Trail Blazers 2019 Roster: Players, Stats, And More

The 2019 Trail Blazers roster was a fascinating mix of established stars and promising young talent. Let's dive deep into what made this team tick, who the key players were, and how they performed during the season. Whether you're a die-hard Blazers fan or just a basketball enthusiast, there's plenty to unpack when looking back at this squad. So, grab your jersey and let's get started!

A Look Back at the 2019 Trail Blazers Team

The 2018-2019 Portland Trail Blazers season was one filled with highs and lows, ultimately culminating in a Western Conference Finals appearance. Led by their dynamic backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the Blazers showcased an exciting, high-scoring offense that kept fans on the edge of their seats. But it wasn't just the star power that defined this team; a collection of role players stepped up throughout the season, providing crucial contributions on both ends of the floor. This roster was crafted to compete in a tough Western Conference, and their journey to the conference finals was a testament to their resilience and teamwork. The team's coaching staff, led by Terry Stotts, played a pivotal role in developing a system that maximized the strengths of each player, fostering a culture of accountability and trust. From the regular season battles to the intense playoff matchups, the 2019 Trail Blazers left an indelible mark on the NBA landscape. Their ability to overcome adversity, especially after significant injuries to key players, demonstrated their mental toughness and unwavering commitment to their collective goal. The blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance created a unique dynamic that resonated with fans and established the Blazers as a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. The team's success was not just about individual brilliance; it was about the collective effort, the shared sacrifices, and the unwavering belief in each other that propelled them to achieve their goals. As we delve deeper into the roster, you'll see how each player contributed to this memorable season. You will discover the intricate details of their roles, their statistics, and their impact on the court. It's a story of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence, all interwoven into the fabric of a team that captured the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.

Key Players and Their Impact

The success of the 2019 Trail Blazers hinged significantly on the performance of their key players. Let's break down some of the most influential members of the roster and their contributions:

Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, the undisputed leader of the team, was at the peak of his powers. His scoring ability, clutch performances, and leadership qualities were instrumental in guiding the Blazers. Lillard's exceptional ball-handling skills, combined with his fearless shot-making ability, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He averaged impressive numbers, consistently delivering game-winning performances and inspiring his teammates to elevate their game. Beyond his scoring prowess, Lillard was also a capable playmaker, often setting up his teammates for easy baskets and orchestrating the offense with precision. His unwavering commitment to the team and the city of Portland made him a beloved figure among fans, who affectionately referred to him as "Dame Time." Lillard's impact extended beyond the court, as he also served as a role model for young players, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His leadership style was characterized by his calm demeanor, his ability to stay composed under pressure, and his unwavering belief in his teammates. Lillard's presence on the court instilled confidence in his teammates, knowing that they had a leader who would always have their back. His ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments, often hitting clutch shots with the game on the line, solidified his reputation as one of the league's most clutch performers. Lillard's impact on the 2019 Trail Blazers cannot be overstated. His exceptional talent, unwavering leadership, and deep commitment to the team made him the driving force behind their success, leading them to a memorable playoff run and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history.

CJ McCollum

CJ McCollum formed a dynamic backcourt partnership with Lillard, providing a potent scoring threat and solid playmaking. McCollum's smooth offensive game, characterized by his silky jump shot and crafty moves, made him a difficult matchup for defenders. He consistently put up impressive scoring numbers, complementing Lillard's output and providing the Blazers with a reliable second option on offense. Beyond his scoring ability, McCollum also contributed as a playmaker, often initiating the offense and making smart decisions with the ball. His ability to create his own shot and score in a variety of ways made him a valuable asset for the Blazers, providing them with a versatile offensive weapon. McCollum's presence on the court helped to alleviate some of the pressure on Lillard, knowing that he had a capable teammate who could carry the scoring load when needed. His chemistry with Lillard was evident, as the two guards often worked in tandem to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. McCollum's commitment to improving his game was also evident, as he constantly worked on his skills and sought to expand his offensive repertoire. His dedication to his craft made him a valuable asset for the Blazers, helping them to compete at a high level in the Western Conference. McCollum's impact on the 2019 Trail Blazers was significant. His offensive prowess, playmaking ability, and unwavering dedication to the team made him an integral part of their success.

Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkić was the team's starting center, providing a strong presence in the paint. Before his unfortunate injury, Nurkić was a key contributor, averaging a double-double and providing solid defense. Nurkić's imposing size and strength made him a force to be reckoned with in the paint, often overpowering opponents with his physicality. He was a reliable scorer near the basket, with a variety of post moves and a soft touch around the rim. Beyond his scoring ability, Nurkić was also a skilled rebounder, often dominating the glass on both ends of the court. His ability to control the paint helped the Blazers to establish a strong interior presence, making it difficult for opponents to score inside. Nurkić's defensive contributions were also significant, as he was a capable shot-blocker and a deterrent to opposing players driving to the basket. His presence in the paint helped to anchor the Blazers' defense, making them a more formidable opponent. Nurkić's injury was a significant blow to the team, as it deprived them of a key contributor on both ends of the court. However, his impact on the team before his injury was undeniable, as he played a vital role in their success. Nurkić's size, strength, and skill made him a valuable asset for the Blazers, and his absence was felt throughout the remainder of the season.

Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter, who arrived mid-season, stepped up admirably in Nurkić's absence, providing rebounding and scoring. Kanter's offensive prowess was on full display, as he consistently scored near the basket with a variety of post moves and a soft touch around the rim. His rebounding ability was also a valuable asset, as he often dominated the glass on both ends of the court. Kanter's presence in the paint helped the Blazers to maintain a strong interior presence, despite the absence of Nurkić. His scoring and rebounding contributions were instrumental in helping the Blazers to navigate through the playoffs, as he provided a reliable offensive option and a valuable rebounding presence. Kanter's willingness to embrace his role and contribute in any way possible made him a valuable addition to the team. His positive attitude and his unwavering commitment to the team helped to lift the spirits of his teammates and inspire them to play their best. Kanter's impact on the 2019 Trail Blazers was significant. His scoring, rebounding, and positive attitude made him a valuable addition to the team, helping them to overcome adversity and compete at a high level in the playoffs.

The Full Roster

To give you a comprehensive overview, here's the full 2019 Trail Blazers roster:

• Guards: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Seth Curry, Anfernee Simons, Gary Trent Jr.
• Forwards: Al-Farouq Aminu, Maurice Harkless, Evan Turner, Jake Layman
• Centers: Jusuf Nurkić, Enes Kanter

Coaching Staff

The coaching staff also played a crucial role in the team's success:

• Head Coach: Terry Stotts
• Assistant Coaches: David Vanterpool, Nate Tibbetts, Dale Osbourne

Terry Stotts' leadership and tactical acumen were vital in guiding the team through a challenging season and deep playoff run. His ability to adapt to different situations and maximize the strengths of his players was a key factor in the Blazers' success. The assistant coaches also played a crucial role in player development and game preparation, contributing to the overall success of the team. Their combined expertise and dedication helped the Blazers to compete at a high level and achieve their goals.

Regular Season and Playoffs

The Trail Blazers finished the regular season with a solid record, securing a good seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Their playoff journey was particularly memorable, featuring a thrilling series win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighted by Damian Lillard's series-winning shot. The Blazers then faced the Denver Nuggets in a hard-fought seven-game series, showcasing their resilience and determination. Ultimately, they reached the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Golden State Warriors. While they were swept by the Warriors, their playoff run was a testament to their talent, heart, and teamwork. The Blazers' ability to overcome adversity, especially after the injury to Jusuf Nurkić, demonstrated their mental toughness and unwavering commitment to their collective goal. Their playoff journey was filled with memorable moments, showcasing the brilliance of their star players and the contributions of their role players. The Blazers' fans embraced the team's success, creating an electric atmosphere at the Moda Center and providing unwavering support throughout the playoffs. The 2019 Trail Blazers left an indelible mark on the NBA landscape, their playoff run serving as a reminder of the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Their success resonated with fans and solidified their place in franchise history.

Where Are They Now?

Many of the players from the 2019 Trail Blazers roster have moved on to different teams or have taken on new roles in their careers. Damian Lillard remains the cornerstone of the Blazers, while CJ McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Other players have found success with different organizations, continuing to contribute to the NBA landscape. The coaching staff has also undergone changes, with Terry Stotts eventually parting ways with the Blazers. Despite the changes, the memories of the 2019 Trail Blazers remain vivid, as fans fondly remember their exciting style of play and their memorable playoff run. The players and coaches who were part of that team have left a lasting legacy in Portland, their contributions forever etched in the hearts of Blazers fans. Their success served as an inspiration to future generations of players, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

Conclusion

The 2019 Trail Blazers roster was a special group of players who achieved remarkable success. Led by their star backcourt and supported by a cast of talented role players, they captivated fans with their exciting brand of basketball. Their journey to the Western Conference Finals was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to each other. Though time has passed and many of the players have moved on, the memories of that season will forever be cherished by Blazers fans. The 2019 Trail Blazers will be remembered as a team that embodied the spirit of Portland, showcasing the values of hard work, determination, and community. Their success served as an inspiration to the city, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans. So, here's to the 2019 Trail Blazers – a team that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere!