Small Forward
Best Option: Jerome Kersey
Best Season as a Trail Blazer: 1987-88 – 19.2 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 1.6 SPG
The current system requires defense and flexibility out of the small forward, and nobody fits that mold better than Kersey. What Kersey lacked in size (6’7) he made up for with tenacity. He ranks on three all time lists that reflect these traits: steals (1059), blocks (622), rebounds (5078). Aside from being an energetic defender, everything else is a bonus in the current system. Kersey would have provided a more consistent scoring option for Terry Stotts. As the focus turned to the guards, he would have been able to operate in space.
Like Drexler, Kersey was magnificent on the fast break. The current pace of the offense would have fit his strengths perfectly, as you can see in the video above.
Honorable Mention: Kiki Vandeweghe
Best Season as a Trail Blazer: 1986-87 – 26.9 PPG / .523 FG% / .481 3P%
Vandewghe didn’t possess the defensive ability that Kersey did, but he did have an abundance of offensive talent. His ability to knock down open shots would have been a major asset in Terry Stotts’ system. He would have been operating in an offense with two capable ball-handlers, which would have allowed him to hit numerous spot up shots.
Next: Power Forward