The Trail Blazer Bench: A 2nd Unit Preview

Much has been made about the new starting five in Portland this season, but few have looked at the bench implications. The massive roster turnover has resulted in a bench rotation that could grow into a bright spot for the Blazers. The new second unit features four first round picks and two returning players from last season. How will this new group look to buck the trend of subpar Rip City backup squads?

According to hoopsstats.com the Blazers came in at a dismal 27th in bench scoring last season. This a clear area in desperate need of improvement. Bench chemistry will prove just as imperative as the starter’s chemistry if Portland is to find success this year. Lets meet the new bench mob:

PG – C.J. McCollum

Coach Terry Stotts has already expressed his desire to have McCollum as the primary ball handler behind Damian Lillard. He is the prototype for instant offense off of the bench. McCollum has displayed a knack for getting to the rim and creating his own shot (.544% on shots at the rim last season). Couple that skill with his .396 three point percentage and we are in for some offensive fire power.

The individual scoring should be there from the start for McCollum. His ability to run an offense might hold a steeper learning curve. Expect to see some stagnation in half court sets to start the year, resulting in rushed shots and turnovers.

SG – Allen Crabbe

Crabbe continues to prove his doubters wrong as we now move into the regular season. The second round pick from Cal now finds himself in a position to capitalize on a strong summer league and preseason. He has had an impressive stat line so far in the preseason(12.7 ppg / .486 FG% / .414 3P%).

Putting up nice scoring in summer league and preseason is one thing, but scoring against NBA rotation guys is another. Crabbe has made massive improvements on offense this offseason; expect the trend to continue with normal playing time.

Oct 8, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Allen Crabbe (23) shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

SF – Maurice Harkless

The third year man from St. John’s will find himself as the utility man off of the Blazer bench this year. Harkless leaves behind a frustrating situation that found him buried on the depth chart in Orlando. He has shown the ability to play some of the small ball four already in the preseason. Expect Harkless’s flexibility to be his biggest asset to Rip City.

Harkless must prove that his poor shooting from last year was a product of his surroundings and not a decline in skill. 2014-15 saw his FG% drop from .464 to .399, including a steep drop in three point percentage(.383 to .179). Harkless has been one of the surprises in the Blazer preseason and will hopefully continue to prove the Magic wrong for passing up on his services.

PF – Noah Vonleh

A year after being the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft Vonleh found himself on the scrap heap in Charlotte. Vonleh has looked like he is deserving of regular minutes after putting up 6.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg in the preseason. We have yet to see his outside shooting, but his willingness to do the dirty work has been noticed. His athleticism should contribute to fast break points and strong help defense.

Vonleh had a mess of a rookie year. A preseason surgery found him showing up late to a jammed Hornet frontcourt. For all intents and purposes this is his rookie year. Expect growing pains, but you should also expect flashes of potential.

C- Ed Davis

The 26 year old is the veteran anchor of the Portland second unit. Davis has finally found a home in Portland after bouncing around the league in his first five years. Davis boasts a .688 FG% at the rim, and should be the glass cleaner on both ends of the court for this unit. While his offense is limited away from the basket, he makes up for it by tough screens away from it.