Portland really wasn't tanking. Their starters were decent, but they had a bench that rivals what Utah has had this year. GS traded away depth for a great 6th man. That's the risk. One of the core players goes down and there's a big drop off. When healthy, I think GS can hold their own against any team in the league. Defensively a bit soft, but those guys just don't miss shots. Klay and Curry are such tremendous shooters!
Well I just think that before they had Lillard POR weren't really interested in contending therefore were content going through the motion and in the last couple of years were able to pick up Lillard & McCollum. Aldridge trade rumours were rife just this Summer in fact.
Now that they're certain Lillard is legit - you have Paul Allen watching games at the stadium and taking making the playoffs a bit more seriously.