Are the Trailblazers good?

Not currently among the league’s elite, but the Trail Blazers are in a rebuild with potential to grow.

Since Damian Lillard left in 2023, Portland has prioritized developing a young core around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, while seeking veteran pieces to balance the roster. Whether they become good enough to contend depends on how quickly their young players develop, the front office’s roster moves, and how well the team can tighten defense and spacing around its rising stars.

Current state of the franchise

Portland entered a new era after parting ways with a longtime franchise icon and retooling around a dynamic, up-and-coming backcourt. Chauncey Billups remains the head coach, and the front office has focused on building experience around a youthful foundation, balancing cap flexibility with the need for credible depth. The goal is to accelerate progress toward consistent playoff contention while continuing to stockpile assets for future flexibility.

Performance and trajectory

In recent seasons, the Blazers have shown encouraging flashes from their young core but have not yet stabilized as a reliable winner over a full 82-game schedule. The team has leaned into pace and ball movement, occasionally clicking offensively, while defense and interior details have remained areas for improvement. The outcome this season hinges on how quickly Henderson and Sharpe translate their talent into consistent production and how effectively the roster is rounded out with complementary pieces.

Core players to watch

Two young stars and a handful of veterans will determine whether Portland takes a step forward. The following players are central to their development.

• Scoot Henderson — a dynamic point guard whose development as a facilitator, shooter, and decision-maker will shape Portland’s ceiling.


• Shaedon Sharpe — an athletic wing expected to grow as a primary scorer and two-way presence.


• Supporting veterans/role players — players who provide shooting, defense, and floor spacing to complement the young duo.

The rest of the rotation will be built around these players, with the hook being how quickly the surrounding cast can complement them.

Paths to improvement

Two main routes could accelerate a return to respectability or playoff contention:

• Develop the core: Henderson’s progression as a decision-maker, Sharpe’s shooting and consistency, and the fit of young bigs or versatile wings alongside them.


• Strategic roster moves: Acquire wings with defensive versatility, add size and rebounding, and balance the rotation with reliable shooting and defense, through trades or prudent free-agent signings.

Ultimately, the team's trajectory will hinge on development and the ability to add complementary pieces around the young core.

Outlook

Experts project Portland to remain a fringe playoff contender if development accelerates and the roster is supplemented effectively. However, if growth stalls or the team can’t secure the right veteran pieces, they could spend additional years in the rebuilding phase. The franchise retains draft capital and cap flexibility that could enable more aggressive moves in the near future.

Summary

In plain terms, the Trail Blazers are not a current title favorite but possess a promising base for the future. The key questions are whether Henderson and Sharpe can blossom into elite-level players and whether the front office can assemble complementary pieces that maximize their talents. If those elements align, Portland could become a credible playoff team within the next couple of seasons; if not, the rebuild could extend longer.

Are blazers or trailblazers better?

The larger and more powerful Chevy Blazer sports a turbocharged engine as standard, with a more potent V-6 engine available. The Chevy Trailblazer, while more efficient, doesn't generate as much power.

Are the Trailblazers any good?

No, the Portland Trail Blazers are not considered a good team currently, with a poor win-loss record and low league standing. They are in the middle of a rebuilding phase, but their fast-paced and aggressive style of play has earned praise from opponents, and they have some promising young players. 
This video discusses what the Portland Trail Blazers are doing well: 1mBlazers UpriseYouTube · Oct 26, 2025

• Poor record: The Trail Blazers have a losing record and are ranked near the bottom of the league standings. 
• Weaknesses: The team struggles with defense and has issues with fouls and overall defensive percentage. 
• Strengths: The team plays at a fast pace and has an aggressive defensive style, which opponents have acknowledged. 
• Promising players: They have some promising young talent, including Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Toumani Camara. 
• Historical context: While the current team isn't strong, the franchise has a history of success, including numerous playoff appearances and Hall of Fame players. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the team's recent performance: 57sBlazers UpriseYouTube · Nov 2, 2025

Have the Trailblazers ever been good?

The Blazers are one of the most successful small market NBA franchises in the history of the league. Since the team started in 1970, they've mostly been very good, and had multiple eras of sustained success. Right now the team has been rebuilding but they're hoping to start winning again soon and expect to be a .

Is the Trailblazer a reliable vehicle?

The Chevy Trailblazer's reliability varies by generation, with the second generation (2021-present) generally receiving positive ratings for reliability and safety. The first generation (early 2000s) had more issues, particularly with the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Newer models have strong safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and positive reliability scores from J.D. Power, but some owners of newer models have reported issues like rough shifting and electrical problems.
 
This video provides an honest review of the 2025 Chevy Trailblazer: 58sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Oct 13, 2024
Second-generation (2021-present)

• Positive aspects:
  • Strong reliability scores from J.D. Power. 
  • Excellent safety ratings, with the 2021 model being an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ winner. 
  • Positive consumer reviews for styling, performance, and safety. 
• Potential issues:
  • Some owners have reported issues with rough shifting, rough idle, and flashing engine lights. 
  • Electrical problems, such as a radio not working or a gas leak from a cracked fuel rail, have been reported. 

First-generation (early 2000s)

• Common issues:
  • Engine and transmission problems were more prevalent in this generation.
  • Electrical and transmission issues were common. 

General information

• Lifespan: With proper maintenance, many Trailblazers can last for 200,000 miles or more, and some 2025 models can potentially exceed 250,000 miles. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and reliability of any Trailblazer model. 
• Warranty: The 2025 Trailblazer comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. 

This video discusses the truth about buying a used Chevy: 59sScotty KilmerYouTube · Dec 11, 2020