Maybe we can think of considering him winning an MVP sin he is the only sole superstar of the team, he will get more minutes and more production but what I wished more is that the Blazers will reach the playoffs although not expected.
Can happen. Health was only the issue before.
About the unexpected, ain't GSW also an unexpected team to win the championship? The only thing we are waiting for is the performance they will show when the season starts.
Chicago Bulls last season was also a trend but health issues hit them a lot and that took away the chance.
As for Dame, I am sorry to say but I think he certainly deserves better. And he certainly can play better. I've seen someone posted online "Dame is getting rotted away in the Blazers,". I'm sorry to say that it is actually partly true.
Blazers is a competent team, with the leadership of Damian Lillard they might actually go farther than people are expecting. It's unlikely they will be able to continue their good work even if they start well. I also agree that even if they make it to the playoffs, they are not expecting to stay longer.
Regards
Duke
He was not heard last season by the Trail Blazers management like what @goinmerry said.
Despite Blazers always failed to make a successful playoffs run, I admire Dame for being loyal. He even pointing things to the Portland Trail Blazers management to do something to surround him with a good teammates instead of "damn, trade me now. i'm sick of this".
They lack competitiveness as after he was injured it was all McCollum who is carrying the team. I don't even know why they traded him because he is one of the pieces that could take the Blazers back on the map.