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Trail Blazers Sign Festus Ezeli: Starter or Backup?

By Perry Waggoner

Mar 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) dunks the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 114-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) dunks the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 114-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Trail Blazers get their rim protector by signing Festus Ezeli

Around 48 hours ago, Festus Ezeli was filmed walking out of the PDX terminal. He was reportedly in the city for an interview and examination from the Trail Blazers. He must of liked what he saw, because now he’s an official citizen of Rip City after signing a 2-year contract. GM Neil Olshey has been chasing free agent centers all week – Hassan Whiteside, Dwight Howard, and Zaza Pachulia, to name a few – but he ended up hitting dead ends with all of his targets. The market was drying up fast. Just as fast as it seemingly dwindled, Olshey struck a deal with the best big man still available. With Ezeli in the fold, the Trail Blazers have amassed an impressive band of front court talent.

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Unlike players who got overpaid (for example: Timofey Mozgov, Solomon Hill, and Ian Mahinmi), Portland shouldn’t feel the need to start Ezeli if it’s not what’s best for the team. They got him for a considerable discount, so there’s no pressure on the coaching staff to make it work no matter what. However, I believe Ezeli will be the perfect center in Portland’s new projected “small ball” starting five. His athleticism and aggressiveness on defense will have the ability to make up for the suspect tandem of Lillard and McCollum. However, there are some who think Mason Plumlee fits better with the other starters on the team.

Sure, Ezeli is the new piece, but how excited should we all really be getting? Should fans be excited about signing a center with suspect knees who averaged 7.0 PPG and 5.6 RPG? Not likely, but I think Ezeli is different. It’s true that playing on an elite team like the Warriors can hide a player’s deficiencies, but it can also help them grow. Ezeli will be the only player on this roster with a championship ring, which could be a big bonus for Terry Stotts’ squad.

If Portland retains Meyers Leonard and Maurice Harkless, the coaching staff will have to decide which big man rotations will work. It will have to be a combo of these players: Ezeli, Plumlee, Davis, Aminu, and the aforementioned Leonard and Harkless. While the power forward spot appears to belong to Aminu, Ezeli is the clear-cut choice to start at center. No matter if they go small at the four with Aminu/Harkless or go big by playing Davis/Leonard, Ezeli fits perfectly as the team’s anchor. His massive frame and consistent shot-blocking presence is something none of those other players offer.

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