NBA Trail Blazers 2017: A Season Of Growth

What's up, hoops fans! Let's rewind the clock and talk about the Portland Trail Blazers back in their 2017 NBA season. This was a super interesting year for the guys, a real turning point, you know? They weren't exactly title contenders, but they were building something special. We saw flashes of brilliance, some tough losses, and a whole lot of learning. If you're a Blazers fan, or just love dissecting NBA seasons, you'll want to stick around as we dive deep into what made the 2017 Blazers squad tick.

The Roster: Putting the Pieces Together

Alright guys, let's get into the 2017 Trail Blazers roster. This was a squad that was still finding its identity. At the core, you had Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, the dynamic backcourt duo that was really starting to cook. Dame was already established as a superstar, capable of carrying the team, and CJ was proving to be an elite scorer alongside him. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they were the engine driving the Blazers' offense. Beyond those two, the supporting cast was a mix of solid vets and developing talent. Players like Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless were crucial on the wings, providing defense and timely scoring. Meyers Leonard and Mason Plumlee were the bigs, each bringing different skills to the table. Plumlee offered versatility and passing, while Leonard provided shooting. The bench had guys like Evan Turner, who was brought in to add playmaking and veteran presence, and Shabazz Napier, who provided energy and depth at the guard spot. It wasn't a roster overflowing with All-Stars, but it was a group with good chemistry and a clear hierarchy. Coach Terry Stotts had a system that aimed to maximize the strengths of his players, particularly the scoring power of his guards, while trying to shore up areas like defense and rebounding. This season was about seeing how these pieces fit together and if they could make a significant jump in the competitive Western Conference. The front office had made moves to try and surround their stars with the right talent, and the 2017 season was a big test to see if those decisions were paying off. It was a team that, on paper, looked like they could surprise some people if everything clicked.

Key Players and Their Impact

When we talk about the impact of key players on the 2017 Trail Blazers, two names immediately jump out: Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. These guys were the heart and soul of the team, no doubt about it. Lillard, in particular, was in his prime, dropping buckets and hitting those signature clutch shots that Blazers fans live for. He was the undisputed leader, setting the tone on both ends of the floor and always fighting for respect in a league stacked with point guards. His ability to score from anywhere, his deep-ball threat, and his fearless attitude in late-game situations made him one of the most feared players in the NBA. Then you have C.J. McCollum, who solidified his status as one of the best shooting guards in the league. He was a pure scorer, with an incredible mid-range game and a deadly three-point shot. His ability to create his own shot and complement Lillard's game was what made the Blazers' backcourt so potent. They weren't just scorers; they were also playmakers, capable of setting up their teammates. But it wasn't just about the guards, guys. Al-Farouq Aminu was a beast on the defensive end and a reliable option for threes. His length and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing wings, and his offensive game continued to develop, making him a key contributor. Maurice Harkless also had a solid season, chipping in with his own brand of scoring and defense. He provided valuable minutes and versatility. Even Mason Plumlee, the center, played a crucial role. He wasn't a dominant scorer, but his passing out of the post and his hustle were invaluable. He facilitated the offense and was a strong rebounder. The depth provided by players like Evan Turner, though his fit was sometimes questioned, added experience and a different dimension to the team's playmaking. Each of these players, in their own way, contributed to the team's success and helped define the season. Their performances were critical in the Blazers' ability to compete night in and night out in the tough Western Conference.

The Season's Narrative: Ups and Downs

So, what was the story of the 2017 Trail Blazers season? It was definitely a rollercoaster, folks. You guys know how it goes in the NBA – you have stretches where you look like world-beaters, and then times when nothing seems to go your way. This year was a prime example of that. The Blazers started the season with a lot of buzz, expected to build on their previous playoff appearances. However, they hit some rough patches early on, struggling with consistency. There were games where their offense looked unstoppable, with Lillard and McCollum lighting it up, and then other nights where scoring dried up, and the defense couldn't get stops. One of the major narratives was their road performance, which was a bit shaky at times. Teams that want to be great need to be able to win on the road, and that was an area the Blazers were looking to improve. They had some signature wins, beating some top teams and showing what they were capable of when they were firing on all cylinders. But they also had some head-scratching losses to teams they should have handled. This inconsistency made it hard for them to climb the standings. The Western Conference, as always, was a dogfight. Every night was a battle, and it felt like the Blazers were constantly trying to find that winning formula to separate themselves. There were moments of pure excitement, like a dramatic comeback win or a Lillard buzzer-beater, that had the Moda Center rocking. But then there were stretches of frustrating play, where turnovers piled up or defensive breakdowns occurred at crucial moments. This season was a testament to their resilience, though. They kept fighting, kept pushing, and always seemed to find a way to stay in the playoff picture. It was a season of learning, growing, and proving they belonged in the postseason conversation, even if they weren't a top-tier threat. The ups and downs were part of the journey, shaping the team and preparing them for future challenges.

Playoff Push and Season's End

The playoff push for the 2017 Trail Blazers was a classic