Look, if you’re trying to figure out the Portland Blazers depth chart right now, you probably need a drink and a spreadsheet. It’s early 2026, and the Moda Center feels a bit like a revolving door. One day we’re celebrating a Dame comeback—yes, that actually happened—and the next, the injury report looks like a CVS receipt.
Honestly, it’s been a weird year. Between the veteran acquisitions like Jrue Holiday and the influx of young guys like Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, Tiago Splitter (who is currently steering the ship as interim head coach) has his hands full. The Blazers are sitting at 19-22, fighting for a play-in spot, but the actual night-to-night rotation is basically a game of Tetris.
The Guard Rotation: Chaos and Comebacks
The biggest headline, obviously, was Damian Lillard returning to Portland this past July. It felt like a fever dream. But the dream hit a wall fast. Lillard is out for the season with a torn left Achilles, which left a massive hole at the point.
Then you’ve got Jrue Holiday. Portland sent Anfernee Simons to Boston to bring Jrue back to where his "rebuild" journey technically started a couple of years ago. Jrue has been solid when he’s on the floor, but he’s 35. He just missed 22 games with a calf strain. He’s back now, but he isn’t playing 40 minutes a night.
Because of the injuries to Scoot Henderson (hamstring) and Blake Wesley (foot), the backcourt depth is paper-thin.
Shaedon Sharpe is the undisputed "guy" right now. He’s leading the team in scoring most nights, dropping 19 or 20 like it’s nothing. Beside him, we’re seeing a lot of Caleb Love. Love is on a two-way contract, but because everyone else is hurt, he’s basically a starter. He’s got that "shoot-first" mentality we saw at Arizona and North Carolina, which is either a blessing or a curse depending on the quarter.
- Shaedon Sharpe (Starting SG)
- Jrue Holiday (Starting PG - when healthy/not on rest)
- Caleb Love (Heavy rotation/Two-way)
- Rayan Rupert (Seeing minutes at both wing spots)
- Javonte Cooke (Emergency depth)
Scoot Henderson is expected back around Jan 17, but until then, it’s the Sharpe and Love show. It's fast. It's occasionally erratic. It’s definitely not boring.
The Wing: Where Size Meets Sore Backs
The forward situation is arguably the most talented part of the Portland Blazers depth chart, but it’s currently plagued by the "Portland Curse."
Deni Avdija was a steal. Since coming over from Washington, he’s been their most consistent playmaker, averaging over 26 points and nearly 7 assists in some stretches. But he’s out with a back injury. Then you have Kris Murray, who was starting and playing well until he went down with a lumbar strain.
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This has forced Toumani Camara into a massive role. Camara is basically the glue. He’s a defensive nightmare for opponents, and while his scoring is up and down (around 14 points per game), he’s the guy doing the dirty work.
Jerami Grant is finally back from his Achilles tendonitis. He’s not starting yet—Splitter has him on a minutes limit—but he’s the veteran presence they desperately need. Watching Sidy Cissoko get starts at the four has been an interesting experiment in "playing the kids," but Grant is the clear alpha here.
- Deni Avdija (Primary SF - currently sidelined)
- Toumani Camara (Starts at PF or SF depending on lineup)
- Jerami Grant (The veteran anchor coming off the bench for now)
- Sidy Cissoko (Filling in the gaps)
- Matisse Thybulle (Defensive specialist - also dealing with a thumb issue)
The Big Men: Clingan and the Great Wall of China
If there is one reason to be genuinely hyped about the future of this roster, it’s the center position. Donovan Clingan is a monster. The UConn product is already leading the team in rebounds (over 10 a game) and blocks. He’s shooting 54% from the floor and just looks like a foundational piece.
Then there’s the wildcard: Yang Hansen.
The Blazers traded for the 16th pick to get the 7'1" center from China, and the kid has touch. He’s been tearing up the G League with the Rip City Remix (dropped 22 points just a few days ago), and the fans are clamoring for him to get more NBA minutes.
Robert Williams III is still here, providing that veteran rim protection when his knees allow it, and Duop Reath remains a reliable floor-spacer.
The Center Depth:
- Donovan Clingan: The starter. High-motor, elite rim protection.
- Robert Williams III: High-impact backup, but always a health risk.
- Duop Reath: The stretch-five option.
- Yang Hansen: The future. Likely to spend more time in Portland than North Portland (Remix) as the season winds down.
Why the Blazers Depth Chart is So Fluid
The reality is that Joe Cronin (the GM) is still in a "talent collection" phase. The Lillard signing was a PR masterstroke and a sentimental win, but the Simons-for-Holiday trade showed they still want to be competitive while they grow.
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The defense is... not great. They’re giving up nearly 119 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league. Part of that is the constant shuffling. When you have five different players out with injuries (Avdija, Thybulle, Henderson, Murray, Lillard), you can’t build chemistry.
Splitter is trying to run a faster pace—they're 9th in the league in pace—but that often leads to high-turnover games when you're playing two-way guys like Caleb Love and rookies like Cissoko.
What to Watch Moving Forward
If you're betting on or following this team, keep an eye on the Jan 17-18 window. That’s when Henderson, Avdija, and Thybulle are all projected to potentially return. If they get whole, this team could actually make a push for the 8th seed.
If the injuries linger? Expect more Yang Hansen sightings and maybe even some trades as the February deadline approaches. Jerami Grant’s name always pops up in rumors, and with the way Camara and Murray have developed, the front office might finally pull the trigger to get more draft capital.
Actionable Insights for Blazers Fans:
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- Monitor the Injury Report: Specifically look for the "Functional Response to Loading" updates on Jrue Holiday; he’s the floor general this young group needs.
- Watch the G League Recalls: If Yang Hansen stays with the big club for more than three games straight, it’s a sign Reath or Williams III might be on the move.
- Check the Starting Five at Tip-off: Splitter has been known to change starters based on matchups late, especially with Cissoko and Camara's versatility.
The Portland Blazers depth chart isn't just a list of names; it's a moving target. It’s a mix of "The Last Dance" vibes with Lillard and Jrue, and a "Day One" vibe with Clingan and Sharpe. It's frustrating, it's hopeful, and it's quintessentially Portland.