Who Will Lead the Portland Trail Blazers in Scoring This Season?
The Portland Trailblazers are shaping up to be a defensive powerhouse this season, thanks in large part to the strategic moves made by general manager Joe Cronin. He’s transformed a team that once struggled mightily on defense into one that now boasts size, speed, and athleticism at every position. It’s an impressive overhaul. But here’s where it gets controversial. While their defense looks strong, their offense not so much. The big question looming over Rick City is this. Where will the points come from? For years, Portland has relied on elite scorers to carry the load, making it almost automatic for them to hit triple digits on the scoreboard, but this season feels different. Scoring even 100 points might feel like climbing Mount Everest some nights. And that brings us to the heart of the issue. who steps up when the lights are brightest. Last year, Anthony Simons led the charge as the team’s top scorer with an average of 19.3 points per game. However, he won’t be suiting up for the Blazers next season. Instead, he’ll be lighting up the park floor for the Boston Celtics after being traded alongside Due Holiday. Speaking of Holiday, his arrival adds intrigue to the mix. He may not have lit up the stat sheet in Boston last season, but don’t let that fool you. The veteran guard remains a crafty offensive weapon capable of contributing in multiple ways. So, who else is in the mix? Let’s break it down player by player and see which Blazer might emerge as the go-to scorer Chanty Bilips can lean on during crunchtime. Denny Abdia, a rising star. At just 24 years old, Abdia is already showing flashes of brilliance. Over the final stretch of the previous season, he averaged an eyepopping 24.6 points per game, along with 10.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and stellar shooting splits, 50.2% field goal, 43.4% 3PT. These numbers scream allstar potential. But can he sustain this level of play across a grueling 82 game schedule? That’s the milliondoll question. Aia’s versatility makes him incredibly valuable. His ability to push the pace in transition and create scoring opportunities against unprepared defenses gives him an edge few others possess. With Portland’s emphasis on aggressive defense leading to fast break chances, Abdia could thrive in these situations. If anyone on this roster has the tools to become the team’s offensive anchor, it’s him. Shaden Sharp, potential or bust. Sharp, only 22, represents both hope and uncertainty. On paper, he posted solid averages of 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season. Yet, there’s still debate about whether he’s destined to be a reliable starter or merely a rotational piece. This season could provide clarity. If Sharp can refine his three-point shot and prove himself defensively, his ceiling skyrockets, but here’s the catch. Consistency matters. Sharp has shown glimpses of greatness, but those moments haven’t translated into sustained success yet. Can he rise to the occasion, or will he remain stuck in neutral? Only time will tell. Gerami Grant, veteran leadership. Grant, now 31, brings experience and reliability to the table. Though last season marked one of his least productive campaigns, averaging just 14.4 points per game, history suggests he’s capable of bouncing back. During his first two seasons with Portland, he routinely eclipse the 20 point mark. If he rediscovers his touch inside the paint and maintains his respectable three-point shooting 36.5%, he could easily reclaim his status as a primary scorer. What makes Grant particularly fascinating is his dual role. Not only could he elevate Portland’s win total, but he also holds significant trade value. If the front office decides to pivot mid-season, Grant could fetch a handsome return in negotiations. Drew Holiday still got it at 35. Holiday isn’t the same high usage player he once was during his days with the New Orleans Pelicans or Milwaukee Bucks. Last season, his usage rate dipped significantly in Boston, hovering around 16.1%. But context is key. Playing alongside Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derek White naturally limited his opportunities in Portland. However, expect Holiday to shoulder more responsibility. Looking back at his 2019 to 20 campaign with the Pelicans, a season interrupted by the pandemic. He averaged 19.1 points, 4.8 8 rebounds and 6.7 assists while sporting a usage rate of 24.5%. While farther time may have slightly eroded his efficiency, Holiday’s skill set aligns well with what the Blazers need. A savvy playmaker who can score when needed. Tumani Kamara, unsung hero. Kamar quietly emerged as Portland’s most efficient three-point shooter last season, knocking down 37.5% of his attempts. At 25, he’s entering a larger role offensively, which begs the question, can he maintain that accuracy as his shop volume increases? Based on his track record of exceeding expectations, betting against him seems foolish. While Kamar isn’t likely to morph into a high volume scorer or a dynamic creator, his knack for finding open spaces and converting easy buckets makes him a dependable option. Think of him as the ultimate catch and shoot specialist. A guy you trust to knock down jumpers when left unguarded? Conclusion: Who will rise to the occasion? Will Portland’s scoring duties fall to a single standout or will they rely on a collective effort? Right now, my money is on Denny Abdia to lead the pack. Of all the candidates, he combines recent production with upward momentum better than anyone else. That said, the lack of a clear front runner is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. We’re witnessing a team evolve before our eyes with countless possibilities still in play. And this is the part most people miss. It’s entirely possible that no one truly separates themselves as the alpha scorer. If that happens, what does it mean for the Blazers identity this season? Is their future brighter if they embrace a balanced approach or riskier if no true star emerges? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think ADA will take the reigns or will someone else surprise us all?
The Portland Trail Blazers have undergone a defensive transformation, but their offensive firepower is now a concern. With the departure of Anfernee Simons, who led the team in scoring last season, the Blazers are left with a quintet of players vying for the top scoring spot.
We take a deep dive into the stats and potential of Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Toumani Camara. Avdija’s impressive late-season performance has him as the favorite, but can he sustain that level of production?
Sharpe, with his offensive upside, might surprise us, especially if he can improve his three-point shooting. Grant, a former 20-point scorer, could rediscover his touch inside the paint. Holiday, with increased usage, is expected to boost his numbers, and Camara, the surprise three-point shooter, aims to maintain his accuracy.
Join us as we analyze each player’s chances and discuss the exciting, yet uncertain, offensive future of the Portland Trail Blazers.
