Real reasons to be optimistic about the 2022-23 Portland Trail Blazers season.Including the obvious caveat that they haven't even played a real game yet, preseason doesn't count and that a new team will take time to gel.Plus, the eventual addition of Gary Payton II, who could be a massively impactful defensive player on a team that truly needs it.Throw in Keon Johnson's recent improvement, Shaedon Sharpe's potential and there's youngsters on this team that its easy to get excited about.And finally: Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard. If you're optimistic about the Blazers chances it all starts with the excellence of their point guard and leader who is primed for a bounce back campaign after a lost season a year ago.Music for Locked On Blazers by Drae Slapz. Find more of Drae's work here: https://ffm.bio/thedraeslapz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices