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Keeping Meyers Leonard Is Bigger Than You Think

By Steven Dewald

Dec 5, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Timberwolves 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Timberwolves 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Trail Blazers will keep Meyers Leonard in Portland for the next four seasons and it could mean big things for the future.

The Trail Blazers have had a busy week with their restricted free agents, but don’t overlook the retention of Meyers Leonard. While Allen Crabbe will receive the majority of the attention (especially when you look at the 75 million dollar contract), keeping Leonard in Portland has the potential to be the most important move of the summer. He is one of the most polarizing figures on the Trail Blazers’ roster, but his importance for the future is undeniable.

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Drafted as a project out of Illinois in the 2012 NBA Draft, Leonard has finally begun to blossom into the new prototype big man that teams covet. Three point shooting and floor spacing has become the most crucial element of today’s game, which is something that Leonard can provide for the Trail Blazers moving forward. While Festus Ezeli, Mason Plumlee, and Ed Davis are all talented in their own way; none of them are able to space the floor.

Leonard’s ability to shoot from distance was sorely missed during the Clippers series. The Trail Blazers struggled for long stretches on offense, which was a product of vicious double teams. Eventually Al-Farouq Aminu‘s  shooting (and a litany of injuries for LA) was able to help alleviate the pressure, but Leonard could have helped immediately. Providing Damian Lillard with a safety-valve in the playoffs will be imperative going forward, because teams will continue to throw traps at him in the postseason.

Jan 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

It is easy to question Leonard’s effectiveness after his 3P% regressed last season. It was no secret that he struggled to start the season, but he turned a serious corner in the final stretch. Leonard managed to keep his 3P% above 40% after the month of December. He was playing his best basketball before his season ending shoulder injury. Leonard shot an impressive 46% from deep in his final eight games.

There is some cause for concern though. Leonard played a career high 1,333 minutes in 2015-16 and his body was unable to hold up. It certainly isn’t encouraging, but there has been no reported hiccups in his recovery this offseason. On top of his health, many detractors point to his relatively low rebounding numbers for a player his size. His work on the boards should be taken with a grain of salt, as the offense calls for him to play away from the basket for long stretches.

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If the Trail Blazers are going to get into the discussion for serious title contention they will need Leonard to continue his improvement. Every elite team has a player that is a nightmare to prepare for and a seven footer who can shoot from distance is just that.