Shooting Guard
Best Option: Clyde Drexler
Best Season as a Trail Blazer: 1988-89 – 27.2 PPG / 5.8 APG / .496 FG%
Could it really be anyone else? Drexler wasn’t nearly the outside shooter that C.J. McCollum is today, but he would make up for it in other areas. The Portland legend could create his own shot by moving fluidly through opposing defenses, much like the the Trail Blazers’ guards do currently. Imagine him running off of a series of screens in this current system. Defenses wouldn’t have a chance.
Clyde was also an underrated ball handler. He would have been able to take over distribution duties, allowing the other guard to find his shot as well. His ability to flawlessly run the break would result in an abundance of points. Stotts has turned up the pressure on defense, which has resulted in an uptick in turnovers. A player like Drexler would cash in on all the extra chances.
Honorable Mention: Geoff Petrie
Best Season as a Trail Blazer: 1972-73 – 24.9 PPG / 4.4 APG / .464 FG%
Petrie played in the era before the three point line (pre 1979), so it is hard to really get a feel for his numbers. We do know that we was able to score a lot and often. He is still in the seventh spot on the Trail Blazers all time scoring list (9,732). At 6’4 he would have fit today’s standards as a combo guard, which would have worked perfectly in the current offense.
You’re probably wondering why Brandon Roy didn’t make this list. It wasn’t for a lack of talent. It has more to do with ball movement. Roy required the ball in his hands for long periods of time to be effective.
Next: Small Forward