How Pat Connaughton became a role player for Portland
By Nate Mann
Three games into the 2017-2018 NBA season, Pat Connaughton looks like one of Portland’s steady rotation players.
Pat Connaughton didn’t know if he would play for the Portland Trail Blazers a third year coming into this offseason.
He played just eight minutes per game in his sophomore season, and Portland’s guard spots were filled. The opportunity to play Major League Baseball loomed over his head.
Offseason developments
The first offseason develoment: the Allen Crabbe trade. The Blazers dumped Crabbe’s salary in Brooklyn to lower the luxury tax payment. No return from the Crabbe trade meant nearly 30 minutes of vacant shooting guard time.
Instead of naming Connaughton as greatest benefactor of Crabbe’s departure, the Blazers brought in Anthony Morrow, Isaiah Briscoe and Archie Goodwin.
A fierce competition over the final roster position began.
Morrow demonstrated deadly three-point accuracy, but simultaneous inconsistency in doing so.
Briscoe broke out in the Wells Fargo Fan Fest, but lacked the same intensity during preseason.
Goodwin, the first guard brought in of the three, saw no breakout games like the other two.
In the background of this battle was Pat Connaughton. He underwhelmed in Summer League for the second consecutive year, averaging six points and four assists in 24 minutes.
Nothing changed in preseason. He scored over ten points just once: against Maccabi Haifa when Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum and Evan Turner all sat.
Yet, the Blazers retained Pat after extending the original contract decision.
Regular season improvements
Regular season rolled about and McCollum’s suspension gave Connaughton another chance to prove himself, this time at the highest level (if the Suns are still considered an NBA team).
This time, Pat took advantage of the opportunity. Turner racked up two quick fouls, throwing Connaughton in with the starters.
He hit all five first quarter attempts, including two three-pointers, and finished with a career-high 24 points. Portland historically stomped Phoenix, and travelled to Indiana for the second game of the season.
CJ returned from suspension to play his first game against the Pacers.
Even with the star guard back, Connaughton still played 22 minutes. He only tallied eight points, but was efficient. The team was positive (plus/minus) with Pat on the floor, and he made three-of-four shots, two of which were threes.
Not until the third game of the season did Blazers fans realize that Connaughton was truly part of the rotation.
Next: Damian Lillard showing defensive improvement
Nine players saw the floor in Portland’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Shabazz Napier only played six minutes, and Ed Davis just 16. Most of the reserve time went to Pat and ET.
Connaughton played 19 minutes to Turner’s 33. He didn’t match scoring marks from the first two games, but still provided valuable backup guard minutes.
The Blazers aren’t missing any players, and were a foul call away from being 3-0 on the season.
For Terry Stotts, there’s no reason to change the rotation. Therefore, Pat Connaughton will continue seeing minutes.
Sorry baseball fans, Patty Fastball is staying in the NBA.