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Trail Blazers Player Power Rankings: Playoffs Edition

By Perry Waggoner

Apr 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) hugs guard CJ McCollum (3) after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) hugs guard CJ McCollum (3) after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Mason Plumlee

Playoff Stats: 7.0 PPG/11.8 RPG/4.8 APG

If the rankings were based solely on the first round, Plumlee was a sure-fire top three player. Unfortunately for him, the team made the Conference Semifinals and they weren’t pretty for the big man out of Duke. Against the Warriors, Plumlee looked completely outmatched and got incredibly outplayed by their front court.

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While his rebounding numbers stayed solid (11.8 RPG ranks third in the NBA this postseason), it appeared that he was either getting blocked, or getting the ball stolen on nearly every possession. It was difficult to watch at times and it was clearly frustrating him. The second round made it quite clear that if the the Blazers are going to take the next step, they need a better option at the center position. Plumlee could make for a great change-of-pace big off the bench next season if Portland plays their cards right.