"while Lillard usually takes all the late game clutch shots. " - Go watch G7 against the Nuggets and that super long multi-OT game. CJ was taking (and making) the late game clutch shots. Dame is smart, he defers when CJ is cooking. Sometimes it is Dame, sometimes it is CJ.
You missed the context. I was exactly talking about that CJ G7 and saying that it was anomalous as Lillard usually takes the clutch shots. If CJ can start being a go-to option late, that would help diversify their offense.
I like Zach, but he might be asked to be more than he's ready for. Big starting minutes. While he needs to blend with Whiteside. Pau should be a terrific mentor for Zach. POR just needs Pau to manage half a season as a backup Big until Nurk returns.
No one doubts that they've had a pretty successful run and CJ has become a nice player. But overall, I just don't see their path into true contention. I like UTA and DEN better this year. HOU is always tough, if somewhat weirdly constructed. Both LA teams are going to be in the mix. GS no creampuff, though will be better 2nd half when Klay returns. Not going to be easy for POR to get homecourt this year. Probably in the 5-6 range. I'd say more like 6th.
I think they've taken a step back.
Aminu and Hark did a lot of good scrappy stuff -- screens, defense, boards.
7 new players to work in. Really 3 new starters, with Zach, Hood and Whiteside.
Their bench looks real shaky. It's Bazemore and .... <shrug>. And Bazemore is a bit reckless and sloppy. That's been a problem for them in the past. When Lillard comes out, they lose the lead, and he needs to play big minutes and get worn down. They haven't addressed that.