Trail Blazers 2020-21 Roster: A Deep Dive

The 2020-21 Trail Blazers roster was a fascinating mix of established stars, promising young players, and savvy veterans, all coming together to chase a championship. Let's dive deep into each player who donned the Blazers jersey that season, exploring their contributions, strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the team. This was a season of high expectations and thrilling moments, making it well worth revisiting the players who made it all happen.

The Starters

Damian Lillard

No discussion about the 2020-21 Blazers can begin without Damian Lillard. Arguably the greatest player in franchise history, Dame was at the peak of his powers. His scoring prowess was simply breathtaking, pulling up from well beyond the arc with incredible accuracy and ice-cold nerves. Beyond the scoring, his leadership was palpable; he was the unquestioned heart and soul of the team. Lillard's impact extended far beyond the box score; his unwavering belief and relentless work ethic set the tone for the entire roster. He consistently elevated his game in crucial moments, earning the moniker "Dame Time" for his clutch performances. Defenses game-planned specifically to contain him, yet he still found ways to dominate, showcasing his versatility as a scorer and playmaker. Lillard's dedication to Portland and his commitment to winning a championship there resonated deeply with fans, solidifying his legacy as a true icon.

CJ McCollum

CJ McCollum, Lillard's backcourt partner, formed one of the most dynamic offensive duos in the league. His silky-smooth scoring ability and crafty moves made him a nightmare matchup for opposing guards. McCollum's mid-range game was particularly lethal, and he possessed a knack for creating his own shot in isolation situations. He was also a capable playmaker, often initiating the offense and making smart decisions with the ball. Beyond his offensive skills, McCollum's intelligence and work ethic were invaluable assets to the team. He constantly sought to improve his game, studying film and refining his techniques. While often overshadowed by Lillard's brilliance, McCollum was a star in his own right, consistently delivering high-level performances and providing a crucial scoring punch for the Blazers. His ability to handle the ball and create opportunities for himself and others made him an indispensable part of the team's success.

Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkić, the Bosnian Beast, was the anchor of the Blazers' frontcourt. His imposing size and strength made him a formidable presence in the paint, both as a scorer and rebounder. Nurkić's passing ability was also a surprising asset, often finding open teammates with clever assists. When healthy, he provided a much-needed interior presence, balancing the Blazers' perimeter-oriented offense. However, injuries often plagued Nurkić's career, limiting his availability and hindering his ability to reach his full potential. Despite these setbacks, he remained a valuable contributor, providing toughness, rebounding, and a scoring threat in the low post. His chemistry with Lillard and McCollum was evident, and his presence on the court made the Blazers a more complete and balanced team. Nurkić's impact extended beyond the court as well, as his infectious personality and positive attitude made him a popular figure among teammates and fans alike.

Robert Covington

Robert Covington, a key addition to the 2020-21 roster, brought much-needed defensive versatility and floor spacing to the Blazers. Known for his exceptional defensive instincts and ability to guard multiple positions, Covington was a disruptive force on the perimeter. His length and athleticism allowed him to contest shots, disrupt passing lanes, and generate steals. Offensively, he was a reliable three-point shooter, providing valuable spacing for Lillard and McCollum to operate. Covington's presence helped to solidify the Blazers' defense, which had struggled in previous seasons. His ability to switch onto different players and provide help defense was crucial to the team's defensive scheme. While his scoring numbers may not have been eye-popping, his overall impact on the game was significant, making him a valuable two-way player for the Blazers. Covington's professionalism and team-first attitude also made him a positive influence in the locker room.

Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr., also known as "Airplane Mode," brought elite athleticism and defensive potential to the Blazers' starting lineup. His high-flying dunks and highlight-reel blocks provided electrifying moments, energizing the team and the fans. Jones Jr.'s defensive versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions, and his athleticism made him a valuable asset in transition. However, his offensive game was still developing, and he often struggled with consistency as a shooter. Despite his offensive limitations, Jones Jr.'s defensive intensity and athleticism made him a valuable contributor, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. His ability to disrupt opponents and create turnovers was a key component of the Blazers' defensive strategy. Jones Jr.'s energy and enthusiasm were also contagious, making him a popular teammate and a valuable addition to the Blazers' roster.

Key Bench Players

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony, a future Hall of Famer, provided a valuable scoring punch off the bench for the Blazers. After revitalizing his career in Portland, Melo embraced his role as a sixth man, providing instant offense and veteran leadership. His scoring prowess remained evident, as he showcased his signature moves and ability to create his own shot. While his defensive limitations were well-known, Anthony's offensive contributions outweighed his defensive shortcomings, making him a valuable asset to the team. His presence in the locker room also provided a veteran voice and a calming influence on the younger players. Anthony's ability to score in bunches and provide a spark off the bench was crucial to the Blazers' success, particularly in close games. His experience and leadership were invaluable, and he served as a mentor to the younger players on the team.

Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter, a rebounding machine and offensive force in the paint, provided valuable minutes off the bench for the Blazers. His offensive rebounding was particularly impressive, creating second-chance opportunities for the team. Kanter's scoring ability around the basket and his knack for drawing fouls made him a difficult matchup for opposing centers. While his defensive limitations were well-documented, his offensive contributions were undeniable, making him a valuable asset to the team. Kanter's energy and enthusiasm were also contagious, and he was a popular figure among teammates and fans alike. His rebounding prowess and scoring ability provided a much-needed boost off the bench, and he was a key contributor to the Blazers' success.

Anfernee Simons

Anfernee Simons, a young and promising guard, showed flashes of brilliance during the 2020-21 season. His athleticism and scoring ability were evident, and he displayed a potential to become a future star. While his playing time was limited, Simons made the most of his opportunities, showcasing his skills and improving his game. His development was a key focus for the Blazers, as they saw him as a potential cornerstone for the future. Simons' ability to score off the dribble and his improving three-point shot made him a valuable offensive weapon. As he continues to develop and gain experience, Simons has the potential to become a significant contributor for the Blazers in the years to come.

Nassir Little

Nassir Little, another young and athletic player, continued his development during the 2020-21 season. His athleticism and defensive potential were evident, and he showed flashes of becoming a valuable two-way player. While his playing time was limited, Little made the most of his opportunities, showcasing his skills and improving his game. His development was a key focus for the Blazers, as they saw him as a potential role player for the future. Little's athleticism and defensive intensity made him a valuable asset on the defensive end of the floor. As he continues to develop his offensive game, Little has the potential to become a significant contributor for the Blazers in the years to come.

Other Roster Members

Players like Harry Giles, CJ Elleby, and Trendon Watford also contributed to the team in various roles throughout the season. While their playing time may have been limited, each player played a part in the team's overall success. These players provided depth and versatility, allowing the Blazers to navigate injuries and maintain a competitive roster. Their contributions may not have always been reflected in the box score, but their hard work and dedication were appreciated by the team and the fans.

The 2020-21 Trail Blazers roster was a team full of talent, experience, and potential. While they ultimately fell short of their championship goals, the season was filled with memorable moments and individual performances. The contributions of each player, from the starters to the bench players, played a part in the team's overall success. As we reflect on the season, it's important to appreciate the hard work, dedication, and passion that each player brought to the court. This roster will be remembered for its offensive firepower, its resilience in the face of adversity, and its unwavering commitment to the city of Portland.