No. 4: Continue adding assets. The Trail Blazers' rebuild involves drafting potential stars and structuring the roster with players on the same development timeline. The Blazers have some decisions to make shortly regarding a crowded backcourt, the center position and power forward.

The Portland Trail Blazers will open the regular season Wednesday night at home against the Golden State Warriors. That means the final NBA power rankings of the preseason have been rolling in from national media outlets like the fall breeze the last few weeks.

Today — No. 5: See young talent develop. Since Joe Cronin became the general manager during the 2021-22 season, the Trail Blazers have added six players through the draft. Cronin selected Shaedon Sharpe and Jabari Walker in 2022; Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, and Rayan Rupert in 2023; and Donovan Clingan last June.