Swanigan’s fit with Blazers has major potential
Swanigan has a chance to really thrive in Portland.
He won’t be the go-to player on offense, but he doesn’t need to be. In a learning role as a rookie, he can save his energy by coming off the bench, maybe earning meaningful role player minutes throughout the season.
He isn’t the most athletic, but his teammates are. That will help him on both ends of the floor when adjusting to the NBA’s pace. Swanigan can focus on using his high IQ and skill to make plays.
The forward is going to face plenty of one-on-one matchups in the post and open looks from three through pick and pops with Blazer guards. He’ll need to capitalize when Damian Lillard or C.J. McCollum set him up.
The Blazers will benefit from Swanigan’s strong passing. He can be at the top of the high-post and make plays. His play resembles Mason Plumlee and can evolve to how Draymond Green is for Golden State.
A couple hours after intro presser, I left #Blazers PF, spotted Caleb Swanigan on the court getting shots up.
— Peter Socotch (@PeterSocotch) June 26, 2017
Because of his big frame, Caleb will be a great screener. He is going to smash the other team’s guards and will get his teammates plenty of good looks because of it.
The Blazers now have two physical, bruising big men in Swanigan and Nurkić. Other teams’ frontcourts are in for a battle with those two on the court.
Swanigan can play either the four or play small-ball five. If he can hit open looks, rebound and play smart, he will take over the Meyers Leonard‘s role and hopefully save the Blazers money for the next couple seasons.
He can space the floor when Nurkić is playing, and operate down low with physicality when Collins, Noah Vonleh or Al-Farouq Aminu at the four. Swanigan will be able to fit any role the Blazers ask him to.