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Rodney Stuckey first participant in Blazers’ veteran mini-camp

By Nate Mann

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 19: Rodney Stuckey #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on March 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 19: Rodney Stuckey #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on March 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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According to Michael Scotto of the Athletic, Rodney Stuckey will participate in the Portland Trail Blazers’ veteran mini-camp ahead of next season’s start.

Every fan believes their team has a chance of signing one of the marquee free agents on the move this summer. People have already started making edits of LeBron James and Paul George in different jerseys, especially LA Lakers supporters.

But in reality, only a few organizations will benefit from the strong free agent class, and it will likely be those with any potential of beating the Golden State Warriors.

Yes, the #LeBronToPDX movement is still alive. He even dropped a hint about it in a press conference after Game 3 of the NBA Finals by unnecessarily referencing Portland.

But without major roster changes to accommodate LeBron’s contract (among a million other things), the King won’t wear a Blazers uniform next season.

Instead, according to Michael Scotto of the Athletic, the Blazers have added Rodney Stuckey to the team’s veteran mini-camp.

There you have it, everyone. The free agent to turn Portland into contenders. (Just kidding.)

Stuckey last played in 2016-2017 for the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.5 three-pointers in 17.8 minutes off the bench.

Across his career, he’s averaged 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 0.4 three-pointers. Stuckey shot 42% from the field and 30% from three in those 10 seasons.

His best season came in 2009-2010 while playing for the Detroit Pistons. He posted 16.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals in 34.2 minutes per game.

Why work him out

Depending on how free agency goes, the Blazers might be short on reserve guards. Both Shabazz Napier and Pat Connaughton are free agents and cheaper options exist to back up Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, making them expendable.

Portland therefore may elect to funnel its limited money towards retaining Ed Davis and Jusuf Nurkic instead.

Doing so leaves Wade Baldwin IV alone in the second unit’s backcourt with even more limited cap space. That opens up two options: draft a guard or find one for a minimum contract.

The Blazers appear to be exercising both options. A majority of the pre-draft workout participants have been defensive-minded guards, like De’Anthony Melton and Khyri Thomas. And now Stuckey becomes the first potential minimum contract player.

Taking a young guard with a high ceiling in this year’s draft is much more appealing. Portland needs a veteran presence, but not at the guard position – Lillard and McCollum know what they’re doing at this point.

If the team pushes to acquire a veteran, he should be a three-and-D wing or big man.

Stuckey may provide more stability than a rookie. However, a guard taken at pick No. 24 could become the Donovan Mitchell of this draft class. These are low odds (especially given Portland’s draft history), but it beats mediocre production for one or two seasons from Stuckey.

In addition, Stuckey isn’t a strong defender. Over his 10-year career, he only averaged 0.9 steals per game. The Blazers need defensive-minded guards to play alongside Dame and CJ in the staggered lineup, like those available in the draft.

Next: Best of Blazers: Blazers complete sweep of Thunder

In the event of Napier and Connaughton leaving, hopefully the Blazers use its solo draft pick on a defensive guard. The team still needs a veteran presence, but not in Rodney Stuckey or at the guard position in general.

More information should release soon regarding the other participants of the veteran mini-camp.