Every team in the NBA has a G-League affiliate except for the Denver Nuggets, and the Portland Trail Blazers. Both teams could use one, but the Blazers need a team.
The G-League, formerly known as the Development league or the D-League, serves for teams to be able to have extra players that they can call up in case of injuries but to also develop their young talent. The Blazers use to call the Idaho Stampede their affiliate until the Utah Jazz bought them and moved them to Salt Lake City. The Trail Blazers have not had a G-League team since 2014.
With Terry Stotts not wanting to play rookies immediately (the exception being Damian Lillard) after they are drafted the Portland Trail Blazers need a G-League team. If they had one Gary Trent probably could have emerged as an elite shooter for the Blazers sooner, Anfernee Simons could already be a reliable backup point guard, and Zach Collins could be the guy that they need at the Power Forward position.
The big question: Where could the Blazers place a G-League team?
Boise
Whether they call them the Boise Blazers or something else, Boise needs another professional sport. The Treasure Valley has grown a lot over the years, and they have seen a significant increase in population.
In Boise, they could play at the Idaho Central Arena. This is where the Idaho Stampede played until they were disbanded in 2014. Boise is only a six-hour drive from Portland, so this would not be a bad option.
Eugene
Although Eugene has the Oregon Ducks, who are one of the top basketball programs in the nation. The city could benefit from a G-League team.
Only four hours away from the city of Portland. The only professional sports team in Eugene is the Emeralds.
Spokane
The Blazers G-League could play at the Spokane Arena, it can hold up to 12,000 people.
With Gonzaga being in Spokane, this could recruit a lot of attention to the team.
Tualatin, Troutdale or Tigard
These three cities are all on the outskirts of Portland and a lot of the players buy houses in these cities.
The Blazers practice facility is in Tualatin. Although that wouldn’t be an ideal place for the G-League team to play. All three of these cities are viable options.
Longview, WA
Just an hour up the I-5 corridor, Longview loves to watch the Blazers play, so a G-League here would be a great fit and the players would only have to drive 45 minutes to an hour.
The city of Longview has Mark Morris High School, that can hold up to 1,000 fans in the gymnasium. This is where Damian Lillard does his annual threes for three event.
After all, Mark Morris high school is where the Blazers played their first-ever exhibition game.
There is also Kelso High School which can hold up to 1,500 fans.
If the Blazers had a G-League team would they be automatic contenders?
Support our writers through patreon
Follow us on Twitter!!!!!
