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RCP Mailbag: Blazers’ Quest For Post Play

By Steven Dewald

Dec 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) passes the ball as Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson (44) defends during the second half at Amway Center. The Magic won 102-94. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) passes the ball as Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson (44) defends during the second half at Amway Center. The Magic won 102-94. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rip City Project opens up the Mailbag to answer your questions about the Trail Blazers

The offseason is about to kick off, which leaves plenty of questions about who will still be in Portland next season. Allen Crabbe, Maurice Harkless, and Meyers Leonard are the three most asked about players in regards of their retention. Today’s Rip City Project Mailbag question pertains to both the hunt for a big man and the conundrum of paying too much to keep Leonard.

Much has been talked about acquiring a quality big man, which the team desperately needs. But I don’t see how the Blazers can pick up any big time free agent that makes sense going forward in this free agency period. Is there a free agent big man out there that fits who has more potential than Leonard (whose potential, I think, is pretty high–but he is likely to be overpaid and could ultimately be a dud–and greater than Vonleh) and is in the same age group as the core, or would bring the Blazers into contender status in the near future? – Trey

First off, does Portland have a legitimate shot at landing a premier big man this offseason? History hasn’t been kind to the Trail Blazers when it comes to bringing in marquee players via free agency, but this offseason does feel different. The team is built around Damian Lillard, who has thrived alongside a ball dominant post player already in his career. This could entice a player who wants to play in his comfort zone, but still wants to be included in the offense. It also helps that the Trail Blazers are loaded with potential, which should translate into immediate success.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11). Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11). Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Even with all of that in mind, it isn’t going to be easy to bring in a true difference maker. The market is flush with cash, which hurts small markets like Portland. On the plus side, this free agent class is fairly deep when it comes to big men. Targeting a player in the same age range as the rest of the core pieces will likely be the game plan. Finding player with the same potential as Leonard is where it gets tricky.

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Leonard is a lightening-rod for criticism in Rip City, but he has the ability to be a true impact player in today’s NBA. The Trail Blazers have remained patient with him in his first four years and it appears like he might be close to turning the corner. Players at his age (24) and size (7’1″) rarely shoot the ball as effectively as he can from beyond the arc. Neil Olshey is going to be hard pressed to find a player with better offensive potential than Leonard.

Defensive potential is another story though. Hassan Whiteside, Bismack Biyombo, and Festus Ezeli are all capable of altering games by protecting the paint. All three have yet to enter their primes, as Whiteside is the oldest at 27 years old. Nobody on the roster is capable of protecting the rim like these three can. Adding a true defensive anchor would immediately increase Portland’s chances at a title.

Next: Greg Monroe Trade Rumors

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