Dec 12, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) and Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) fight for position at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Solid Pre-Prime Players
The Trail Blazers have focused on building a team with players that match the career arc of Damian Lillard. It appears Neil Olshey has done just that. The offseason acquisitions of Ed Davis, Mason Plumlee, and Al-Farouq Aminu seem to be falling into place. Along with those additions, Allen Crabbe has come into his own this year. We are now past the December 15th deadline, so all players mentioned above are available for trade.
We outlined “buy low” candidates in the previous slide, now we will look at some “sell high” options. Davis and Crabbe are both playing some of the best basketball in their young careers. It is hard to really put a ceiling on Crabbe’s talent, but one would assume he is approaching it. Now would be the perfect time to maximize the value of these players.
Let me be clear, I would be shocked to see any of these players traded. It would have to involve an attractive asset in return. We have already covered the dearth of Trail Blazer draft picks, so don’t be surprised if Portland attempts to load up on picks if this season turns south. That would most likely make one of these guys the bait.
There are four legit options here for the Trail Blazers. Asset Grade: B+
Next: The Untouchables