faced the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite being the underdogs, the Blazers managed to upset the Clippers in six games. The series was marked by intense competition and several close games, with Lillard and McCollum consistently delivering clutch performances. The Blazers' ability to exploit the Clippers' weaknesses and their unwavering belief in themselves were crucial to their victory.

In the second round, the Blazers faced the Golden State Warriors, who had just come off a record-breaking 73-9 regular season. While the Blazers put up a valiant effort, they ultimately fell to the Warriors in five games. The Warriors' superior talent and experience proved to be too much for the Blazers to overcome. However, the Blazers' playoff run was still considered a major success, as they had exceeded all expectations and established themselves as a team to watch in the future.

Final Thoughts

The 2016 Portland Trail Blazers roster was a special group of players who defied expectations and captured the hearts of fans. Led by the dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, this team showcased resilience, determination, and a strong team spirit. Although they didn't win a championship, their journey and success that season remain a memorable chapter in Blazers history. It's a reminder that with the right mix of talent, coaching, and chemistry, anything is possible in the NBA. This team will always be remembered for their heart, their grit, and their unwavering belief in each other. So, here's to the 2016 Blazers – a team that proved the doubters wrong and reminded us why we love basketball!