Who Will Start in Place of Meyers Leonard?
Jason Quick has reported that Meyers Leonard could miss a month or more. Leaving the question; who will fill the starting power forward spot? Terry Stotts is once again forced to find a replacement for an injured Blazer starter. What options does Portland have until Leonard returns?
Ed Davis has filled the third big man role so far this season. So, it would be logical to assume he is the next in line to start. But, if he is going to step in for Leonard it raises even more questions for the Blazers offense. Davis has scored all his points in the paint so far this year, only attempting one shot from outside it. His FG% is .737 at the rim, then drops to .538 on shots between three and ten feet.
Nov 8, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis (17) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
This is a problem for a team that relies on Leonard to create space in half court sets. You would effectively take away half of Damian Lillard‘s and C.J. McCollum‘s arsenal. Big men would be able to sag into the paint off of screens, thus taking away the guard tandem’s ability to get to the rim. This setback doesn’t mean that Davis won’t see an increase in minutes though. I just don’t see the Blazers sacrificing their entire offense to insert him into the starting five.
Rumors of a possible Chris Kaman starting bid have been circulated. Jason Quick mentions this in the last section of his article(found here) on the reaction from the Spurs loss. It is tough to envision the Blazers giving up on the youth movement by inserting Kaman into the starting five. If Kaman gets the start, it would likely mean Mason Plumlee would be shifted to the power forward spot.
The Kaman lineup would also bring about spacing issues. Kaman does possess decent range, but not the type that Stotts could build an offense around. Plumlee’s out side shooting breakdown reads virtually the same as Davis. The young Duke center is only 1/4 on shots outside of 15 feet this year. If Portland is to scrap spacing it should be expected that they’ll do it with a better defensive option.
More from Blazers News
- Blazers News: Portland signs FIBA WC standout center
- Blazers News: Portland re-signing failed lottery pick
- Portland Trail Blazers NBA 2K24 team, player ratings
- Woj: Blazers, Lillard ‘fully prepared’ for star to be with team in training camp
- 3 Underrated Blazers who could make a massive impact this season
Smaller lineup options also exist for Portland. Al-Farouq Aminu has shown to be a capable defender this season. The 6’9 forward will be able to guard post players on most nights. Aminu’s .342 three point percentage isn’t a strength at small forward, but it is suddenly above average as a power forward.
By moving Aminu to the post, it will open up the small forward position. Wing depth is one thing that the struggling Blazers have in abundance. Maurice Harkless and Allen Crabbe have both proved they deserve playing time. Gerald Henderson‘s successful debut only adds to the log jam. Don’t be surprised if Portland rides the hot hand at the starting forward spot.
Stotts has used a smaller lineup previously in his time in Portland. Dorrell Wright was frequently asked to step into the starting lineup. I wouldn’t be surprised if you see this tactic used again. Harkless and Aminu both have the length and athleticism to guard bigger players.
The Blazers will have a tough assignment against Memphis tonight. Stay tuned to find out who the new starter will be.