Blazers have a lot of work to do this off-season

The Portland Trail Blazers’ season ended in bittersweet fashion this month. But how has that been any different the past couple years?

Finishing with a 33-49 record and a 13-game losing streak, the team could not look at much positively for the year, besides the surprising and explosive season by rookie guard Damian Lillard.

Playing in and starting all 82 games this season, Lillard made an impact from the first game of the season in October, when the Blazers defeated the L.A. Lakers, 116-106. He scored 23 points and dished out 11 assists in his first NBA game.

After that, it only got better: Lillard won rookie-of-the-month honors for the Western Conference in November, December, January, February, March and again in April.

He averaged 19 points, six assists and three rebounds per game. He is heavily favored to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award over New Orleans forward Anthony Davis, who played only 64 games due to injuries throughout the season.

Lillard will be the franchise centerpiece for the Blazers for years to come.

Injuries once again ended the Blazers’ run at the playoffs in March-April, after starters Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews got hurt down the stretch.

But, as a result, the potential of rookie guard Will Barton was revealed.

Scoring in double digits in four out of the last five games, Barton showed that with more experience and practice, he could play a key role coming off the Blazers’ bench.

The Blazers have a lot of work to do, with off-season decisions. Already, the team has waived veteran Jared Jefferies and is not expected to bring back Nolan Smith or Luke Babbit, as both were inconsistent during their time in Portland.

Elliot Williams’ contract also has not been renewed, but he deserves a chance to stay on the roster due to his impressive athleticism. He has not been able to show his full potential due to continuous injuries, including an Achilles tendon tear suffered this past summer in a voluntary preseason workout.

Portland has a big challenge in deciding whether to bring back big man J.J. Hickson, who practically carried all the weight inside this year. While playing in the post – not the 6-foot-9-inch power forward’s normal position – he averaged a double-double, with 12 points and 10 rebounds per game. As a free agent, he is expected to want more money than the Blazers will be willing to offer. And, the Blazers need to target more money to build up their bench, which was terrible this season, to say the least.

Before guard Eric Maynor was traded to the Blazers, rookie center Meyers Leonard was the best player coming off the bench and yet he is too raw, at this point. Leonard still has much to learn, but shows a lot of potential in being a 7-foot-1-inch big man who can run the floor well.

In late June, perhaps Portland’s best chance to build its roster will come, in the NBA draft.

The Blazers are expected to have the 10th pick in the first round. That could change in the draft lottery held in late May, but the chances are slim. Since many observers expect that Hickson will not be returning next year, it would be smart for the Blazers to look for a new big man to create more depth, an obvious need.

They also could use another shooting guard or back-up small forward behind Batum. If they get the right opportunity, they can pursue a trade and possibly acquire an established post player to play alongside all-star LaMarcus Aldridge. At 6 feet 11 inches, Aldridge is capable of playing center but due to his style of play and the fact that he denies he’s a true center, that will not happen anytime soon.

Portland also has three draft picks in the second round: the 39th, 40th and 45th picks.

A lot of eyes will be the Blazers’ moves this summer. But, at least one thing we can all agree on is that they are set at point guard for years to come.