$5 Final Bold Predictions for Portland Trail Blazers\' 2015-16 Season$

5 Final Bold Predictions for Portland Trail Blazers' 2015-16 Season

By Derek McVay

5 Final Bold Predictions for Portland Trail Blazers' 2015-16 Season

Portland Trail Blazers — Portland enters the 2015-16 season in the rebuilding stage. The team lost several veterans and key contributors last year, and downgraded at every position. They'll be relying on some mediocre veterans along with the rapid development of some youngsters. There are going to be a lot of growing pains this year for the Trail Blazers. Here are some predictions regarding the upcoming season.

5. Portland Will Receive A Top-10 Draft Pick Next Year

Allen Crabbe - Portland Trail Blazers

5. Portland Will Receive A Top-10 Draft Pick Next Year

Allen Crabbe - Portland Trail Blazers — The talent level in the Western Conference makes it difficult enough to secure a playoff spot each year. Now, throw in all of the personnel Portland lost this offseason and the team is on the outside looking in. The team downgraded at every position except point guard. They are currently in a rebuild and the speed of that rebuild is predicated on whether or not the young players pan out. A top-10 pick next year could quicken the process.

4. C.J. McCollum Will Start By Season's End

C.J. McCollum

4. C.J. McCollum Will Start By Season's End

C.J. McCollum — Entering his third season, McCollum is due for a major minutes increase. He was an electric scorer in four years at Lehigh University and showed off his skills with a strong finish to last year's season -- scoring 17 PPG in the playoffs. He has the ability to play both guard positions, but currently sits behind both Damian Lillard and Gerald Henderson. If he's able to outperform Henderson, he may surpass him on the depth chart.

3. Portland Will Finish In Bottom 10 in Rebounding

Chris Kaman

3. Portland Will Finish In Bottom 10 in Rebounding

Chris Kaman — Portland was the second best rebounding team in the league last year in terms of rebounds per game. However, the team lost three of its top four rebounders from last year, who combined for nearly half of Portland's rebounding total on a nightly basis -- LaMarcus Aldridge, Robin Lopez and Nicolas Batum averaged a combined 22.8 of the team's 45.9 RPG. Portland will be hard pressed to find a trio on its current roster that will replicate that.

2. The Offense Will Average Less Than 100 PPG

Damian Lillard - Meyers Leonard

2. The Offense Will Average Less Than 100 PPG

Damian Lillard - Meyers Leonard — Portland has averaged more than 100 PPG in each of the last two seasons, finishing in the top 10 in the league both times. That streak will come to an end this season. The team lost most of its offensive firepower this offseason, and besides Damian Lillard, have just two players who have averaged more than 10 or more PPG in a single season. There are going to be games this year where points are hard to come by.

1. Damian Lillard Will Average 25-plus PPG

Damian Lillard

1. Damian Lillard Will Average 25-plus PPG

Damian Lillard — Lillard's PPG average has increased slightly with each passing season, but expect a big spike in his scoring this year. Of Portland's top six scorers from last year, Lillard is the lone soldier to return. Given the supporting cast this year, the Trail Blazers should constantly be feeding Lillard and he should be able to take as many shots as he desires. More touches should lead to more trips to the free throw line as well.

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Portland Trail Blazers

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