The Portland Trail Blazers have a plethora of talented players to try and fit into a starting lineup. The idea that their solution could ever be sending Deni Avdija to the bench is inexplicable and came as a gut punch to Avdija and the fan base on Wednesday night.
There is no denying that head coach Chauncey Billups has his work cut out for him navigating his decisions regarding the starting lineup and the rotation for this season. Last year's team found its path forward with a defensive identity, increasing the role of rookie center Donovan Clingan and inserting All-Defense wing Toumani Camara into the starting lineup.