Trail Blazers: Olshey’s Best Draft Picks
Meyers Leonard
Career Stats – 5.8 PPG / 4.1 RPG / .489 FG% / .385 3P%
Meyers Leonard entered the NBA as a raw 7’1″ prospect. He only played two years at the University of Illinois, which led to him being labeled as a “project” player. He had the unfortunate luck of being in the same draft class as Damian Lillard. Lillard’s immediate success instantly increased the fanbase’s expectations for Leonard.
Terry Stotts’ coaching staff managed to stay patient with Leonard, and the wait seems to be almost over. The NBA’s expectations for big men have changed drastically, but Leonard has adapted to those changes. He has developed a highly effective outside shot, which translates nicely to the new playing style in the NBA.
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Leonard’s 2015-16 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury. Despite the injury troubles, he did show solid improvement before going down. After overcoming a horrid shooting stretch to open the season, Leonard managed to put up a solid .377 3P%. His restricted free agency this summer has his future with the Trail Blazers in limbo, but don’t be surprised if he is retained.
Leonard’s career has been fairly steady when you consider the players drafted around him. Jeremy Lamb and Kendall Marshall were drafted directly behind him, and both players have suited up for multiple teams in their young careers. Royce White was selected five spots after Leonard, but was unable to stay in the league due to his anxiety issues.
While Leonard might not be the most popular Trail Blazers player, his value is solid.
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