Meyers Leonard: Worth the Wait?

What does the future hold for Meyers Leonard?

Meyers Leonard oozes potential, he has a unique skill set for a true seven footer. Since his time at Illinois it was obvious, Leonard possessed all the tools to be effective at the next level. He is over tall, runs like a gazelle and has great hops for a guy his size. The unfortunate thing is that Meyers has yet to put it all together. Can the Blazers afford to wait on him to find his way?

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When the Blazers drafted him 11th overall I envisioned a rim protecting rebounding big man. For better or worse, it became abundantly clear that Leonard was not that guy. He was labeled a center, but he often looked out of place and over matched even against smaller opponents. This led to obvious frustration and a lack playing time. Through all of that he still showed huge potential. In a March 30th match up against the Golden State Warriors Leonard went for 22 points and 10 rebounds, both highs for his rookie year.

His second year was supposed to be different and it was, just not better. The Blazers had gone from a lottery team to a playoff contender. Stotts preferred Joel Freeland and his superior defense – couple that with the addition of starting center Robin Lopez and his playing time evaporated. In 2013-2014 he only saw action in 40 games and managed only nine minuets per game. His stats fell across the board just as the Trail Blazers were surging in the standings.

When he made the eventual shifted to power forward he was better able to exhibit his strengths, namely his soft touch and shooting stroke. He found a niche on the team and it seemed like he might be turning the corner. In limited minutes Meyers was able to achieve something few 7 footers can claim, he joined the 50-40-90 club (all in reference to shooting percentages). Larry Bird, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, Mark Price, Reggie Miller, and the lone 7 footer Dirk Nowitzki are the others to meet these prestigious bench marks. (Stephen Curry will likely join the club this season)

After Leonard’s impressive close to last season he was going to finally break out and be the star we knew he could be. With the departure of Aldridge there was no one standing in his way, except for himself. I remember the exit interviews last season when Meyers vowed to become a factor for this team, it seemed like a tall task then and it’s one that hasn’t gotten any shorter.

Even now it looks like he has an uphill battle coming. After injuring himself on November 28th against the Lakers he lost his starting gig to Noah Vonleh. In the last few games Vonleh has looked much more comfortable and aware on the court. When he finally figures it all out he will be dangerous. At the moment Ed Davis is the most effective power forward on the team, although he often plays center. Either way, one of these players must separate themselves from the pack. Leonard could be that guy.

Leonard is a special player, one who can make a dynamic play on one end and then look lost on the other end. For every beautiful play he has, he has just as many silly mistakes. This leads to the question: is he worth the wait? I struggle to come to a conclusion on this. This is one decision I’m glad I don’t have to make. The memory of a young Jermaine O’Neal comes to mind when thinking about this topic. While their situations were very different, I couldn’t stomach seeing Leonard blossom in another teams colors.

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Leonard has a unique skill set and a high ceiling. His defense is very much improved, but he is inconsistent and at times noticeably apprehensive. The things that seem to be keeping Leonard back are the hardest things to learn, consistency and confidence. I love his game, I just don’t think he’s going to become that significant factor the Trail Blazers envisioned. There’s nothing wrong with being a solid back up, but if you have visions of Meyers as an All-Star please don’t hold your breath.