(04-04-2021, 07:14 PM)StepBackJay Wrote: I don't understand why Brunson couldn't start. Damien and McCollum have started for the Blazers for many years and they have been to the playoffs I think like 7 years in a row. Their supporting cast has also not always been very good. I would take a Luka, Brunson, KP core team over Dame/CJ/Nurkic honestly (Nurkic himself seems to be injured a lot). For sure Mavs will need to decide whether or not Brunson is best suited off the bench in starting but I am bullish on his future here.
Have the Blazers ever been considered a legit contender? The reason not is because of their issues on defense. The goal is not to make the playoffs every year. The goal is to be a legit contender. There is valid reason to question if a team starting Luka and Brunson can be good enough defensively to contend.