Center
Best Option: Bill Walton
Best Season as a Trail Blazer: 1976-77 – 18.6 PPG / 14.4 RPG / 3.2 BPG / 3.8 APG
Walton’s strong play in the 1976-77 season led to Portland’s only title, and in today’s offense it would likely result in the same thing. Yes he would require more looks in the post than the current offense allots for, but it would be worth it. Walton was one of the best passers to ever play the center position, which would have played perfectly into the current motion offense.
His rim protection and rebounding would supply the Trail Blazers with a solid anchor. Having a solid backline is imperative for a rotation that rolls out two offensive heavy guards. Walton’s ability to throw precise outlet passes would’ve have paid serious dividends in Terry Stotts’ system.
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Honorable Mention: Arvydas Sabonis
Best Season as a Trail Blazer: 1997-98 – 16.0 PPG / 10.o RPG / 1.1 BPG / 3.0 APG
Like Walton, Sabonis was a great passer for a big man. Defensively he wasn’t on the same level as Walton, but he made up for it with crafty veteran moves. For a seven footer he had a soft touch, which would have been effective in pick and pop scenarios. His ability to handle the ball with care would have also made it easier for the backcourt to move quickly through the defense without the ball.