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Trail Blazers: Can Crabbe and Harkless propel Portland to elite status?

By Derek Thurston

Jan 8, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Allen Crabbe (23) prepares to shoot over Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Allen Crabbe (23) prepares to shoot over Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Trail Blazers will need Allen Crabbe and Maurice Harkless to continue their growth in order to make the jump to the NBA’s elite.

For the Trail Blazers to take the next step in their quest to become legitimate championship contenders they must continue to improve on their ability to matchup with elite teams. Portland has a young roster with an abundance of versatility at multiple positions. This is exactly what is needed to compete with the small-ball lineups of the NBA’s Goliaths. In order for the Trail Blazers to contend with the likes of Golden State, San Antonio, and Cleveland; two players in particular will need to step up their game on both ends of the floor. Enter Allen Crabbe and Maurice Harkless.

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The Trail Blazers clearly see potential in both of these young players, as evidenced by the newly minted contracts they both signed this offseason. While GM Neil Olshey used a considerable amount of cap space to bring in Evan Turner, Crabbe and Harkless are vital pieces of this roster and will prove to be high impact players if the Trail Blazers find themselves making another playoff run this season. However, both players are still a bit of an unknown.

Turner has spent time in different organizations and has had ample opportunity to show what he can bring to a team. Crabbe and Harkless have just begun stepping into larger roles, and both will need to continue to improve and refine their play on both ends of the court in order for this Portland team to continue to make strides.

We have seen the versatility and tenaciousness that Harkless can bring to the defensive end of the floor. His ability to guard multiple positions and rebound has already had an impact on this team, as evidenced by his strong play towards the end of last season and into the playoffs. But can he continue to improve his jump shot to really become a force as a position-less player on both ends of the court?

Harkless’ offensive development would provide an abundance of riches for the Trail Blazers, especially when you factor in the attention that Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum demand. Inserting Turner’s strengths as a secondary ball handler and penetrator will help create open shots for others, and while he can create his own shot, he is not a great jump shooter. If Harkless can continue to improve that part of his game to go along with Crabbe’s sharp shooting, it will result in a lot of problems for opposing defenses around the league.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4). Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4). Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Crabbe has already proved his shooting ability can drastically impact the game and help keep the floor spaced for Portland’s backcourt, but he has also grown to be a pesky on ball defender. He uses his length very well and is strong enough to hold his own in the post against bigger wings. The next step in the progression for Crabbe offensively would be to improve his ability to finish at the rim, and continue to improve his handle and ability to create space off the dribble. With a stroke like Crabbe has, the foundation is already in place. If he can prove to be effective and efficient at creating his own shot – that will help take the scoring responsibility and defensive attention off of the starting backcourt.

Crabbe will need to continue to show the will on the defensive end to get in his stance and compete on every play. With his strong offensive skillset already beginning to blossom, we could be looking at a big year for Crabbe. The Trail Blazers matched the RFA offer sheet Crabbe signed with the Brooklyn Nets for a reason. They have seen first-hand what the 2013 Pac-12 Player of the Year brings to the table. It will be up to him to continue along that progression arc in order for the Trail Blazers to improve upon their success from last season.

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With minutes up for grabs at the small forward position, Crabbe and Harkless will be key contributors for this Trail Blazers team. Their strong play will give Terry Stotts a variety of lineup options and ability to neutralize the small-ball lineups the elite teams in the NBA can put on the floor. There are several reasons to be excited about this young roster and the growth of these two young wings will be something to watch for.