Partially disagree. Portland possesses two foundational pieces and I think they will both be great players (HOF trajectory) so, that part, I agree with tremendously.
The way I see it, a championship squad usually possesses one superstar and three All-Stars/borderline All-Stars with good bench depth (usually a sixth man and some young player who steps up) and usually, at least three starters who can defend. Last several championship squads have demonstrated this.
ex. Jokic-Murray-Gordon-MPJ//Curry-Klay-Draymond-Wiggins//Giannis-Middleton-Jrue-Lopez//Kawhi-Lowry-Siakam-Van Fleet//Lebron-AD-Kuzma-Rondo//KD Warriors
Portland will need to replicate this.
Because there's really not any precedence for a non-elite three point shooting backcourt to contend, one should begin to wonder about the kind of help Portland can get at the 3-5 positions. Size matters here, essentially.
The Blazers are going to have to find an All-Star caliber wing/forward who can shoot and defend to compliment Scoot's weaknesses, especially considering how vital that archetype has been to the last decade of championship teams and their runner-ups. But the problem is that those players are much rarer and more difficult to obtain than point guards that can score.
As far as I can tell, the next draft doesn't project to have this player. Either the wing/forwards lack defense or a three point shot or don't have the athleticism/first step necessary to be a major star. In fact, the next two drafts are expected to be weak. in general.
Scoot and Sharpe are young enough that Portland can spend two, maybe three, years tanking. But after that, they're going to breakout and it's going to be difficult for Portland to secure the type of player since the team will likely be too good to acquire a top pick. Essentially, it'd end up being like Dame and CJ after Aldridge left. They were too good to tank for players like Tatum, Ingram, JJJ, maybe LaMelo, etc that they absolutely needed next to them to compliment their skills and weaknesses.
I would expect Portland to have Westbrook+Harden or Carmelo+Iverson type experiences (superstar duos with supporting pieces but no extra All-Star help) before re-shaking things up.
A championship squad can still be built out of that. It's just going to require constant retooling for 10 years and no guarantees that Scoot or Sharpe have the same loyalty as Dame did. Imo, the disappointment for Portland will be that....with the level of potential that Sharpe possess (higher potential than Lillard, mind you), I think Portland may have missed out on a dynasty by embracing the current route.
Let's hope I'm wrong and the Blazers get the 2025 #1 pick and acquire the next Scottie Pippen.
