Trail Blazers: Does Chris Kaman Fit?

How is Chris Kaman adjusting to his new role?

The Trail Blazers season is rapidly approaching the mid-way point and this team has been hugely exciting to watch so far. There have been bright spots, there has been heartbreak, and there has been Chris Kaman. Kaman is a true veteran, he is in his 13th NBA season playing for his 5th club. For his career he averages 11.3 PTS and 7.7 REB, and he’s even been an all star. So, what the heck is he still doing on the Trail Blazers?

Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Although Kaman is 33 and in his golden years by NBA standards he is still a capable and proven commodity. He deserves playing time and a chance to win a title, things he won’t come by as a Trail Blazer. He could very well play 15 or 20 meaningful minutes for a team like Miami or San Antonio. He’s never going to be the player he was 6 or 7 seasons ago, but he still has a little something left in the tank. His experience and knowledge alone would warrant a roster spot for just about any team in the league. I am by no means saying I want Kaman gone or that he has been a disappointment, he just fits this team about as well as a size 12 shoe on Shaq.

I can see why the Blazers would want to have a guy like Kaman around. He has more experience than any other player on the roster. He has been successful, and he just seems like a nice guy. He provides the young bigs on this team with invaluable lessons, especially with the off-season loss of coach Kim Hughes. Mason Plumlee, Noah Vonleh, Ed Davis, and especially Meyers Leonard have already learned a lot from the grizzled veteran from Michigan. The difference in Meyers in particular has been noticeable, he is playing more aggressively and doing so more consistently. I can’t attribute all of the success to Kaman but I’m sure he has been a great mentor and a locker room leader.

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Worst case scenario, Kaman provides an insurance policy for our young and talented big men. We can’t afford to play him ahead of our young guys, even though he is probably our third best big. This Blazers team needs to focus on the future, meaning the young guys need to get thrown in the fire. I just wonder if that role is enough for Kaman. There has been no indication that he is unhappy, but I wouldn’t necessarily blame him if he was at least a little bored. When you think about the team Kaman signed up to play with two seasons ago and the current team, it’s vastly different. If being a mentor and teaching the next generation is enough then that’s great but I have my doubts.

Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Either way Kaman will forever be one of my favorite Trail Blazers, even if it is undeservedly so. He earns a spot with Andre Miller, Travis Outlaw, Marcus Camby and Juwan Howard among my all time favorite Portland role players. I have nothing but respect for Kaman and his game, but with the DNP’s starting to stack up I fully expect him to be moved at some point this season. Through 33 games Kaman has only seen action in 4 of them. Kaman may very well be content being a teacher, knowing his best days are behind him. The best option would be to trade Kaman to a contender for young talent or draft picks, if that cant be done I don’t mind seeing him stay in a Merry Poppins type role.