T he Portland Trail Blazers’ greatest achievement last season was building a formidable defensive identity. It wasn’t very long ago that the Blazers were among the worst defensive teams in the NBA, but by the end of last season,

When Damian Lillard decided to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers recently, it took us all by surprise. Many thought he would sign with a team ready to win now, with a desire to win a championship.

Las Vegas Summer League has become sort of the opposite: Player movement comes to a halt aside from a few restricted free-agency situations playing out, the best young players only take the court for a couple of games (if that), and the entire league unwinds from a long year.