1 Question for each player on the Trail Blazers training camp roster
By Reese Kunz
12. Jabari Walker, F
Can Jabari become a better three-point shooter?
Walker had a promising second season with the Blazers, increasing his scoring from 3.9 to 8.9 points and rebounds from 2.3 to 7.1 per game. His rebounding, in particular, is a huge boost for the Blazers since Jerami Grant is notoriously poor for his size and position.
However, between the additions of Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan, Walker could have a lessened role in 2024-25. Jabari averaged 23.6 minutes per game last season, which seems like the most he should play until he becomes a more reliable three-point shooter. He's hovered around 29 percent each season, showing no significant progress last year.
It will be crucial for the Blazers to surround Sharpe and Henderson with shooting to help them space the floor. That will be even more challenging with four centers on the roster, meaning all the forwards on the court should be close to league-average three-point shooters.
11. Duop Reath, C
Can Reath play the power forward position?
Reath is the only one of the Blazers' four centers who is a consistent three-point threat, connecting on 35.9 percent in his surprising rookie season. Because of his shooting, if Billups were to implement a "Twin Towers" lineup with two big men, the most effective player combination would likely include Reath.
At 6-foot-11 and 245 pounds, Reath would be a matchup nightmare for modern-day power forwards in the post. But that goes both ways, as it's fair to question whether or not Reath would be able to keep up with them defensively.
Billups has talked about playing faster to take advantage of the Blazers' youth and athleticism. Playing Reath, or any of the four centers, at the power forward position seems contradictory. However, it could still be valuable to implement in spurts, depending on the matchups.
Reath is the No. 4 center on the Blazers' depth chart. But the good news is he does have multiple paths towards seeing minutes, whether that's a trade involving a center (which very well could happen at some point this season, given their depth), an injury (Robert Williams III is already banged up), or being impactful at the power forward position.