1. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers didn’t shake up their roster as much as people thought they would this offseason. There is still time for a trade to be made before the 2021-22 season begins, but for now, Portland looks like they are going to run it back with the relatively same core.

Having Norman Powell in the fold for the whole season will help. Keeping Jusuf Nurkic healthy would improve their performance as well. But, if the Trail Blazers want to get over the hump, they have to improve defensively.

Last season the Trail Blazers were 29th in defensive rating in the NBA. Only the Sacramento Kings’ record-setting ineptitude on defense was worse. Snagging a cheap, defensive difference maker in Frank Ntilikina would make for an excellent addition to their rotation.

A stopper in the backcourt is something the Trail Blazers are sorely missing. Neither Damian Lillard nor CJ McCollum is great defenders, and coming off the bench behind them is Anfernee Simons, who is rated worse.

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Ntilikina can play alongside any of the Blazers’ current backcourt players given his length and versatility. He can help shore up the backup point guard spot as well with his playmaking, but his defense is what Portland needs most.