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Trail Blazers: Top Five Things For Title Contention

By Steven Dewald

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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Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11). Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11). Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Meyers Leonard Becomes a Force

The Trail Blazers are currently led by their talented backcourt of Lillard and McCollum, but they lack a true game-changer in the frontcourt. Yes they have a lot of nice players, but nobody is capable of altering the course of a game or series.

This is where Meyers Leonard comes in to play, as he possesses a rare combination of size and skill. Winning a playoff series often comes down to who can exploit certain aspects of the game, and Leonard is the embodiment of match up nightmare. If the reserve center can effectively shoot the ball from deep, he opens up the entire court for the offense.

Acting like Leonard is a finished product as of now would be false. He does have massive holes in certain parts of his game. Improving his interior defense and adding a few post moves would seriously add to the win column. Leonard has shown glimpses of this, but a lot more consistency is needed before he is locked in as a true force to be reckoned with.

Next: A Smart Trade