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Why Ezeli Could be the Steal of Free Agency

By McLayne Bertsch

May 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) hangs from the rim after a dunk against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in game six of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) hangs from the rim after a dunk against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in game six of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Festus Ezeli was not a huge name in free agency – but he does provide elite rim protection for the Trail Blazers

Maybe some fans wanted a bigger splash in free agency than a third string center. Maybe fans are nervous about Festus Ezeli’s injury history, especially given Portland’s history the past decade. However, Ezeli’s two-year, 15.2 million dollar deal could be an absolute steal. He is the rim protector the Trail Blazers desperately needed to pair with a star backcourt that has trouble defending. 

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Last year, Ezeli had trouble playing consistent minutes for the Golden State Warriors, largely due to injuries. Also, he was an expendable piece to the Warriors; they had a similar rim protector in Andrew Bogut. Not to mention, their famous death lineup used to close games features Draymond Green at center.

Despite never earning consistent minutes in his three-year NBA career, Ezeli has made his mark on the defensive end. According to NBA.com’s rim protection statistics, Ezeli allowed the fourth lowest opponent’s field goal percentage (43.6%) at the rim last year. Using Nylon Calculus’ formula for points saved at the rim, Ezeli ranked 2nd in the NBA at 2.02 points saved a game. (When adjusted for minutes per game, Ezeli was by far first in the NBA) He is an elite rim defender.

Ezeli’s presence on the floor can also change things for the star-studded backcourt. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are well known for their offensive game, but regularly allow career nights to opposing guards. With a rim protector that can potentially wipe away mistakes, Lillard and McCollum can focus more on pressuring the opposing guards. If they get beat, Ezeli will be waiting.

Trail Blazers Ezeli
May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) dunks the basketball past Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first half in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Think about how Stephen Curry plays defense. He used to be a liability, but before last season, changed the way he defended. He pressures opposing guards and has very active hands. He is adept at footwork and setting himself up to fight through weak screens.

Despite a horrid defensive showing in the NBA finals, Curry is a decent defender at the point guard position. Curry’s defensive pressure adjustments work mostly because a rim protector waits for anyone who gets by him. This is how Lillard and McCollum can adjust this season.

The team option on the second year of the deal makes it a very low risk, high reward signing. If Ezeli’s injuries hamper him all season, he is gone. If he is healthy and changes the defensive prowess of the Trail Blazers, it will be considered theft.