I wish I could say you are wrong, but history is definitely on your side. For whatever reason (small market, rain, no glamour), Portland is never able to land a truly big star player. Other teams have realistic title hopes: Blazer fans just have dreams.
You had me until that last line. I see no evidence that “talent wants to play” in Portland. Lillard has been a Blazer for nine years and no player of his caliber has been convinced to join him in that time.
There aren't many players of his calliber to begin with but over the last few years that narrative has changed a bit...and it's because of Dame....James Harden had us as a destination when he demanded a trade from Houston...hell people might not like him but HOF Melo chose Portland for his comeback as did Pau Gasol but Pau couldn't get on the court...Jerami Grant worked out with Dame already this off season and has said he wants to play with Dame...that culture has been changing and even more so since the Olympics..history doesn't necessarily have to repeat itself but that's a cliche take around the Blazers that personally I think is a played out narrative... that nobody wants to sign here....things change a bit when you actually have roster spots and cap space...which has been the big issue other than Olshey liking to take stabs at 2nd year rookies buried on someone's bench. I think Chauncey is more connected as well. My relatives out of state are really jealous about our "water" ...that's going to be a bigger draw than it used to be for some..especially players with kids. Dame for the first time in his career has a GM that encourages Dame to lobby for us. Neil wasn't that guy.
