There has been some trumpeting of victory around these parts over the past 24 hours when it comes to the Trail Blazers’ trade of Evan Turner to Atlanta for Kent Bazemore. The prevailing theories are the Blazers now have a better shooter, and a better fit at wing for Terry Stotts’ offense.



And all of it is probably true.



But before Rip City goes gaga over Bazemore, appreciate for a minute what Turner did for this franchise: He left it in a better place.



Because of Turner, this team moves forward with Damian Lillard as a better leader. With Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr. understanding what it means to be a professional. And for all who called him a teammate, there are lessons in toughness, humility and how to put a team before one’s own agenda, which often includes biting your tongue.



Over the past couple of decades, there have been some influential teammates who have passed through the Trail Blazers’ locker room. James...