Portland Trail Blazers

The Damian Lillard Era ended in Portland shortly before the start of the 2023-2024 season. The decision to trade Lillard after 11 years in Portland kickstarted the rebuilding process for a franchise in flux. The transition was amplified by injuries to key rotational pieces including Robert Williams III and Shaedon Sharpe. As a result, Portland finished the year with the second highest injury total in the league, trailing only the injury ravaged Memphis Grizzlies.

The Blazers hope to see signs of progression this season from Sharpe and second year guard Scoot Henderson and the rest of their young talent. An improvement in roster health would go a long way in making this possible. Unfortunately, Sharpe is already nursing an injury after suffering a posterior labrum tear in his left shoulder.

Dr. Courtney Watson enters her second year with a promotion now serving as the Blazers Head Athletic Trainer and Director or Health and Player Performance. Dr. Watson has a diverse background having worked 15 years in the WNBA and serving as the first female athletic trainer in boxing, working with champion Floyd Mayweather. She also spent time this summer with the Men and Women’s 3×3 teams at the Paris Olympics.