Blazers focused on growth, not contending, despite high payroll

The Portland Trail Blazers spent a whole lot of dough - over $290 million, actually - this offseason on contracts for Meyers Leonard, Allen Crabbe, C.J. McCollum, and Evan Turner. Despite boasting one of the NBA's highest payrolls, don't expect the team to contend for a championship just yet.

Head coach Terry Stotts, who signed a three-year extension after bowing out of the playoffs in the Western Conference semifinals, has tried to set realistic goals for his club without focusing on all the money.

"We are probably not going to make the quantum leap the salaries might indicate. As a coach, you take the money out of it. We just want to grow," he told Zach Lowe of ESPN.

Point guard Damian Lillard, is spearheading that growth. He's established a culture within the organization that promotes hard work and selflessness, which is aimed to help keep teammates on the right track following their big paydays. He leads both by example and vocally.

"When Dame talks, people listen," Leonard said.

Lillard's starting backcourt mate, McCollum doesn't think he and his teammates need any extra motivation, though.

"The money won't be a factor," the $106-million man said. "Everyone is still hungry. Guys are already talking about their next contracts. We aren't going to lose the chip on our shoulder."

Portland finished fifth in the West in 2015-16 with a 44-38 record, which came as a surprise to many, as the Trail Blazers were projected to be a lottery team following the loss of every starter except Lillard last offseason.