The Trail Blazers scored the fewest bench points per game in the league last season. That’s partially an indictment of the team’s bench and partially a result of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum playing staggered minutes. Besides Gary Trent Jr.’s explosion at the end of the year, a Portland reserve was rarely the first, second or third offensive option on the floor at any given time.
Even with a starter or two gracing bench units, the Blazers frequently sacrificed leads developed by lineups Lillard carried. Ball and player movement ceased as the offense unsuccessfully settled for McCollum isolations, Carmelo Anthony post ups or a contested off the dribble look by someone else.