The Blazers are back, but Lillard’s out! Portland’s offense is looking for a new go-to guy, and questions are swirling. Can Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and the team step up to ignite their scoring power? Get the full breakdown on how they plan to turn things around this season. What’s your take on their offensive strategy?

The Portland Trail Blazers are entering a pivotal period, grappling with a significant challenge: how to rejuvenate their offense in the absence of star guard Damian Lillard, who is sidelined for the entire 2025-26 NBA season. This creates a void in offensive leadership and a clear need for a new primary scoring option and playmaker, forcing the team to devise an entirely new basketball strategy to remain competitive.

Historically recognized as an offensive powerhouse, the Trail Blazers have, in recent times, shifted their focus to the defensive side of the ball, achieving commendable improvements. However, this defensive emphasis has inadvertently created considerable issues on offense, where the team once relied heavily on Lillard’s elite scoring and playmaking abilities. The task now is to find a balance and develop a sustainable scoring identity without their former cornerstone.

At the forefront of the team’s evolving offensive scheme is Scoot Henderson, who has been thrust into the role of primary playmaker. While Henderson’s raw talent and playmaking potential are undeniably promising, he is still developing and may not yet be ready to consistently carry the burden of a “go-to” scorer. This situation underscores the critical need for other players to elevate their game and support Henderson as he matures into a more dominant offensive force for the Portland Trail Blazers.

One player who has shown considerable growth and emerged as a vital offensive asset is Deni Avdija. During the 2024-25 season, Avdija was arguably Portland’s most consistent performer, with his stock steadily rising. He posted a career-high 16.9 points per game on an impressive 60.5% true shooting, proving to be an efficient and reliable scoring option that the Trail Blazers will continue to lean on heavily.

Shaedon Sharpe also represents a key piece in the team’s offensive puzzle. Over his three seasons, Sharpe has demonstrated a natural knack for scoring, combining athleticism with a developing offensive repertoire, averaging 18.5 points per game in the 2024-25 season. For Sharpe to truly become the main offensive man, however, improving his perimeter shooting, which has declined since his promising rookie year, will be crucial. With Henderson’s playmaking skills evolving, Sharpe has an excellent opportunity to refine his offensive game and become a more complete scorer.

The leadership void left by Damian Lillard’s injury creates an opportunity for veterans to step up. Jrue Holiday, a seasoned guard with extensive experience leading potent offenses during his tenures with other NBA teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks, will be instrumental. While not always the primary offensive threat, Holiday’s court presence, decision-making, and ability to guide younger players through complex situations will be invaluable in shaping the new NBA Offense for the Trail Blazers.

Ultimately, the success of the Portland Trail Blazers’ revamped offense will largely depend on Coach Chauncey Billups’ ability to implement a cohesive and effective offensive system. With the 2025-26 season just weeks away, Billups must strategically utilize the diverse talents of Henderson, Sharpe, Avdija, and other team members. His game plan and the team’s collective adherence to it will be paramount in fostering a disciplined and productive scoring unit.

Despite the absence of a singular, established “go-to guy” in the mold of Lillard, the Trail Blazers possess a roster with developing talent and veteran guidance. By staying composed, adhering to Billups’ system, and collectively embracing a sophisticated basketball strategy, the team has the potential to navigate these challenges and build a resilient and improved NBA Offense, proving that team chemistry and strategic execution can overcome individual star power. This is the new direction for the Portland Trail Blazers.