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Blazers Must Choose Celebration or Playoff Progress

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The author says the Portland Trail Blazers must choose between celebrating a modest season and pursuing improvement in the playoffs.
He praises the players for a decent record despite injuries, roster changes, and coaching turnover, warning that feel-good praise alone will not produce growth.
He urges the team to use the recent loss as motivation and to shape offseason choices and fall preparation for future success.

History

Historical Context

After joining the NBA as a 1970 expansion team, Portland built around first-overall pick Bill Walton and hired coach Jack Ramsay in 1976. The 1976-77 squad posted a 49-33 record, won its first playoff berth, and overturned a 0-2 deficit to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in six games, securing the franchise’s only championship in 1977.

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Story summary

The author says the Portland Trail Blazers must choose between celebrating a modest season and pursuing improvement in the playoffs.
He praises the players for a decent record despite injuries, roster changes, and coaching turnover, warning that feel-good praise alone will not produce growth.
He urges the team to use the recent loss as motivation and to shape offseason choices and fall preparation for future success.

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