Portland President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey wants ‘playoff-caliber’ players to help the Blazers compete with Golden State and Houston. Who might those players be?
Barring a miracle comeback by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors are one win away from securing their third title in four seasons. (A streak that includes a non-title year in which they went 73-9 to set the single-season wins record.)
Golden State is a dynasty —‚a superpower in a lopsided NBA. Along with the Rockets, they control the league and the Western Conference. They will continue to do so until another team steps up.
The Portland Trail Blazers (49-33) looked poised to do that this season. But after a collapse in the first round, the team looks vulnerable.
To compete with the Warriors and Rockets, Portland needs an infusion of free agent talent. As I see it, there are five good options.
Free-Agent Philosophy
But first, a quick note on my free agent philosophy.
As a general rule, a team should build its roster through the draft and patch holes using the free-agent market.
Free agency pick-ups should bring a veteran presence and necessary production to the team. Teams should not overhaul their roster in free agency, but rather use it as a way to fine tune and enhance their current roster.
Here are five potential options.
But first, the inevitable plea to LeBron …