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Projected 2026-27 Trail Blazers Lineup Revealed After Damian Lillard’s Shocking Return to Portland…see more…
In a move that few predicted but many in Portland secretly hoped for, Damian Lillard is back in a Trail Blazers uniform. The 2026-27 NBA season is set to be one of the most fascinating yet for Rip City, as the franchise icon returns to the city where he became a legend. With his return, the Blazers are reshaping their identity and have already begun constructing a promising starting lineup around him.
Lillard’s return comes after a turbulent two-season stretch that saw him play for the Milwaukee Bucks, followed by a brief stint in Miami. Neither destination delivered the championship dream he chased when he first requested a trade from Portland in 2023. Now, back home, Lillard brings leadership, experience, and a fire to win — not just for himself but for the city that embraced him from day one.
With that in mind, let’s project the Portland Trail Blazers’ 2026-27 starting lineup and explore how it positions them in the competitive Western Conference.
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Point Guard: Damian Lillard
There’s no doubt that Lillard reclaims the keys to the offense. Even at 36, his scoring ability, range, and basketball IQ remain elite. Last season, he averaged 22.4 points and 6.8 assists, showing he still has plenty in the tank. Back in a familiar system under head coach Chauncey Billups, Lillard is expected to lead both on and off the court.
The question isn’t whether he starts — it’s how many minutes he’ll log in a season where management is balancing veteran experience with youth development. Early indications suggest Lillard will remain the primary floor general but may see his minutes slightly reduced to preserve his health for a potential playoff push.
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Shooting Guard: Shaedon Sharpe
Shaedon Sharpe, now entering his fourth season, has blossomed into one of the league’s most electric young guards. Last season, he averaged 19.2 points per game and shot 38% from beyond the arc. His athleticism, shot creation, and improved defense make him a perfect complement to Lillard’s veteran savvy.
The Lillard-Sharpe backcourt could become a nightmare for opposing defenses. While Lillard commands attention at the perimeter, Sharpe’s slashing and off-ball movement create mismatches. Portland’s coaching staff reportedly plans to give Sharpe more playmaking responsibility this year, grooming him as Lillard’s eventual successor.
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Small Forward: Matisse Thybulle
While his offensive game remains a work in progress, Matisse Thybulle provides the kind of elite wing defense Portland desperately needs. After re-signing with the Blazers in 2025, Thybulle solidified himself as a defensive anchor and locker room leader.
His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes allows Lillard and Sharpe to conserve energy on the defensive end. Expect him to take on the toughest perimeter assignments nightly, especially in a conference filled with superstar wings.
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Power Forward: Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant continues to be the steady two-way presence Portland needs. Though his numbers dipped slightly last season due to injuries, the 32-year-old forward is healthy and ready for a bounce-back year. Grant averaged 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 2025-26 and remains a strong midrange threat and switchable defender.
His veteran experience and chemistry with Lillard from their previous years together could be pivotal. Grant’s versatility allows Portland to play small-ball lineups or go big depending on the matchup.
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Center: Donovan Clingan
The most exciting new addition to Portland’s lineup may be former UConn star and 2025 lottery pick, Donovan Clingan. At 7-foot-2, Clingan brings elite rim protection, rebounding, and interior scoring. The Blazers moved up in the 2025 NBA Draft to snag him, and he’s already turning heads in Summer League action.
If Clingan develops as expected, he could be a defensive anchor for the next decade. Pairing him with Grant in the frontcourt gives Portland a combination of shot-blocking and mobility that few teams can match.
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Bench Depth
Behind the starting five, Portland boasts a mix of young talent and reliable veterans. Rookie forward Ja’Kobe Walter (2024 pick) has made strides, while second-year guard Scoot Henderson is expected to lead the second unit. Scoot’s role has shifted slightly with Lillard’s return, but he remains a critical part of the future.
Veterans like Jusuf Nurkić and Anfernee Simons (if still on the roster) provide scoring punch and insurance in case of injury. There’s even talk of Nurkić mentoring Clingan, forming a rare big-man duo focused on development rather than competition.
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Coaching and System
Chauncey Billups enters a make-or-break season. With Lillard back and a talented core in place, expectations are high. Billups has emphasized defensive improvement and faster ball movement during training camp. The coaching staff believes the mix of youth and experience can finally turn the Blazers into a postseason threat.
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Expectations for 2026-27
The Western Conference remains a gauntlet, but the Blazers have quietly assembled a lineup that could surprise many. If Lillard stays healthy and Clingan develops quickly, this team has the potential to push into the top six. More realistically, a play-in tournament appearance seems likely — but Portland fans are dreaming bigger.
More than anything, Lillard’s return injects hope and purpose into a franchise that spent the last two years in limbo. His homecoming is not just symbolic — it could be the beginning of a new, thrilling chapter for the Trail Blazers.
Whether they contend or fall short, one thing is certain:
Portland basketball is fun again. And Damian Lillard is right where he belongs.
